The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank you for the opportunity to speak under the Votes of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education led by the Hon. Prime Minister.

¶ 03 Three months ago, the Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Rishad Bathiudeen, and I met the Minister and highlighted six schools in Vavuniya and Mannar—Al-Aqsa, Al-Ameen, Anaivilundan, Kakkaiyankulam Muslim MV, Veppankulam Muslim MV, and Sornapuri MV—where buildings were left half-constructed. Under both the Gotabaya and Ranil administrations, these were stopped due to personal animosity toward Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen. Now, the Minister has accepted and signalled to resume these works—I thank her.

¶ 04 Another matter: a Muslim Maha Vidyalaya in Vavuniya, started in 1924, where I studied, will celebrate its centenary. I intended to request it be elevated to National School status, but the Minister has said there is currently no such programme. Therefore, I kindly request that, to mark the centenary, an assembly hall be built for the school.

¶ 05 We acknowledge the significant allocations for education in the 2026 Budget—for schools, teachers, students, and universities. However, in our regions there are obstacles to implementation. Our students were displaced as refugees, then hit by COVID-19 and the economic crisis, and by political changes—many dropped out. We worry whether the funds allocated will actually reach our areas and sustain students’ education. Therefore, I request special attention to Northern schools—particularly in the Vanni District—where resource shortages and teacher shortages, especially in mathematics, science, and English, as well as frequent transfers, disrupt education. Drug abuse has also increased dropouts; please use the new reforms to address resource gaps and strengthen education here.

¶ 06 Teacher appointments should be made on a district basis. There are many vacancies for principals; please expedite those appointments and ensure regular school management training in each province to improve administration and outcomes.

¶ 07 Vavuniya University spans about 120 acres with ample space. Land has been allocated for a medical faculty but work has not begun. As Hon. Dr. Sathiyalingam said, the area suffers from foul odour and environmental issues. A portion of the land could be developed as a recreational park to promote tourism while improving the environment.

¶ 08 Finally, over 1,200 trainees who completed teachers’ college programmes around 2008–2009 in Kopay, Batticaloa, Addalaichenai, and Kotagala have not yet received certificates. Please expedite issuing their certificates.

¶ 09 Thank you.