The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 We debate Regulations mainly on registration, opposition, amendment and renewal of GIs, along with necessary forms. Beyond passing Regulations, the Government must protect the reputation embedded in names and marks. Do not pursue politics of envy and hostility—turn the focus to uplifting national brands.

¶ 03 Sri Lanka once had strong reputations for tea, rubber and coconut‑based products. Due to past export practices, our identity has eroded—our tea and spices are rebranded elsewhere. Government must act to restore and protect Sri Lankan brands and ensure GI enforcement. We can revive rubber cultivation and downstream products, expand coconut cultivation and value‑addition (from food to soaps and charcoal), and register them as GIs. Use our embassies to secure markets for Sri Lankan garments and other products; support fisheries too, building a market for Sri Lanka’s distinct tuna.

¶ 04 On administration, many institutions still allow bribery—people must pay to get land compensation; rackets persist. Fix these systemic issues. Intellectual property misuse has harmed creators; strengthen protection and enforcement.

¶ 05 Two brief local issues: Wind turbines are shedding blades and parts onto nearby houses in Kalpitiya—environmental and safety standards must be enforced. Also, many Sri Lankans who went for jobs to Myanmar are being tortured by criminal groups; please take swift action through the responsible ministries to rescue them.