The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 Today’s Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act seek to extend certain concessions for the tourism sector. Tourism significantly contributes to national income. While support is needed, tourism often appears to serve large tycoons to further amass wealth rather than benefit ordinary people. Though there are hotel schools in Sri Lanka, workers in the sector are not paid decent wages. Many who complete training go abroad.

¶ 02 We have many famous tourist areas. The Government should better organize them and grant concessions—on a grant basis where appropriate—to local landowners so they can use nearby resources. Benefits should not flow only to the already wealthy.

¶ 03 In regions like Arugam Bay and Pasikuda, restaurants could source prawns and crabs locally at profitable prices. Sri Lanka has the resources and suitable fishing and farming communities. The Government should encourage them.

¶ 04 Regarding exports, we can export more fruits such as star fruit (carambola), which fetches good prices abroad, and the Karuthakolumban mango. We have extensive forest resources for cultivation. Yet the Government has been more inclined to acquire ordinary people’s lands than to release war-affected lands or enable cultivation. Many of these lands belong to Tamil-speaking Muslims and Tamils. People voted for this Government believing their lands would be released for livelihood or housing.

¶ 05 Last week, the national schools-level Kabaddi tournament was held in Nintavur. We are proud it was hosted there. Two Nintavur schools represented the Eastern Province. In the Under-17, Nintavur Al-Madheena Maha Vidyalaya won gold; in the Under-20, Aligarh National School won gold. They achieved this without basic indoor facilities—only with dedicated coaches. I thank the students, schools, and all who supported them, and urge the Sports or Education Ministry to provide facilities and continued support so these talented students can excel nationally and internationally.