The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, many views were expressed. We have the maturity to praise good measures; we support the Rs. 6,000 stationery grant for schoolchildren from economically deprived families.

¶ 03 However, since the start of this new Parliament, much time has been spent on Members’ titles and certificates. The people are watching. With great expectation they elected 159 Members under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership to fix what those who ruled for seven decades could not. They are watching your every move.

¶ 04 We saw the “Gota wave” bring 147 Members, including political newcomers, and in the next election the people rejected 144 of them; only two returned, one via the National List. We have served here for two decades with consistency; people re-elected us. I am the leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, even if we sit under a coalition.

¶ 05 When harmful measures against minorities were brought here—whether on local authority elections or other matters—leaders like Mano Ganesan, Rauff Hakeem, Sumanthiran, G.G. Ponnambalam, and I acted responsibly. At that time, Anura Kumara too supported what was right. We are happy he is President. If his integrity permeates the 159 Members, we can transform this country. But if we spend time only pointing to seven decades of wrongs, people will lose faith. Please act prudently.

¶ 06 On cremation of COVID-19 Janazas: yesterday’s reply from the Health Minister was unsatisfactory. None of you—neither the President nor his party—supported forced cremations; you opposed it 100%. After Gotabaya left and Ranil took the chair, he delayed correcting those injustices. Do not repeat that. Please disclose the list of those whose Janazas were cremated and their next of kin to this Parliament. We, as elected Members, request it. We will explain why we need it once you provide it. Do not just read bureaucrats’ drafts; give us the details.

¶ 07 On Aswasuma: while a good programme, it has many errors. It was implemented sidelining Samurdhi officers, who know communities. As a result, many undeserving got in, and many deserving—widows, disabled persons—were left out. In Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu people complain: those with vehicles, those abroad, got benefits, while needy did not. Since the President spoke on Aswasuma today, I urge the responsible Minister to rework beneficiary lists with Samurdhi and other officials so relief reaches the rightful recipients.

¶ 08 On Al–Alim examinations: they have been delayed for years. All religions teach good; appoint needed teachers for religious subjects. Hold examinations and fill vacancies—any religion.

¶ 09 Train principals well—even with Indian assistance if needed—and appoint them to ordinary area schools to uplift standards. In areas like Kolonnawa there is no Tamil-medium school; philanthropists are ready to donate land. The previous government promised but failed. Establish a Tamil-medium school there to save poor children’s education.

¶ 10 Thank you.