The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, first on the Muslim community: recent reports alleged “Muslim terrorists” and extremist groups in Kalmunai. History shows our community never supported terrorism. During the Easter attack aftermath, it was the people of Sainthamaruthu and Akkaraipattu who identified and reported suspects to Police. When LTTE cadres were shot, their families collected bodies; when Easter attackers were killed, the Government did not hand bodies to families, and the Muslim community did not claim them. This shows our community rejects terrorism.

¶ 03 On fisheries in Ampara: about 300 deep‑sea boats operate, but there is no fishery harbour in the district. Fishermen must berth at Valaichchenai Harbour, which is overcrowded and imposes restrictive rules on outside landings. All Ampara MPs are here; the district has two harbours including a commercial harbour. If we develop them, thousands of jobs will be created and the economy boosted.

¶ 04 Oluvil Fishery Harbour is ready to be opened, but a key issue is coastal erosion affecting lands of people who even gave land for the university and harbour. They request a protective revetment or breakwater before opening. I urge the Minister to allocate special funds to build the protection and commission the harbour. It could serve all of the North and East and generate about Rs. 10 million per day; facilities already exist. These two harbours should have been included in the Budget.

¶ 05 Pottuvil/Arugam Bay is a major tourism hub. When tourists arrive, there is no space to berth the thousands of local deep‑sea boats. The recent floods swept away and damaged many boats in Thambiluvil, Thirukkovil, Akkaraipattu, and Palamunai. Despite informing the Ministry, no compensation has been paid yet. Please compensate for boat damage and for the deceased.

¶ 06 On 07.12.2024, two fishermen from Akkaraipattu—K.R.M. Nishtar of Rasik Fareed Mawatha, Akkaraipattu-06, and I.L. Irfan of Chinnapalamunai‑02—went to sea from Kappaladi Fishery Harbour; one drifted to Tamil Nadu, the other died; the survivor has now returned but the boat is damaged. Another trio who departed on 07.07.2024 from Kappaladi to the Vettilaikeny/Paruthithurai area were detained in the “Kottapattu” special camp in Trichy and have now returned. These families went to sea out of desperation. Please provide compensation for damaged boats and for loss of life. Thank you.