The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, moments ago a Member for Kalutara said “Sir”—we are glad to see such development.

¶ 02 Everyone spoke about SLTB and buses. Due to the recent cyclone, many buses were damaged. I propose to the Minister to procure more buses to strengthen SLTB and the transport system. Instead of importing 1,600 cabs, use that money to run single-door short buses on roads where people struggle, and improve public transport.

¶ 03 On new education reforms: you say you will not reverse them. Yesterday a parent from Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda, told me they are being asked to procure smart boards for Grade 6 at Rs. 350,000–400,000 per board, costing parents about Rs. 8,000 per class. That might be manageable at Anula, but in schools like Soranathota Maha Vidyalaya or Budugayakanda MV, it’s a burden. Don’t reform by burdening parents’ wallets. These reforms are tied to a US$300 million package—this existed earlier too. Don’t push people into difficulty; a smart board at Rs. 350,000 is too much.

¶ 04 On foreign employment: the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has changed rules on the website for Israel jobs (agriculture and labour). People used to apply to multiple categories hoping to secure a placement; now applications are restricted to two jobs, leaving thousands unable to apply. Bangladesh allows broader access, lower age limits, and both genders. Due to bureaucratic hurdles, we are losing remittances. Please act immediately.

¶ 05 Illicit liquor: WHO says illegal alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka has increased by 300%, and 37% of total alcohol consumption is illicit. Provide a legal arrack bottle at Rs. 2,000 to curb toxic brews; many deaths have occurred recently due to illicit liquor. Reduce prices to save lives.