Hon. Nanda Bandara

Hon. Nanda Bandara referenced cyclone damage estimated at USD 4 billion, asserting that recovery and rebuilding remain achievable. He defended the President's position on international incidents involving loss of life or property, characterizing the President's remarks as a clear condemnation, and accused the Opposition of misrepresenting this stance through what he termed "false cries" of pressure against the government.

## Summary Hon. Nanda Bandara spoke in support of a regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017, which raises the foreign investment cap for domestic enterprises from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000, framing it as an NPP Government measure to boost remittances and economic expansion. He defended the Government's disaster response in cyclone-affected areas, specifically citing his constituency of Aranayake in Kegalle, where he claimed approximately 90% of recovery work was completed within three months. He outlined several economic support measures, including an additional Rs. 25 billion allocation across all 25 districts, SME grants of Rs. 1.5–2 million through village development committees, interest-subsidised loans up to Rs. 250 million, and loans at 4% interest up to Rs. 5 million. Throughout his speech, he dismissed Opposition criticism as repetitive and lacking credibility, attributing fiscal gains—including over one trillion rupees in preserved domestic cash balances—to anti-corruption efforts and improved remittance flows under the current administration.

Hon. Nanda Bandara raised questions at the Adjournment directed to the Prime Minister concerning the Presidential Fund, originally established under Act No. 7 of 1978 to commemorate President J.R. Jayewardene's assumption of office. He noted that the Fund had historically failed to meet its intended objectives and faced allegations of misuse, but acknowledged that the current National People's Power Government had revised its objectives. The member posed four specific questions seeking information on the current composition of the Board of Governors, whether benefit amounts have been increased and for which purposes, what measures have been taken to simplify service delivery, and what steps have been implemented to ensure transparency in the disbursement of assistance.

Hon. Nanda Bandara formally presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of Mr. D.M. Anura Bandara Wijetunge and two other petitioners residing at No. 24, Parana Wattna Road, Kerawalapitiya, Wattala. The speech consisted solely of the procedural tabling of the petition, with no additional details provided regarding its subject matter or demands.