Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, there is a crisis now. The Government says the Opposition is causing it; the Opposition says the Government is. In truth, US President Donald Trump and Israel have brought this crisis upon the world—over 50,000 Palestinians killed; a peaceful world pushed into turmoil. They assassinated Iran’s spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While returning from India, a ship carrying Iranian naval officers was attacked near our waters by the US. I convey my condolences to the Iranian people. As a result, our country too faces severe difficulties; all must acknowledge this.

¶ 02 Without petrol and diesel, a country cannot function. Proper management is essential and is the Government’s responsibility. Today, paddy is being harvested; machinery needs diesel. The public needs diesel; vegetables and fish must be transported countrywide—Dambulla produce to Norochcholai/ Kalpitiya market hubs; fish from Kalpitiya to the island. If diesel and petrol are not properly managed and supplied, the economy will topple. Stop blame games and manage the economy well.

¶ 03 Over a million of our citizens are in the Middle East facing hardships; their parents here worry daily. We want peace worldwide. Hon. Nizam Kariapper spoke about US actions: detaining Venezuela’s President—are such acts just? Leaders must be allowed to function freely. Due to American actions, the world is in trouble. The Government should condemn these injustices.

¶ 04 Hon. Minister of Fisheries, a question: trawling is allowed to some in Jaffna and Mannar, but Kalpitiya fishermen are not allowed despite court matters being pending in all places. You know this fully, Minister. If it is to be stopped, stop it fully; do not have two sets of laws. Please intervene to allow, at least temporarily, these people to continue livelihoods.

¶ 05 On the QR system—it is good and improving, as the Deputy Minister said. But those who travel long distances—like Jaffna–Colombo freight runs, Kalpitiya–Colombo routes, agriculture and fisheries logistics—need higher diesel quotas. Tailor allocations to actual transport needs across all nine provinces and sectors.

¶ 06 Crises will come—from COVID to cyclones to this fuel shock. We are not blaming anyone for causing them, but the Government must manage and provide relief to all.

¶ 07 Thank you for the time.