Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we pass decisions, agreements and regulations here that shape the present and future. We are approving this Agreement today with a two-thirds majority because we desire to strengthen the future.

¶ 02 To strengthen our future, we need foreign investment—supported by a reformed, enabling environment. That is what we are doing through this Agreement.

¶ 03 The debate expanded to other topics, including Palestine. Our stance since the 1990s—when we protested before the US Embassy demanding justice and rights for Palestinians—has not changed. The Opposition knows this well. But lacking matters to attack the Government on, they search with a microscope for anything to weaponize.

¶ 04 In the latter part of the debate, the focus turned to methamphetamine (“ice”). A certain leader from Tangalle dragged the discussion there, asking why alleged containers were not caught. Yet when a container is allegedly buried in front of one’s own house, they do not see it. The political theatrics of attempting to cover up past deeds will not hide the stench of wrongdoing.

¶ 05 There are people who shout at home but fear speaking outside. Similarly, some come here, shout and leave. Our duty is to rebuild the country, and we are doing so. If the change that occurred in September 2024 had not happened, as the Leader of the House said, our country would have become an “ice-land”—a land of meth. The people, irrespective of party, know that Sri Lanka was saved from catastrophe. We understand our responsibilities and will carry them out.

¶ 06 Thank you.