Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
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Following is the throne speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (8) following the ceremonial opening of the fourth session of Parliament.
The moment the schoolchildren sang the National Anthem and Jayamangala Gatha during the last Independence Day celebration, I was convinced of the need to secure their future. Are these children confident of their future?
Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland who visited Sri Lanka for the Independence Day celebration, had discussions with groups of youth in our country. They had pointed out that their confidence of the future has been eroded due to the developments over a long period of time. Do they have full confidence in their future?
The day after Independence Day, a special supplementary was published in the Sunday Times newspaper, where some youth had expressed their opinions regarding the present situation in our country.
Mathisha Udawatta says, “While leaving the country is a constant resonating thought, there is still a smallest spark inside me that’s holding me close to home. I intend not to let it die. I have not given up on my Sri Lanka yet.”
Clifford Fernando has the idea that, “I won’t migrate, but I sincerely hope there will be a change in the situation in Sri Lanka. All our attitudes need to change, better discipline is needed, people need to obey rules and show more empathy towards each other.”
Cilani Wijesinghe says, “I don’t want to leave my country – I wish to help it come out of the situation it is in, currently. I also don’t want the people leaving at a time the country needs them the most, only to come back when things are better.”
While reading these comments, I was reminded of the twins who came to meet me recently in Anuradhapura. These girls met me at the end of the ceremony of awarding credentials to Atamasthanadhipathi, Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. Namadi and Chenuti Perera are studying in Year 5, at Maliadeva Balaka Vidyalaya, Kurunegala. The rendition of their song ‘I will not leave the country’ was presented to me on a CD. I request the television channels to broadcast that song after my speech today.
These children and youth are the future generation of our country, who wish to rebuild the nation, without leaving. It is our responsibility to create a country where they can live freely. Therefore, this is your responsibility, the Honourable Members of the House. This is also the responsibility of every Sri Lankan.
I believe everyone remembers the situation the country was in when I addressed the opening of the previous Session of the Parliament. You may recall the country’s situation when the last budget was presented and also seven to eight months ago.
Schools closed. Examinations could not be held. Agriculture and plantation industries collapsed without fertiliser. Farmers were helpless. The tourism industry declined. Power cuts of 10 to 12 hours were imposed. Gas was almost over. Residents of urban houses were lost being unable to cook. People had to waste days in queues for kerosene, petrol and diesel. Lives were sacrificed by citizens who were exhausted staying in queues. Unable to bear this pressure, people took to the streets in protest.
However, the situation is different at present. Due to the measures taken, we have been successful in reducing this burden gradually. Now there is stability in the economy. People are comfortable. We have been able to safely guide Mother Sri Lanka a long way across a challenging course. It was not an easy journey. However, it is not yet over.
We committed to securing the financial system that was on the verge of collapse. Government expenditure was controlled. Measures were taken to increase tax revenue.
We know that tax revenues decreased due to decisions taken in the past. As of 31 December 2019, 1.6 million businesses, companies and individuals paid taxes. However, by December 2021, the number of taxpayers decreased to 500,000. Government tax revenues fell to an all-time low.
Realising the destruction this caused to the economy of the country, many institutions and organisations requested to revert to the tax system which existed in 2019. In April 2022, the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA) presented short-term proposals for economic and social revival.
Section 3.3 of said proposal states,
• Re-introduction of PAYE (pay-as-you-earn) tax system
• All officers of state enterprises should personally pay taxes from their salary and not through the relevant institutions and employers
• Re-introduction of Withholding Tax
• Suspension of all tax exemptions
• Revision of the income slabs for taxation and the level of turnover subject to Value-Added Tax
The SASA presented this proposal even before the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund were initiated. Presently these are the suggestions we have implemented.
However, it is the same people who requested such tax policies, who are criticising the present tax regime. Introducing new tax policies is a politically unpopular decision. Remember, I’m not here to be popular. I want to rebuild this nation from the crisis situation it has fallen into. Yes, I’m ready to make unpopular decisions for the sake of the nation. People will realise the importance of those decisions in two to three years.
