The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we listened carefully to the Minister of Health on approving the NMRA Regulations. We are grateful for bringing these, as medicines are what keep people alive. Many have died for lack of a strip of paracetamol or diabetes tablets. We hope these Regulations will both eliminate shortages and ensure quality at fair prices.

¶ 02 This is a highly lucrative global sector, with mafias operating worldwide—including here—so extreme vigilance is needed. Even those with good intentions can be undermined by others’ actions.

¶ 03 On Nagoda Hospital, Kalutara: while in generally good condition, there are deficiencies, including medicines. People still report being turned away without medicines. We must reduce such gaps.

¶ 04 Hon. Minister, you received 371,640 preferential votes—historic and not easily defended. As District Minister, please give special attention to all hospitals in Kalutara District. Otherwise, critics will ask, “If this is the state in the Minister’s district, what about elsewhere?”

¶ 05 I recently visited the Passara Hopton estate hospital serving a poor, Tamil estate community. It lacks even basic facilities like toilets for doctors. It still falls under primary health infrastructure, yet it is the only accessible option for many there. Please consider such rural hospitals—Bulathsinhala, Agalawatta—and ensure essential supplies.

¶ 06 On private market pricing mafias: prices often jump citing “new shipment.” If that were true daily, ships must be docking every day. Beyond the Consumer Affairs Authority, the Health Ministry must also act to curb unjustified hikes.

¶ 07 On vehicle windshield designation stickers: a Dinamina article dated 28 September said positions cannot be displayed on windscreens, and that only revenue licenses should be affixed, implying doctors’ and lawyers’ stickers must be removed. As the Minister clarified, there is no such ban. Please also verify how such reports arose from the Motor Traffic Department and address public confusion.

¶ 08 We look forward to your special attention on our district’s rural hospitals. Thank you.