The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chair, today we debate the Heads of Expenditure of the Ministries of Youth Affairs and Sports, and of Industries and Enterprise Development. Both ministries are critical: sports strengthens the nation’s spirit and economy; industry generates wealth.

¶ 02 The Hon. Minister of Sports is in the House. Minister, cricket is our most popular sport and a major economic driver and tourism magnet. We must not repeat past mistakes. In the last Parliament, a former Minister appointed an interim committee; ultimately the ICC suspended Sri Lanka Cricket and we lost the hosting of the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. That Minister was removed and later obtained only around 4,000 votes in the presidential election. My request: do not poke fingers into the ICC-governed domain; let the international body oversee it. Our interference cost us dearly—do not jeopardize the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, for which India and Sri Lanka are co-hosts, with 22 matches in Sri Lanka and an estimated US$100 million economic benefit. Let federations resolve their own board matters; don’t risk national gains.

¶ 03 To the Industries Minister: I previously served as State Minister over several institutions, including the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), for two years. I also raised a privilege issue regarding a COPE hearing. In 2023, gems and jewellery exports were US$470 million; by 2025 exports have fallen by about 30 percent, and NGJA revenue by 50 percent. Please investigate why.

¶ 04 I must also highlight a serious issue at Ratnapura NGJA: a legal officer holds all the licensing files, while her husband is the cashier—an unacceptable conflict. There are “little games” between them; files are withheld unless the husband intervenes. We saw this during my tenure; miners complain licenses are delayed. Please look into this urgently and streamline licensing.

¶ 05 We must work hard to realize the sector’s revenue potential. I also worked to revive the Ottusuddan Tile Factory—secured Rs. 20 million; works are near completion. Under your Ministry, please open it this or next month and resume tile production, especially to supply the North and East where clay tile usage remains high.

¶ 06 On salt: Alimankada (Elephant Pass) and Mannar salterns are under your Ministry; Hambantota is under the ETF Board. Expand Alimankada; private firms like Maliban and others have applied. The country’s largest table salt plant has now been installed there—procured during my term at a cost over Rs. 100 million. You plan to commission it next month. I believe we can significantly raise national salt output and support the economy.

¶ 07 During the economic crisis, sector institutions collectively provided about US$1 billion to the Treasury—US$300 million from Lanka Phosphate and about US$400 million from NGJA, among others—showing these entities can deliver. BCC Lanka’s coconut oil is in high demand across Colombo supermarkets, but oil prices fluctuate. With better stock and timing, large profits are possible; BCC has storage capacity for 25–300 tons. However, many BCC lands are now encroached—please reclaim and optimize.

¶ 08 Valachchenai Paper Mill machinery is old and breaks down; with investment or a suitable partner, we could meet up to 50 percent of national paper demand. Similar issues affect Kahatagaha Graphite—recently even salaries were delayed. Please address these to restore profitability.

¶ 09 Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar companies are also under you. I have received letters from Pelwatte workers and cane farmers: land preparation subsidies halted; twice-yearly allowances stopped; medical and year-end incentives cut. I will forward these to you and request remedial action. The Ministry has a big journey to lead; with your experienced Secretary and diligent Deputy Minister, you can strengthen incentives and morale to lift these institutions.

¶ 10 Embilipitiya has large assets: a major brick factory and the (now privatized) paper mill—privatization created many jobs and energized the area. Where bricks cannot resume, bring in investors to start other industries. Similarly, in Anuradhapura (Vilachchiya Road), Mawatagama, and Mangaiyankulam there are large lands with idle brick factories; if brick-making is not viable, repurpose them with private investors.

¶ 11 I hear you plan to restart the Kankesanthurai Cement Factory—very good. With Sri Lanka Cement Corporation assets, you can help address cement needs in the Northern region. Beware of frivolous litigation that often hinders investors; persevere. This Ministry can significantly contribute to national development. I wish you strength and success.