The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you. This Parliament has seen unprecedented challenges. As degrees are scrutinized, let us be fair—including to former Speakers. I wish the State Minister of Public Administration were here to clarify: he suggested the Budget addresses injustices to those who retired between 2020–2024. I re-read the President’s speech and last year’s Budget; I do not see a concrete remedy specified. Those retirees missed Covid-era pay revisions, which worsened their disadvantage. Also, the pension enhancement due to those who retired 2016–2022 has been postponed to 2027. By then many will be 71–72. Please bring that payment forward—at least to January next year if not July 2027.

¶ 02 Today’s Daily Mirror e-paper reports: “Govt. exempts Lanka Sugar Company from statutory payments.” Does that mean EPF, ETF, gratuity? We have been told audit reports show EPF deductions not remitted at certain sugar companies. That cannot be lawful under labour laws. Who then pays EPF/ETF/gratuity—if not the company? We raise issues, and get abused on social media. This House must be used to fix problems.

¶ 03 Vehicle permits: During the terms of Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, around 21,000 permits issued to doctors, engineers, administrative officers, and judges are now unusable; even senior military and police retirees must travel by bus or train. Consider alternatives—transport allowances, drivers, fuel—to ensure safety and dignity, especially for those who fought terrorism and narcotics. In 2016, under Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara, a Rs. 50,000 monthly allowance was offered in lieu of an official vehicle; adjust it realistically today.

¶ 04 On Provincial Council elections: in 2021–2022, in the special committee, then-Opposition Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake agreed to keep the old PR system; why not now? Are you delaying elections fearing defeat? Ask former Minister Faiszer Mustapha what happened to those who postponed local government elections in 2018.

¶ 05 On digitalization: the Sri Lanka Information and Communication Technology Service (SLICTS) is currently under the Combined Services of the Public Administration Ministry. For a true digital era, place SLICTS under the Digital Ministry, just as Development Officers were moved to Social Security. Like how the Planning Service was marshalled for Mahaweli, gather ICT officers under the Digital Ministry to drive policy and execution.

¶ 06 Divisional Secretariats—341 gateways linking Government and people—need better physical resources, HR, training and guidance. Inconsistent decisions across DS divisions lead to preliminary inquiries and disciplinary actions, stalling promotions and causing hardship. I urge the Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, to promptly issue clear guidance and support to Divisional Secretaries.

¶ 07 Thank you.