The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 [1.51 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, seven months into this Government’s tenure, what economic change has occurred? Where is the country heading? What concrete plans are in place to raise productivity and strengthen the economy? Continual resort to foreign and IMF borrowing is neither a solution nor sustainable.

¶ 03 What has been done to uplift the economy, eradicate poverty, bring new investments, and build export-led production? If this trajectory continues, not only salt prices and electricity tariffs, but the cost of all essentials will keep rising—burdens that fall on the poorest.

¶ 04 We accept that punishing corruption is necessary. But do not keep rehearsing the past governments’ faults as a substitute for action. Focus on economic development, production, and capacity with clear plans.

¶ 05 On culture and religion: longstanding Hindu practices must be respected. The traditional Kataragama Pada Yatra from Jaffna to Kataragama during the month of Aadi, and the Aadi Vel festival, should follow tradition. This year, certain rituals were moved up to the previous month (Aani), which offends devotees. Such sudden decisions—taken without consulting the Ampara Government Agent or Hindu leaders there, but instead by those in Kataragama and Buddhist prelates in Kandy—hurt Hindu sentiments. The Government must avoid sowing disharmony while professing interfaith harmony.

¶ 06 In Veeramunai, Ampara District, the historic Sri Sindhayathirai Pillaiyar Temple dates to the 4th century (Queen Seelapathadevi). Villagers sought to erect an entrance arch (vazhai gopuram) with proper approvals, but certain ideologues and politicians blocked it. This undermines communal harmony. Many arches exist in Sainthamaruthu roads without objection from Tamils/Hindus; why block one for an ancient Hindu temple in Veeramunai? The Government should help halt such sectarian obstruction.

¶ 07 On land: In Pottuvil, Kanagar Malwattai, about 196 families were displaced during 1983–1990. Only 76 families received land for resettlement in 2018; the remainder still await allocation, although documentation exists with the Kachcheri. Even those 76 lack basic housing and infrastructure. The Government earlier promised to provide housing, roads, and amenities to the displaced, but progress is lacking. Please grant lands and facilities to all 196 families.

¶ 08 Similarly, in Sainthamaruthu, Thottachchinungivattai, around 176 acres have rightful owners with permits and documents, but during displacement others encroached. There is also confusion whether the area falls under Sainthamaruthu or Uhana Divisional Secretariat, delaying resolution. The Government must return these lands to rightful owners based on their documents.

¶ 09 Thank you.