The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the National People’s Power (NPP) government has correctly read the public mandate. We are a group that secured victory across all provinces—North, East—transcending ethnicity. Contrary to what the Opposition claims, we have never taken even a single step backward in our foreign policy. We firmly stand with the Palestinian people. At the same time, we do not accept war-related activities against civilians. However, the Opposition is attempting to create ethnic divisions within Sri Lanka. Defeating such attempts is a core aim of our electoral mandate.

¶ 02 With that mandate, a key development is the statement made by our Minister of Foreign Affairs before the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council regarding persons with disabilities. Although Sri Lanka signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities over two decades ago, no government succeeded in enacting domestic legislation aligning with the Convention to secure comprehensive rights. Since 1996, the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act has offered only limited protection—essentially covering three rights. The UN requires a framework guaranteeing 25 rights to ensure political, economic, social, and cultural participation and daily living. Rights in name alone are inadequate; we must design a state structure based on them.

¶ 03 Articles 5 to 30 of the Convention clearly outline how to build a rights system, and Articles 31 to 35 set out state obligations. Critically, Article 33 explains the institutional framework. Our existing institutional structures do not deliver these rights. Therefore, we must build a state framework around these rights. A cross-ministerial, whole-of-government approach is essential—from cradle to grave, persons with disabilities interface with many ministries, institutions, and departments; services must be assured. Each ministry needs a focal point and an inter-focal coordination mechanism, plus an independent monitoring mechanism to ensure proper implementation.

¶ 04 On that basis, we are drafting a new Bill on persons with disabilities, now with the Legal Draftsman and to come before Parliament. I am confident both the government and the Opposition will support it.

¶ 05 Why do we do this? Because safeguarding the rights and human dignity of the 8.7% of our population who are persons with disabilities is a duty of the state. Through recognition and support, we can ensure a dignified life for those now living with barriers—economic, cultural, and access-related. That is why the Foreign Minister said the law we bring for persons with disabilities will be aligned with the UN Convention. This also reflects the NPP’s “No One Left Behind” policy. We will not abandon the principles placed before the people. We have not exploited ethnicity or religion for politics, nor will we engage in incendiary tactics to extract political advantage. We care for all Sri Lankans and for humanity worldwide.

¶ 06 We are a people who suffered a 30-year war; we know its pain and devastation. We have not used wars elsewhere to fan flames here. We work with equal respect for all ethnicities and religions. Contrary to the Opposition’s narrative, we do not practice discriminatory treatment. Our forthcoming disabilities law confirms that in our “no one left behind” journey, we include every vulnerable group.

¶ 07 Our foreign policy is non-aligned and neutral. Despite claims that, as a left-leaning government, we are cornered internationally, our foreign policy is steady. In these eight months we have advanced investment, tourism, and delivered rights and human rights to all Sri Lankans, turning commitments into reality. We will not deviate. We will continue with this policy and win the people’s mandate again. Thank you.