Some people say that the primary taxable income should be raised from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000. Others say that the PAYE tax method should be abolished. We did not impose these taxes willingly. However, just doing what we like will not build the nation. Even reluctantly, the right policy should be implemented.
If PAYE tax is abolished, the country will lose Rs. 100 billion. If the tax limit is raised to Rs. 200,000, the economy will lose Rs. 63 billion. The total amount that will be lost is Rs. 163 billion. We are presently not in a position to lose this income.
Due to the present economic crisis, the tax burden is more strongly felt. There is an important fact to be considered. At present, most of the taxes are paid by the general public. Since taxes from individuals and institutions directly liable for taxes are not being properly collected, all Sri Lankans pay huge sums of money as indirect taxes. A large number of people who are not liable to pay taxes, pay it by default. These taxes are called indirect taxes.
In other countries, most of the taxes are collected from a higher income bracket. In 2021, in India – 50% direct tax, and indirect 50%. Bangladesh – direct tax 32%, and indirect 68%. Nepal – direct 31% and indirect tax, 69%. Indonesia – direct tax 40%, and indirect 60%. Vietnam – direct tax 31% with indirect being 69%. Thailand, direct taxes 37%, and indirect 63%. Malaysia, direct tax 66% and indirect 34%.
However, the situation in our country is different. In 2021, our direct tax was 21% while indirect was 79%.
Therefore, we should take action to rectify this tax divergence. Then the tax burden on the general public will be reduced.
Inflation rises during an economic crisis. The price of goods increases. Employment is at risk. Businesses collapse. Taxes increase. It is difficult for all sections of the society to survive. However, if we endure this hardship for another five to six months, we can reach a solution. If we continue in this manner, we will be able to give an additional allowance to public servants in the third and fourth quarters of the year, and give concessions to the private sector. The public would become prosperous, with income sources being increased. The interest rate can be reduced. In another three years, the present income can be increased by 75%.
Despite difficulties, we have taken measures to protect the vulnerable groups suffering due to the economic crisis. This has been fully supported by the World Bank.
However, the welfare system in our country is distorted. Even those with higher incomes are subsidised. We are taking measures to change this situation. Those in absolute poverty are identified. A program is being prepared to finance them directly through a welfare bank account.
However, some groups are trying to disrupt this process. They uphold the reduction of taxes, raise wages, etc. if they come to power, and attempt to organise various activities to sabotage the present process.
I never promise what cannot be delivered, and never lie in seeking power. I am currently implementing all the pledges in the budget speech and the last opening session of the Parliament. Through this, we have been able to create some stability in the economy. It is clear to many that the future cannot be built on falsehood.
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Moving from a negative economy towards a positive one
We are now moving from a negative economy towards a positive one. By the end of 2023, we can achieve economic growth.
When I first addressed this Parliament as the President, the inflation of the country was 70%. Due to the measures we have implemented, it was reduced to 54% in January 2023. We will strive to make it a single digit by the end of 2023.
By the end of 2022, we were able to increase the export income to $ 13 billion. Local entrepreneurs worked hard towards making this possible. Also, we were able to limit the cost of imports to a level of $ 18 billion. Migrant workers have been extremely supportive to the motherland at this critical juncture. By the end of 2022, their remittance reached $ 4 billion in foreign exchange.
Our entrepreneurs and migrant workers made this commitment in the context of political parties and groups influencing them on diverse fronts. They have proven that they increase export revenues and remit money to Sri Lanka not according to the political party in power, but for the sake of the country. All of them deserve our respect.
We have now been able to increase the foreign reserves which had fallen to zero up to $ 500 million.
We were able to revive the tourism sector. Tourists visited Sri Lanka even in the midst of political street protests. Sri Lanka was designated among the top 10 tourist destinations in the world. The number of tourists who visited Sri Lanka in the month of January is over 100,000, which is a record.
