2026-02-18 / debate: Special Commodity Levy Act Order, Customs Ordinance Resolution, Motor Traffic Act Regulations 2026-02-18
Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage spoke in support of approvals under the Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Orders, and Motor Traffic Act regulations, framing them within the government's broader economic recovery narrative. He cited key indicators to argue that Sri Lanka has stabilised its economy within a year, including government revenue rising from Rs. 4,090 billion to Rs. 5,120 billion and tourist arrivals increasing from 2 million in 2024 to 2.36 million in 2025, presenting the Motor Traffic Act amendment permitting tourists to use foreign driving licences from the airport as a measure to further boost tourism. The Minister also referenced the recently hosted India–Pakistan cricket match as evidence of Sri Lanka's restored international standing and stability, and noted the passage of legislation repealing MPs' pensions as an example of political reform. He criticised the Opposition for parliamentary disruptions and characterised their pre-election economic warnings as unfounded, arguing that genuine development requires progress across economic, social, and political dimensions.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, today we debate approvals under the Special Commodity Levy Act, Orders under the Customs Ordinance and regulations under the Motor Traffic Act. We pass laws here to move our economy, society and culture forward and make Sri Lanka a developed state.
Everyone knows our country, once labeled bankrupt, has been stabilized within a year. No one disputes this. We have strengthened all key indicators and are on a confirmed path to a strong economy under the leadership of the President and the Government team.
Tourism has grown. As the Hon. Deputy Minister said, the numbers prove it: 2 million tourists in 2024, rising to 2,360,000 in 2025. Tourists come because Sri Lanka is now a good, stable, free and safe country. Some measures we bring—like allowing tourists to use their foreign driving permits from the airport—are to further attract them.
Government revenue has increased—from Rs. 4,090 billion to Rs. 5,120 billion, from 2024 to 2025. Workers’ remittances rose from USD 6,570 million to USD 8,070 million. Across foreign exchange, tourism arrivals, reserves and inflation, the statistics show we have stabilized the economy.
The Opposition said during the election that if we came to power, we would seize one of every two vehicles people owned. In fact, people now own three or four. We said we would build a prosperous economy; people should prosper. We have laid that foundation. The Opposition is at a loss for words about our economic progress. We challenge them: if you can, challenge us on development.
We also focus on social development. A country’s development is economic, social and political. We have built the economic part; next, social development—creating the conditions for a beautiful life in a prosperous country.
Consider the recent India–Pakistan cricket match here. It showed the trust those nations have in us. With the President’s intervention and state-level diplomacy, we hosted it—no incidents; about 32,000 spectators watched peacefully. We sent a strong signal to the world that Sri Lanka is free and peaceful.
As Sports Minister, I say: sport uplifts social development, and we are working to strengthen it so people can live that beautiful life we envision. Politically too, we must develop. Unfortunately, the Opposition’s daily disruptions and disregard for parliamentary traditions hold us back. We have set high examples—yesterday we passed the Bill to repeal MPs’ pensions. Some still opposed it; we regret that. But we will build a better political culture, and we respect the good Members in the Opposition who supported it.
To rebuild Sri Lanka, economic, social and political development are all vital. The Opposition hurls mud; we ignore it. Do not come from the mud; come from solid ground.
Finally, I wish our Sri Lanka cricket team success as they enter the final eight, and for a historic victory against the strong Australian side, and more victories ahead.
Thank you.