The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we are debating the Bill to establish the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka. Through this Institution, the intention is to increase investment, bring forward professionals with expertise, and thereby expand enterprises.

¶ 02 Since Independence, Sri Lanka has produced many professionals. Yet, due to multiple issues—including ethnic conflict—many of these experts emigrated. Those very professionals, who could have developed this country, now contribute to other countries. We must use this new Institution to attract them back.

¶ 03 If we cultivate a culture that welcomes investors and creates an environment where they can participate in the economy, we can rebuild the economy. This is a pragmatic idea: a country advances when entrepreneurs are encouraged. If we fail to promote entrepreneurs and professionals, they will leave and enrich other countries. But if we encourage them here and provide opportunities, rapid progress is possible. The law should be geared to facilitate exports and increase foreign earnings.

¶ 04 Currently, we spend heavily on imports while export earnings are inadequate. When export income is low and import expenditure high, persistent deficits follow. This Bill should help expand the entrepreneurial base without discrimination of ethnicity, religion, caste, or creed—supporting all with ability.

¶ 05 As I noted, many such persons emigrated and their host nations now benefit from them, even as they create jobs there, while our graduates at home struggle for employment. Many who completed university education here are now unemployed; in schools, Development Officers request absorption as teachers because they have been used in such roles. A decision is urgently needed.

¶ 06 University curricula must be reoriented to produce graduates who can be self-employed, create enterprises, and generate jobs for others—rather than only seek government employment. The concept behind this Institution should reflect that shift. Our universities provide academic knowledge, but do not sufficiently shape mindset, skills, and practical application. Advanced countries’ systems do that; we should, too—so our youth advance and export earnings rise.

¶ 07 I will raise another matter: the Batticaloa railway service. Historically, the Romanian-type trains had 10 coaches with first class, second class, and sleepers, earning about Rs. 1,000,000 per day. Now, with “power set” trains reduced to five coaches, daily revenue has fallen to about Rs. 300,000. Timetables have also been made unsuitable. Earlier, the train left Colombo at 7.00 p.m. and reached Batticaloa at 4.00 a.m., which worked for commuters. Now, it departs at 11.00 p.m. and arrives at 9.30 a.m., preventing office workers from reporting on time and wasting an extra day; there is not even a canteen service on these power sets.

¶ 08 Please grant me one more minute. If we restore the previous timetable and rolling stock type, daily revenue can return to around Rs. 1,000,000; we need not lose Rs. 700,000 per day. I request the Hon. Minister to address this. I conclude.