We are making progress in all sectors, in this manner.
Some time ago, Greece was in a serious economic crisis similar to that of Sri Lanka, and declared bankruptcy. To overcome this crisis, the salaries of public servants were reduced by 50%. It took them 13 years to emerge from bankruptcy and repay their debts. During that period, they received aid from the IMF three times.
However, if we continue according to this plan, we can rise out of bankruptcy by 2026. As I have been continuously appealing, if all the parties in this Parliament join the process to build the country, we would be able to extricate ourselves from this crisis even earlier.
We left the IMF in 2020. That short-sighted decision has also affected the current situation. Bangladesh was able to obtain IMF assistance early, as they had continued to be in that process. We had to initiate the process from the beginning. However, amidst all the difficulties, we started this journey.
Now we are negotiating debt restructuring with our creditors. The only other way is to get support from the International Monetary Fund, which could be progressed based on negotiations. We have no other way but this process. I request the political parties criticising our course of action, to please present their alternative solution to this House.
We have now reached the final stage of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. We were able to reach a basic agreement last September and now there is the debt sustainability program.
In this context, we also discussed with the Paris Club. We have continued negotiations with India and China, which are not members of the Paris Club. India has agreed to debt restructuring and has extended financial assurance. On the one hand, the Paris Club and India are continuing discussions. We are in direct discussions with China. We have received positive responses from all parties. We are now working towards unifying the approaches of other countries and that of China. I express our gratitude to all the countries that support us in this effort.
The Paris Club announced yesterday that they will extend unstinted support for the Agreement with the IMF and debt restructuring. With that announcement, we received the Paris Club endorsement. They took this decision after a round of discussions with their member countries, and in addition India as well as the World Bank and the IMF.
This decision, for us, is a great strength and courage, for which I am grateful.
The international support demonstrates that we are on the right path. This is reconfirmed by the pressure on the public becoming less than before.
The tourism sector is reviving. The collapsed agriculture and plantation sector is recovering. It is predicted that the harvest will increase in the Maha Season. Financial provisions have been allocated to purchase these crops. A plan has been implemented to process paddy to rice worth Rs. 20 billion with its distribution free of charge to low-income families, with 10 kilos of rice being given twice a month. Power cuts have now reduced. School activities are returning to normal. Children have commenced undertaking educational trips. Exams are being conducted. Continue on this path and build the country, or destroy this path and ruin the country with sloganeering politics? The decision is before us.
We know that the decision of the majority of people who love the country and do not have narrow political agendas, is to continue in this manner.
Sri Lanka’s economy today is severely damaged. Its malaise needs to be immediately diagnosed and treated accordingly. However, people are pointing to the mistakes made by those in-charge and are urging them to be punished first.
Cure the malady first
However, I try to cure the malady first, after which we can take further measures. We should prioritise curing the ailment, which is what I am doing.
However, as soon as this critical condition is addressed, we will take another step to eliminate the recurrence of such a crisis. For this purpose, we are introducing an Anti-Corruption Bill. We are taking steps to include the “Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative (StAR)” into this Bill, together with the World Bank and the United Nations.
By obtaining the agreement of the IMF, we will be able to stabilise the economy. However, we have more steps to take in moving forward.
With the certification by the IMF, we would be able to receive loan assistance from other international financial institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, etc. Accordingly, the confidence of investors will also be established. Therefore, there will be a tendency for foreign exchange to flow into the country. We should use such financial aid for the development of the country through efficient management.
Together with this, we can get significant growth in the tourism industry. A number of development projects that have been halted can also be resumed.
Also, the economic reforms required for our country should be implemented. We neglected economic reforms for the sake of narrow political agendas. The burden of loss-making government institutions was borne by the people. Last year, the loss of state-owned enterprises was approximately Rs. 800 billion. The people have been bearing all that loss for many years. However, they do not realise this situation. They bear the burden of these loss-making government institutions. Even the most destitute have to bear the cost of maintaining these institutions.
