The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the environment and conditions are now set. With confidence that your government will make good use of this moment, I proceed.

¶ 02 When discussing this subject, we must speak about the entrepreneurs engaged in the gem and jewellery industry. Today, they face many serious problems. In particular, when importing uncut gemstones, they now have to pay a heavy tax of around 18 percent. This has created a major issue especially for those in small and medium enterprises in this sector.

¶ 03 Similarly, due to the high taxes on importing gold into the country, entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery industry are in serious difficulty. I request that, if possible, you reduce these taxes and create an enabling environment for these businesses to continue, or at least restore the previous regime that prevailed.

¶ 04 We are pleased that your government has set out a programme aiming to increase tourism revenue to USD 10 billion by 2030. However, strengthening the gem and jewellery industry, which is directly linked to tourism, is your government’s responsibility. You know that they pay significant taxes when bringing in raw materials, and again face large taxes when converting those raw materials into finished products and sending them to market. I respectfully ask the Hon. Minister to pay attention to this.

¶ 05 In the Galle District, tourism is closely connected with the carving industry as well. Entrepreneurs in the carving industry now face severe problems. Previously, suppliers of carving-related products to the Laksala corporation received an advance payment mechanism. But now that mechanism no longer exists, and payments are received only after three, six, or even twelve months. As a result, this industry cannot function continuously. These are small-scale entrepreneurs. They also face difficulties in obtaining timber. Earlier, timber could be obtained through the State Timber Corporation, but now only large-scale businesses have that access. Therefore, I request the Hon. Minister to provide loan facilities and necessary equipment to small-scale carvers. If these facilities are provided and they are strengthened, it will help realize your vision of bringing tourism revenue to USD 10 billion.

¶ 06 I also wish to remind about the Small Enterprise Development Division (SEDD). We commend that division; it functioned well across administrations. We recall it operated under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, alongside the National Youth Services Council and the National Youth Corps, carrying out an immense responsibility for youth and having the necessary resources. About 1,150 officers worked through Divisional and District Secretariats, providing training, guidance, and market linkages. However, the SEDD has now been transferred from Youth Affairs to the Ministry of Industries. While we believe you took that decision with good intentions, expected outcomes have not been realized recently.

¶ 07 From 2012, while under Youth Affairs, SEDD conducted an excellent entrepreneurship exhibition, giving valuable opportunities to around 300 young men and women per Divisional Secretariat, with booths and financial support provided by the government. But this year, despite plans to hold it at BMICH in April, it has still not been conducted and has been postponed to December 5, 6, and 7. Although Rs. 25 million has been allocated, even awarding the tender for stalls has not been completed, and it is said the activity is stalled due to inability to award that tender. Hon. Minister, please intervene. This is a vital opportunity for the country’s youth, building new entrepreneurs and markets, and encouraging further participation. Resolve the tender issue and restore this opportunity to young entrepreneurs.

¶ 08 We have repeatedly raised the issue of Pulmoddai Mineral Sands Company. When I questioned this earlier, you gave a very satisfactory reply and we believed it. However, under your ministry’s purview, workers of the Pulmoddai Mineral Sands Company have been working for a year and a half without any salary to strengthen your institution. There may be questions about the recruitment process, but they too are citizens with families to look after, and for a year and a half they have survived only with support from relatives while continuing to strengthen the company. Hon. Minister, you have fought for labour rights. I respectfully request you to intervene and grant relief to these dear workers who have worked without pay for a year and a half. About 40 of them have now commenced a hunger strike.

¶ 09 Further, in 2025, Rs. 500 million was allocated under social protection for increasing capacity and human resource development of child care institutions. However, when progress was inquired from Parliament, there is still no information even on expenditure, and the proposed activities have not been carried out. Since January 2025, only discussions on a model for residential homes have been held and there is no progress. Also, the 2025 Budget proposed Rs. 1 million per person for building stable housing for children in residential care, with an allocation of Rs. 1,000 million, enabling support to 1,000 children. Yet not a single house has been built; only about 14 field inspections have been done. With about 40 days left in 2025, this cannot be achieved. I request urgent attention.

¶ 10 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, please allow me one more minute.

¶ 11 Recently, there was much talk about the Nugegoda rally. Let me conclude by stating why we held it. It was not to send this government home, but to correct it; to ensure the promises you made are fulfilled; to reaffirm the vision of building a prosperous and beautiful country and deliver on those commitments.

¶ 12 The matter of the 323 imported containers has still not been explained to Parliament. On April 21 last year, it was stated the mastermind behind the Easter attacks would be presented to this House—this has not happened. We still do not know details of agreements with India or the United States.

¶ 13 Doctors are also in serious difficulty. We are calling doctors abroad to return while our own doctors are trying to leave. The commitments you made are not being implemented. You also promised 6 percent for education. Time is up, Hon. Member? Thank you.