Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 As a party, we support these amendments to the Companies Act. The previous speaker spoke about sob stories, crime syndicates, theft, and corruption, while forgetting they are now in Government and still performing as if in Opposition. Speaking about theft and corruption daily for media soundbites is pointless; the people expect results and answers.

¶ 03 While reiterating our agreement with the Bill, I want to place some pressing social issues before the House:

¶ 04 - In the Western Province, three-wheeler drivers face serious issues. An advisory sub-committee met certain associations, but the largest umbrella association in the Western Province—the National United Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Association—was not invited. Three-wheeler drivers are a dignified segment earning without being a burden on the State. Solving issues only for friendly associations will fail. Under the Western Province Passenger Transport Authority, they are trying to implement a system to register all three-wheelers. This is creating injustice to many drivers. Though the Transport Minister is not here, I request attention to resolve this.

¶ 05 - After I spoke earlier, an MP from Galle made accusations. Today there is large discourse about youth societies. I do not wish to speak about children, but when forming the Elpitiya Youth Society Federation, a young man who had not even contested for office became the Chair of that local body, due to his father’s political influence. Previously, a one-year membership was required before holding office; this Government has changed it so a newcomer can get office on the first day. This sidelines youth with experience in the movement for years, turning it into your political vehicle. Deal carefully with youth; do not transact with them through a partisan political lens.

¶ 06 - In the ma-del (beach-seine) fishing industry, traditional fishers face problems. In the past, temporary permits were issued to use winches for hauling nets. The Fisheries Minister is not here, but I request the modernization of this industry and regulated permission for winch use under conditions.

¶ 07 - All MPs previously received decentralized budget allocations annually. Now these have been curtailed, depriving us of the ability to help local communities—youth clubs, temples, dhamma schools, farmer societies, voluntary groups, roads, lights, and sports equipment. I respectfully request intervention to restore decentralized funds to Opposition MPs as well.

¶ 08 - The Parliament gallery facilities should be improved. Over 1,000 schoolchildren visit daily; the state of the toilets is poor. Please intervene to upgrade these facilities.

¶ 09 We support the Companies (Amendment) Bill and ask that companies be able to move forward without unnecessary obstruction. Thank you.