The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, we support regulations under the Motor Traffic Act that enhance public safety.

¶ 02 I raise issues from my district. During construction of the Kurinchakeni Bridge in Kinniya, a ferry service was introduced. Approximately Rs. 70 million has been spent on this, yet the ferry cannot be properly used. When water levels drop, the ferry is inoperable; when water is high, it also cannot operate effectively. After inspecting and consulting locals and workers, we found that at least a 20-metre jetty is needed at Kurinjakkerni to enable embarkation. I request the Hon. Minister to provide this to ensure value for the Rs. 70 million spent and to serve the people. Additional staff (2–3 workers) should also be assigned to the ferry to address operational difficulties and community issues.

¶ 03 During the Good Governance period, Cabinet approval (2017-06-20) was obtained to establish technical colleges in all provinces. For the Eastern Province, a college was to be set up in Trincomalee District—Upparu GN Division of the Kinniya DS—with 12 acres identified and Rs. 50 million allocated in the 2018 Budget. However, a Cabinet decision on 2025-12-10 reveals that this land under the Ministry of Vocational Education has been transferred to the Tourism Ministry to establish an educational institute. There are ample alternative lands for tourism. This project, begun for the people regardless of the initiating government, should proceed as planned. We earlier wrote to the Hon. Prime Minister on this matter. Owing to COVID-19 and the economic crisis, work stalled after 2018. The present Government should resume and complete this institute in the intended location.

¶ 04 On governance, while leaders assert they serve people beyond politics, we see the formation of “Prajā Shakthi” units in every area. Leadership of these units at GN Division level is reportedly assigned to candidates who contested for NPP in the last local elections, along with media supporters, turning Kachcheries and DS offices into sub-branches of the party office in Pelawatte. Democratic norms and elected local leaders (Chairs, Vice-Chairs, RDS) are being bypassed. Please cease politicizing administration and focus on genuine public service.

¶ 05 We will always support good development initiatives as the Opposition. Respect democracy and the people’s representatives. I conclude.