The Hon. D.V. Chanaka

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I heard Hon. Sugath Vasantha de Silva’s remarks and some allegations were made. I also ask that he not be misused on social media. Memes claimed I opposed giving him a vehicle. I never said that. We believe he deserves fair representation and we extend full support to him and to all persons with disabilities.

¶ 02 Regarding the debate on the Ministry of Power: we posed many questions, but the Minister had limited time to reply. Please allocate sufficient time to the line Minister to answer, or let them use part of our time; otherwise we must keep raising such matters on other days.

¶ 03 The Minister claimed the Chandrika Wewa and Kiriibbanwewa floating solar projects started in 2025. In fact, they began in 2024 and are already commissioned and generating power—widely covered even on ITN. Similarly, on the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm: work to develop the 24 tanks under LIOC has commenced, two tanks are completed, and funds allocated for five more. Yet a fresh Cabinet paper was submitted “to develop” them. Do not misuse Cabinet for media optics.

¶ 04 On the Health debate tomorrow: Minister Nalinda Jayatissa explained doctors’ salary increases and urged them not to strike. We will not support any strike; it hurts patients. But we also cannot block the right to strike. The Government must resolve the issue. The Government Medical Officers’ Association has acknowledged the basic salary increase and raised concerns about structural inequities—not merely monetary—affecting long-term pay structures.

¶ 05 Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said paying 1/30 for work on Sundays/holidays is fair because monthly salary is for 30 days. I disagree. Work on a weekly rest day is different: families lose time; private practice opportunities are lost. Many public institutions pay higher rates on Sundays—e.g., 150% at petroleum entities. Overtime (1/80 of basic per hour) is a separate matter; capping doctors’ extra payments at four hours doesn’t reflect actual 12–13 hour days. We should not drive doctors out of the country by vilifying them on social media or here. Many stayed during the crisis; let’s treat them fairly.

¶ 06 On fisheries, the Deputy Minister outlined plans; we welcome them, but do not repeat the delays seen with the fuel subsidy. Fisherfolk were promised Rs. 25 per litre diesel subsidy, paid only up to November. It is now March; do not default for 3–4 months. Many boats go to sea 20–30 trips with no subsidy received. Even former Minister Dilip Wedaarachchi said his three boats did not receive it. Please regularize payments as budgeted. We support your work if implemented on time. Thank you.