The Hon. Lal Premanath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am very pleased to speak in this debate on regulations made under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, for registering geographical indications. The people placed greater trust in Maalimawa than we even expected, giving us an overwhelming majority to attend to matters like this and, with close attention, to do what was not done in history. We will proceed calmly and steadily to fulfil the people’s aspirations. The Opposition’s agitation and criticism as we unveil our programme day by day is understandable.

¶ 02 But I must acknowledge Hon. Nizam Kariapper, who earlier today brought very good points to support this endeavour. That is the kind of Opposition we expect—one that says “right” to what is right, and points out errors when they occur, without hatred and political malice. The people gave us this mandate expecting such an Opposition too; if they do not perform that role, we cannot help it.

¶ 03 Hon. Presiding Member, a geographical indication is a form of intellectual property like patents, trademarks, and copyrights. However, because it is issued with a specific geographic origin, considering our country’s location, we have a special advantage. By virtue of that origin, with distinguished characteristics, we have the natural opportunity to use valuable properties. The traditional knowledge, methods, and processes we use abound here.

¶ 04 After the white colonizers left us, even the little they left for us to own as a nation, our rulers for 76 years did not think to carry forward. That is why today, after the 2003 Act, we are still discussing the necessary regulations—domestically and under regional agreements such as WTO TRIPS—to secure protection, legality, and prevention of misuse, which we know are benefits for the production economy. We must proceed.

¶ 05 “Ceylon Tea” is our most famous brand. Since 1967, for over 150 years, tea has possessed a unique reputation. You may recall in 1984 at Lord’s, when Sidath Wettimuny scored 190+ against England, the commentator described it as “a cricket lesson from the world’s tea merchants.” Before the world knew us through sports—before athletes like Sugath and Susanthika—our orthodox tea production introduced us to the world. We believe our tea, cinnamon, and mee kiri have quality and diversity within a unique culture. Therefore, this is timely. Let the Opposition watch: under a Maalimawa Government, we will make every unique resource of our land into a world-class product. I conclude with that pledge. Thank you.