Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, we debate the extension of the emergency today. Is it truly necessary to extend it? The Government claims that within a year it has restored calm, so why seek such powers?

¶ 03 Historically, emergencies were extended every six or twelve months by successive governments. Our Muslim community suffered disproportionately—after the Easter bombings, our party leader Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested under the PTA and detained for a long period, not for involvement in the attacks but for working tirelessly for affected people of all communities.

¶ 04 You sought emergency to keep 159 MPs secure, but we see the powers being used to consolidate control. For example, under the “Prajashakthi” program, leadership positions are granted to party allies by Cabinet paper without due process, giving them authority over approvals even for development proposals from MPs—power not provided in any law.

¶ 05 We also continue to raise local issues: - Coastal erosion: allocate funds and act. - Paddy procurement: though the floor price is Rs. 120, farmers get only Rs. 80–90; fund purchasing centers now during harvest. - Hospital administration: appoint a Medical Superintendent to Nintavur Base Hospital; reverse ad hoc transfers like the recent one at Akkaraipattu Base Hospital; address ongoing deficiencies.

¶ 06 Please focus on solutions for the people rather than getting angry when we highlight these matters. Thank you.