The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today the Second Reading debate on the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill has been presented. We support regulating through this Bill. As a group, when people engaged in small jobs or members of various societies obtain loans, that should be regulated. However, under this Bill, those engaged in small-scale activities related to the fisheries industry will in fact face difficulties.

¶ 02 This Government came to power promising special consideration and programmes for low-income earners. There are death benefit societies, farmers’ societies, and women’s societies. If these are to be regulated strictly like banks under this, and if their members are reported to the CRIB, it will create serious hardship. Therefore, we request relief for small-scale entrepreneurs and small-scale fishing communities.

¶ 03 Another issue has arisen. Those affected by the cyclone have still not been provided financial assistance. Especially in areas like Navakkadu, Narakkali, Maampuri, and Norochcholai in Kalpitiya, farmers have not yet received assistance. They are paying only Rs. 10,000 per coconut tree. Even where trees have fallen, CDA officials have not adequately inspected. I draw attention to this as well.

¶ 04 In the democratic nation of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been assassinated at his home with his family. On behalf of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress and all of us, including our party leader, we strongly condemn this. He was killed during this month of Ramadan. May Almighty Allah grant him the rank of a martyr and Paradise. The same Israel and the United States that together killed nearly 50,000 people in Palestine have together assassinated him.

¶ 05 When Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardena spoke on this, Hon. Aslam from the Government benches stood up and said, “Do not speak about the month of Ramadan.” I am ashamed that someone would say one cannot speak about Ramadan. I strongly condemn that statement.

¶ 06 For years, Iran has helped Sri Lanka. In particular, when Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen was a Minister, Iran gave us crude oil on credit. The Government of Iran funded projects. Iran has given us immense assistance; we should not forget this. Yet Sri Lanka has still not expressed condolences over the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei. There are many Muslim Deputy Ministers and Members on the Government side. However, they have neither expressed condolences nor opposition. We are saddened by this. While the Opposition has strongly condemned this barbaric act, the Government remains silent. We are firmly for peace, but we strongly condemn this heinous act on behalf of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress. Thank you. Assalamu Alaikum! Vanakkam! Ayubowan!