The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am happy to deliver my maiden speech in this Tenth Parliament. I come through the National List via the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, allied with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, upon the request of our leader Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen and the consent of Hon. Sajith Premadasa.

¶ 03 I represent the Vanni District—Vavuniya, Mannar, and Mullaitivu—home to all three communities, deeply affected by war and displacement. After people fled, the Forest Department has demarcated and seized private lands, barring owners from access; farmers who once made Vavuniya an agricultural hub for black gram, cowpea, and maize are suffering.

¶ 04 Another grave problem: the Vavuniya Pampaimadu area has become a garbage dump. To its west live over a thousand families; on the other side, the University of Vavuniya with over a thousand students. The stench causes severe discomfort to residents and the university community. Groundwater mixes with water from Sobal Puliyankulam tank, affecting health of farmers cultivating over 150 acres; they suffer skin ailments on their feet. Hospital waste is also dumped there; dogs and cats drag dismembered human organs into nearby villages and the university. There is no protective fence. Move the dump within a forest area of the district to protect health and dignity. Of over 800 village tanks in Vavuniya, 235 remain unrestored; rehabilitating them would allow two seasons of cultivation.

¶ 05 On the upcoming local government elections: please avoid dates clashing with G.C.E. Ordinary Level exams or the holy month of Ramadan, to prevent hardships to students and fasting Muslims.

¶ 06 Prices are high and there are few relief outlets. Vavuniya has only two Sathosa outlets, Mannar one; Mullaitivu has none. Please establish Sathosa branches in Chettikulam and Nedunkerny (Vavuniya North), in Mullaitivu District, and in Musali, Mannar, to provide relief to people.

¶ 07 Thank you.