Therefore, we should immediately carry out economic reforms. Countries like Thailand and Vietnam that have taken such steps are moving forward day by day. Otherwise it would retard our economic development.
We need to accurately identify the role of the Government in these reforms. The strategy of the Government should be to guide the private sector in business activities, while being in the background. Government should intervene only in areas such as monitoring functions, public facilities and maintenance of law and order. The private sector should be used as the driving force of the economy. Also, private entrepreneurship should be utilised to strengthen foreign economic relations.
There are many instances where state sector land and buildings are wasted without being used for any productive purpose. We expect to use them productively. There are a number of fertile lands owned by government institutions, which have become forest land. There are thousands of acres of abandoned paddy lands. We are working towards utilising all that effectively for agriculture.
Also, projects based on credit will be implemented in the future only based on an evaluation process. It is imperative to stop the practice of directing public investment for political reasons.
In the past, the banking system has been weakened since these institutions have given grace periods for the recovery of loans. Now that the grace period is over, the banks are re-vitalising.
At the same time, our attention has been focused on businesses that have collapsed due to difficulties. With the growth of the economy, we are taking measures to provide them with the necessary facilities to rebuild.
We expect to use technology to the maximum for increasing production, providing goods and services, industrial and agricultural modernisation, etc.
Currently, the revenue of the country is 8.15% of the GDP. It is our expectation to increase this to 15%.
An international organisation with experience in solving financial crises made the following statement about our country: “Sri Lanka has a reputation for ‘kicking the can down the road’ – this leads to problems avoided rather than solved in the long term.”
We avoided problems and did not seek long-term solutions. We are all presently experiencing the result of that behaviour.
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The conflict in the North and East
Remember that currently, we are facing an economic crisis which is more decisive than the past conflict in the North and East. Though ethnic groups were divided during that conflict, all Sri Lankans have to cooperate in this current struggle. If we ignore the problems without a solution, we will lose overcoming this economic catastrophe, and therefore will be dependent economically. Therefore, it is our responsibility to bear the hardships and provide the necessary support to win this economic crisis.
Surviving the economic extremity to create a developed economy in our country, would culminate in ensuring peace and harmony among the communities in our nation.
Both Hon. R. Sambandan and I were elected to Parliament in 1977. We both have a common dream, which is to provide a sustainable solution to the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka while we are both in Parliament. Ever since, we have been discussing that dream and have been making efforts towards its achievement. All previous attempts have failed, but we wish to succeed this time. We expect your support to this end.
The conflict in the North and East affected the entire nation and many areas were severely damaged. The Northern Province entirely and several areas in the Eastern and North Central Provinces suffered immensely from the war. We are taking steps to put more weight on the development of these areas. A general plan is being implemented in this regard.
We know that there are still unresolved issues related to land in the North. In the Jaffna district, there are 3,300 acres of State land including security camps. The extent of 100 acres that had been taken over for the Palali Camp were recently released. A decision has to be made regarding more land to be released for which discussions are being held with the Army and other parties. Discussions have also been initiated regarding the lands around other security camps.
Not only in the North and East, but also in the other provinces of the country, there is a serious problem regarding the availability of land. Forest lands were determined through a Gazette notification 12 years ago. At that time it was based on GPS maps. Due to the conflict and other reasons, many village lands were gazetted as forests. Now the conflict is over. Due to the reason for lands owned by the people being gazetted as forests, there has been a great injustice to the community. People from Monaragala to Jaffna are facing this problem.
We will take steps to correct this injustice through re-gazetting the forests and lands according to the 1985 map.
We are streamlining and expediting the process of tracing missing persons. The mechanism of the Office on Missing Persons will be strengthened.
Our attention has also been focused on the people who have been imprisoned for being involved in terrorist activities. They have been imprisoned for many years without trial. We are taking measures to systematically release these prisoners.
Drafts are being prepared to establish a National Land Council and a National Land Policy.
