The Hon. Lal Premanath

¶ 01 Thank you, Madam Presiding Member. Even though the country faced a severe economic crisis, we intervened directly as a Government to provide higher education to those children, to improve sanitation, and to enhance facilities in estate hospitals.

¶ 02 We also acted on the economic justice and wages of estate workers—despite the Opposition opposing it and trying to take it to court. We ensured their wage entitlement. No matter how economically difficult the country you handed over to us was, we fulfilled that task. On some occasions some treated those people like bonded labour; some companies acted so. We are working to ensure that it does not continue.

¶ 03 Members of the Opposition also spoke about the “8962” cyclone. You said we did not look after the people of Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Kandy Districts. We tell you with responsibility that we did everything possible for all those people. As a Government we have fulfilled everything that could be done for the affected people. The Malaiyaha people can raise their children, educate them, and provide equal opportunities in society so that they become dignified citizens. We have already carried out the necessary steps to bring those children up to the level of dignified citizens of the country. Sometimes you bring proposals like this to cover up your bankruptcy. We think you have brought this proposal at the wrong time.

¶ 04 Madam Presiding Member, finally I wish to say this too. You may have things you can measure materially, like money. But spiritually and attitudinally, this transformation in this country was brought only by the Malima Government. To do such work, to heal this racist wound—this is not something you could do even in a hundred years. You are not doing it. Instead, you always try to socialize a lie that this Government is not working—using a few media outlets, trying with every word, every proposal, every moment to say that this Government is inactive. The people of this country know the truth. Therefore, with confidence in the people, we say this: in this Malima Government, hereafter no citizen of this country will be treated as a second-class citizen. Thank you, Madam Presiding Member, for giving me this opportunity.