The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, although today’s debate concerns the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, I wish to use this opportunity to express views on the hardships faced by our people in this grave national crisis.

¶ 03 This disaster has caused damage few could have imagined or accepted. Over 1.5 million people have been affected, there have been heavy losses of life, and we are still searching for bodies. Property losses amount to billions of rupees. In this situation, the Hon. Prime Minister appealed for unity to rebuild the country. I believe she spoke with a mother’s compassion.

¶ 04 Hon. Prime Minister, please extend your compassionate invitation beyond this disaster, and throughout this entire parliamentary term use the cooperation of the Opposition constructively. The public felt relief when the country moved from the previous rulers into your hands. By giving your party 159 seats, the people mandated you to govern well. You therefore have a moral responsibility to also bring the Opposition into the journey ahead. We have completed one year of this term, yet we feel the Opposition is being treated much as it was by the previous government.

¶ 05 This is my first term in Parliament. Before this, I served 14 years as a Local Authority Chairman, elected three times, facing floods and many crises together with the people. In 2011, when the East faced floods worse than those of 1978, I worked continuously with the people for three days, at a time when there was effectively no “Opposition” in the council. Because we united to serve the people, I stand here today with their recognition—Alhamdulillah.

¶ 06 This Parliament cannot function as a chamber of 159 from one side alone. You must draw on the ideas and experiences of others here and of experts outside, to rebuild the country. We are ready to join hands and help in whatever way is needed.

¶ 07 We extend deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and our sympathies to those who lost their properties. Religious leaders, mosques, viharas, kovils and other institutions, voluntary organizations, civil society and media personnel have all rallied in the response. Members of the Armed Forces even lost their lives while rescuing others and safeguarding property. Though some media criticize the Government, many media houses especially in less affected areas have come forward to serve those most affected. We must recognize and encourage them.

¶ 08 The President has appointed a committee to rebuild the nation. Many suggested including more subject experts. The Government said appointments were to aid fundraising. I suggest involving our retired cricketing heroes to leverage the global appeal of cricket and attract significant funds for the country.

¶ 09 The Hill Country has suffered greatly—Kambalai town was devastated with many businesses destroyed; Kandy, Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, though high risk, have discharged floodwaters that then damaged farms, homes and livestock in Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and the North and East. We must restore livelihoods in the hills and, at the same time, support producers and farmers across these regions—design focused programmes and prioritize their needs.

¶ 10 I thank officers in electricity, water, health and others for dedicated service. In Ampara, there are over a hundred rice mills that supply other regions. Even though demand has surged, millers struggle to operate without electricity. Engineers are striving to restore supply; please give additional support to these entrepreneurs. Restaurants and hospitals are also affected—this needs priority attention.

¶ 11 Mannar, the home district of the Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, is heavily affected—he could not attend today as he is visiting affected areas including Trincomalee to provide assistance.

¶ 12 Only about one-third of MPs are present today.

¶ 13 I thank parliamentary colleagues who lead field teams serving affected communities. The President, known for his concern for the poor, is working day and night to resolve people’s issues, together with Ministers and other MPs. I thank them and conclude.