The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman

¶ 01 [11.45 a.m.]

¶ 02 I support the Motion by Hon. Hesha Withanage on the Ruwanpura Expressway.

¶ 03 In the estates, many roads remain undeveloped. During our one year in Government, we rehabilitated the Bogawantalawa and Nuwara Eliya roads and allocated substantial funds for road development because roads drive economic development.

¶ 04 I must also raise a matter of order today. While the Hon. Speaker was presiding, when I corrected a Minister who made a false statement — that 2,000 houses were being given, whereas only certificates without legal effect were issued — my microphone was cut off. As Minister, in one year we completed and handed over over 1,300 houses and roads. As an Opposition MP I ask: how many houses have you built? I asked yesterday and today — no answer.

¶ 05 Further, conduct in the Chamber must be proper. A Member was leaping across to shake hands — this is against decorum.

¶ 06 Again I ask: how many houses have you built? You are issuing 237 land certificates — which I prepared. How many have you prepared? Why say you are giving 2,000 houses when you are only giving certificates?

¶ 07 Lastly, on estate workers’ wages: you said you would increase wages; a year has passed and not delivered. You now speak of Rs. 1,700 as a fair wage. When I tried, through the Wages Board, to give Rs. 1,700, some opposed and demanded Rs. 2,138 instead. Where are those Members now? I raise these concerns here. Thank you, and thanks to Hon. Hesha Withanage for the opportunity.