The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, our retirees, who rendered distinguished service to our democratic polity, are today in dire straits. The Government’s 2025 pay increase, phased over 2025–2027, has ignored promises made in Opposition to pensioners. About 154,000 retired between 2020–2024; they have received no increase to their pension. Why are those pledges being broken? If you doubt it, go to Polduwa Junction and speak to the large gathering of pensioners. They say they have had no audience with the President.

¶ 02 We propose: establish a dedicated, non-partisan committee to resolve this issue while the overall commission works; provide an interim allowance to the 154,000 most affected until resolution.

¶ 03 Also, the 2025 increase is applied retroactively to January–March 2025 for pensioners; good. But why completely forget the 154,000 retirees from 2020–2024? Additionally, around 130,000 who retired in 2016–2020 should receive the pension specified in the Appointment Letter, and any arrears due similarly.

¶ 04 Pensioners live solely on their pensions. Treat them compassionately, and implement these proposals. Also fulfill the election pledge of 15% interest for senior citizens up to Rs. 1.5 million.

¶ 05 On the Registrar service: there are about 1,500 marriage registrars; 300 birth and death registrars; 300 additional marriage registrars – totaling about 2,100. Currently, Rs. 75 is paid per birth or death registration; raise this to Rs. 300 and provide three certified copies per event. Office allowance in municipal areas is Rs. 1,500; in rural areas Rs. 750; increase to Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000 respectively; raise the “ink allowance” from Rs. 350 to Rs. 2,000. Recognize long service – 30, 35, 40, 45 years – with compassionate grants. Expedite their oath-taking as Peace Justices (or similar) to support court functions.

¶ 06 You promised via a Cabinet Paper on 04 July 2025 to fix these – but they remain unimplemented. I understand your own family members have served as registrars; if that is incorrect, clarify. In any case, please ensure due recognition to this honorable service.

¶ 07 On Grama Niladharis: the service minute is gazetted but not yet brought into force – expedite. Office-based and field-based allowances remain unpaid – settle them. The previous Government budgeted 20 litres monthly fuel for field duties; your Budget cut it – restore it. I table 66 documents with relevant details.

¶ 08 GN officers complain they are sidelined while “Aswasuma,” “Grama Shakthi/Praja Shakthi” are run through partisan appointees, including NPP members. Stop this politicization.

¶ 09 You have increased Agrahara insurance premiums; ensure corresponding benefit enhancements to public officers.

¶ 10 Local authorities: you are pushing for Recurrent Expenditure to be limited to 20% of salary payments this year, 40% next year, 60% thereafter – this will cripple local authorities. There are many issues in councils chaired by SJB/SJAlliance and Opposition; some officials are not cooperating. Please intervene; local authorities are the closest tier to the people. During this Committee Stage, convene the Chairs here and discuss solutions.

¶ 11 On the Trincomalee incident: the Constitution gives Buddhism foremost place while ensuring rights of all religions. We must promote harmony and avoid giving space to extremists seeking to spark ethnic or religious conflict. The President must do more than call for a police report; establish a National Cohesion Committee to prevent such incidents and resolve them decisively.

¶ 12 Is it not the duty of the Divisional and District Secretaries, and the District/Divisional Coordination Committee Chairs, to proactively manage such local tensions with security agencies?

¶ 13 On alleged narcotics links in media: if any media institution is involved in drug trafficking, enforce the law; people need solutions, not theatrics.

¶ 14 On vehicles: instead of procuring 1,750 new vehicles via emergency tenders that risk bypassing procedures, first survey and redeploy quality surplus vehicles in the State fleet; repair where minor repairs suffice; procure only the shortfall through due process.

¶ 15 Finally, we will fully support immediate legislation to revert to the previous PC electoral system and hold Provincial Council elections without delay – no need for a PSC. Bring the Bill urgently; we will vote for it.