The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake, I appreciate your impartiality and your inclusive approach. I request that within your Ministry you prioritize the following if feasible.

¶ 03 Please prioritize the construction of a bridge between Mullaitivu’s Kokkilai and Pulmoddai in Trincomalee—linking the two districts. This will fulfil the longstanding dream of the people and benefit tourism. A bridge across the Kokkilai Lagoon would enable quicker travel. As MPs, we have a responsibility to advise for the country’s progress. Building this bridge would meet the people’s request and bring more tourists, aiding national revenue.

¶ 04 Next, another request, Hon. Minister. People customarily commemorate the dead according to their faiths. Our people in the North and East remember those who died in the war on November 27 at the Thuyilum Illams and on May 18 at Mullivaikkal. Last November 27, under your administration, people commemorated peacefully without obstruction. However, in certain Thuyilum Illams military personnel still occupy. It is often pointed out that the military presence in the North and East—especially in Mullaitivu—is very high, even to a ratio of one soldier for every two persons. To allow people to shed a tear and find solace remembering their loved ones, please release locations like Mulliyawalai, Alampil, Theravil, and Eechchankulam from military control. I request this on behalf of the Tamil people of the North and East.

¶ 05 On housing, many have spoken. In 2018, when Sajith Premadasa—now Leader of the Opposition—was Minister of Housing, assistance of Rs. 750,000 per family was granted to the poor, those in temporary shelters, those displaced by war and floods, resettled returnees, rehabilitated ex‑combatants, orphans, and female‑headed households who lost spouses in the war. Houses were to be completed within two months. However, with the change of government, this programme was suspended and left in limbo.

¶ 06 Allocations for Mullivaikkal East’s Vattuvakal bridge have now been provided. My heartfelt thanks to the Hon. President and to you. Please expedite construction and complete the work plans within this year with the allocated funds.

¶ 07 A major request: either in the next Budget or even earlier, ensure the above 2018 housing programme is resumed fully across the North and East—not only in Mullaitivu, but also Mannar, Vavuniya, and the Vanni. It is regrettable that governments change but this programme sees no progress. Please ensure full implementation. Thank you.