The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, this week we commemorate the heroic war veterans who sacrificed to end the 30-year war. Many served long years, some were recalled after retirement for service needs, and later paid only the salaries for that period. There is an allegation and a demand that their pensions for that period have not been recalculated accordingly. I urge attention to ensure justice to these heroes at this time of remembrance.

¶ 02 Bloomberg reportedly said the Sri Lankan rupee is the fastest depreciating currency in Asia. Hearing such claims, we wonder whether some of these “resident experts” are actually here or speaking from elsewhere. From 2020 onward, when the country slid towards bankruptcy, we saw similar voices in this House. We know how that ended for some; let us not revisit those dark times. Members should act responsibly for the people, not follow groups that cannot govern properly.

¶ 03 A colleague representing my district spoke as if farmers have no problems; that is our wish too—to build an economy where farmers can stand on their own. He said they raised the fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 25,000, but when they came to power on 21 September 2025, that proposal had already been in place under President Ranil Wickremesinghe. We accept they added Rs. 5,000. However, when the subsidy rose, the price of a fertilizer metric ton that was Rs. 7,500 then is now Rs. 17,500. Despite talk of subsidies, fewer than five percent of farmers have actually received them; many had to find money and still face shortages, with organizations now planning to refund collected amounts due to lack of supply. If you truly live among farmers, ensure real relief: today, in our district, fertilizer is Rs. 17,500.

¶ 04 On paddy prices: they cite Rs. 120 per 8 kg (naadu). Today, who sells 5 kg for Rs. 120? Farmers needing cash to buy fertilizer are selling now, with market prices around Rs. 95 per kg. While some claim Rs. 120 per kg, that is only at select outlets like Pelwatte. On the ground, people do not get that price. Do not waste Parliament’s time with claims that do not match reality. Provide practical relief to farmers.

¶ 05 There’s also talk that if the dollar hits Rs. 370, the Leader of the NPP will mirror Gotabaya’s path. I advise caution—protect your families and fulfill your duties to the nation. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.