The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe

¶ 01 Fifteen minutes are enough; no problem.

¶ 02 Considering the growing healthcare needs in the South Eastern region and the strategic capacity of the university, and given that the South Eastern University is surrounded by the hospitals at Akkaraipattu, Nintavur, Sammanthurai, Kalmunai, Addalaichenai, Oluvil, and Palamunai, we request the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education/Higher Education to assist in establishing a Faculty of Medicine for the South Eastern University. If there is any scope to adjust the allocations to universities, please support the creation of this medical faculty.

¶ 03 I request that a medical faculty be established for the South Eastern University. It is a national university that can be utilized by all communities, so this should be done.

¶ 04 Next, many spoke here about the Provincial Council elections. His Excellency the President openly told us in Parliament, “You decide how to conduct the Provincial Council elections and devise a mechanism!” He has allocated Rs. 10 billion for that. Now the responsibility rests with Parliament—us. The Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government is a fair person and a Minister capable of good service. If he, together with the Minister of Justice, engages with the party leaders in Parliament and, through a consensual approach, we all agree to hold the election under the previous system, we can conduct the polls immediately. In the past, you know it was Ranil Wickremesinghe who removed the executive powers from the Provincial Councils. I too served twice in a Provincial Council as a Minister and as Leader of the Opposition. He gained support for the 20th Amendment in the Eastern Provincial Council by waving a white paper; Tamil-speaking parties also supported. Therefore, to hold the Provincial Council elections, everyone must cooperate, and the party leaders should help. With that request, I conclude. Thank you!

¶ 05 It being 6.00 p.m., Business was interrupted, and the Debate stood adjourned. Debate to be resumed on Wednesday, 12th November, 2025.