The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, regulations under the Sports Law, and regulations under the Judicature Act.

¶ 02 We welcome bringing Samurdhi Community-Based Bank and Union accounts under audit. Samurdhi has served thousands across the country, though it has drifted from its core functions. The government should work with Samurdhi Development Officers, modernize Samurdhi banks—computerization and equipment—to strengthen service delivery. There is also understaffing despite high demand for their services.

¶ 03 On Aswesuma, the data-driven selection has excluded many genuine, needy families at village level. We propose an adjustment: empower Divisional Secretaries to recommend deserving cases overlooked by the system and to take decisions on such appeals, subject to guidelines, so deserving mothers and fathers are not left out.

¶ 04 Regarding sports regulations, I flag a growing problem: village school playgrounds are the only facilities for youth and community sports, but as schools expand, access for village youth is narrowing. Through agreements among schools, sports/youth clubs, and Divisional Secretaries, ensure scheduled community access to school grounds.

¶ 05 Another issue: poor children selected for overseas sports tours often must sell tickets on the roadside to fund travel. Previously, Provincial Councils could provide some support from sports funds. I urge the Sports Minister to coordinate with Governors to create a mechanism to assist such students.

¶ 06 Finally, some pressing administrative issues: between 2020–23, the Land Reforms Commission recruited 609 staff on contract; only about 48 are currently in service, and others face employment uncertainty. This needs attention.

¶ 07 Thank you.