The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, please count my time from now. Thank you.

¶ 02 The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill before us is very important, and I welcome and commend the Government for bringing it. The provisions newly introduced on corporal and non-physical punishment concerning children are significant for our country. The purpose is not merely to impose punishments directly in society, but to guide us towards a healthier society.

¶ 03 However, I wish to point out a few matters:

¶ 04 - In 308A(1), the phrase “likely to cause humiliation” needs a definition in the law, with illustrative clarity. - There are discrepancies between the Tamil and English texts. For example, in Section 314A, the Tamil version says “fine up to five lakhs” (Rs. 500,000) whereas the English says “five thousand rupees.” This must be corrected.

¶ 05 I also wish to raise district issues. In this year’s budget, funds were allocated to repair local authority roads despite severe economic constraints. I appreciate that. However, funds for roads legally under local authorities are being allocated through Government Agents, with selections made without consultation of the relevant local bodies. In Vavuniya, lists have been prepared elsewhere and sent to the bodies, omitting very needy roads. Local authorities should not be mere contractors; they must have agency to select based on public consultations and their priority lists. I request the responsible Minister to ensure GA offices and local bodies consult and ensure funds reach the most needed roads.

¶ 06 Vavuniya Urban Council has been elevated to Municipal Council status and re-named accordingly, but it lacks the basic cadre and infrastructure of a municipality. I urge the Government to fill the necessary cadre and facilities, at least by 2026.

¶ 07 In Vavuniya District, only one local authority has a fire service, serving the whole district with one vehicle and minimal resources due to lack of a separate division and funds. Please allocate resources in the upcoming budget to strengthen the municipal fire service.

¶ 08 Finally, reform the cadre structures of local authorities so they can deliver efficient public services, and immediately coordinate with GAs and local bodies to ensure road-repair funds reach the public effectively.

¶ 09 Thank you.