The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, earlier I clarified that past political leaders failed—or were unable—to unite all communities under one flag as Sri Lankans. Our “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” policy seeks to unite all communities as Sri Lankans in an undivided country, develop the economy, and share its dividends with the people. This policy statement spans 2024–2029, not only 2025. Today’s debate should assess: how much of our pledges are fulfilled, what foundations are laid, whether our approach is sound, and how far we still must go.

¶ 02 According to the Central Bank, official reserves were USD 6.17 billion in August 2025 and USD 6.24 billion in September—up 1.1%. This did not happen by idleness. We had to carry out major economic and social programs: turn loss-making entities profitable, restructure and revive stalled enterprises with the private sector, and manage dollar volatility. We even resumed vehicle imports and still sustained reserves. We serviced certain debts while restarting large stalled projects. We recruited public servants where required and improved SOE performance. If the Opposition doesn’t feel the recovery, the people do: many say continue this approach for 10 years.

¶ 03 For the 2025–2026 Maha season, we allocated an additional Rs. 5 billion for fertilizer support to farmers—money that reaches the ground. Surveys by organizations, including PEARL, assessed our policy statement. They identified 1,333 total pledges; within six months, 216 Cabinet decisions laid groundwork for 239 pledges. There is a demonstrable implementation trend.

¶ 04 Examples implemented: - Restructuring the Cabinet to 25 scientifically defined ministries, appointing relevant ministers and deputies, and abolishing state minister posts. - Abolishing MPs’ duty-free vehicle permits. - Reducing the number of Presidential official residences, with Kandy and Jaffna residences under discussion. - Abolishing pensions, special allowances, and privileges for retired Presidents and their spouses—legislation passed. - Strengthening AML/CFT and related frameworks—e.g., enactment of Act No. 5 of 2025 on certain products to support compliance (as referenced on page 226). - Tax administration reforms; amendments passed on 11 April 2025; further changes proposed to ensure fairness for professionals.

¶ 05 PEARL notes a substantial start: of 1,333 pledges, many have initial actions; some are already fulfilled. Eighteen months ago, the IMF identified corruption as a key reason for bankruptcy. Today both the World Bank and IMF state Sri Lanka is among the fastest stabilizing economies globally. This is an arduous journey; we are delivering historic public-sector pay adjustments; and the growth’s benefits will flow without favoritism. Please look at “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” fairly—we have a pathway, and we are on it.