Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe

Hon. Deputy Speaker, we are debating a new regulation issued under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017. Many points relevant to this debate have been presented, including by the Opposition Leader and by the President this morning. An unexpected situation—one none of us wished for—has arisen in the world and in our country. The focus of this debate has been its economic impact. The President called the attention of world leaders to this situation. Ours is not a Government that accepts any attempt by one state to subjugate another. We also stand for the protection of fundamental human rights. Amid the present war, the Middle East is severely affected. Attacks on Iran and other countries there have caused great difficulties to over a million Sri Lankans working in the region, and through that, to our economy. None of us wants war. Powerful states manufacture wars—to project power or to control resources and markets. Such wars ultimately inflict suffering on the people. Previously, the conflict was between Palestine and Israel; now it is spreading across the Middle East. Our position as a Government is that world leaders must immediately intervene to stop this war and uphold the right to life. Every life has value, wherever it is lost. The injustice inflicted by war must end. As to what the Government must say or do, we will speak for ourselves; we won’t wait for the Opposition to prompt us. Turning to the regulation, the Opposition Leader spoke about gas, coal and oil—and said poverty has increased. I looked to see what data he used. He referred to the Official Poverty Line published annually by the Department of Census and Statistics. We remember a time when a Minister claimed a person could live on Rs. 2,500 a month. Today the Opposition Leader used a similar argument. He forgot, however, what the poverty line was when he was in office from 2015 to 2019. Inflation and deflation affect the poverty line. Officially, as of January 2026, the poverty line is Rs. 16,730. Anyone with an income below that is counted as poor. In 2012–2013 it was Rs. 5,223; in 2016, Rs. 6,117; in 2019, Rs. 6,966. Due to the economic crisis and the sharp depreciation of the rupee, by December 2022 it rose to Rs. 13,777; in 2024 it was Rs. 17,014. By January 2026 it fell to Rs. 16,730. That decline shows inflation is under control and prices are stabilizing. District values vary—Colombo Rs. 18,044; Gampaha Rs. 17,951; the national value is Rs. 16,730. This does not show an increase in poverty; rather, by this measure there is some reduction. On gas and oil: the Government has ensured uninterrupted gas supply. For this year alone, we have contracted for 380,000 metric tons. We brought 24,000 MT in January and 28,000 MT in February. For March, 38,000 MT have been contracted; some has already arrived on the 1st, another vessel arrives today, and by the 31st ten vessels will have arrived bringing 38,000 MT. Our monthly requirement this March is 32,000 MT, and distribution is ongoing. Do not create unnecessary panic about gas or fuel stocks. We have agreements to procure adequate quantities. Today’s plan is to distribute 82,901 of the 12.5 kg cylinders, 20,500 of the 5 kg, and 21,199 of the 2.5 kg. Daily distribution has been increased from 1,200 MT to 1,800 MT. One company has sold about 400,000 cylinders but failed to supply adequate gas to the market. We told them clearly: if you want to ensure uninterrupted supply, bring in gas; you cannot meet demand by ad hoc loads. They have now agreed, and on the 28th brought 3,675 MT, of which 3,420 MT have been released, with 255 MT pending. They discharge at the tanks in Colombo. Further vessels of 3,675 MT each are due on 10 March and 20 March—about 11,025 MT for this month. Their monthly supply target is 10,000 MT and they have made arrangements. They have also been permitted to procure an additional 10,000 MT into Hambantota from their supplier. Therefore, there is no reason for queues for either yellow or blue cylinders. If a shortage still develops and consumers are put under pressure, we have arranged to provide 100,000 new cylinders; technical assessments are underway and we will start releasing cylinders to the market from the 12th. If the company supplying the yellow cylinders still fails to serve its customers and keeps consumers under continuous pressure, we will have to consider allowing exchanges to blue cylinders. The Consumer Affairs Authority is monitoring the market. On fuel, we have concluded arrangements. Since October, 17 vessels have come from India and about five from Singapore. There is no issue with fuel or gas supply. Our storage capacity is about five days for gas and just under a month for fuel. Therefore we are proceeding with projects to build a gas tank complex and to modernize and expand oil storage. Whatever is said in this debate, we tell the people: do not panic and rush to purchase. Adequate fuel and gas are being supplied. Difficulties are now easing. On inflation statistics, Colombo CPI rose from 136 in 2016 to 155 in 2019, 264 in 2022, 308 in 2023 and declined to around 300 in 2024. Inflation is easing, and the poverty line has edged down accordingly. With political and economic stability restored, we are creating a better climate for investors, agriculture and our people to live better lives. We are taking all necessary measures even amidst these conditions to avoid hardship to the public and to provide relief. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.