2026-02-05 / Second Reading Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals Bill, Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, and Licensing of Shipping Agents Amendment Bill - Member Contributions 2026-02-05
Hon. Muhammad Faizal delivered a speech defending the National People's Power (NPP) government's record, responding to Opposition criticism regarding Puttalam. He argued that previous governments repeatedly failed to deliver on promises to upgrade the Puttalam Base Hospital and open the Mannar–Puttalam road, despite holding power for extended periods, and stated that the current NPP government has commenced the hospital upgrade within its first year with completion expected in the current year. He further contended that past administrations fomented religious and communal tensions, contrasting this with the NPP's record of maintaining peace, citing the absence of attacks on mosques or religious sites during the government's tenure. The speaker also credited the NPP government with controlling corruption and making effective use of international financial assistance from the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank to support economic growth.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamu Alaikum, Ayubowan, Vanakkam.
Hon. Presiding Member, today’s matters can strengthen our economy. Yet the Opposition strays into unrelated topics—especially about Puttalam—so allow me to respond.
In the past, many displaced from Mannar settled in Puttalam. Politicians of the time exploited this—promising to upgrade the Base Hospital citing increased population and medical needs, and then, once in power, prioritizing posts, perks, security, and foreign trips over delivering for the people. Some even boast today of having been in Government for 10–12 years without securing these essentials.
They also fear-mongered that if the National People’s Power won, religious freedoms would vanish. In contrast, within one year our Government commenced the upgrade of the Puttalam Base Hospital—Insha Allah, all arrangements are in place to complete the required works this year. I thank the President and the Government on behalf of the people of Puttalam.
On the Mannar–Puttalam road: those who gained power promising to open it did not say, “Open it and we will support you.” Instead, their groups filed court cases to keep it shut, which is why it remained closed then. Now they accuse us of being the obstacle. Insha Allah, the NPP Government will both upgrade the Puttalam Base Hospital and open the Mannar–Puttalam road for public transport.
Some accuse us of racism. Who propagated racism and who quelled it? Under past Governments, mosques and statues were attacked, and communal tensions were stoked. In the past year, there has not been such talk—no mosques or statues attacked. Our Government pledged to eliminate racism and has created the conditions to do so.
We have aided flood-affected people nationwide, including in Puttalam. The Government you elected to bring change is serving well; people today live in peace.
We are firmly committed to eliminating corruption and fraud. Previous administrations were rife with both. Our Government has brought them under control. Our growth has surprised other countries and even domestic institutions. Unlike before, we are putting support from the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank to proper use—ensuring equal law and enabling economic growth.