The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, three quick issues.

¶ 02 First, suboffices of Local Government bodies in the Northern Province had been permitted to issue building permits, name changes of titles, certificates of compliance, subdivision and amalgamation of lands, and street line certificates. But through a circular, the Northern Provincial Council has stated that due to lack of capacity, all six will be handled by the main office. This greatly inconveniences people. I urge you, Hon. Minister, to intervene and provide what is necessary so suboffices can carry out these tasks, consistent with your policy of taking facilities to the grassroots.

¶ 03 Second, the Chavakachcheri Divisional Secretariat is very cumbersome, covering a vast area. There has long been a request — I myself made it in writing in 2001 — to divide it into two: retain Chavakachcheri and create a new Divisional Secretariat centred on Kodikamam. This must be done.

¶ 04 Finally, regarding the Kalmunai-North Divisional Secretariat: recognized since 1989, created as an AGA Division, and upgraded by Cabinet Memoranda dated 17/03/1993 and 31/03/1993, with approval on 09/07/1993. Since then, due to political interference, it has been unable to function fully — lacking an Accountant and with several parts non-functional. Some functions are being shifted to Kalmunai-South. Under the previous Government, there was talk of downgrading it to a suboffice. That must be stopped. Your Government came to power to stop such interference. The decision from 1989 exists and has been in practice. Please act immediately. We will give our fullest cooperation.

¶ 05 Thank you.