The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I read the report relating to the Norwood area. It states that in an area of about 1,500 square feet, 110 staff members are operating. I consider this an abnormal situation. In fact, in an area with a population of over 250,000 and about 35 Grama Niladhari divisions, it is hard to imagine how an office can function efficiently under such constraints.

¶ 02 According to repeated requests made by the area’s public and the officers of that Divisional Secretariat, a decision was discussed only as a temporary measure at the DCC meeting held on 30.01.2025 to move the Divisional Secretariat to the Hatton railway station building. A final decision has not been reached.

¶ 03 At present, both the officers working there and the public who come to obtain services are facing many hardships. People have to wait in long queues for hours outside the building, exposed to sun and rain, to fulfill their needs. Therefore, an alternative arrangement is necessary. As per the report, what was granted was merely a consultation to temporarily operate the Divisional Secretariat at the upper floor of the Hatton railway station building, not a final decision to fully implement it.

¶ 04 To protect people from this abnormal situation and to ensure they receive efficient services from the Divisional Secretariat without hindrance, an alternative arrangement must be made. Considering this, I think a proper solution should be provided. Since a large number of people come there to obtain services, I wish to state here that an alternative plan should be made immediately. Thank you.