The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth

¶ 01 [4.45 p.m.]

¶ 02 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 03 Due to the January 2024 floods, several DS divisions were affected in Ampara: Pottuvil, Lahugala, Akkaraipattu, and Addalaichenai. In Pottuvil DS, 1,669 families were affected; in Lahugala, 1,650 families. With the District Secretary’s approval, relief was issued: via A.K. Rauff Traders in Pottuvil (Rs. 2,145,300), Al-Mayidhas (Rs. 1,670,850), and Pottuvil Budget Food City for Lahugala (Rs. 3,165,600). However, payments to these shop owners have not been made to date—nearly two years—causing hardship. I urge prompt settlement.

¶ 04 On 25.10.2024, a mini-cyclone hit our area: 14 fishermen were affected and their gear destroyed; no compensation has been paid. I request the Fisheries Ministry to compensate the following promptly: Farook, Rihan, Sumeer, Meera Muhiyadeen, Qayoom, Nagoor Pitchai, Thaseem, Sekuthambi, Thalafeek, Nizar, Muhammad Lebbe, Manaf, A.C. Meera Muhiyadeen, and M.H.A. Rauff.

¶ 05 Many GN divisions in our DS division suffer potable water shortages; the National Water Supply and Drainage Board cannot supply during droughts. I request allocations via the District Secretary to deploy two tractor bowsers or a large bowser, and to urgently commence the Keda Oya project.

¶ 06 Arugam Bay is a renowned leisure destination with many multi-storey buildings. During fires, they rely on Akkaraipattu and Kalmunai municipal fire brigades. For the area’s benefit, please provide a dedicated fire engine and a beach cleaning machine.

¶ 07 Schools face deficiencies. Pottuvil Central College still lacks a national school cadre, preventing even one transfer; an officer from Pottuvil, Janul Sibaya, is working at Addalaichenai National School. Please create the cadre and address resource shortages. Provide three-storey buildings to As-Sadiq Vidyalaya, Darul Falah Muslim Vidyalaya, Al-Irfan Girls’ College, and Al-Kalam Maha Vidyalaya to resolve space constraints. Also provide photocopy machines to all schools.

¶ 08 Reduce import duties on fruits so poor families can afford them.

¶ 09 I also thank the President for supporting recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state at the UN, on behalf of Sri Lankan Muslims.

¶ 10 A vehicle has been provided to the Pottuvil Divisional Veterinary Office, but its driver is being used by another officer, forcing the vet to use his own motorcycle. I request the Eastern Provincial Council Agriculture Ministry Secretary to appoint the proper driver immediately.

¶ 11 On September 23, Sri Lanka marked International Day of Sign Languages. I congratulate all who commemorated it, especially C.M. Bausi Muhiyadeen for leading the local event. I request this House to help expedite the above matters. Thank you. Wassalam.