The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the National Building Research Institute Bill is particularly important for the hill country I represent. The NBRO was established in 1984, reorganized in 2019, and this Bill seeks to further strengthen it so its services can effectively benefit the public and the country. Chief aims include: - Strengthening the Institution. - Enabling it to contribute to national development and function under Parliamentary sanction. - Playing a significant role in landslide risk reduction and related public safety.

¶ 02 Despite the NBRO’s existence, inadequate utilization and support led to severe landslide impacts in the central highlands. The Meeriyabedda slide cost over 40 lives and devastated many families. The subsequent Kabaragala slide affected about 380 families. To date, people of Kelippanawala under the Haldummulla Pradeshiya Sabha have not been provided permanent housing. In Passara’s Kanavarella estate and elsewhere, communities remain in landslide-prone areas.

¶ 03 Across the hill districts—including Passara and Meedumpitiya estates—heightened risk persists. With this Bill aimed at prevention, I expect the Opposition, having offered constructive suggestions, to support it in the national interest.

¶ 04 Previously, Bills such as the law cutting down privileges of former Presidents came before this House. Some in the Opposition, including from the TNA, argued extensively, but were absent at the vote. Only one Opposition Member voted against. In contrast, today’s Bill protects national resources and lives; the Opposition has a duty to strengthen it and support it.

¶ 05 Another current national concern is Tangalle. Previously, we spoke of Colombo as the capital; today, Tangalle is being spoken of as a hub for narcotics. When legislation to eradicate narcotics and the associated underworld is brought, I expect Opposition Members representing Tangalle to vote for the people’s welfare. I warmly welcome this Bill.