The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Minister of Education, I continue to raise issues during the Budget debate and request solutions.

¶ 03 The land where Eravur Police Station stood — about two roods — was acquired for Aligar National School and now falls under the Ministry of Education. Though the police station relocated, some police quarters remain on that land. Please submit the Cabinet paper and take full steps to return the land to the school.

¶ 04 At Aligar National School, a technical stream building has been constructed and equipped for four years, yet classes have not commenced due to the central Government’s lethargy. Please act so students can benefit.

¶ 05 At Meeraikeni Makkar Makkar National School in Eravur, around 1,500 students study from Grade 6 to A/L. Upgraded to national school status on 15.09.2018, seven years on, basic facilities have not been provided — only the name board exists. There is no admin building; about 30 classrooms are needed; operations are in 50-year-old buildings. There is a shortage of about 30 non-academic staff, causing serious administrative difficulties. Please fill these urgently. The school has notable achievements in javelin; please renovate the playground.

¶ 06 In Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Digamadulla, many schools face shortages of space, science teachers, and primary teachers. Please recruit and appoint required teachers, especially from local areas, so they can serve with satisfaction rather than travel 20–30 km daily in hardship.

¶ 07 For Ottamavadi National School, five acres were granted from the Valachchenai Paper Mill lands for a playground, and a name board was placed. However, the land has since been taken over by the Ministry of Tourism, causing delays. Please ensure the land is handed to the school.

¶ 08 Also, a Regional Development Committee resolved to establish a girls’ school in Ottamavadi. Please obtain Cabinet approval and, per the Zonal Directors’ guidance, provide teachers and construction funds immediately.

¶ 09 At South Eastern University, please establish a Faculty of Law urgently, and also Faculties of Medicine and Tourism. In Pottuvil, establish a Technical College; form an education zone for Sammanturai; and provide basic facilities for Kalmunai Zahira and Fatima Balika schools.

¶ 10 Regarding yesterday’s debate on Women and Children’s Affairs, an Hon. Member, Ramnathan Arjuna, spoke about our Islamic faith and altering marriage and divorce laws, showing ignorance of our religion. Islam is a complete religion revealed for all humanity until the end of time. Women’s rights and personal laws are clearly set forth. He should refrain from disparaging our faith to gain social media fame, and instead focus on amending his own customary laws. I urge the Hon. Speaker to guide Members who provoke communal feelings.