The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, although four items are before the House, I will touch on two.

¶ 03 Successive governments have introduced programs—Janasaviya, Samurdhi, Aswesuma—under different names to serve the people and eradicate poverty. Yet from then to now, the outcomes are negligible; more families fall under the poverty line and problems persist. There are deficiencies in these schemes; therefore, we must identify and amend them in law. Each time a government begins changes, it spends time chasing culprits; instead, we must deliver needed reforms.

¶ 04 In Samurdhi, there was a compulsory savings component. Beneficiaries could access those savings after age 60, for higher education of children, illness, or to start livelihoods. After Aswesuma began, many beneficiaries can no longer access their savings under those grounds. They are in distress. I urge the Government to return these savings to beneficiaries when needed.

¶ 05 Samurdhi officers also face political victimization with frequent transfers. I request a commission or a general scheme to resolve their issues. Samurdhi managers have received promotions up to MN 7, but many original Samurdhi officers with 30 years of service have had no promotions. Please grant overdue promotions without discrimination. During COVID, Samurdhi officers worked as diligently as doctors. One colleague, Mr. Nazeem from Kalmunai, died due to COVID. I request compensation or suitable assistance for his family.

¶ 06 On sports: my public service journey—from Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman to Parliament—was rooted in community and youth leadership built through the Manthottam Sports Club and Youth Society in Nintavur. Sports should not be a mere business or status symbol. Today, national associations often comprise the children of the wealthy or powerful, while many achievers at national level are sidelined due to ethnicity, money, or influence. People voted for the National People’s Power to ensure such athletes are included.

¶ 07 Kabaddi players from Nintavur have brought pride to Sri Lanka. Mr. Aslam Saja was vice-captain of the national kabaddi team in 2022 and captain in 2023. Four players—Aslam Saja, Sabikhan, Nabriz, and Halis—have represented Sri Lanka in Iran, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Yet Nintavur lacks proper grounds. Many clubs—Madheena, Sounders, Imran—have produced players for the Army and Air Force. Two athletes, S.M. Aashiq and Azaan, consistently excel in athletics. Nintavur’s ground can be used for barely six months a year; it is unusable during the rains.

¶ 08 These athletes rely only on natural talent and family encouragement; state and institutional resources are absent. I urge that adequate resources be provided. Eight kabaddi players are serving in the national security forces today. At least to honor Nintavur’s contribution to national teams, please provide a standard outdoor ground and an indoor sports complex there. Players are now asked to train 27 km away; they lack funds for such travel. Please provide facilities and opportunities. Thank you.