Hon. Mylvaganam Jegadeeswaran

¶ 01 They continue to make comments as if introducing these matters to children, engaging in activities that normalize such topics among the young.

¶ 02 In this Tenth Parliament, there has been a continued pattern of speaking disparagingly about women Members of Parliament and criticizing them in demeaning ways. I strongly condemn this. At this moment, I am reminded of a line from the great poet Subramania Bharathiyar on womanhood:

¶ 03 “Let us burn to ashes the folly that demeans mothers.”

¶ 04 That is, a call to eradicate a society that speaks low of women. This is the spirit of that verse.

¶ 05 In that context, I wish to say a few words about the Hon. Harini Amarasuriya, our Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. In the history of Sri Lanka, we are fortunate to have as our Education Minister someone who is a rare treasure – a person with complete knowledge and expertise in education. Under her leadership, we will certainly bring about a great revolution in the field of education. Moreover, she is a person of stature. Yet the Opposition has resorted to personally attacking her with extremely vulgar language. This is deeply distressing. In a House with many learned members, Opposition Members who ought to be role models engage in such conduct, ignoring even those seated in the galleries. We strongly condemn this.

¶ 06 In our Northern Province, there are serious shortcomings in education. The sector has declined to a worrying level. The main reason at the provincial level is transfers. Transfers are not being conducted properly, particularly for the academic periods of 2025 and 2026. Because of this, education in districts such as Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya has suffered. Nearly 40 per cent of teachers have transferred out, and replacements have not arrived. Without the required subject teachers, students sitting the G.C.E. Advanced Level face unfortunate circumstances. We must reform this transfer policy.

¶ 07 Finally, I wish to note that we plan to appoint graduate teachers in the future. In the recruitment examinations, district-based cut-off marks should be applied, and teachers appointed to vacancies within their respective districts to resolve transfer problems. The North, affected by war and severe deficits in physical resources, needs a sound decision from our Government. I once again request that we avoid using degrading language against women in this House. Thank you.