Hon. S. Sri Bachanandaraja

¶ 01 As the cooperative sector also comes under this Ministry, I must address it here. In the past, the cooperative movement in Jaffna District of the Northern Province was a leading sector. Guided by the motto “Cooperation for national upliftment,” it served the people with dedication, good governance, and a service orientation, operating profitably. Today, for various reasons, it has declined. We are now compelled to revive and reform it.

¶ 02 In our time, the cooperative sector worked in tandem with the health and agriculture sectors, established rural banks, and implemented savings and investment schemes for the people. This vital sector has deteriorated due to politicization, mismanagement, partiality, maladministration, and unqualified appointments. Therefore, we must take the necessary steps to develop the cooperative sector.

¶ 03 Previously, the Cooperative Training College functioned at Vavuniya–Poontottam. Our staff were also trained at the Cooperative Training College in Polgolla. Today, with those cooperative training colleges closed, we are unable to build a quality cooperative institution. A plot in Kurunagar had been allocated for a Cooperative Training College, but private encroachment now prevents its use. The college presently operates on a small scale at the Thanthai Veerasingam Memorial Hall. Therefore, steps are needed to reopen the Cooperative Training College at Poontottam.

¶ 04 The Consumer Affairs Authority’s services in food safety are especially important. Its officers play a key role in ensuring the public has access to quality and hygienic food. We must therefore increase both their staffing and the quality of their service.

¶ 05 Under this Ministry, the “Mahapola” allowance for university and technical college students has been increased helpfully to support their studies.

¶ 06 Although actions were initiated to establish Economic Centers in the Northern Province—Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Vavuniya—none is operational now. These centers must be made functional swiftly to serve the people. At present, vegetables and other food items required for Jaffna District primarily come from the Dambulla Economic Center, which limits timely access for locals.

¶ 07 When the Jaffna Library was burnt in 1981, the Jaffna City Market was also burnt. We have repeatedly requested that the market be rebuilt. The Chamber of Commerce and diaspora organizations are ready to do so; therefore, it should be undertaken. Of the seven islets in Jaffna District, four can only be supplied by sea. A dedicated jetty is thus necessary.

¶ 08 In Jaffna District there are 24 Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (MPCSs) and over a hundred other societies, many of which are now non-functional. We must provide financial assistance or concessionary loan facilities to restore them to good standing. With that assurance, I conclude. Thank you.