2026-02-18 / debate: Special Commodity Levy Act Order, Customs Ordinance Resolution, Motor Traffic Act Regulations 2026-02-18
## Summary
Hon. Lal Premanath delivered a speech defending the current government's governance record in the context of debates on transport regulations, contrasting the administration's approach with that of previous governments. He argued that the government is fundamentally transparent and accountable, claiming no misuse of public funds, and that budget commitments are being fulfilled within their respective fiscal years.
The member highlighted several specific policy commitments: a target of 55,000 housing units in the current year across three ministries (including 1,000 homes each for youth leaving state care and parents who have dedicated children to religious life), a LKR 6,000 million Cabinet-approved hospital replacement in Deniyaya, Matara District, and an education policy goal of placing schools within three kilometres of every child. He also defended the government's decision to abolish MPs' pensions as a necessary fiscal measure, criticising former politicians who publicly opposed the move, and framing it within the broader context of national economic recovery from debt default and depleted foreign reserves.
Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity.
The Hon. Minister of Transport and the Deputy Ministers have clarified many points on the regulations, orders and resolutions before us. Instead of constructive facts, the Opposition continues with habitual critiques. I believe we must tell the public how the Government actually governs.
Our system of governance is fundamentally different—by quality, scale and sacrifice—from what existed before. The Opposition still views such a Government with an immature lens. We do not treat citizens merely as voters; we engage them systematically as active partners in governance and development, from village level upwards, ensuring inclusive decision-making and facilities. We are building a strong political culture to bind all to this governance.
From the President downwards, Cabinet and Members strive to uphold integrity and transparency. We can state categorically that we have not misused even a rupee of public funds, nor allowed anyone else to do so. We are collectively accountable for every rupee and for every Gazette, order or regulation we bring; we strive to turn every decision into reality.
We presented a program to serve a people who suffered for a long time. In the Budget, everything promised is completed before the end of the budget year. The first Budget’s pledges were delivered; the second Budget (for 2026) is being implemented as planned. Any past shortcomings are reviewed and corrected through self-criticism to serve the people better.
We recognize the great housing need. The Minister has pledged to build at least 55,000 houses this year, with three Ministries intervening. For children leaving care at 18, 1,000 houses are being provided; for parents who dedicate their children to religious life, 1,000 houses are planned; and other Ministries are aligning to deliver on the overall target.
On health, we are building a preventive-focused system to create a healthy population. In Deniyaya, Matara District, an over 150-year-old hospital at risk of landslides is being replaced with a new fully equipped hospital at a cost of LKR 6,000 million—Cabinet has approved. Previously, hospitals were sited based on political convenience; now we plan by geography and population needs.
Likewise in education, we aim for every child to have a school within three kilometers—ideally a 1.5 km walk—so education supports Clean Sri Lanka and poverty alleviation programs to change mindsets and build a compassionate generation. The Prime Minister, as Minister of Education, is making major sacrifices—and yet is insulted by some.
Those who claim to love the people protested when we abolished MPs’ pensions. I saw a former Minister, rejected by the people, crying in public about the pension. If they had truly served, we would not have had to take such tough decisions to rebuild this bankrupt, reserve-drained, debt-defaulted country with no international trust. This is not easy, but we are doing it—not for pensions or luxury.