The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, today’s motion seeks approval for the Aswesuma payment scheme for our poor. Historically, different Governments supported the needy — food ration books under Sirimavo Bandaranaike, eight grains and Janasaviya under J.R. Jayewardene, and Samurdhi from 1994. If Aswesuma is properly delivered and enhanced to those who deserve it, we support it.

¶ 02 But listening today, it sounded as if by the end of five years there will be no poor and no need for Aswesuma. If you can truly eradicate poverty, we welcome it. Yet, currently the cost of living is sky-high: rice, fish, vegetables, schoolbooks, and medicine are all expensive. Many businesses were devastated by “Didva.” People are struggling.

¶ 03 Fulfil your election promises: reduce fuel by Rs. 165 per litre as pledged; reduce commodity prices; cut electricity tariffs by one-third as promised. That would benefit both Aswesuma and non-Aswesuma families.

¶ 04 You cannot say there is no money. I asked the Finance Minister today about revenue from vehicle imports. Against an expectation of Rs. 441 billion, Rs. 904 billion has been realized. Then reduce electricity tariffs and deliver relief.

¶ 05 Also stop wastage: the Chinese contractor for the Central Expressway seeks Rs. 980 million in damages due to delays. That is taxpayers’ money — funds that could feed kidney patients, persons with disabilities, and poor families. Who is responsible for the stoppage? Do not scapegoat officials like Ms. Devani while covering political failures. Hold the right people accountable.

¶ 06 On disaster compensation, reports say Grama Niladharis face Rs. 500,000 penalties and are quitting due to fear of being punished for approvals. Officials are now afraid — as seen when the Prison Commissioner took the fall for a presidential pardon episode. Ensure officials can act without undue fear when compensating cyclone victims.

¶ 07 On livelihoods, many Aswesuma families survive on small jobs. In fisheries, for example, traditional stake-net (ma dhel) fisheries sustain coastal communities. Do not undermine their livelihoods. When owners went to the Supreme Court, they pleaded simply to be allowed to work. During our time we supported them. Alongside Aswesuma, protect people’s jobs and stomachs. If you deliver Aswesuma properly, we will support you. Thank you.