The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, we are debating the Opposition’s adjournment motion on the “current global situation,” seeking a roadmap. I listened all day; substantive proposals were limited. The President set out the Government’s plan in his March 17 national address and subsequent media briefing of over an hour, and reaffirmed it here today—covering neutrality, statements, engagements, and actions.

¶ 02 Despite that, Opposition Members repeatedly questioned our foreign policy and neutrality. In fact, this crisis has underscored our non-aligned stance, which has been internationally acknowledged. Diplomats commend Sri Lanka’s conduct; many countries are now looking to follow a similar approach.

¶ 03 Our key domestic challenge under this external shock is transport and securing fuel. We import many essentials—fuel, LPG, medicines, wheat flour, fertilizer, cooking oil—so external shocks inevitably affect us. Electricity generation is also impacted. The Opposition keeps invoking “substandard coal,” betraying a lack of understanding of standard procurement and quality assurance processes.

¶ 04 For any non-domestically produced import—coal or medicines—there are prescribed procurement and quality protocols. If a quality failure is detected on arrival, contractual remedies apply—rejections, penalties, or replacements. That is what has happened with coal consignments at issue. In prior regimes, even routine procurements were often done without due process; we have applied proper procedures and taken remedial steps where needed.

¶ 05 This is an external crisis—unlike a cyclone or tsunami we can time and confine. No one can predict duration or trajectory, not even the combatants. Hence we must manage consequences methodically.

¶ 06 During COVID—a global crisis—we, while in Opposition, supported Health officials’ plans; governance interference then prolonged the crisis. Now, after COVID came the economic crisis because we lacked a strong economy: remittances, tourism, and exports fell; reserves depleted; mismanagement led to bankruptcy. Today, although this is an external shock, we are handling it because by 2025 we had significantly strengthened the economy. The President’s March 17 address set out how livelihoods, schooling, food supply, and essential services will be maintained; today he elaborated neutrality and management of fuel, LPG, and power. Our ability to cushion the blow stems from prudent fiscal management in 2025—raising revenues, curbing costs, and building resilience.

¶ 07 Thank you, Madam Presiding Member.