The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Thank you for this opportunity, Hon. Chairman. I have a small matter before I begin my main speech.

¶ 02 When I spoke here last time, I referred to an issue concerning our estate workers. Some used it for their political gain. I want only one thing: many assume estate workers cannot understand these matters; many told me, “They cannot follow your arguments; do not say such things.” I say, they have the intelligence and capacity to understand.

¶ 03 Now to today’s subject. I too will read a small list: Thalawakelle Tea Estates’ profit before tax was Rs. 3.29 billion. Bogawantalawa Plantations made Rs. 1.04 billion. Agalawatte Plantations made around Rs. 500 million. Hon. Chairman, when such profits are earned, the increased wage component due to the Government’s Rs. 5 billion allocation for estate workers should be paid from those companies’ profits. The Government need not pay Rs. 200 out of the Rs. 400 daily increment in cases where companies make high profits. If so, from that Rs. 5 billion we could save funds and further increase wages by Rs. 50 or Rs. 100 for workers.

¶ 04 The Rs. 5 billion allocated for estate workers should not be taken back by the Government in any form. It must go to them. Large-profit plantation companies must themselves pay the increased wages. For loss-making companies—both private and state-owned plantations—the Government should necessarily provide the funds to ensure workers receive the increment.

¶ 05 Another matter: whose land is in the estates? It is state land, not owned by the companies. Much of the cultivation also belongs to the state, except for a small portion they have developed. The brand “Ceylon Tea” does not belong to the mothers and fathers of those companies; it belongs to the state and the people.