The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 Thank you.

¶ 02 In several schools, I observed students studying at desks with their legs hanging outside and chairs placed awkwardly. Such conditions persist continuously in those schools. Though ministers and Members of Parliament from that area have long claimed multimillion-rupee developments and even printed election booklets about them, students still lack basic desks and chairs for learning.

¶ 03 Toilets in schools are in a very poor condition, especially affecting girls. We intend to include “hygiene toilets” and “female‑friendly toilets” in future plans and implement them. Matters related to sanitation must begin at school. If students do not learn cleanliness at school, what will they contribute to the country? We must pay attention to this.

¶ 04 We also see funds being extracted from parents in indirect ways—Rs. 10,000–15,000 for desks and chairs—pushing families below the poverty line into further hardship. I ask that the Government allocate resources directly for these needs.

¶ 05 Many schools lack night watchmen and sanitation workers. Their appointments are essential to prevent theft of school property, to clean toilets, and to maintain the school environment. I request the Government to address these staffing needs.

¶ 06 In 2024, 255 teachers who completed the HNDE (Higher National Diploma in English) were appointed in Ampara District: 22 to Ampara, 7 to Maha Oya, and 5 to Dehiattakandiya. They are all Tamil and Muslim teachers and face serious issues when posted to Sinhala areas—language barriers above all, as well as transport difficulties.

¶ 07 Please address the teacher shortage in Akkaraipattu and Sammanthurai education zones where there are more than 50 vacancies for English teachers. Resolve these language‑related deployment issues.

¶ 08 Appointments for graduates who completed their degrees in 2018 have still not been given. Although 30,000 jobs were promised, many of these graduates are now over 45 years of age. Today we see graduates doing daily wage work and teachers serving in out‑of‑zone, out‑of‑district postings despite meeting all requirements. Please implement a policy of internal placements to bring them closer to home.

¶ 09 My colleague, Hon. Dr. Archchuna, is here. He is a close friend. Recently, he intruded into our religious domain—I do not know if it was knowingly or for publicity. We cannot punish him, but we must kindly explain our faith. To all people, let me say: we follow the Holy Islamic faith. Our religion is complete; no one can insert themselves to change it. From birth to burial, our Holy Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) guide us completely—for both men and women.