Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Thank you. The main Opposition has walked out, but our Party Leader, Hon. Shritharan, and our party decided to participate because we have many district issues to raise. As a party representing the Opposition, we chose to take part. However, the Government must take responsibility for creating conditions where the Opposition finds it necessary to walk out—time and again, speaking rights are denied here, while some Government Ministers and MPs are readily given time upon standing. The main Opposition’s boycott is justified. We are the third-largest Opposition group; the Tamil people face many issues, and our opportunities to speak are limited. Our group has eight MPs, and currently only I am listed to speak today—please grant me the maximum possible time.

¶ 02 Today’s Regulations on the Convention Against Doping in Sports are welcome. But in the North and East, many talented youths cannot even represent the country because they cannot afford air tickets to overseas tournaments. For example, an invitation was issued for under-17 and under-23 Asian Championships by the Vietnam Wrestling Federation from the 16th to 18th of this month, but selected youths from the North and East cannot attend due to inability to pay airfare.

¶ 03 Even if anti-doping rules are good, our youths with talent and opportunities cannot participate due to economic hardship. They approached us for help; I tried to assist personally, but due to Provincial Council transitional work last week, I cannot even update the House on outcomes. Similar issues have arisen repeatedly.

¶ 04 Previously, the women’s kabaddi team from Kiran, Batticaloa went to India and performed exceptionally, yet had no support from the Ministry of Sports. When youths from the North and East, with limited resources, excel at school and district level and get opportunities, the Government fails to provide economic assistance to participate. When making sports regulations or any sports legislation, please think specially about the North and East.

¶ 05 Recently, from our regions, Viyaskanth Vijayakanth made a national cricket squad selection—a proud moment—but he is no longer in the XI; I will not speculate why. Likewise, a youth named Sanjeev from Batticaloa was selected for the under-23 team around 2016–2017, but, despite talent, due to lack of financial support from the then Government and Ministry of Sports, he quit cricket and became a driver.

¶ 06 These individuals reached their levels purely through personal talent and resources—not Government support. In the future, please identify and nurture talent—at school and district level—to develop sport.

¶ 07 In Batticaloa, particularly in Paddiruppu Zone, many boys and girls from Kaluthavalai School excel in athletics, yet there is not even a 400m track there. Build at least one fully equipped ground so talent can flourish. While there is a swimming pool at Weber Stadium, there is none in Kaluwanchikudy or Paddiruppu Zones—please construct at least one public swimming pool.

¶ 08 We discussed an integrated sports centre with the Minister; my friend and former District Coordinating Committee Chairman, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, also discussed regional needs. He later resigned due to workload, but the responsibilities for proposed developments remain, including grounds and facilities.