The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, on this Vote I must note: governance today appears to be run from “Pelawatte.” Even the Prime Minister acknowledged that administration is steered from there. If so, why keep the word “State” before these institutions? We should not allow the creation of a Pelawatte-run JVP-style administration. Citizens will not accept that.

¶ 02 On procedure, Hon. Chairman, you conduct the House fairly per Standing Orders. However, we presented, under Standing Order 28, a matter regarding the Provincial Council elections amendment Bill that the Minister tabled without prior written notice to the Speaker. Under Standing Order 28(a) to (u), Members may raise certain matters without prior approval; I consistently seek leave under 28(u), yet am often denied while the Leader of the House is freely given the floor. This leads to media distortion of our positions. Please ensure fairness.

¶ 03 The President himself said the Minister in charge is ineffective in preparing the legal framework for elections. If the President says you have failed to bring the required laws, should you not resign? I know you personally wish to hold the PC elections; perhaps the senior leadership is using your expertise while blocking your efforts. You tabled today a report showing that elections can be held under the previous proportional system if Parliament agrees and amends the 2017 Act accordingly, as per the Attorney General’s advice. Bring the Delimitation Commission report to Parliament for approval. If 159 vote to pass it, the President will have the legal base and your supposed “ineffectiveness” will be disproven.

¶ 04 Further, for basic character certificates, now the Civil Defence Committee chairman’s signature is required, and these positions are being handed to JVP operations committee cadres nominated from Pelawatte. Is this your mandate? Even for a Grama Niladhari certificate, political gatekeeping is creeping in. Remove Pelawatte’s grip and restore proper administration based on your own expertise and stated principles; if you do so, we will support you.

¶ 05 State officers and professionals are gathered outside, frustrated by unmet promises. In Uva Province, earlier transfers of senior officials were done on the Governor’s recommendation; now a committee of junior officers effects transfers and removals, reducing Governors to puppets. Is this acceptable? Do you, as an NPP leader and academic, endorse this? Please correct it.

¶ 06 On local authorities: we are not opposing the import of tractors and bowsers per se — the people are questioning why you are not living the frugal standards you preached: buses, trains, canteens. Backbench MPs receive no facilitation while resources are centralised. You rose to power by vilifying and making false promises; now those narratives ensnare you. Instead, empower local bodies with by-laws to raise self-generated revenue, approve interim statutes so they need not depend on the Centre. When I was Mayor of Bandarawela (2011), we purchased a brand-new Montero jeep, two backhoes, and four three-wheelers from council funds at lower-than-market cost through productive revenue programmes and proper legal instruments. Replicate such models across councils.

¶ 07 Do not attempt to build power by payoffs and inducements. That is not what NPP promised. Learn from the impartial conduct of the present Deputy Speaker. I urge you to promptly prepare, per the AG’s guidance you tabled, the steps necessary within weeks to enable the President to hold Provincial Council elections. May you have the strength to do so. Thank you.