The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, instead of speaking on the regulations under the IP Act, we are now compelled to answer baseless attacks from the Opposition. During this very important debate, not a single Opposition MP contributed anything meaningful; no one said a word relevant to this vital debate. Therefore, we tell the Opposition: they say something irrelevant and leave quickly—that is their way. You asked about our backbone. We tell you, all 159 of the NPP have good backbones; if you want to see how, wait silently a little longer. You speak of many things. There is a saying: one man followed a goat’s tail. That is what is happening to you now—spend some time like that. As time passes, observe from behind; you will see strength and momentum. Whatever you say about the NPP Government, go outside and see: Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim—without ethnic divisions—the entire country is rallying with the NPP.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, these gentlemen keep criticizing the Government here with baseless statements. Let me say: our Government has been in office only two months, and within these two months we have already passed important laws.

¶ 03 Further, speaking on the regulations under the IP Act presented today, this law should be seen as a great turning point for our country’s future. We aim to transact with the world under this IP framework. We must also talk about another side of IP: protection of works by our artists, scholars, and authors—films and creations. We believe more should be included. Through this law, we can protect those creations.

¶ 04 Through our products, we trade with the world. Our “Ceylon Tea” brand is strengthened through IP. Not only tea, but Sri Lankan cashew, coconut, and many other items under the “Sri Lanka” name relate to these regulations we discuss. Especially, as mentioned here, palmyrah-based products, and likewise coconut-based products of the North Western Province are globally recognized. The global demand for Sri Lankan coconut products affects local supply; we cannot meet it. Even if not discussed today, coconut-based products have huge global value. We can develop and brand them. Likewise, kithul products should be developed and protected under IP to become a top product globally.

¶ 05 Some in the Opposition spoke without understanding. In the past they threw chili powder here, fought each other, tried to strangle necks—all within this august House. However much they try, we will not allow any of that again. We will make this a dignified House; that is the responsibility the NPP takes. The whole country is watching your behaviour. If you think shouting here gains acceptance outside, you are sadly mistaken. This time 45 of you entered Parliament; watch closely, in the next election even that number will not be there. Therefore, behave in a manner befitting this Parliament. You need not raise your hands against everything; but if you behave well, that is the respect you show this House.