The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I thank Hon. Kins Nelson for bringing back, as a motion, what many have talked about for 76 years regarding co-ops—so we can remind those who now claim they never said or did those things. Some built co-op societies and then grabbed the lands; we must correct this and stop the blame game.

¶ 02 Earlier today we discussed vesting plantation roads with the Government; we offered constructive proposals. Yet the Minister’s reply dwelt on past mistakes. Yes, there were mistakes; that is why you were given power—to correct them. The public who voted for you now question why promises from Opposition days are forgotten when in office.

¶ 03 Co-ops—built with members’ small savings—succeeded historically. Over time, unlawful decisions eroded good practices. Under the 13th Amendment, co-ops are a devolved subject, regulated and implemented through Provincial Councils. When we raised issues, we were told to refer them to line ministries through provincial ministers. If the subject Minister truly wants to revive co-ops and realize this motion, and to bring relief to the people, then either retrieve the powers devolved by the 13th Amendment—which is not feasible—or at least initiate necessary legal or regulatory changes to make progress. Use provincial regulations to create workable mechanisms.

¶ 04 I also raise: many co-op “financial institutions” issue loans—do they have Monetary Board approval? Some act like banks, taking deposits and lending, without proper authority, causing crises. Please act to correct these long-term distortions, so that this valuable motion becomes reality. Thank you.