It is alleged that due to certain practices of the Central Government, the powers of the Provincial Councils have been reduced in the fields of education and health. Therefore, we envision bringing new laws regarding the implementation of powers of the Provincial Councils in these fields.
Amendment will be introduced to the following Acts in order to regularise and streamline the delegation process. The Transfer of Powers (Divisional Secretaries) Act No. 58 of 1992, the Provincial Councils (Consequential Provisions) Act No. 12 of 1989 and Provincial Councils (Amendment) Act No. 28 of 1990.
We expect to establish a modern system for the District Development Councils to streamline the coordination functions between the Provincial Councils and the Central Government.
We will present all these Ordinances and Bills to the National Council of the Parliament. The responsibility of making the final decision is assigned to the National Council.
DIG divisional boundaries are currently not based on provincial boundaries. Due to this, a number of practical difficulties have arisen. Therefore, we expect to determine the boundaries of DIG divisions according to the provinces.
There is no change in police powers.
The report of the Presidential Commission headed by Mr. A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Supreme Court Judge to investigate the violation of human rights, serious violations of international human rights laws, has now been received. Its recommendations are currently being studied.
A separate plan is being implemented for the development of the North, which was the most damaged due to the conflict. Malwatu Oya development project will be commenced. Necessary measures will be taken for the river and water management in the Eastern Province, restoration of Vadamarachchi Lake and lagoon, and accordingly, which will provide water for drinking and agricultural purposes.
The electricity requirement in these areas is expected to be generated through renewable energy. Solar and green hydrogen power are also used for this purpose.
More opportunities will be created in the tourism sector. Investment zones will be established. The required technology and facilities will be provided for the modernisation of agriculture.
The Kankesanthurai Port is being modernised and expanded. Trincomalee is being developed as a modern international city. A special development plan is also being launched for the Eastern and North-Central provinces that have suffered economic and social setbacks during the conflict.
Special attention is being paid to the Upcountry Tamil community, who were first brought to Sri Lanka 200 years ago, to develop the plantation industry in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Soumyamurthy Thondaman, who rendered yeoman service towards the plantation sector and I were in the Cabinet of Ministers together. Both of us worked together for the welfare of the plantation community. We have already granted all their legal rights. However, many problems related to economic and social rights still remain. To solve these problems, we expect to discuss with the MPs representing the plantation sector and take necessary measures. The plantation community, which has been struggling to feed the Sri Lankan economy for two centuries, should be integrated as a whole in the Sri Lankan community.
When I was elected to the Parliament, my Cabinet Minister was Mr. A.C.S. Hamid who made me aware of the unique situations faced by Sri Lankan Muslims. We know that the Muslim community faces various problems from time to time and they have our full support.
The Sinhalese community is also facing issues of their own which require open discussion. We expect to recognise the communities that are marginalised in society especially due to caste discrimination.
There will be no division of the country
Considering all the facts, we expect to devolve power within a Unitary State. However, I wish to reiterate a fact that has been emphasised on many occasions. There will be no division of the country.
I don’t have a political group in this Parliament. The Party I represent has only one MP. However, as the President, I do not represent that Party. I represent the entire nation. Therefore, I do not engage in party politics.
I will implement all these proposals through the National Assembly of the Parliament. In addition, we regulate the Jana Sabha Act for the function of representing public opinion.
As I have emphasised many times before, the time has come to think anew and embark on a journey accordingly. The traditional politics that we have followed so far is no longer valid. Deceptions made with lies and illusions for political gains are not suitable for the future.
Some political parties that discuss system change propose to change others instead of themselves. This is also a part of traditional politics. If we come, we will change, that’s what they say. We are staying out of line, and trying to change others.
Those who make their lives at risk for Independent Commissions, say no to them in the face of power. Those who rejected the Executive Presidential System discuss the manner in which those powers would be used when they are elected. They change the policies for power.
These are issues we have experienced from the past to date.
I suggest that we should change this situation. Otherwise, none of us can make a change in the system.
