The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem

¶ 01 I had 12 minutes.

¶ 02 You have been allocated nine minutes.

¶ 03 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I begin my maiden speech in this august House by praising the Almighty and invoking blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (Sal).

¶ 04 I offer my heartfelt thanks to my beloved late father, Mohamed Sali, and my dear mother, Subaida Umma, who raised me as a good citizen of this country; to my wife, children, sisters, family members and friends; and to all who inspired me with confidence and courage throughout my political journey. I also thank those who shaped my political identity and national recognition: our respected community leadership, and in particular the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress – the voice of the Muslim community and our movement – its National Leader, Hon. Rauff Hakeem, PC; our Party Secretary, President’s Counsel Nizam Kariapper; our Party Chairman Abdul Majeed; the members of the High Council; district and divisional organizers; former Members of Parliament; former Municipal and Pradeshiya Sabha Members; and all our party activists.

¶ 05 I am grateful to Hon. (Dr.) Hizbullah, MP for Kalkudah, who worked tirelessly for our party’s victory in the Batticaloa District; to our organizer and fellow candidate, Attorney-at-Law Habeebur Rifan; and to the voters of Kattankudy, Eravur and Kalkudah who placed their trust in me. I also record my thanks to our Tamil brothers and sisters who befriended me and supported me on the basis of confidence.

¶ 06 At a time when the entire country yearned for a change to establish a corruption-free good governance, our Anura Kumara Dissanayake received the support of all communities and was elected President. I extend congratulations to His Excellency the President and to the governing party which secured 159 seats in this august House. I urge them to continue to serve the people as they pledged.

¶ 07 On the principle “People’s tax money is for the people!”, I was elected in 2018 as a member of the Eravur Urban Council from the Ottuppulam Ward and later served as its Chairman. During that period, I did not accept any perks granted to the Chairman – no allowances or privileges. Even my salary was given to my people. I used my personal vehicle for official duties. As a Member of this Parliament, I pledge that any allowances due to me will be shared with my people and I will not take even a single rupee for my personal expenses.

¶ 08 Last week’s floods severely affected the Batticaloa District. A total of 73,532 persons from 23,651 families were impacted. Although temporary camps were set up, some families – in both Muslim and Tamil areas – stayed with relatives. I request the Government to provide financial assistance and relief to all affected, taking this into account.

¶ 09 Regarding the Eravur Base Hospital: although a four-storey building complex constructed with Chinese Government assistance has been opened, there is a lack of basic facilities. Despite its status as a base hospital, there is a shortage of doctors, specialists and medicines. I appeal to the Hon. Minister to rectify these shortages. There is also a space constraint, and insufficient land for further buildings. I request that the site currently used as the temporary public market be allocated to the hospital.

¶ 10 Further, a plot of land originally acquired in 1912 for the Aligarh National School is presently with the Police. For the benefit of the students, I request that it be released and permanently vested in the school for construction needs.

¶ 11 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, in areas such as Meerakeani, Meesnagar and Aiyankeni, land authority rests with the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat, while administrative authority rests with the Eravur Urban Council. About 30 years have passed with these residents living without formal land tenure. Under the previous administration’s “Urumaya” programme, those who resided only 5–6 years were given land deeds, yet, after almost 30 years, our people in Meerakeani, Meesnagar and Aiyankeni still have not received deeds from the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretary. Therefore, I request that land authority for these areas be vested in the Eravur Urban Divisional Secretariat so deeds can be issued.

¶ 12 Please conclude, Hon. Member.

¶ 13 Kindly grant me an additional nine minutes, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.

¶ 14 Our public market building was demolished for reconstruction, but for nearly nine years the work has remained incomplete. I request adequate budgetary allocation to complete this work. Likewise, roads such as Meerakeani Road and the Housing Scheme Road were awarded under a World Bank project, but the contractors have not completed the work. I request that the responsible contractors be compelled to complete these projects. Thank you.