The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 Thank you, Mr. Presiding Member. The Opposition raised, several times today, the protest that occurred yesterday in front of the Ministry of Education. Let me reiterate: at the time of that incident, the Cabinet was meeting and I had already presented a proposal—approved yesterday—to address the issues raised. Over the past month, I met several groups representing the development officers—twice—and last week, together with the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, we held discussions. The injustice they face arose under previous governments; we are intervening to resolve it. We did not deploy the Police to suppress the protest. The Police acted in response to the situation that developed on site, not to crush it. We have a plan—for this issue and for the many ad hoc recruitments that created systemic problems. Please do not be alarmed; especially the Opposition need not claim we lack a plan. We know our responsibilities and are acting accordingly. Thank you.