The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I am pleased to speak in the first Parliamentary Sitting of 2025 and extend New Year greetings to all Hon. Members. I also sincerely thank all who supported my voice to be heard here.

¶ 02 In the Jaffna electoral district, 80,830 voters—nearly 25 per cent—voted for us. Of the six Members elected from that district, three were sent from our party. The people placed their trust in us expecting a new change long overdue. We are determined to serve them according to our promises so that their trust is not in vain.

¶ 03 Due to internal conflicts, COVID-19 and corruption and misgovernance of past administrations, the country faced a severe economic collapse. We assumed office when the nation had fallen into an abyss. The people expect a new change: to correct past mistakes and bring Sri Lanka on par with other nations. We must proceed cautiously and steadily to stabilise the economy while moving the country forward with a proper plan aligned to people’s needs.

¶ 04 Compared to 2023, the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position is somewhat satisfactory, but we still have a long journey. I request the people of this country to join us in this journey.

¶ 05 When the Government assumed office, those responsible for the crisis had unilaterally suspended external debt service in April 2022. We entered an IMF programme for USD 3 billion over four years in tranches. Delays and complexities in debt restructuring increased costs and led to heavier taxes on people. Nevertheless, considering people’s welfare, the Government is proceeding with determination, making efforts and reaching understandings at multiple levels. Efforts for financial stability have been appreciated by independent third parties and ratings have improved accordingly.

¶ 06 On 20 December 2024, we successfully issued new bonds in exchange for old ones. The Government is facilitating SMEs with relief: lower interest rates, extended repayment periods, relaxed credit grading, and transparent mechanisms to resolve valuation disputes.

¶ 07 The Government has provided learning material allowances to schoolchildren in the Aswesuma programme and is arranging, on Education Ministry advice, to extend similar support to schoolchildren not covered by Aswesuma. Elderly allowances have also been increased.

¶ 08 Abnormal conditions in recent years caused multiple setbacks. People lost confidence and migrated; the brain drain hurt the economy. Many lost jobs and were pushed into hardship; many enterprises and industrial zones suffered. In the Jaffna district, about 92,000 people live in 21,456 fishing families and face many challenges. The Government is determined to strengthen the economy and take Sri Lanka on a path of progress.

¶ 09 In the North, drug abuse, illicit liquor production and related activities are prevalent in rural areas. Roads are badly damaged, partly due to overloaded heavy vehicles, causing severe hardship, for example in Vadamarachchi East, Kandavalai and Mookomban in Poonakary—neglected areas lacking full development and transport facilities. People are made to wait long hours at public offices to obtain services due to neglect. Annual floods cause water to stagnate in people’s lands, creating distress. The lack of banking, transport and telecommunications particularly affects rural communities; urban residents receive better services than those in the islands and rural areas. Long-standing poor governance and administration, with officials unmoved for years in the same posts, have caused many inconveniences to people.

¶ 10 Education policy has left many northern schools with very few students, with more at risk of closure, wasting teacher and state resources. Most students head to urban schools; only a small number remain in rural schools, leaving teachers with almost empty classrooms. Illegal logging, sand mining and overgrazing threaten land resources, which requires urgent Government attention and protection. Paddy suffers due to lack of driers, absence of paddy storage, and no proper price-setting—causing production declines.

¶ 11 Despite challenges, preschool teachers continue with very low pay; they seek a structured solution to improve their remuneration.

¶ 12 Madam, I would like to point out six key areas of focus for the North. The northern region, with its five districts, has significant potential for development. Its prosperity could be achieved through sustainable growth, reconciliation and strengthening communities which endured decades of conflict. Therefore, I urge the Government to focus on: - Infrastructure development - Economic empowerment - Youth unemployment - Environmental sustainability - Safe tourism - National reconciliation

¶ 13 The North has over 26 tourism sites rich in history and culture. The region should prepare to welcome at least 1 million tourists by 2025, expanding infrastructure with 5,000 new rooms and air and ferry connectivity.

¶ 14 After decades of conflict, reconciliation is essential: strengthening co-existence, rehabilitating war-affected communities and addressing their needs.

¶ 15 Hon. Member, your time is up.

¶ 16 Okay. Madam, this is not merely a call to support the North, but to invest in our nation’s future. A united, equitable and prosperous Sri Lanka will emerge only if every region and community is uplifted.

¶ 17 Hon. Member, please conclude now.

¶ 18 Let us work together across party lines to ensure the northern region achieves its rightful place in our shared future. Thank you.

¶ 19 The next speaker is the Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna. You have nine minutes.