The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, during this debate on the Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions, let me highlight that around 350 former MPs are currently drawing pensions, and about 500 spouses are also receiving pensions. While current Members may forgo pensions, there are former MPs truly deserving of support. There should be a special process for those who are in genuine need.

¶ 02 In Puttalam District, some former MPs sacrificed their lives. For example, D.M. Dissanayake of Anamaduwa died in a bomb blast during the war, leaving behind a wife and daughter. For such cases, at minimum, the Parliament should reach out and ensure appropriate pension support for those eligible. We agree that current Members should not receive pensions, but we urge that deserving, vulnerable former MPs and families receive assistance. For instance, the late Nandana Gunathilaka publicly stated he could only afford medicines because of his pension. There are many such former MPs of integrity. Support those genuinely in need.

¶ 03 On another matter, on behalf of Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, I express condolences regarding the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old youth from Mannar in Jinthupitiya, Colombo. His family, displaced by war, settled in Norochcholai, Puttalam, and suffered great hardship. He was shot while out for work as a barber. We request the President to ensure compensation for the family.

¶ 04 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, fishers face serious issues. Beach-seine (maadel) workers picketed near the Presidential Secretariat. An even bigger problem affects trawler fishers. Although “One country – one law” is proclaimed, we all know, Government and Opposition Members from Puttalam alike, that trawling continues in Jaffna, Mannar, Pesalai, Chaththalaithivu and other areas. I have all the photos. It is happening everywhere.

¶ 05 In Kalpitiya, 23 boats are permitted under a gazetted scheme restricting trawling to specific areas. Yet while over 1,000 people trawl in Jaffna, around 2,000 families in Kalpitiya now suffer because of longstanding restrictions. They have appealed to Government and Opposition Members and senior officials; even the Minister of Fisheries knows about this. This disparity—one law in Kalpitiya, another in the North—is deeply unfair. NARA has conducted surveys and demarcated areas; I will table those reports and related documents submitted to the Ministry. Please resolve this without politics and provide relief. The recent cyclone sank costly boats in Kalpitiya; owners lack support to repair them. Visit those locations and see the hardship. When trawling is allowed all around Sri Lanka, why single out Kalpitiya? The 1991 Gazette under then-Minister Festus Perera limited trawling, but permitted the 23 boats under defined conditions. Now, two boats worth Rs. 7–10 million each are sunk in Kalpitiya. These fishers need a fair solution, not punishment. I am speaking not politics, but for these innocent people. Please intervene through the Fisheries Ministry.

¶ 06 Thank you for the time.