The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, we are debating the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme — a vital initiative that, if properly conceived to transform mindsets and everyday life, can succeed as similar programmes did in countries like Singapore and Malaysia.

¶ 03 The Hon. Prime Minister explained its importance yesterday, yet clear guidance has not reached ordinary people and public officers. The Government must first brief and mobilize the responsible ministries.

¶ 04 Successful international examples began at the grassroots — through local authorities. Use local government institutions and their machinery: educate officers and, with their cooperation, clean each village. Frequent flooding stems largely from uncleared drainage. The Eastern Province has been inundated repeatedly for two months, and for the third time in recent days. With more rain forecast, strengthen local bodies to clean drains, plant trees, and beautify villages.

¶ 05 In Ampara, due to heavy rains over recent days, the sluice gates of the Senanayake Samudraya were opened, flooding and destroying thousands of acres ready for harvest. Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa have been severely affected. I request appropriate compensation for the affected farmers.

¶ 06 We welcome Clean Sri Lanka and will fully support it without differences. It is not merely a clean-up drive. Even Singapore needed over 25 years to achieve its goals. The people voted out those who ruled for 76 years and brought in a new party for change. To realize this, you must shape the mindset of public officers, especially in security and police, and train officials across sectors. Fully utilize local authorities. If you do so, we can transform mindsets and successfully implement this programme, and rebuild our country within 10–15 years.