Hon. Fasmin Sharif

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 Today we debate the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, the Sports Law Regulations, and the Rules under the Judicature Act.

¶ 03 Sports are intertwined with our lives, helping us to keep fit and be productive. Yet, due to today’s work pressures and lack of facilities, village sports participation has waned. Our Government is allocating funds—about Rs. 5,500 million—and implementing programs to identify and rehabilitate idle sports grounds, for example in the Central Province, to revive volleyball, football, elle and other games that once thrived in our villages, not just cricket. We aim to nurture healthier, more active citizens.

¶ 04 Because long-standing rules failed to resolve issues in sports bodies, we are amending them for better functioning. One change prevents anyone from remaining President or Secretary of a sports body for more than eight years, opening space for new leadership and better governance.

¶ 05 Sports also help reduce non-communicable diseases and can steer youth away from drugs, turning them into useful citizens. Our President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is advancing sports development. Sri Lankan cricket has declined due to political interference, especially in selections; we will remove such interference and ensure merit-based selection, creating conditions to regain future world trophies.

¶ 06 On Samurdhi employment: Under a 2017 program, more than 300 individuals reportedly without required qualifications (even without O/L passes) were recruited, undermining the Department. Now their jobs are at risk. We are working to address their welfare within proper frameworks.

¶ 07 I also raise a local governance issue: The Chairman of the Kamburupitiya Urban Council, Mr. Hiruka Weeraratne, allegedly attempted to transfer more than 20 perches of valuable council land—worth around Rs. 10 million per perch—to a private individual affiliated with those who contested with the NPP. NPP members and allied councillors blocked it, but he may bring it again. The Government must prevent such acts. While requesting State land for parking and cooperative facilities, they should not sell public land to private parties for profit.

¶ 08 Regarding the statement made by Hon. Imran Maharoof about Muslim nurses being barred from cultural attire: that information is inaccurate. Isolated incidents stem from actions of certain officials appointed earlier who do not cooperate. We will take this up with the Hon. President and the relevant Minister and resolve it. Some former Muslim Ministers are now shouting about issues that arose years ago; for instance, concerning Kurukalmadam. The Hon. State Minister Muneer Moulana will take legal steps to ensure justice for Muslims. Our President has consistently worked for Muslim people. Under Mahinda Rajapaksa’s time, Muslims faced difficulties even traveling on buses in cultural attire like abaya and caps, yet many then in this House did not speak against it. This Government, which rejects racism, will proceed with good programs despite attempts to obstruct and to distance Muslims from the Government. I assure that no injustice will befall Muslims under this Government; false accusations should stop. Thank you.