The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, I am glad to speak on this Amendment Bill. The Government boasts and expects Nobel-like praise for half-truths. This morning, the Leader of the Opposition asked under Standing Order 27(2) about investments—who, from where, how much. No answers. If investments have come, we would be happy, but figures must be disclosed. Paper revenues mean little if professionals and workers on the street feel nothing.

¶ 02 Alongside anti-doping laws for sport, you must address your own political “stimulants.” The public recalls promises to reduce electricity tariffs with timelines; now you ask the Public Utilities Commission about increases. Are you on stimulants when making such U-turns?

¶ 03 On doping control, you admit we lack domestic testing facilities and send samples abroad. How can we trust outcomes and integrity when foreign interests may be at play? Are the reforms robust enough to shield us from external manipulation?

¶ 04 You mocked our Leader of the Opposition for building a sports ground in Jaffna; now you rush to do the same, hand-in-hand with those you once accused of corrupting cricket. Where is the shame? The public is watching.

¶ 05 Sport is essential for a healthy citizenry. Yet school sports and rural games are decaying. Your Ministry must rekindle interest and provide pathways. Stop exploiting issues for politics. You promised to catch thieves and punish them; instead, those you vowed to jail now dare you openly. Files and tough talk became empty air. The people will deliver their verdict at the next elections.

¶ 06 Thank you.