Change should begin from within ourselves
Change should begin from within ourselves. We all should change and that too should be for the betterment. As politicians we should change for the better. Political parties, the parliament, the executive, the judiciary and the public service should change for the better.
For this change, we have already established the Parliamentary Oversight Committee System. However, youth representatives have not still been appointed to these Committees. I request this Parliament to implement this system at the earliest. It is your responsibility in this House to get the maximum benefit from the Parliamentary Oversight Committees.
We will not stop there. Steps are being taken to make all the MPs active stakeholders in the governance.
For this purpose,
• A Parliamentary Budget Office will be established as a fully independent entity.
• At present, the rules and regulations regarding the conduct of MPs are insufficient. A Conduct of MPs and Parliamentary Standards Act will be drafted, following the example of countries such as the United Kingdom.
• We have practically recognised that the Preferential Voting system is corrupt. Therefore, the entire nation strongly feels the necessity for a new electoral system. We are working to appoint a Selective Committee on the Election system after discussing this with the Party Leaders. I believe that intellectuals, youth and women should be given adequate space in the envisaged new electoral system.
We should pay close attention to the political parties currently operating in Sri Lanka. Rather than political parties, political alliances created to win elections are represented in the current Parliament. Most of these political parties have been sold for cash. The party and the logo are being sold, as on the pavement in Pettah. Some get sold. Cases have been filed before the court regarding the ownership of parties.
I will appoint a Presidential Commission to look into the Political Parties of Sri Lanka and submit a report regarding the methodology which they should implement.
This Commission is entrusted with the responsibility of looking into matters such as party registration, transparent functioning, membership rights, obtaining funds and income, expenditure on election campaigns, use of mass media, etc.
In this regard, it is expected to be based on the Political Parties Act of Kenya, Germany and Norway, the European Public Accountability Methodology (EuroPAM), the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act of the United Kingdom.
In order for a better future, new institutions, rules and programs are being introduced.
We are establishing a new Institute of History, Institute of Economics and Trade, and an Institute for Women and Gender. Also, four new universities are being established, namely, the University of Government and Public Policy, University of Agro-Technology, University of Climate Change and the University of Sports.
Steps are also being taken to introduce new rules and ordinances.
• National Commission on Women’s Act
• Gender Equality Act
• Women’s Empowerment Act
• Child Safety Act
• Youth Parliament Control Act
• Narcotics Command Headquarters Act
• Truth and the Reconciliation Commission
• Prevention of Terrorism and National Security Act
• The Public Performance Board Ordinance currently in force will be repealed. An Art Classification Act will be prepared based on the right of expression in the Constitution.
Our country is located in the climate change zone. Therefore, we should pay special attention to climate change. If we act according to proper practice in that regard, we will also have the space to get green provisions.
Taking all of them into consideration, we are taking steps to introduce these Ordinances.
• Climate Change Act
• Social Justice Commission Act
• Reforestation and Tree Cover Act
• Living Entity Act – Mahaweli Ganga, Sinharajaya, Sripada Adaviya and Peak wilderness, Horton Plains, Knuckles, Adam’s Bridge will be covered under this Act.
• Law for Ocean Resources Exploration and Management
• Muthurajawela Conservation Act
New ordinances are being introduced for the economy. Zero Budgeting will be introduced for public expenditure management.
• Revenue Authority Act
• National Debt Management Act
• Food Security Act
• Public Property Management Act
• Economic Stabilization Act
• National Pension Contribution Act
• New Excise Act
• Amendments to the Foreign Exchange Act
• Bankruptcy Act
• Foreign Trade and Investment Act
• Digital Technology Act
• Department of Cinnamon Development Act
• Divorce by Mutual Consent Act
In order to succeed in such economic, social and political reforms, it is essential to make the community aware, based on accurate facts. The main role of making the society aware belongs to the media.
