The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the coal procurement issue has been subjected to debate today. I had not planned to speak, but I rise on a request.

¶ 02 I note that four issues are raised in this adjournment motion: - Procurement procedures not properly followed; - Advice of the Committee on Public Finance not followed; - Coal quality standards not maintained; and - Risks to the power sector and security.

¶ 03 I have listened since morning. The Opposition presented reasons they see; the Government said there are no grounds. As the last speaker from my side, I say this: we must look at whether there are correctives available. There is no point just recounting past wrongs. Those past wrongs led to electoral defeat of those rulers, and you—the Government—now hold over a two-thirds-like majority with 159 seats. The people expect a clean Government—no corruption, fraud, or bribery—a “Clean Sri Lanka.”

¶ 04 Therefore, if there are shortcomings, the Opposition has a duty to point them out; you should accept that. When pointed out, there is greater chance to rectify errors. Attacking the accusers is not productive. Hon. Mujibur Rahuman highlighted that eight ships with substandard coal have arrived and as many as 20 more may come. If that is so, are we going to continue importing substandard coal? The Government side must pay attention. If changes or corrections can be made in line with the four points in the motion, then do so to reduce or eliminate the allegations.

¶ 05 We acknowledge past mistakes were made and the people have given their verdict. You must also accept that. The people placed great trust in you. Under proportional representation, obtaining 159 seats is extraordinary—even the administration that won the war under Mahinda Rajapaksa obtained 144. Given that trust, when mistakes arise among you, the Opposition has a responsibility to point them out. Rather than engaging in argumentative defenses, correct the mistakes and move forward on a progressive path. If hidden, errors may persist.

¶ 06 On electricity: some villages still lack access. In such areas, there are issues with elephants and crocodiles. I request the Minister of Power to expand electricity to those difficult areas. Recently, due to elephant incursions in low-light villages, two persons were killed in Valachchenai; in Mylavettuvan, a mother was killed. Elephants are roaming widely. I request the Power Minister to work with the Wildlife Minister to address this.

¶ 07 Separately, regarding education: visually impaired students sitting public exams cannot perceive maps and images. I request that competitive and public exams—university entrance, G.C.E. Advanced Level, Ordinary Level, and scholarship exams—avoid map- and image-based questions for such candidates, and adapt to their needs so they can succeed.

¶ 08 Finally, I urge the Government not to assume everyone in the Opposition is wrong. Accept correct and useful suggestions, and even if mistakes have occurred, rectify them and proceed on a just path.

¶ 09 Thank you.