The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum now has an energetic team and works with advice from its former leader, Mr. Ameen. As the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) is a State media entity, many Muslims in the country listen to its Islamic Service. However, programme time has been reduced in favour of advertisements, making it an advertising service. While more ads may bring more revenue, please increase programme time and properly structure the Islamic Service. The SLMMF Chair wrote to the SLBC Chairman on 17 November 2025. Please review that letter and take constructive action on the proposals. I submit a copy for the Hansard.

¶ 02 Nearly 100,000 displaced people came to Puttalam. When I was a Minister about 10 years ago, we established five central dispensaries in Puttalam with medicines, OPD services, and staffing through the Northern Province. Hundreds used them daily. One of them—Al-Qasimi City Hospital—has been closed for some time, despite quarters and furniture, and after operating continuously for 5–6 years. It has been closed under the North Western Provincial Council administration. The people there are poor; they pay Rs. 1,000 for an auto to go elsewhere, suffering greatly. When asked, they say there is no doctor. They also said a doctor would be appointed next year. Even so, with all facilities in place, it is unjust to keep Al-Qasimi City Hospital closed. Please act to reopen it. In addition, hospitals at Hidhaithnagar, Karambai, Kandakkuda, and Alankuda get a doctor only a day or two per week; please address this too.