The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana — Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for the time.

¶ 02 After yet another lengthy morning media show, we now take up three matters: the second reading of the National Audit (Amendment) Bill; and supplementary estimates for the Ministries of Urban Development, Construction and Housing; and Women and Child Affairs.

¶ 03 We are adding necessary amendments to the 2018 National Audit Act No. 19, rectifying shortcomings in the primary legal framework ensuring accountability in the public service, and removing barriers to act against waste, corruption and misuse.

¶ 04 The 2018 Act was presented by the “good governance” government. Even then, as Opposition MPs, we proposed many amendments—led by our colleague Sunil Handunnetti as COPE Chair—but they were ignored, resulting in a clipped‑wing audit law. Now, in government, we bring amendments to minimize irregularities, ensure discipline, and establish a suitable process to impose and recover surcharges.

¶ 05 These amendments allow the Auditor-General to: initiate disciplinary action; pursue further investigations; and lodge complaints with law‑enforcement and regulatory bodies. A new independent Surcharge Review Committee will be established to decide on surcharges. Where surcharge recovery faces administrative weakness, COPE and COPA will also be able to intervene. This is a vital Bill.

¶ 06 On the supplementary estimate for our Ministry: Rs. 1,500 million was allocated in the previous Budget for a festive relief package, but could not be implemented due to the Provincial Council election restrictions. With Cabinet approval, we will repurpose this Rs. 1,500 million together with the Ministry’s existing Rs. 7,500 million to provide a nutrition pack for pregnant mothers—totaling Rs. 9,000 million this year.

¶ 07 We plan to provide vouchers of Rs. 4,500 per month for 10 months—from after 12 weeks of pregnancy up to several months postpartum—giving Rs. 45,000 per mother. Additionally, in December, considering the festive season, we will provide an extra Rs. 5,000 voucher for nutritional needs.

¶ 08 This is crucial given maternal nutrition deficits. From January to June 2024, anaemia among mothers stands at about 15.4%; low birth weight at about 14.6%; and low BMI among mothers at about 14.1%. Roughly 15 out of 100 mothers show such deficits. This programme will help mitigate, though not fully eliminate, these issues, complementing broader initiatives like the Praja Shakthi National Programme to strengthen the rural economy.

¶ 09 Let me note an example regarding supplementary estimates’ history. On 12.12.2023, under Provision No. 400, Rs. 2,000 million was allocated via supplementary estimate for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s overseas travel, fuel, and vehicle maintenance—a substantial sum for an individual’s use. In contrast, our Rs. 1,500 million will uplift pregnant mothers with nutrition support. Thank you.