The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first I speak on an incident at a temple in the Eastern Province. Our Buddhist clergy, protectors of Buddhism in the North and East, have been repeatedly attacked by this Government. We condemn these disgraceful acts.

¶ 02 Thank you for the opportunity to speak in this Committee Stage debate on the votes of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and the Ministry of Labour. Across 300 local authorities and provincial district offices, public officials operate through this Ministry. The Government today lacks the capacity to make this machinery work. In 2025, with the funds allocated, there is no ability to implement grassroots development for the poor and innocent.

¶ 03 On Hambantota District: allocations are not being properly spent. For the “Nila Sevana” office development—Rs. 95 million allocated; only 14 per cent utilized. Of Rs. 183 million in decentralized funds, only 38 per cent expended. Of Rs. 79 million for rural roads, 54 per cent utilized. Of Rs. 53 million for integrated rural development, only around 40 per cent. Of 51 district development projects, only 18 completed.

¶ 04 You have two-thirds in Parliament and control of most local authorities in Hambantota (except the Municipal Council). There are chairmen and members at ground level, and five MPs for Hambantota. Yet you cannot implement development.

¶ 05 Under good governance, we launched “Gamperaliya,” allocating Rs. 300 million per electorate, and implemented grassroots development without returning a cent to the Treasury. Later, when Ranil Wickremesinghe became President, Rs. 500 million per MP was given; in Hambantota we gave Rs. 2 million to each local authority member to implement projects in every Grama Niladhari division—again without returning a cent. Why can’t this Government do similarly? You lack capacity, competence, experience and will.

¶ 06 Hambantota has 12 local authorities; SJB controls only the Hambantota Municipal Council. Mayor D.A. Gamini used his allocations properly for development; I am pleased to note this.

¶ 07 The President visits Hambantota tomorrow. We hear 400 people from each police division are summoned to the Tangalle public grounds for an awareness programme on combating drugs and underworld crime. Let it truly be for review and progress. The State brought in several containers of drugs to our district—review that too. Also, meet the people you visited and dined with during the last Presidential campaign; listen to their grievances.

¶ 08 “Daylight shootings” are rampant. Last night in Tangalle, two people—a couple—were shot dead. That was the 109th daylight shooting since this Government took office: 103 shootings, 60 dead, 54 injured. This Government cannot curb the underworld or the drug epidemic. Drugs float in the high seas daily. Appoint proper committees and implement programmes. Do not bring only your party supporters to the Tangalle grounds; bring people from all parties to truly combat narcotics.

¶ 09 This Government used State power to take over local authorities, manipulating the Provincial Commissioner and intimidating members. In Tangalle Municipal Council, 10 Opposition and 9 Government members were elected. On the last morning, two members were bought for Rs. 2.5 million each to flip the Council—bribery to topple the Wedaarachchi camp. Remember, seizing a council does not break our spirit.

¶ 10 Chairs in local bodies are intimidating female members; one in Arachchikattuwa resigned after such harassment. Yesterday in Seethawaka, a member from our side was bribed and used to form the administration. This is how councils are formed today.

¶ 11 I tell all Opposition members in Hambantota local bodies: the Opposition across councils is made up of UNP, SJB, Sarvajana Bala and SLPP together. Raise your hands against these corrupt budgets; do not fear. Our four parties have decided to expel any member supporting such corrupt administrations.

¶ 12 Regarding Ambalantota Pradeshiya Sabha: on the 9th of last month, the Vice Chairman took the official vehicle in the evening and returned it at 3.45 a.m. When questioned, the Chairman walked out. At that moment, Member Sunil Rathnaweera jumped over the bar and threatened our members, boasting of the 88-89 terror; they could bring back that rule. I tell our members not to fear such thuggery. Across Sri Lanka’s local bodies, especially those representing the SJB-led Opposition, do not fear; vote as per your conscience against these wrongs. Our four parties have resolved to expel any member aiding them. Isn’t that so, Secretary?