What is wrong in discussing party ideology? – Prime Minister

16-Nov-2025

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A ruling party must be strong in order for the government to function effectively, said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, questioning the opposition about what is wrong with discussing the policies of an individual political party within a multi-party system.

She made these remarks while taking part in the committee-stage debate on budget allocations for 2026 covering the President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court, government offices, Parliament, and independent commissions.

She said:

“Opposition MPs who spoke during this debate did not present ideas or amendments beneficial to the public; they only made accusations.

“They previously said that if the National People’s Power came to power, the country would go bankrupt again. Now they themselves say the Treasury is full. This means they accept that we have stabilised the economy.

“Even someone with pre-school knowledge can increase the Treasury reserves, according to the opposition leader. Then does that mean previous leaders lacked even pre-school knowledge? We made the right decisions to stabilise the economy, which is why the reserves are strong today.”

Addressing the criticism that the government meets at the party office in Battaramulla, she said:

“Yes, we meet at our party office to discuss political and public policy. But we do not impose party policy onto state administrative structures. What is wrong with meeting at our party office to discuss and unify our views? A ruling party must be strong for the government to act effectively.”