The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, those who once said we must end welfare are today compelled to provide it. They accused us of only distributing benefits without a plan; now they too have realized its necessity.

¶ 02 Another point: when the dollar was at Rs. 200, the crisis of fuel and gas shortages arose. I place blame on the former U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung for orchestrating games that not only unseated a President but wrecked the economy, triggering shortages and protests. We do not want foreign actors to make or break our governments—only the people should.

¶ 03 The President walked briskly in Jaffna in a black T-shirt—faster than Carl Lewis. He should remember he can do so thanks to the sacrifices of our soldiers who ended the war under President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Honor the war heroes.

¶ 04 This Government came to power on youth votes. Now a great injustice is being done through sending youths to Israel via the Foreign Employment Bureau. Around 8,000 registered on the website; many demand fairness. Do not hand opportunities to agencies that charge up to Rs. 4 million, forcing youth to sell homes. I have details of 775 selected for manufacturing-sector jobs by lottery—yet 13 still await Government clearance. Before power, promises were different.

¶ 05 On Ceylon Petroleum Corporation: engineers warned against overfilling Tank 18 (aviation fuel). Despite this, it was filled, causing a loss of 35,000 litres—over Rs. 500 million. Rs. 35 billion is now allocated to repair tanks and pipelines—ensure no commissions or kickbacks. Certain external appointees, including Sarath Bandu and others, are ruining the CPC; a retired officer was brought back. While we give welfare, we must also protect state funds.

¶ 06 On senior citizens: previously, fixed deposits for seniors earned 15%; later 10%. Now, from this year, even the 10% senior rate is withdrawn per Central Bank directive—banks no longer pay it. This affects seniors relying on EPF/ETF or pensions.

¶ 07 On Police transfers: a female officer from Dehiattakandiya was transferred about 150 km away in Ampara, with children in tow—transfers lack proper procedure.

¶ 08 On education: an English teacher of 38 years could not speak proper English in a public event with the Indian High Commissioner—how can rural children learn if the teacher cannot? This is shameful.

¶ 09 At Ridigama Tank area, people resident for 70–80 years are being told to vacate without a plan—this must be systematic.

¶ 10 At CEB, a promotion exam held after seven years saw 126 pass—now they are to be bypassed by recruiting from outside. Unacceptable.

¶ 11 On state intelligence: during Easter attacks, many shouted to protect intelligence. Now, as per a letter from Army HQ dated 18 December 2025, 40 officers in intelligence have been transferred. Is the Government trying to dismantle state intelligence?

¶ 12 At the State Plantation Corporation, with Chairman Sisira Ranatunga unable to function, the Deputy GM J.M. Aman runs everything, allegedly engaging in malpractice. The Minister must look into this.

¶ 13 Finally, about the President’s Pongal event in Jaffna: crowds were assembled by Police, 20 from each village; people were not there to hear his speech. Meanwhile, a monk in Trincomalee was remanded over a coastal sand issue. Do not inflame communal tensions for votes in the North while ignoring Sinhala-Buddhist sentiments. The President must treat North, East and South equally.

¶ 14 Thank you.