The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the Bill before us establishes an association for those engaged in real estate. I accept that it will benefit Sri Lankan real estate practitioners, but we expect certain amendments. Many in this field have defrauded clients—taking money and disappearing. We must address this problem.

¶ 02 Next, regarding the wage increase for estate workers: we appreciate that a daily wage of Rs. 1,750 has been agreed, with Rs. 200 from the Government and Rs. 200 from the plantation companies. During the collective agreement period, companies resisted increases. Owing to the strong efforts of Hon. Minister K.V. Samantha Vidyārathna, companies have now been compelled—by persuasion or otherwise—to agree to the Rs. 200, and the Government has undertaken to provide Rs. 200. We thank the Government. In our time in office, even Rs. 50 could not be given; today, Rs. 200 from the Government is welcome. The total increase of Rs. 400 is good, but only when fully implemented by 10 February will it be meaningful. Do not claw it back by forcing higher plucking targets (e.g., an extra 4 kg), which would nullify the raise. Ensure they can actually receive the increase.

¶ 03 Further, in the Coveril Estate division, about eight workers have had work stopped without any charge sheet, and some were dismissed—anarchy by estate management. Trade union strength has been curtailed. Even when negotiating this wage increase, the Minister could have involved trade unions as a third party; that did not happen. This occurred at Horana Plantations, overriding unions. I raised this with the Minister this morning; there is now a satyagraha at the estate. I kindly ask the Minister to settle this quickly.

¶ 04 Another matter: some recently argued that institutions in the hill country should not bear the name of Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman. I cannot accept that. Thondaman is a national leader—hence his statue in the old Parliament and portrait in this Parliament. One may question corruption—but to bar naming in his memory is inappropriate. No one can match the service he rendered to the hill country people over 70–80 years. Therefore, efforts to commemorate him should not be blocked.

¶ 05 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, one second please. In Nuwara Eliya town, we have a stupa bearing the names of 34 fallen fighters. Few know about it; no one has interfered with it. We have done much to honor such fighters. If possible, please take steps to further develop that memorial. Thank you.