The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today is Medin Full Moon Poya Day — the day the Buddha, after Enlightenment, visited his kinsmen in Kapilavastu. Though Parliament sits today, I note its significance.

¶ 02 On Civil Defence, I am from Kalmunai, Ampara. I remember traveling past many small villages guarded by volunteer Grama Arakshaka (village guards), later given stipends. They would warn us of LTTE ambush zones and even direct us to safe facilities when needed — they knew their villages intimately, stopped unfamiliar vehicles, and were extremely vigilant. They rendered valuable service.

¶ 03 About 90% are paddy farmers. They joined to protect their own villages while sustaining livelihoods. They were issued shotguns, not automatic weapons. Transferring them en masse to Colombo is unfair. If the Government seeks their economic contribution, organize community-based programs around agriculture and rural protection and engage them willingly — not merely as city sentries. They are poor, from difficult rural areas. I trust the Government will act compassionately and thank Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara for moving this.