The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I thank Hon. Kins Nelson for bringing this motion on establishing a proper procurement programme for co-operatives.

¶ 02 Many multipurpose co-operative societies are now dormant and must be revived. We trust the new Government will give special attention to this.

¶ 03 Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri referred to retrieving powers devolved under the 13th Amendment—land and police, and now parts of co-operatives. The 13th Amendment is part of the Constitution; selectively “retrieving” devolved powers risks rendering it meaningless. Such moves would particularly harm the North and East.

¶ 04 In our area, a Sathosa branch that belonged to the co-op network has been moved away and placed under another unit; this undermines the local co-op.

¶ 05 Hon. Minister, if you supply goods at controlled or concessionary prices to multipurpose co-ops, the Co-op City and other retail outlets can be strengthened, enabling supply at guaranteed prices to the public. In Akkaraipattu region—Thirukkovil, Navithanveli, Karaitivu—co-ops have significant building assets. If you provide them timely working capital via district and divisional secretariats, especially credit lines to purchase paddy and mill it, they can develop and supply rice locally at fair prices. I trust you will consider these points. Thank you.