Temple Trees hall can now be rented for private and public events as Sunil Handunnetthi outlines the government’s political reforms.
Temple Trees hall can now be obtained for private or public sector events by paying the prescribed fee, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetthi has said.
Speaking at a public rally organised by the National People’s Power, Handunnetthi said the current government had introduced a qualitative change in Sri Lanka’s political culture.
He said no politician, including the President or Prime Minister, now stands above the law.
Handunnetthi Says Political Influence Has Been Curbed
The Minister said politicians no longer have the opportunity to intimidate state officials or interfere with the judicial process as they allegedly did in the past.
He stressed that the law must apply equally to everyone, including underworld gang members and drug traffickers.
“The close relationships that existed between politicians and the underworld in the past are now being revealed. The opposition, which said back then that if we came to power the country would go bankrupt and the people would die of starvation, is now questioning why the treasury is full. That itself is evidence of the success of our economic management,” Handunnetthi said.
He also highlighted several political reforms introduced by the government.
According to the Minister, vehicle permits and the pension scheme previously available to Members of Parliament have now been completely abolished.
He said the decision applies equally to former, current and future MPs.
Temple Trees Hall No Longer Given Free
Handunnetthi also said the government now maintains strict discipline over the use of official residences and state facilities.
He said even the main Temple Trees hall can now be used for private or public sector events after payment of the required fees.
According to the Minister, the venue is no longer provided free of charge to anyone.
He also noted that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya continues to carry out her official duties from her private residence.
Handunnetthi said the political changes introduced by the National People’s Power cannot be reversed.
He described the example set by the government as a decisive step toward changing Sri Lanka’s political culture and building a different future for the country.
