The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hon. Ministers, Hon. Deputy Ministers, Hon. Members of Parliament — Vanakkam, Ayubowan, Good afternoon. Thank you, Madam, for the opportunity.

¶ 02 After serving about 22 years as a medical officer in the public service and 12 years as a medical administrator, I came to this august House to serve the country and my people. I thank the National People’s Power for enabling my election, and my constituents for their support.

¶ 03 Questions raised here by the Opposition have been answered by our Members with facts. I will therefore not take time on those.

¶ 04 All peoples of this country must live equally and freely, upholding democratic values, with the identity of “Sri Lankans,” united to build a prosperous nation to hand over to our future generations. Our people elected this government with great expectations. In the Jaffna Electoral District I represent — Jaffna and Kilinochchi — the people clearly sent three of the six MPs from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya/United People’s Power, indicating trust. Our government will deliver all services to those people.

¶ 05 In the Northern Province, our people suffered unspeakable hardships due to the war. I pledge to strive to create a peaceful life for them through our government. First, we will take steps to help them recover from the effects of war and return to normal life. Large extents of private land have been delayed in being returned by past governments. People have lived as displaced, without access to their lands. Particularly in Valikamam North — Palaly, Myliddy, Kankesanthurai, Vasavilan — people still await access to resettle and farm. Returning those lands is our duty, and we will work tirelessly.

¶ 06 Many roads in Jaffna and Kilinochchi have restrictions. We will open them for public use and allow free movement and worship.

¶ 07 Political prisoners have been detained long without inquiry. It is our duty to release them, reintegrate them to society, and allow them to live peacefully. On missing persons, we must provide clear answers and ensure a life of peace for those who remain.

¶ 08 In our province and district, there are issues in health, transport, utilities, and unemployment. The corrupt actions of the past government led to tragedies — for example, in hospitals, patients lost vision after receiving normal saline instead of immunoglobulin. Our free health service faces great challenges. In my district, people suffer immensely. Despite infrastructure in hospitals, there is staff shortage, with cadre revisions pending; many hospitals are unable to function fully. We must review cadre, fill shortages, and deliver quality services.

¶ 09 In the North, only one teaching hospital — Jaffna Teaching Hospital — is under the central government. Due to unfilled vacancies and lack of cadre revision, full services cannot be provided. A major issue is the absence of a proper maternity home. Though over 6,000 births take place annually, for about 12 years the maternity unit has functioned in a temporary ward. Given the large budget allocation to health this year, we must construct an additional maternity ward. I submit the related document to the Hansard and Library.

¶ 10 On narcotics, our youth are gravely affected; we must act with an iron hand to eradicate drug abuse.

¶ 11 We must also create employment opportunities for youth by developing industries in the area.

¶ 12 (Continued)