The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I am pleased to participate in the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure. Hon. Samantha Viddyarathna and Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep are in charge; both have struggled alongside the people. The Hon. President, as Finance Minister, has presented a Budget without money printing or increasing debt recklessly, with short-, medium- and long-term plans.

¶ 02 We note significant allocations for plantation development: Rs. 9,565 million for the plantation sector and Rs. 7,923 million for community infrastructure – a total of Rs. 17,488 million. Estate workers are the backbone of this country’s economy for over 200 years; we cannot ignore them. Rs. 236 million has been allocated through the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training Ministries to uplift estate schools – unprecedented.

¶ 03 Our Government focuses on estate education, vocational training, health, politics, economy, culture, employment and infrastructure, and also on increasing workers’ wages. Some in Opposition ask whether wage increases are possible. I say clearly: during our term, it will happen. We have already begun discussions with the employers’ associations. The NPP Government will continue to secure workers’ rights and contribute to community development.

¶ 04 Under community infrastructure, substantial funds are allocated. Specifically, 1,000 unemployed graduates in estates will receive vocational training. Additionally, food assistance, 250 land deeds, roofing sheets for 50 houses will be provided under an allocation of about Rs. 1,800 million. About 60 schools will receive smart classrooms, uplifting education.

¶ 05 In recent days, some Opposition Members spoke about the Muslim community. Hon. Dr. Archuna criticized the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act and made allegations against Muslims. The community is hurt and angry. Some try to stoke racism to draw youth back to their fold. In Digamadulla, over 50,000 Muslim and Tamil youth voted for us. What are they attempting? We will examine this. By sowing racism, you cannot pull youth away from the NPP. One Member claimed our supporters only clean streets; in fact, they meet people and create awareness. People are flocking to the NPP. Another Member boasted of being Chairman of Nintavur PS for 14 years; yet news reports recommend legal action against the Chairman and others for corruption – we have compiled details and can show you.