2026-02-18 / debate: Special Commodity Levy Act Order, Customs Ordinance Resolution, Motor Traffic Act Regulations 2026-02-18
## Summary
Deputy Minister Jayawardhana defended several Special Commodity Levy (SCL) gazette notifications, explaining that the reduction in the SCL on Pakistani mandarins stems from Sri Lanka's Free Trade Agreement obligations with Pakistan, while increases in SCLs on potatoes (LKR 60 to 80/kg) and big onions (LKR 10 to 50/kg) were implemented to protect domestic farmers' prices at harvest time. He argued that the government's economic management has delivered measurable results, citing Verité Research polling showing rising public approval and economic confidence, GDP growth of approximately 5%, USD 3.9 billion in external debt serviced, and resumed vehicle import approvals. The Deputy Minister also defended the government's decision to abolish the existing MPs' pension scheme, contrasting it with public service pension requirements, and cited IMF Managing Director Georgieva's recent commendation of Sri Lanka's governance and anti-corruption reforms as international validation of the government's approach.
Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the debate concerns regulations, orders and a resolution under existing Acts: notably, under the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007, and matters under the Revenue Protection Act, No. 19 of 1962.
On the SCL Gazette relating to mandarins: the current SCL of LKR 120/kg is being rationalized because we have entered a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan. Under the FTA, Sri Lanka imports about 1,800 items from Pakistan, and exports over 600 Sri Lankan items there. Pakistan has formally requested that duties on their mandarins be aligned with the FTA. Hence this Gazette.
On broader SCL policy: SCLs are also used to stabilize market prices and ensure fair farmgate prices for domestic producers. For potatoes, following farmers’ requests and discussions at the Food Security Committee, with Cabinet approval, we raised the SCL from LKR 60/kg to LKR 80/kg. For big onions, we raised it from LKR 10/kg to LKR 50/kg—after farmers in Dambulla and elsewhere protested they could not sell their produce. Because onion is typically a single-season crop annually, and potatoes three to four seasons, managing import duty windows at harvest times is crucial to maintain fair prices.
The Opposition keeps peddling falsehoods. Verité Research reports public approval for the Government has risen to 65%. Economic sentiment improved from 28% in 2024 to 35% in 2025, and now 57%. People saying the country is getting better rose from 30% to 64%. Satisfaction with how things are being run rose from 17% (2024) to 46% (2025) and now 59%. Public trust is earned—not gifted—by stabilizing the economy and transmitting benefits to the people. More dividends will reach people this year.
On housing: five Ministries together are building thousands of houses for the needy nationwide; in Colombo, six high-rise schemes will provide about 5,000 units for the urban poor—works begin this year.
On claims we follow “Ranil’s framework”: his approach was to block all money flows—restrict imports, halt dollar outflows, and suppress domestic expansion including in construction. Then any tiny uptick is called “growth.” We, by contrast, have reopened the economy: development projects, construction, BOI projects are moving; USD 1.9 billion was released for vehicle imports; USD 3.9 billion in external debt was serviced; and growth has reached around 5%. While the Opposition chants “nothing is happening,” we are rebuilding from the ground up with a clear plan.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva recently said: “Sri Lanka now has a unique opportunity for faster development and sustainable progress through the Government’s commitment to good governance and anti-corruption reforms.” The IMF and World Bank, and many countries, are supporting us—not because they know nothing, but because Sri Lanka’s President, Ministers, Members and public officials are driving disciplined governance reforms.
On MPs’ pensions: a public servant needs at least 10 years for a minimum pension and 30 years for a full pension. An MP, after five years—working or not—got a full pension, with add-ons. Of course some will tremble when that is ended. In what country do you get a full parliamentary pension after five years, often alongside ill-gotten gains? We have a responsibility to the people who mandated this Government.
On disaster relief for Cyclone Michaung: the IMF is providing USD 200 million for relief; the World Bank and others are helping too. While the Opposition may not see it, we value it. We will steer this country on a development path free of corruption.
Thank you.