The Hon. Muhammad Faizal

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today Opposition Members keep criticising Puttalam, alleging that the NPP Government lied and cheated Puttalam voters to win. In fact, they were the ones who lied and cheated to win votes in Puttalam in the past. For example, they promised to upgrade the Puttalam Hospital, collected votes, and then failed to deliver. But the NPP Government is doing it today.

¶ 02 Both in the Presidential and the Parliamentary elections, the Hon. President promised to upgrade this hospital. Even if nothing specific was in the Budget about this, I personally met the President and reminded him of his promise to upgrade the Puttalam Hospital. He immediately instructed the Ministry of Health to take all steps to upgrade it. I thank the Hon. President on behalf of all communities in Puttalam, and also the Hon. Minister of Health for his commitment as stated yesterday.

¶ 03 Puttalam is in the heart of our Hon. President. That is why he has directed action to upgrade the hospital. Opposition MPs seem overly fixated on Puttalam, but I am not sure they truly care. After 37 years, I came to this House elected by votes from all communities in Puttalam. These Members try to stir communalism in Puttalam. Even yesterday, the President said he would eradicate racism. As long as I represent Puttalam, I will not allow anyone to create communalism there. Under the NPP Government’s policy, “Prosperous Nation – Beautiful Life,” we will implement all programmes to bring a better life to the people of Puttalam.

¶ 04 If there is any issue in Puttalam, we will discuss with the Hon. President and relevant Ministers to find good solutions for the people. Puttalam is a place where Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese live together in harmony. I will never allow communalism there.

¶ 05 Hon. Presiding Member, my time is up? Please grant me 30 seconds.

¶ 06 Through Public Administration Circular 06/2006 (iv), a serious injustice has been done to the Government Translators’ Service. Before that Circular, the Special Grade of the Government Translators’ Service was on TB 5-5-1, higher than the starting salary of All-Island Services; and the Grade I was on U-3-8-2, aligned with Administrative Officers. But Circular 06/2006 (iv) placed them on MN 6, causing grave injustice. Hon. Minister, due to this, when they retire, their pensions cannot be properly computed. Therefore, restore their scales to the pre-06/2006 position. Thank you!