The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj

Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to join the debate on the Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance, and the Regulations under the Motor Traffic Act. The National People’s Power (NPP) Government has established economic stability. Before 2024, Sri Lanka was on the red list of bankrupt countries. National unity had eroded and the country had regressed economically. Today, the NPP Government has stabilized the economy and fostered national harmony. Exports have grown by 6 per cent; total export income exceeded USD 14 billion over the last ten months. A production economy foundation has been laid to increase dollar inflows, including reviving tea, our key export crop. After 2025, we will see increased exports of garments, tea, coconut, diamonds, gems, jewellery and food products. In January 2025, services export income rose to about USD 329 million. Earlier, as a bankrupt nation, we could not import vehicles; now, with stability, we can. Until now, many laws passed by previous rulers were anti-people. But yesterday, a Bill passed in this House turned history: this Parliament, which did not even speak of ordinary workers’ pensions, has now considered the rights of working people and taken steps; and it has abolished the luxury pension of the “masters”—the representatives who enjoyed cushioned lives through Parliament. That is historic. The world recognizes this Government as moving towards democracy. In that context, Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is now a leader who has earned a place in history. All 159 Members on the Government side spoke up for estate workers’ wage increase. The Opposition argued that granting the additional Rs. 200 was unlawful. Yet, when the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill came, they shouted against it here. We can see how some Members speak—silent when it matters, slandering; loud speeches like street songs. Alongside economic development, our Government is advancing plans to uplift working people. This time, estate workers obtained a wage increase without protests—another historic achievement. This Government consistently advances ethnic, religious and linguistic harmony. The Opposition labeled NPP “anti-religious” and “racist.” We are, and always have been, protectors of unity. Recent examples include the Esala Perahera at the Temple of the Tooth, Pongal celebrations, and the Maha Shivaratri observances, which were conducted under the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, H.E. Sunil Senewi. The Government will fully support the upcoming Ramadan festivities, and Christmas likewise. As we advance unity, those who trade in division are restless because they have no chance. An Opposition Member earlier effectively conducted self-criticism here—saying this Government will not last, and how a politician should behave when it falls. Positions and titles are given to serve the people, not to enjoy privilege. We did not come here to behave like past rulers or to bankrupt the nation. Our slogan has been “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life”: to build a prosperous nation and a beautiful life for the people. The President, AKD, stands ready to lead that, and the Government stands with him. I conclude by saying the NPP Government is ready to make Sri Lanka a prosperous nation and give our people a beautiful life. Thank you.