The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, the previous speaker enlightened us on crucial aspects of regulating institutions that confer doctoral and professorial titles. I thank Hon. Rohana Bandara for bringing this Motion.

¶ 02 Personally, I prefer to address the Hon. Minister as “Professor” Abayarathna because, from my first day here, his humility and conduct exemplified how a professor should act. He later earned the professorship and has not flaunted it while discharging ministerial duties.

¶ 03 I also wish to thank him for a recent clarification from his Ministry regarding Vesak Week: although Vesak Week was declared from May 27 to June 2, instructions specified that animal sacrifice and meat sales be halted only on May 30–31 and June 1, allowing our community to perform Udhiyah/Qurban on May 28–29. We are grateful for this clarity.

¶ 04 Further, the Supreme Court has now upheld the constitution of the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council. Within two months, boundary delimitation must be finalized. The new Council will need premises, a Secretary, staff and vehicles. I respectfully request the Hon. (Prof.) Abayarathna to provide these basic facilities within two months so the Council can function, including essential services like waste disposal.

¶ 05 Finally, I urge the Government to bring proper regulations and rules to end the sale of professorships and doctorates for money.

¶ 06 Thank you.