Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

¶ 02 Though we are debating the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, I must raise an urgent matter. The Department of Examinations has announced that the 2025 GCE Ordinary Level Examination will be held from 17 to 26 February 2026. The 17th of February 2026 is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan (Hijri 1447). In a plural country, the exam schedule should not disrupt a principal religious observance. I urge the Government, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Examinations to reschedule—either advance or postpone—the O/L exam dates to respect religious practice.

¶ 03 Next, many civilians—cooks, kitchen assistants, clerks and labourers—are working on contract at Army establishments. Previously, those completing 180 days continuously were to be made permanent. However, after the last permanency on 24.10.2014, none have been made permanent for ten years. Over a thousand such personnel in Civil Security divisions across the country—including 213 in the Minneriya area—have served for years. Applications were called on 01.09.2019 and documents submitted, yet no permanency was granted. Some have crossed age 45 and many are nearing it. I urge the Hon. President and the Hon. State Minister of Defence to take steps to grant permanency to these long-serving employees.

¶ 04 In Trincomalee, there are reports that Muslim nurses and midwives at hospitals and MOH offices are being told they cannot wear their cultural attire at work. This is condemnable. For years, even up to retirement age, they have served while wearing their cultural dress. Now they face threats that if they continue, disciplinary action will be taken and allowances stopped. I request the Government to intervene and ensure justice, and to act against any officials imposing discriminatory orders. The Government promised a non-racist administration; such actions raise doubts whether officials act on their own or with Government backing. This order must be withdrawn.

¶ 05 We also observe a pattern where the Government does what it said it would not do and fails to do what it promised. For instance, some leaders said garlands at rallies were unacceptable, yet now even buses are ceremonially garlanded. Filling potholes is turned into a grand show. You have 159 Members; people expect you to implement your promised reforms. Please take action accordingly.

¶ 06 Hon. Deputy Speaker: Hon. Imran Maharoof, your time is up.

¶ 07 Hon. Imran Maharoof: Okay, Sir, I am winding up. We urge you again to implement what you promised.