The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank you for the time to speak in the Committee Stage debate on the 2026 Budget under the Ministry of Education. This Budget allocates a significant sum for education—704 billion rupees, approximately 2.17 per cent of GDP—and we commend the Government for it. We also appreciate the Hon. Prime Minister for his responsibility over the Ministry.

¶ 03 Though arrangements have been made in past years, this time measures have been taken to bring reforms in education—which is welcome. Education must change with the times.

¶ 04 In the Northern districts—Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya—there is a severe shortage of teachers. We raised this in the Ministerial Consultative Committee with the Hon. Prime Minister as Minister of Education. Currently, teachers from Jaffna District travel and serve in other districts, which we appreciate, but they also face difficulties. Therefore, we requested that future teacher appointments be made on a district quota basis. We need clarity on what steps have been taken. If appointments are made by district quota, these recurring problems can be avoided. It will also help teachers and their families.

¶ 05 In 2018–2019, several school building projects were initiated: the NSBS programme, Indian assisted programmes, CFS 1000, TFR, and projects under the Resettlement Unit. The NSBS, Indian assisted, and CFS 1000 projects, which had been halted, are now being restarted. However, 11 schools started under TFR and Resettlement Unit remain suspended. I raised this at the Ministerial Consultative Committee; assurances were given to make arrangements. Letters have been sent to the Department of Education, estimates obtained, and work is progressing. I thank the Hon. Prime Minister. In some cases officials say prior estimates are missing; please proceed based on current needs rather than old paperwork. I have documents and will place them in the Library.

¶ 06 The Mahapola allowance for university students has been increased to 10,000 rupees. But children of public servants are excluded, which is a problem as they also struggle with living costs. I request that this 10,000-rupee Mahapola be extended to children of public servants as well.

¶ 07 In the Kurunegala District, in the Kiribathkumbura (Kiriulla) Education Zone, Siyambalagaskotuwa Madina National School is a prominent school. Its principal is still in Grade I, but an Administrative Service Grade principal is required. Letters have been submitted. Arrangements are delayed; I kindly request the appointment of an Administrative Service Grade principal.

¶ 08 Please allow me one more minute. Extending school hours as part of reforms will create major problems for disadvantaged students in our districts, and for Muslim schools too, especially with the increase planned from January. I request that the relevant parties consult and take appropriate decisions.

¶ 09 Thank you.