The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Presiding Member, during this Budget debate on the Heads of Mass Media and Health—two ministries important to all—I will raise several matters. Everyone spoke of the medicine shortage; although the Deputy Minister denied, information shows about 25 per cent of medicines are short. On assuming office in 2025, our Minister first declared that even deities need not intervene as the highest-ever allocation was made for health. Yet funds allocated revert to the Treasury. This historic pattern means that despite large allocations, shortcomings persist. We must face and fix this. Even when medicines arrive, without proper stock management they expire and are wasted. We need proper systems to deliver supplies to patients.

¶ 02 In Anuradhapura District, doctors face many difficulties. As the current President is from Anuradhapura, we expected a development drive like Polonnaruwa under President Maithripala Sirisena or Hambantota under President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President spoke about improving Thambuttegama Railway Station; I earlier said it was impractical and it seems dropped. But why forget Thambuttegama Hospital and schools, including his own? Thambuttegama is the second largest hospital in Anuradhapura. Why no modernization and facilities? All hospitals and schools in Anuradhapura should be upgraded.

¶ 03 In our district, elephants raid hospital premises at night. Please provide elephant fences for hospitals such as Kapugollewa, Huruluwewa, Ratmalgahawewa, and Wahalkada. Doctors and patients live in fear at night. Many rural hospitals lack staff accommodation; on-call rooms are absent and patient beds are used by staff to rest. Allocate funds and supervise implementation to ensure effectiveness.

¶ 04 At Ranmalgahawewa Hospital, the pharmacist retired two weeks ago and no replacement has been appointed; people suffer without medicines. Media too has highlighted it.

¶ 05 Female doctors in difficult hospitals must travel from quarters at night, facing safety risks. At least one security officer should be provided at night because intoxicated or agitated groups sometimes threaten staff when delays occur. This will make services more efficient and safe.

¶ 06 On vehicle permits, earlier promises are not fulfilled. If feasible, provide at least a cab—now practically a national vehicle—for doctors. Ministers travel by cab while their spouses use Prados and V8s for village meetings; people ask why vehicles rejected by ministers are preferred by their spouses.

¶ 07 Indigenous doctors render great service at village level. Protect and pass down their knowledge; ensure pathways for children to inherit and be trained. During registration of these practitioners, there are said to be obstacles from some Public Health Officers; please look into it. With proper funding and attention, we can protect our indigenous medical system, a heritage capable of challenging the world.

¶ 08 On the Mass Media Ministry: when in Opposition you spoke much about State media, but still have not turned them into profit-making institutions. There are issues of equitable airtime and access to information. Journalists in villages face hardships and do not receive payments on time from both State and private media. Establish systems for timely payments for verified news contributions. Provide insurance, risk allowances, tax relief for equipment, and assistance for housing where possible.

¶ 09 I thought the President would attend Parliament today, as he often comes after national events. After the Trincomalee incident, he rushed here. Ministers propose novel theories—like not arresting all violators at once so police won’t run out of work. This is “Andare theory.” In Trincomalee too, it reminded us of tales where Andare was asked to guard coconut saplings, yet the police now seem to perform Andare-like acts—removing and replacing items to create appearances. Even sacred statues were moved and returned. Who is “Andare” in this State? Perhaps there are many. Let us free ourselves from “Andare’s” control and establish genuine governance. Thank you.