2026-02-18 / debate: Special Commodity Levy Act Order, Customs Ordinance Resolution, Motor Traffic Act Regulations 2026-02-18
## Summary
Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe challenged the government's economic and anti-corruption narratives, arguing that claims of VAT abolition, growth, and accountability are misleading. He cited a Dinamina report indicating that food insecurity has doubled from 16% to 32% of families, presented Corruption Perceptions Index data showing Sri Lanka's ranking has deteriorated to 107th, and contended that reported GDP growth figures were artificially inflated by vehicle import revenues rather than genuine investment. He also listed specific government vehicle registration numbers assigned to senior officials across multiple ministries and provincial bodies to counter government criticism of opposition vehicle use, and questioned the administration's unfulfilled pledges to recover stolen assets and prosecute the Rajapaksas. The speaker concluded by dismissing the abolition of MPs' pensions as a minor and overstated measure, accusing the government of hypocrisy in enjoying official perquisites while the public faces economic hardship.
VAT was not abolished as claimed—stop lying. You promised nothing would be taken except what benefits ordinary people; yet you use vehicles, official residences, and keep flying abroad; Ministers travel business class; helicopters too—while the country is not developing. There is no genuine growth or investment.
Look at the people: 32% of families are going hungry—reported in Dinamina. Last year it was 16%; now 32%. Vegetables are eaten only four days a week; 33% have cut meals; 20% sell their gold. For Cyclone Michaung reconstruction, USD 6.5 billion is needed; only USD 0.17 billion has arrived.
On the Corruption Perceptions Index: in 2014 Sri Lanka was 85th; 2015, 83rd; 2016, 95th; 2017, 91st; 2018, 89th; 2019, 93rd. Under this Government at end-2024 we sank to 121st; now 107th—still poor.
You shouted about bringing billions back and jailing the Rajapaksas—where are they jailed? Not one. Those who rode the Aragalaya now talk about strikes, but it was your side that led destructive strikes and shutdowns then.
As for growth claims, when Ranil Wickremesinghe took over a bankrupt country he lifted growth to 5.4%. Your 2025 quarters—4.8%, 4.9%, 5.2%—were flattered by vehicle imports: you sent out USD 1 billion and counted USD 2 billion in taxes to puff up growth. Real investment is lacking. The dollar is around LKR 309 now; it was LKR 290 then. Families are struggling while you enjoy luxury—travel, comforts—nothing has changed in decades.
You run to India; once you attacked India, now you are best friends—secret deals, foreign alignments. Don’t accuse us of jealousy. We travelled to those countries decades ago.
You lecture about vehicles; I won’t sling mud, but here are just numbers and posts:
- PK-6305 – Director-General, Urban Development Authority
- PG-9359 – Secretary, Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development
- CAT-1605 – Director-General, Department of Wildlife Conservation
- PD-9097 – Director-General, Samurdhi Department
- CAE-7785 – Secretary, Ministry of Education
- PD-8669 – Indian Higher Education Centres (Private)
- PG-7178 – Commissioner General’s Department, Ministry of Buddha Sasana
- PG-0813 – President’s Secretary
- PE-8853 – Southern Provincial Ministry of Education
- [No. 1011-0741] – Southern Province Governor’s Secretariat
- [No. 1818-5111] – Eastern Province Chief Secretary
- PG-5772 – Eastern Province Chief Secretary
- PC-4109 – Nuwara Eliya District Secretary
You boast of abolishing MPs’ pensions for a small group of Members. Many here are not career politicians; some serve 30–40 years under hardship. If you want to give such a person a pension, do so—but don’t make false grand claims. A year has passed; what have you changed, apart from enjoying official vehicles, residences and luxuries? Do not lie to the people.
Thank you.