The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 [11.46 a.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, while the Government aims to build a prosperous, beautiful motherland, I wish to present sectoral grievances and proposals.

¶ 03 First, homicides and activities linked to illicit drugs are rising. Police data show in 2024 there were 101 shooting incidents and 60 deaths. The Government must urgently address law and order.

¶ 04 Second, the passport crisis persists. Despite the online system, delays are severe, with long queues now virtually replicated online. Expedite issuance.

¶ 05 Third, on coconut oil imports: since January 2024, refined oil sold locally attracts 18% VAT and 2.5% SSL, yet taxes have been foregone; I estimate a loss of about Rs. 5.2 billion. The Government must resolve this.

¶ 06 Fourth, slow container clearance at the Port has created truck congestion; vessels are reportedly bypassing Colombo; around 4,000 uncleared containers are piled up. If we aspire to be a logistics hub, we need urgent decongestion.

¶ 07 Fifth, senior citizens historically received 15% interest on savings across administrations. Since around 2022, this has fallen to 7–8%, while withholding tax rose from 5% to 10%, further eroding returns. I urge restoration of the 15% scheme for seniors.

¶ 08 Sixth, regarding three-wheelers and buses, changes are contemplated; I draw attention to jeep services in national parks—a major livelihood. If modifications for safety are needed, consult and ensure no harm to operators; in 2015–2019 we intervened to prevent RMV bans on safari jeeps.

¶ 09 Seventh, 35,000–40,000 graduates remain unemployed despite election pledges. Provide employment solutions.

¶ 10 Eighth, about 22,000 Development Officers, who supported schooling especially during COVID-19, were promised entry to the teaching service; this has not materialized. Treat their demands sensitively and provide pathways.

¶ 11 Ninth, 706 vacancies in the Sri Lanka Teacher Educators’ Service were gazetted in 2020; results were released on 2023.06.20; recruitment is still pending. Expedite appointments.

¶ 12 Tenth, student nurse recruitment: last intake was in 2023 for those who sat A/Ls in 2019–2020; no Gazette yet for 2021–2023 A/L cohorts. Please issue and proceed.

¶ 13 Eleventh, only the Kuliyapitiya Faculty has gazetted B.Ed. (Technology Education) intake; extend degree pathways to other Science Faculties as per qualifications and demand.

¶ 14 Twelfth, Grama Niladhari officers face issues on allowances, service minutes, Samurdhi programme execution, and removal from the census. Address these systemic issues.

¶ 15 Lastly, electricity tariffs: the Government promised a one-third reduction; the Minister later spoke of increases. The CEB proposed no reduction for six months, but given high profits and public pressure, the PUCSL reduced tariffs by 20%. Since a one-third cut was promised, implement the 33% reduction. We will support any constructive, value-adding measure to deliver solutions. Thank you.