Hon. Ravindra Bandara

Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I speak on the Container Depot Operators (Licensing) Bill. First, let me respond to an Hon. Member who just spoke and said we must fulfill our promises. Indeed, we are. Chief among our promises was to punish the corrupt and the killers. Investigations are underway—on the MIG aircraft deal, among others. Those calling for justice should remember Thajudeen, Poddala Jayantha, the brutal assaults and murders, the disappearances of Lasantha Wickrematunge, Eknaligoda, and Keith Noyahr. They now speak beautifully, but the record is clear. On the recent “Michaung” cyclone and its aftermath: my own area suffered severely—landslides and loss of life. In the past, when Miriyabedda slipped, people were warned but not relocated; houses were later built for only 75 victims, taking four years to complete, while people suffered. Another 135 remain—our Government is building them now. That is the history. Some still try to stir ethnic and religious divisions, even misusing Buddhist teachings. They claimed that if the National People’s Power formed a Government there would be no alms to temples, no processions. Yet all such religious and cultural activities continue. A beautiful exposition of the Sacred Relics is commencing. When that happens, they resort again to stoking Sinhala or Tamil chauvinism—or to trivial culture-war topics—because they have nothing new to offer. They keep harping on “323 containers,” while hundreds of thousands pass through the Port properly. They now allege wrongdoing in coal tenders, though we have shown clearly there was none—only a quality issue for which triple penalties have been imposed on the supplier, under procedures that are transparent and tender-based, unlike in their time. They try to frighten the public with tall tales because they cannot mount policy criticism. We promised Special Courts to punish large-scale corruption and fraud. Those courts are now functioning. That is why some are agitated and leave the Chamber immediately after speaking, unable to listen to opposing views. Let them also advise their “elder son” abroad to return and face the law, and tell the elders likewise. Even when files went missing, phone data erased, and witnesses murdered, in the end the law catches up. We invite the Opposition: next time bring a new story—tell us how to build the country without corruption, not more chauvinism. We must manage everything properly and deliver efficient services. This Licensing Bill—with the related amendments on ship agents, non-vessel operating common carriers, and container operators—aims to remove barriers to the growth of container depot operations, facilitate businesses, regulate and supervise the sector. Despite their fantasies about “323,” the Colombo Port handled the highest-ever number of containers and throughput in history in 2025, and January 2026 is on the same path. Sri Lanka is moving forward. Foreign exchange reserves have increased; remittances reached historic highs last year; tourist arrivals in 2025 were the highest on record and 2026 will break that record; exports too are growing. We also saw the Leader of the Opposition speak of “vulgarization.” Yet it is some in the Opposition who hurled vile abuse—even at the Prime Minister and the Speaker—using the filthiest language. That is the vulgarization. As this House regains civility, they know they have nothing substantive to offer. I urge both Opposition groups to align with a new political culture. Thank you.