The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, a request to the Opposition: do not conceal your failures by blaming officials like Ms. Devani for halts to the Central Expressway. Everyone knows contractors were not paid due to the bankruptcy you created. Do not politicize by scapegoating officials.

¶ 02 Around the world, Governments strive to eradicate poverty. In Sri Lanka, some politicized poverty to gain and retain power. In contrast, this Government is genuinely working to end poverty. People understand this. The Aswesuma programme is being implemented effectively for the poor and extreme poor.

¶ 03 Some claim 80% of people now need Aswesuma. Those who make such claims should first look in the mirror and ask who drove 80% into poverty and bankruptcy. Under previous misrule, people could not meet daily needs even if they had cash. Those same voices now criticize Aswesuma.

¶ 04 Regarding “Didva,” in past disasters too, people of all communities stood together to rebuild. Our diaspora and international partners helped. The Government, for its part, acted swiftly to extend relief whenever fiscal space permitted. Public funds must be used responsibly — not as in the past when they served private luxuries and political dynasties. Officials today need not fear doing the right thing; the Government will provide space and support. We will incorporate necessary elements into Aswesuma to reflect disaster impacts.

¶ 05 There is a strong link between poverty and education. The gap between education in developed countries and ours is large. Some political opportunists — even certain academics known for sensationalism — are opposing reforms. Before lecturing on education, they should reform themselves: stop spreading chauvinism and religious bigotry and adopt a broad, humane mindset. Attempts to derail good reforms for political gain are not new. We know education is essential to break poverty.