The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, at this difficult time, hundreds have died, many are missing, and millions are affected or displaced. I pay my respects to all who lost their lives.

¶ 02 As citizens, we must unite and move forward together. In this period of disaster, stop division and political scheming; all Members must fulfill their duty to protect the people and the nation, not blame each other. Officials are working very hard, day and night, to the best of their ability; we must provide them cooperation and support.

¶ 03 Farmers across the country, including Ampara District, are severely affected—farmlands, livestock, exports and imports are disrupted. Thousands have lost homes. Tens of thousands of acres of paddy in Ampara are flooded, with farmers suffering heavy losses. Along with inundation, weeds have proliferated in fields; even cattle have been washed away. It is the Government’s duty to protect people’s livelihoods and lives, and relief is essential for all affected—whether severely or moderately.

¶ 04 In the hill country, many lives have been lost to landslides; that region is particularly affected. We must extend all possible relief, as this is a natural disaster, not of our making. In past disasters—tsunami, cyclones, and COVID—we had to protect our people; we must provide cooperation and assistance again now.

¶ 05 I also wish to raise some departmental concerns. Based on the Competitive Examination for Recruitment to Grade II of the Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Service – 2024/2025 held on 19.07.2025, 104 were selected—all Sinhala; no minorities, particularly Tamils or Muslims. This is discriminatory. Tamil-speaking officers are necessary to communicate with Tamil-speaking citizens. Consider this and include minorities in recruitment.

¶ 06 Further, even at this time of disaster, microfinance companies are extracting repayments from people standing in floodwaters. This inhumane practice must stop. I urge suspension of debt and other collections temporarily.

¶ 07 We must also boost exports now. In Akkaraipattu’s Aalayadivembu, the Sathosa outlet was closed about a year ago by major businessmen; during this disaster, we see its value. I request the Hon. Minister to re-establish a Sathosa there, as thousands benefited. Though promised earlier, nothing has happened yet.

¶ 08 We must also properly implement irrigation schemes. Due to excess water, areas including Aalayadivembu were affected. Through an integrated agricultural plan, constructing a canal to divert surplus water via Kanjikudicharu, Rubus, and Sagamam tanks would enable double-cropping on about 5,000 acres, supporting the economy and rice exports. Please obtain National Planning approval and strengthen these projects, which would both enhance exports and protect from flood disasters.

¶ 09 I request that these matters be pursued. I conclude my remarks.