The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we are considering regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969 to accelerate clearance of foreign-donated consignments—especially after Cyclone “Dicha,” when donations arrived as funds, goods, and technical expertise.

¶ 02 From the Health Ministry’s perspective, we are cautious about the suitability of donations. Our tsunami-era experience showed many items were of little use. Therefore, we prepared and shared a priority list and guidance so donors know what is needed. Some high-tech devices lack local service capacity; some require expensive reagents and recurring costs that far exceed the machine’s value annually. We therefore accept donations carefully to avoid hidden burdens.

¶ 03 We have reduced or waived taxes on certain donated items. We maintain safety and quality checks—e.g., NMRA approvals for medical devices and medicines—even when temporary registrations exist, and we re-verify before issuing to hospitals or the community. We expedite without compromising quality, while minimizing delays that risk expiry; indeed, some received with only three months’ shelf life were near expiry despite fast-tracking.

¶ 04 On ambulances: many 1990 Suwaseriya units are old. This year we plan to induct additional ambulances. India has offered a large donation, ADB will fund more, and private donors as well—totaling 153 ambulances to be absorbed into Suwaseriya operations under this framework.

¶ 05 I also wish to note concerns about the quality of parliamentary debate. Parliament sets national policy; Members should be selected responsibly by voters. Some speak well on topics they know; others reduce complex reforms—like education reform—to fragments and fixate on them, missing depth.

¶ 06 As for Kandy city, we removed unauthorized pavement trading after a year-long, phased process, having provided alternative locations for about six months, effective from January 1. This benefits both residents and traders. Claims that rates were hiked by 400-500% are inaccurate; audits required valuation roll updates, and any increases reflect updated assessments, not arbitrary hikes.

¶ 07 We have managed the post-disaster phase well, but emergencies continue in some places. Today’s regulations are vital to sustain relief, land selection, and housing construction now underway.

¶ 08 Thank you.