The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, to be clear: the crime waves, underworld, ice and heroin networks did not arise in the past year; they were cultivated over decades with political links. Investigations are proceeding and the public will learn who stood behind these networks. This will not end in a week. The Government is providing full independence and support to investigators to expose and punish all those responsible, from school‑bag drug runners to masterminds.

¶ 02 Returning to investments: we face a bankrupt economy and a debt overhang. We must attract investments to rebuild. This Agreement is vital to that effort. The sparse front benches on the Opposition side show their lack of interest in constructive work. Meanwhile, we are also promoting tourism to secure short‑term foreign exchange, supported by plans and institutional efforts.

¶ 03 Remittances are at record levels. For long‑term stability we are committed to sustained FDI. Hence this Agreement is before the House for approval by a two‑thirds majority. Let us unite to rebuild the economy and to bring to justice those who devastated our children’s future through narcotics and underworld crime. I conclude.