The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance. The emergency was brought due to the “Ditva” cyclone and has been in force for 4–5 months. Though five months have passed, the people’s problems are not fully over. If, six months on, all issues caused by the cyclone are still unresolved, continually extending the emergency becomes necessary. We have no issue supporting another month if it genuinely helps address the cyclone’s damage and gives relief.

¶ 02 A major current issue is eradication of narcotics. If the emergency can be used to free the country from drugs by apprehending major traffickers, we would all welcome it.

¶ 03 Public security must truly protect the public. I represent Kalpitiya in Puttalam District—a tourism hotspot with fisheries, Coast Conservation, environmental officers, and a Pradeshiya Sabha. Along a 40 km coastline, many visitors come without knowing danger points or depths. It is the duty of the relevant authorities to identify and mark such hazardous spots. Three children from Tilladiya, Puttalam, recently drowned at Norochcholai. In Daluw, two young women and one young man drowned; over 20 have drowned at that place previously, yet no action has been taken. I request the Minister of Public Security to look into Kalpitiya’s issues and take necessary steps.

¶ 04 Puttalam Base Hospital has been upgraded to a District General Hospital and brought under the Central Government, which we welcome. But even now, if a casualty dies, there is no functioning cold storage; even basic items like plasters are unavailable. Until the takeover is complete, the Provincial Council must maintain services. Please direct the health authorities to fix these shortcomings.

¶ 05 Farmers in my area cannot afford fertilizer. Costs are rising daily: electricity, fuel, etc. Yet Kalpitiya farmers receive no assistance—unlike paddy or some fruit growers elsewhere. Please provide fuel support, or subsidies for electric motors, so these farmers can stand up again. Thank you for the opportunity.