The Hon. Upul Kithsiri

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, we have brought several Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969, for approval—namely, to allow importation of retreaded aircraft tyres under regulated conditions and to allow importation of Ponni Samba and Kiri Ponni rice as substitutes for Samba and Kiri Samba under specified HS codes.

¶ 02 What we see these days is the Opposition arriving in the morning, shouting a few things for the media, and by afternoon the Chamber is empty. They try to portray current global difficulties and domestic economic challenges as if they were created by this Government, forgetting how the country went bankrupt in 2022. Our foreign reserves fell below US$600 million; fuel queues formed; ships waited offshore because we lacked dollars; we saw 13–16 hour power cuts; and farmers had no fertilizer. Essential goods became scarce. Leaders hid; some fled. That was the reality under an incompetent, corrupt administration dominated by family rule.

¶ 03 When we assumed office, we found deep vacancies in the public service due to halted recruitments since 2019—about 31,000 in Police and 23,000 teachers; salaries and pensions had stagnated. Since taking office in 2024, we have set the country on a different course. The global economic crisis still bears upon us, but we are managing it without fuel queues, ensuring fertilizer supply and continuity of services, even if some prices have risen. That is the responsibility and capacity of a government—something the former administration lacked.

¶ 04 Some in the Opposition now speak as if awakened from slumber, forgetting their role in the rupee’s collapse. Our duty is to rebuild. We, the National People’s Power Government, will put the country on the right path. We have no private agendas—only the aim of building a better future for our children.

¶ 05 They deride our Ministers’ experience. But our Deputy Ministers and Ministers are delivering—whether in Finance, Labour, Foreign Affairs or district responsibilities—drawing on expertise and commitment, not theatrics.

¶ 06 On outcomes: after years, government revenue has reached 16.7 percent of GDP—the highest in 19 years. The primary balance surplus is 5.4 percent of GDP—the highest on record, exceeding the 2.3 percent target. The current account of the balance of payments shows a 0.7 percent of GDP surplus—the first surplus in 38 years. Central Government debt has been reduced from 95.5 percent to 95 percent of GDP. These are not invented numbers; they are official.

¶ 07 May is a month of commemorations—honouring our war heroes and our party’s 61st anniversary. While we proceed with dignity, some attempt to disrupt even this Chamber. We urge the Opposition: do not embarrass the country; join in raising these economic indicators further and taking the nation forward. Our youth mobilisation, tourism initiatives in Gampaha and elsewhere, and national programs will continue. Thank you.