The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, while we support this important Bill for SMEs’ progress, protection and security, I wish to raise an urgent matter.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka Police render an arduous service, often working 24 hours straight. Some officers have disabilities resulting from the war and from duty-related incidents. A recent order by the IGP requires disabled officers to wear a different uniform. Segregating them visually causes mental distress and undermines dignity. I urge withdrawal of this order and restoration of prior practice.

¶ 03 On recruitment: current criteria for Police Constables mirror, in effect, standards once used for Sub-Inspectors. With significant vacancies, consider adjusting criteria to meet present realities.

¶ 04 From my Galle District, a health-sector issue: Karapitiya has become a central health hub with the Teaching Hospital and the leading Maternity Hospital. Access from the expressway is via Pinnaduwa, but the road to Karapitiya is narrow, winding and congested, delaying ambulances. Please create an alternative, faster access corridor from the expressway directly to Karapitiya.

¶ 05 Also, while the Mahamodara OPD remains highly active and serves Galle, Rathgama and Dadalla residents well, we learned at recent coordination committees that there is a decision to remove this OPD. Please do not; relocating it would hurt the public.

¶ 06 Finally, there is an issue at the Department of Railways requiring attention. Thank you.