The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I wish to again raise the long-standing injustice—over 33 years—regarding the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat. Even after the NPP came to power, I have spoken three times on this. I also raised it at Oral Questions; the then Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Hon. Ruwan Senaratne, said a response would be given at the next sitting, but none has been provided.

¶ 02 Kalmunai North was an Assistant Divisional Secretariat in 1989 and, by Cabinet approval dated 1993.09.28, it was upgraded to a full Divisional Secretariat. Despite that Cabinet decision, its powers have been denied for decades due to political interference by changing governments and complicit senior officials. It has over 323 staff and 29 GN divisions, headed by an SLAS Class I Divisional Secretary, with full resources. The official 2019 website of the then Ministry of Internal & Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government listed Kalmunai North among 332 DSDs. Subsequently, it was shown as an Assistant Divisional Secretariat.

¶ 03 I ask: - How can a DS Division duly approved by Cabinet be downgraded to an Assistant DSD? Who has such authority? Can a Secretary or a Government Agent override Cabinet approval? Can Kalmunai North be “attached” to Kalmunai South DSD? Such changes require a fresh Cabinet Paper—no official has authority to alter Cabinet decisions unilaterally.

¶ 04 There are 29 GN divisions under Kalmunai North. Land encroachments and frauds are occurring; showing it as an Assistant DSD has facilitated this. Why has the relevant Cabinet Paper been concealed within the Ministry? We expect this Government—which promises to end corruption and ensure proper administration—to intervene, investigate via a special committee, and restore justice. Even during Oral Questions, the Deputy Minister admitted administrative lapses. Please establish a committee and correct this.

¶ 05 Additionally, unemployed graduates must be given appointments. Even today, in Ampara Karaitivu and Batticaloa, they are protesting. Those who passed competitive exams should be appointed, and others given opportunities based on merit. In the North and East, especially Ampara, there are about 1,800 unemployed graduates awaiting fair employment. Please address this.