The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi

¶ 01 [Portions of this speech were ordered to be expunged by the Chair.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, this is not a broken promise of ours. This is a promise kept for the needs of the people and their children, for the well-being of the country. This is a historic proposal—an unprecedented transformation in our parliamentary history, and we, the NPP Government, are the ones carrying it out.

¶ 03 Not every citizen with a vote gets to be a public representative. Only a small fraction become MPs, provincial or local authority members. Many seek power with grand promises, then immediately ask for weapons and security after assuming office—because they cannot face the people when those promises prove false. For 24 years since 1994, I have served without taking personal security because I have served the people and can face them.

¶ 04 We are elated that, in a very short period, we are able to fulfill a key pledge, as confirmed by independent assessments. With our two-thirds, 159 Members formed this Government to serve the country and the people. We will deliver, no matter the obstacles.

¶ 05 When I entered in 1994 my basic MP salary was Rs. 13,250. Today, the basic is Rs. 58,285, with allowances—monthly, consolidated, driver, telephone, travel, office, fuel (district-based), meeting and committee allowances—amounting to nearly Rs. 400,000 exclusive of staff. Historically, many appointed their relatives as staff. We reject that culture and will reform it by practice and by policy.