The Hon. Kins Nelson

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak on this important Bill. In villages, the poorest and most innocent people engaged with microfinance loans—about 98% of them women. I will not only speak on the Bill but also about nearly two million people who have fallen into extreme destitution due to microfinance debt.

¶ 02 Village death benefit societies, farmer organisations, and volunteer groups have asked whether they will be forced to work with the Central Bank under this Bill. That may be a misunderstanding or lack of awareness. But people are deeply distressed.

¶ 03 As we bring amendments, consult those affected by microfinance and make suitable changes. Members said that even after passing the Bill we can amend further; that is good. It was said Hon. Harsha de Silva did not speak today because he had nothing to say. In fact, he was scheduled to speak first but had to travel abroad at 2.00 p.m.

¶ 04 Microfinance in Sri Lanka dates to 1906 cooperatives; later Sarvodaya by A.T. Ariyaratne, SANASA by P.A. Kirivandeniya, and the Janasaviya programme by President Ranasinghe Premadasa. Beneficiaries value these immensely. Today things have changed. If we legislate without consulting beneficiaries, we will get such criticisms.

¶ 05 We must distinguish between village loan sharks and genuine women’s groups. If we do, we can provide relief to those now pleading—over 98% are women. There are 22 women MPs across Government and Opposition; engage them before passing this Bill.

¶ 06 The National Women’s Commission must be functional if we are to include its member in the Authority. As of now, is there one? Women need a place to bring these issues—revive the Commission and then include its nominee.

¶ 07 On allowances: the Budget said disability grants were increased, but many have not received them; same with kidney patient grants and elderly allowances. Ensure these are implemented. On paddy: in some areas of Ampara and Polonnaruwa harvesting has begun, yet no guaranteed price has been given. Farmers are being pushed to the streets. We do not incite protest; we ask Government not to push them that far. You promised quick change “with one pen stroke”; if you cannot deliver, do not blame the Opposition—we are only pointing out.

¶ 08 Women are suffering gravely due to microfinance. Many of you gained power on their votes. The current President and Prime Minister, then in Opposition, came to our hunger strike at Hingurakgoda in March 2021 (on International Women’s Day), and wrote in the book there that a future Government would ensure justice for indebted women. Those words must be honoured—discuss with them, provide relief, then pass the Bill. Thank you.