The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, as we add new ethical strength to NBRI, I especially thank Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara who laid the groundwork for these new orders. I also note that, in the aftermath of the massive tragedy from the Saammasara Kanda landslide, the Kabir Hashim family rendered a great service by donating over 35 acres for the affected. May NBRI continue to deliver excellent service.

¶ 02 On the X-Press Pearl disaster: our courts granted an interim award of USD 1,000 million to Sri Lanka from X-Press Feeders. As of now, in Singapore, the company has rejected payment. That 2021 June disaster leaked nitric acid into the sea; hazardous plastic pellets, dangerous goods, lead ingots, acids from 81 containers polluted the ocean, causing an environmental catastrophe. While Qatar and India refused the vessel, we allowed deviation, leading to this tragedy. Even today, many in the fishing community have not been compensated. As a nation, we must unite and take the highest measures against the responsible company.

¶ 03 Next, I wish to highlight a significant victory on September 19, 2025. Ms. N.G. Kamalawathi, Chairperson of the Association of Women with Disabilities, won a case concerning accessibility in the railway station upgrade project from Maradana to Vavuniya. Despite displays claiming facilities existed, they were not in place. For instance, at Shravasthipura station, construction violated disability access rights. Having written to the President, approached the Human Rights Commission, and notified authorities with no redress, she went to court. The court held her rights were violated and awarded Rs. 100,000 as compensation. We must be sensitive and ensure all construction—beyond railway stations—adheres to accessibility standards.

¶ 04 An environmental issue: between Ambanpola and Galgamuwa stations, at Gattadivula–Kasikote, there is a long-standing elephant crossing. On March 1, 2024, work commenced on Sri Lanka’s first wildlife underpass there. Work is now stalled. Large elephant herds including famed tuskers like Kawantissa and Manabharana cross here, currently over the rail line. I request the Minister to reinstate this first wildlife underpass urgently.

¶ 05 On Development Officers in the school sector: a mediation order exists for the 16,600 school-based Development Officers who rendered great service during COVID and the economic collapse, delivering free education to children without checking whether they were “teachers” on paper. The state is now reluctant to implement that court-mediated settlement. What is it? Recruit them as apprentice teachers into Grade II-1 and, within three years, have them complete a postgraduate diploma, then absorb them into the teacher service as apprentice teachers. There is precedent: graduates recruited before 2004 were absorbed into the teacher service after 2005. In line with the settlement, these school DOs can be placed in Grade II-1 while they complete the three-year postgraduate diploma.

¶ 06 Finally, on the power sector: some who led 23,000 CEB workers to the streets now say that agenda is irrelevant, even talk irresponsibly about violence to protect the government. Our responsibility is to preserve life, not destroy it. We agree the sector needs restructuring, but it must be done protecting the 23,000 jobs. Recently, when the IMF finance team visited, we told them clearly: restructuring is needed, but with full protection of the 23,000 jobs. The Government seems unable to deliver this. Do not forget the 23,000 CEB workers; do not forget the 16,600 school DOs. You promised in Opposition—now, in Government, implement those promises.

¶ 07 Thank you.