The Hon. Fasmin Sharif

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill.

¶ 02 A previous speaker shed tears speaking of Tamil people and their areas, saying what should be done for them. Fine—but for 76 years, politics in those areas has been monopolized by a few families, blocking ordinary workers from leadership. Do not now claim great service.

¶ 03 I live in Gampola, among Malaiyaha people. Many estate roads remain as they were 200 years ago—some are barely passable even on foot. Yesterday, in a discussion with the President, I stressed we must change the livelihoods of estate communities who have suffered for two centuries; they are our own Tamil brothers and sisters. We have about 3½ years left in our term. We pledge to deliver in that time what was not delivered in the past 77 years. The Member asked: houses, land titles, facilities—will you provide them? Yes. The President will deliver. The responsible Ministry has brought proposals; a circular will follow, ensuring Tamils receive in parity what Sinhalese and Muslims receive.

¶ 04 Regarding Joseph Vijay’s victory: we wish him well. He was an actor; we are not acting—we are working for the people.

¶ 05 Let me add in Tamil on an issue currently circulating on social media: Udhiyah (ritual sacrifice) for Muslims. Do not fear or spread fear. Our Government is not racist. Other than on Poya days, there is no problem performing Udhiyah; the Government will not obstruct it.

¶ 06 On development: we are implementing projects in many regions, including Tamil areas. Instead of pulling us by both legs, help where you can; we will resolve estate area problems in the coming period.

¶ 07 Ten days ago, under the Clean Sri Lanka program, I inspected several locations under the Kandy–Ampagamua road network, including Gampola–Skandza Road, where piled garbage makes the area uninhabitable. Though the Gampola Municipal Council is not under our political control, I urge its Mayor to remove the garbage promptly to safeguard residents’ health.