The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to speak on these Heads. I appreciate the Government’s move to hold local government elections. However, there is confusion. The Election Commission has fixed nomination from March 17 to 20, but a Gazette from the Ministry states that local authorities commence on June 02. There is no announced polling date. By law, the poll must be between 35 and 55 days from the close of nominations. Please announce the date promptly to dispel public doubts drawn from past postponements.

¶ 02 Election outcomes will affect the Government’s future. Since the Presidential election victory and the 159-seat Parliamentary majority, about 6–7 months will have passed by polling day. Communication must be careful—misstatements can negatively impact results.

¶ 03 On salaries, the Health Minister explained increases, but GMOA says otherwise. Ultimately, the proof will be in the April payslips before Sinhala New Year; if pay is truly higher, public servants will be satisfied and reflect it at the polls. If something is hidden and take-home falls, public servants will send a red signal.

¶ 04 Finally, about the much-publicized wildlife census on March 15 at 8.00 a.m.—this has become a subject of public ridicule. Administrative missteps can ripple politically. We wish the Government well, but as Opposition we will perform our duty if it falters.

¶ 05 Thank you.