positive trends for 7 long years when they were responsible for development. There is no doubt that all problems have not disappeared within 7 years but the country has got into to a positive mood. It is indeed a transformation towards a strong economy free of poverty. It is a transformation that will not only provide electricity, water, sanitation and housing but also quality education and a healthy life. It is a transformation to a country that will ensure food, electricity, energy and environment security. It is a creation of all of us. It is indeed a journey by our selves.
50.3
Honorable Speaker, Members of this Parliament, both in the Opposition and in Government have demonstrated that we can work together in the national interest. With the maturity gained through longstanding political experiences, influenced by traditional rural norms and nurtured by family values, you gave the leadership to this august Parliament to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which reminded me of the silent leadership that was given by my farther, late D A Rajapaksa, at a time when we were children. We all should work with a similar sprit when we address our nation’s problems as well. If we are able to do so, no one will be able to undermine the souverinity of our nation.
50.4
A change in the prevailing Provincial Council system is necessary to make devolution more ameaningful to our people. Devolution should not be a political reform that will lead us to separation but instead it should be one that unifies all of us. It should not involve high spending and complex governance structures that will impose further burden on people. Everybody who met me from all corners of Sri Lanka whether they were Tamils, Muslims or Sinhalese, asked 65Â
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