The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026 on Friday, 2026.11.21, I move that, as per tradition, the Recurrent and Capital Expenditure under Heads 124, 216, 331, 149, and 303 — including all departments and institutions under those Ministries — be reduced by Rs. 10 each.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister, the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development is crucial for our nation’s future progress. The Minister is confronting many challenges. Let me illustrate: it’s like those who comment from the sidelines about playing a cricket match; once the bat and ball are handed to them and they enter the field, playing is hard. Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, I feel you are in such a position, judging by how you handle the Ministry. We need not prove it; it’s evident.

¶ 03 A short while ago, I saw on social media your pricing at the brown sugar outlet: Rs. 350 per kilo. Yet, the Sevanagala Sugar Company’s packet shows Rs. 375 per kilo. The market price is lower than your outlet. Then you have failed there, Minister. When the crow flies, it looks white; on the ground, it is muddy. Which crow are you? The white one or the muddy one? The answer is obvious.

¶ 04 When you were in Opposition, we had high expectations — your demeanour, speech, and proposals. “A walking library to make this country prosperous,” it seemed. But now it is diminishing. Do not let it sink — for the country’s sake. The character “Handunnetti” helped create this government by making big claims to the people. You were given perhaps the best ministry to prove those were not lies.

¶ 05 The President said yesterday in Tangalle that he will eradicate 100 percent of the underworld and drugs. You said, “You cannot eradicate 100 percent; even if you shoot, are there no such countries? If you do that, police officers will lose their jobs.” Then the President and you are saying two different things. Are you standing for a plan that will take us away from our expectations?

¶ 06 Next, Hon. Upali Pannilage, under Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, you carry a vital mandate: to empower the destitute, the infirm, the helpless, and the chronically ill. Among your institutions: the National Institute of Social Development, the Social Security Board, the National Secretariat for Elders, the Eye Donation Fund, and the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities. Before listing others, have you done justice here? Under NPP’s victory, you brought to Parliament a Member representing persons with disabilities — I respect that. But have you created a system to produce the Hansard in Braille? If not, why not?

¶ 07 Further, you oversee the Visual Impairment Fund revival, Samurdhi Housing Lottery Fund, Livelihood Development Revolving Fund, and the Samurdhi Fund. You can bridge gaps and alleviate poverty. You must be the guardian of the people. But you speak of a “beggar mentality.” If you view the Ministry through a beggar’s lens, you cannot uplift the nation. Correct that position. Give to those who truly need — not to those exploiting the system. Do not accuse all recipients as mere takers. Implement a results-oriented programme where taxpayer money not only protects vulnerable lives but also builds sustainable livelihoods, especially for the elderly and incapacitated.

¶ 08 Turning to the Industry Ministry, Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, safeguarding domestic industries, protecting local identity, and promoting exports are your mandate. You promised to revive resources and industries through a new programme. Please also look into relief for borrowers affected by microfinance debt. The government restructured foreign debt, but domestic debt relief for workers and factories remains inadequate. About 1.1 million MSMEs contribute nearly 52 percent to GDP; yet by 2022 about 260,000 enterprises closed; by 2025 perhaps over 150,000 more — maybe 250,000 overall — with around 50 percent fully or partially defunct. Their revival is your responsibility. Many have been blacklisted and cannot access your Rs. 50 million loan scheme for 2026. Will blacklisted borrowers be eligible? IMF conditionalities and lack of domestic debt restructuring hinder relief. Clarify whether your schemes truly help them.

¶ 09 Half of our MSMEs are detached from the economy. They need practical pathways out of blacklisting and working capital. Preserving existing, fallen industries may be more effective than starting new ones. Around 450,000 jobs were created, but far more have been lost in the private sector. Announcing allocations is easy; actual implementation is key. Provide real guidance and easing of bottlenecks.

¶ 10 We also challenge the government: has any SJB member been convicted or imprisoned by your “anti-corruption” drive? None. Even your leaders have said SJB is clean. We are proud of that. Do not pursue vendettas; enforce law properly.

¶ 11 On traditional industries, costs like fuel and electricity have surged, making price pass-through impossible. As a Minister who knows this, intervene to reduce input costs or provide relief so producers can compete. Without such relief, your good promises cannot be implemented.

¶ 12 We stand ready to help implement practical, people-centered programmes in 2026. Thank you.