Journalists should be given national and international level training in that regard. In 1993, as the Prime Minister, I appointed a Committee with Dr. Gamini Corea as the Chairperson, in order to obtain recommendations for the establishment of a Media Training Institute. Although the Cabinet approved the establishment of this institution, it was not implemented due to the 1994 General Election. Therefore, we urge to establish a system of institutions ranging from an institute of journalism to a university for journalists, in order to receive international-level training.
But, looking closely at the past decades, the question arises whether the role of the media has been properly fulfilled. Therefore, our country needs media reforms. We have to consider both traditional media and social media. That is the reason for preparing a national policy on mass media.
I’m of the view that it is important for the government and the media industry to take care of a collective self-regulation system. In cyberspace, we are experiencing not only fake news, hate speech, misinformation, child and women harassment, fraud and corruption. We believe that a transparent regulatory system that includes social media network companies is required in this regard.
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Reach an agreement on policies
An important point that we need to focus on is to reach an agreement on policies.
A stable National Policy which will prevail irrespective if the change of government or Ministers is required. Every developed country in the world has progressed through a series of stable policies which are periodically updated.
This is just the beginning of a system change. We need to make more changes. We expect to implement those changes according to the views of the Sri Lankan community, especially the youth.
Therefore, I request all of you to submit proposals on the policies and practices that we should follow in the next 25 years. I am making that request not only from you in this House, but also from all Sri Lankans. Submit your ideas whether you are in Sri Lanka or abroad. Join this collective exercise of rebuilding the nation.
Many people in this country do not understand the length-extent-depth of the crisis that the country is currently passing through. Since we have never faced such a dangerous and serious crisis in our lifetime, I re-emphasise that we all should come together to get rid of this crisis. Religious leaders, political parties, trade unions, academics, non-governmental organisations, etc. should unite. This unity should commit to implementing one policy with one objective within a certain period of time. A social convention should be established. We all have to change our lifestyles for the sake of the nation.
All the groups mentioned earlier are currently making commitments, bearing the weight. Therefore, after we uplift the economy, all the benefits should be distributed among the citizens, who should be part of economic development.
We expect to establish the Social Justice Commission to implement this social consensus. The new policy framework for the next 25 years will be created based on this social consensus.
Finally, I can recall one more aspect. Let’s understand the difference between State and Government. We are all bound to protect the State of Sri Lanka. Any citizen has the opportunity to democratically change Governments through the elections. However, no one has the right to create anarchy in Sri Lanka. Not any political party. Not any group.
We cannot allow our motherland to become an economic or social colony. Anarchy cannot be allowed. No one who truly loves the nation will allow such a situation. We all should stand on the side that supports the nation and not that which is bent to destroy the country.
Earlier, we paid attention to some comments made by a few youths in the Sunday Times newspaper, last Sunday. Before concluding my speech, I would like to draw your attention to another observation made by Mr. Clifford Fernando.
“I hope the political leaders will get their act together – they have failed miserably. A leader should have the ability to lead by example if they expect people to follow. Sri Lankans are very resilient and will buckle up and do what it takes to come out of the present crisis. If the leaders could act wisely, use some common sense and put their words into action, we will be able to manoeuvre through these challenging times.”
It is the responsibility of this House to meet the expectations of these children and youth who have aspirations for the country and are determined not to leave. It is the duty of this House to make them inherit a free tomorrow and a free nation.
Are you ready for this challenge?
Let’s not be prisoners of the past, but think about the future. Let’s unite consensually and move forward democratically to support the recovery of the nation from the current crisis. If anyone wishes to have a political agenda, let’s consider it after we rescue the nation.
Lord Buddha said, “Be a lamp unto yourself.”
Following that erudite advice, let’s be lamps unto ourselves. Only then can the country be bright.
It is the same people who requested such tax policies, who are criticising the present tax regime. Introducing new tax policies is a politically unpopular decision. Remember, I’m not here to be popular. I want to rebuild this nation from the crisis situation it has fallen into. Yes, I’m ready to make unpopular decisions for the sake of the nation. People will realise the importance of those decisions in two to three years