The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, there are children who do not even have Rs. 10,000. That basic support is very important to them. We are not saying we will not build a Sports University. Members representing the North and the East presented various ideas here—asking to build sports schools and develop sports infrastructure in the North and East. In our Budget we have allocated substantial funds for the North and the East so that children there, like those in the South, will receive the necessary facilities. As a government, we are making history by allocating the largest amounts this year for that purpose. Those projects are progressing. We have no differences; we are building a fair playing field. Creating sports literacy together with political literacy is very important.

¶ 02 We invite the Opposition. We have prepared a level playing field. Do not violate rules and laws. You do not need to use prohibited stimulants. In this political contest, you can come and engage in a fair competition with us in government. In that fair competition, you can even surpass us—no issue. So let us compete fairly; let us argue fairly. Within this fair ground we can build the environment our people need to live democratically. Therefore, do not try to win through unfair means on a fair ground after having been defeated by democracy. Let us compete on an equal field and build the comfortable life the people of this country expect. I extend this invitation to the Opposition in good faith.

¶ 03 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.