The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 In this Committee Stage debate under the Hon. President’s Special Expenditure Heads, I wish to raise several matters. Many important commissions and ministries fall under this. Regarding the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, if we are to make real progress, its investigation offices must be expanded to the provincial level. Only then can we expedite backlogged cases and curb corruption.

¶ 03 Furthermore, I have doubts whether investigations are being conducted fairly. I sent information regarding a corruption incident in a department in the Eastern Province to the Commission. Recently, the Commission replied stating that “no fraud of any kind has occurred in any department there.” This suggests investigations are not being pursued properly. If this continues, corruption will not be controlled and public confidence in the Commission will be lost. I request the Hon. President to ensure proper procedures are followed.

¶ 04 Many public officers affected by administrative actions seek relief from the Human Rights Commission. While the HRC conducts inquiries and makes recommendations, there are reports of issues in implementation by some offices. Please consider this and provide a solution.

¶ 05 The Public Service Commission handles appointments, promotions, and transfers. There is an allegation among public servants that, because many members of the PSC are drawn from one service, matters related to other services are not given priority. Therefore, arrange for representation from across nationwide services within the PSC so that all services are fairly treated.

¶ 06 Although the Judicial Service Commission is functioning efficiently, court delays persist, affecting the public. People attend on specified dates, only for matters to be postponed. The JSC should take steps to reduce delays.

¶ 07 On the local government electoral system, the current system introduced earlier with support from many parties now exhibits many shortcomings. Due to the prevailing system, councils cannot be formed; or, once formed, cannot function properly, and budgets are defeated even after formation. Therefore, we must reform the local government electoral system.

¶ 08 Regarding the proposed Provincial Council elections, the Hon. President said new delimitation would be undertaken. If new members are appointed to the Delimitation Commission, ensure minority representation — especially from the North and East — including Muslims from the Eastern Province. Using Google Maps for boundaries without local understanding causes many problems. We need members who know these areas well.

¶ 09 For example, Pattavithiripura PS with 9,740 voters has 10 wards and 17 members; Komarankadawala PS with 6,692 voters has 10 wards and 17 members; Morawewa PS with 6,918 voters has 9 wards and 17 members; Seruvila PS with 11,859 voters has 10 wards and 16 members; Muttur PS with 50,671 voters has 13 wards and 22 members; Kinniya UC with 29,131 voters has 8 wards and 15 members; Kinniya PS with 27,166 voters has 8 wards and 14 members; Thambalagamuwa PS with 24,761 voters has 10 wards and 16 members; Kuchchaveli PS with 29,540 voters has 10 wards and 17 members. On what basis were these boundaries and member numbers fixed? This creates problems which now manifest in council operations — some have too many members relative to voters; some lack revenue and cannot function. The government and the President must bring a fair system; as the Opposition we will support necessary reforms.

¶ 10 On “system change”: in our Trincomalee District, the Kachcheri and DS offices appear to have turned into branches of one party. We have seen governments that did not poke noses into administration unnecessarily; this time, excessive political activity is being carried out through DS offices and the Kachcheri. While elected MPs and local authority members exist, unelected persons — defeated parliamentary and local council candidates of the past government — are engaging in political activities through the Kachcheri and DS offices. This is unhealthy. Administrative powers must be given to officials, not politicised. Please address this.

¶ 11 Finally, it has been widely discussed here that no Muslim has been given a Cabinet post. Our objective in asking that a Muslim MP be appointed to Cabinet is not merely development; Cabinet is where the government’s major decisions are made. When matters are discussed there, there must be a Muslim voice. Invite those who held office previously and discuss what they did and what we do — but provide us that basic right. Some Muslim MPs in this government criticise even this request. We simply ask that when broader matters are discussed, someone be appointed to represent our community. Please consider this and take appropriate action. I conclude. Thank you.