Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak during this debate on two Bills and two sets of Regulations affecting the daily lives of our people.

¶ 02 On the judiciary: In Moneragala District, four Grama Niladhari divisions—Galgamuwa, Nelliyadda, Mulle-gama, and Inginiyagala—have not been gazetted under any judicial division. This causes serious administrative difficulties, including for Divisional Secretaries handling land vesting and for Police when instituting cases, and for Samurdhi-related recoveries. I urge that Inginiyagala GN be gazetted under Ampara, and Mulle-gama, Galgamuwa, and Nelliyadda under the Bibile judicial division, to ease public service delivery.

¶ 03 Regarding Samurdhi: It has long served the poorest. However, large sums held in the Samurdhi/Community Banking network—about 1,092 societies and roughly Rs. 250 billion in deposits—have seen irregularities at times. I welcome auditing under this Bill. Also, in beneficiary selection, some eligible people have been excluded. Through these amendments, we should ensure that the most vulnerable receive benefits, and provide the institutions with necessary powers to serve the people effectively. Thank you.