The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi

Madam Presiding Member, today we debate several important Bills, including the Sri Lanka Real Estate Professionals’ Institute Bill; the Container Depot Operators (Licensing) Bill; and the (Amendment) Bill to license ship agents, non-vessel operating common carriers, general carriers, and container operators—measures that will bolster our economy and industry. In the recent past, our country faced instability and near-bankruptcy. The public corrected that by giving a mandate to President Anura Dissanayake and the National People’s Power Government—to lift the nation from where it had been dragged down, defeat that condition, and take Sri Lanka forward. By the end of 2025, we restored macro stability and achieved economic indicators that previous governments could not attain, because this Government halted abuses and pursued a correct, democratic program. Some in the Opposition have been in agitation—most recently over School Development Officers. They thought we would delay, but after a discussion with the President on the 2nd, the matter was resolved and those officers ended their fast saying, “Victory to the President!” I do not know what the Opposition Leader, who had been poised to collect 16,000 appointment signatures, now thinks. Time and again, their attempts fail within days. Another MP lectured here about the war and our war heroes. We saw what some of them did in those days—how the tri-forces, who achieved victory with unwavering courage, were later misused by politicians even for personal chores. They persecuted General Sarath Fonseka. Today, under our Government, no one is harassed in their professional duties; proper honour and dignity are maintained. Yesterday the whole country proudly marked the 78th Independence Day. Under the “Rebuild Sri Lanka” program, we honoured the past and focused on the future—instilling confidence and vision among our people. That was not what the Opposition expected; hence their agitation. Two things trouble them: first, the barrage of lies they told about us before we came to power has been proven false; second, we are delivering our promises. They are, therefore, disoriented. At the bilateral meeting between our President Anura Dissanayake and the Hon. Prime Minister of India, the Indian Government responded to the President’s request by arranging the exposition of the Sacred Relics here—reportedly the first time India has taken them outside its territory. From 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m., our people can pay homage. Yet some had earlier claimed that if we came to power there would be no perahera, no dana to temples, and no space for religion. The people can see the truth. We promised to create the environment for the law to act against the corrupt and criminals. The Government does not punish or prosecute—that is for independent institutions. We have ensured the conditions for them to do so, and now those on bail come before the media proclaiming “political revenge.” The reality is clear: their lies are exposed and our promises are being delivered. We will proceed rightly and steadily as you mandated. Thank you.