The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan

¶ 01 The Hon. Presiding Member, towards the end of last year the “Ditva” cyclone caused severe damage across Sri Lanka. However, under the direct supervision of our President, swift action was taken to reduce the impact as much as possible, and the country recovered.

¶ 02 The hill country was particularly hard hit. Many of our people there lost their lives. In the Northern Province too—especially in Mullaitivu District—five of our Navy brothers lost their lives near the shore while rescuing people. It is heartbreaking to think of it—coming from the South to rescue those in the North and losing their lives there is a great tragedy. In Vavuniya and the Wanni as well—Mannar and Mullaitivu—various disasters occurred. At that time, government officials and the tri-forces acted swiftly and rescued those affected. I extend my thanks to them. I also wish to state that the government is working to address the remaining impacts of the “Ditva” cyclone swiftly.

¶ 03 In truth, for years the Northern Province has faced multiple issues. Our government is now addressing them. A storm—like an “SIS Our” wind—has also hit the education sector in the North. I was saddened by some words used here yesterday by an MP from the North—improper words that reflect a decline in education and discipline. Discipline is the fruit of education; education without discipline is like a field without yield. The Northern Province, once proud in education, is today ninth in the national ranking, if not near the bottom. I believe local education officials bear responsibility.

¶ 04 Our Hon. President and the Hon. Prime Minister are facilitating the North’s educational development—playgrounds, school buildings, teachers—everything is being provided. Yet officials fail to distribute these resources equitably. For example, in June last year teacher transfers took place in the Vanni, releasing teachers only with replacements. But 40% of the replacement teachers never reported to the Vanni, severely harming students. Many in the Vanni are children who lost parents due to the war. Northern education officials have neglected to ensure the needed measures for such a vulnerable community. At District Coordinating Committee meetings, when I raised this, they offered excuses while appointing unsuitable teachers and then advising, “File a case!” An officer named Niranjan acted deceitfully. Failing to appoint proper replacements is a wrongdoing, and those responsible are culpable.

¶ 05 We will certainly remove such wrongdoers, appoint capable officials in the coming period, and develop the North and its economy through education. Thank you.