The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I am pleased to join the Committee Stage Debate on the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Protection and Community Empowerment, and the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development.

¶ 03 In a developing country, the performance of the Ministry of Industries is crucial, with a responsibility to act transparently and modernize. The projects proposed by the President for implementation in 2026 facilitate these goals. However, we have doubts whether these plans will be properly implemented in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which suffered 30 years of war and rely on agriculture and fisheries. Heavy rains and floods ruin agriculture; elephants and wild animals destroy crops; thus expected yields are not realized. Even when farmers invest using their savings or mortgaging their gold, they do not receive expected returns. The same applies to fisherfolk, whose issues remain unresolved, and subsidies are not provided properly. The Budget lacks special projects for the Northern Province.

¶ 04 To develop industry nationwide, we need modernization and new industrial projects. Many factories in the North are nonfunctional and need to be revived. The 2026 Budget has not made allocations for these. For example, the cement factory in Kankesanthurai operated long and provided jobs and income; likewise, the bottle factory in Mullaitivu, Oddusuddan, needs revival. Reviving such factories would improve livelihoods and reduce unemployment, contributing to the national economy. Also, the chemical corporation started in Paranthan long ago has been destroyed by war and is nonfunctional. In the Northern Province, Manthai Salt Limited in Mannar operates partially, and the Valachchenai Paper Mill is functioning; these should be modernized to uplift livelihoods.

¶ 05 Beyond that, the government must start new factories in Mannar, Vavuniya, and Mullaitivu—war-affected districts where people relying on agriculture and fisheries cannot achieve expected benefits. To develop their economy and solve unemployment, we must formulate new projects, establish new factories and industrial estates, making use of available lands and resources.

¶ 06 On “Aswesuma,” the current grant is only Rs. 15,000, while a person’s average monthly expenses are about Rs. 18,500; for a four-member family, about Rs. 72,000–75,000. Therefore, increase the grant, and review beneficiary selection criteria. For example, families with three cows are excluded, but village cows seldom provide income—one or two bottles of milk are not sufficient to increase income. Also, owning a bicycle, or having two or three members over 18 years old, leads to exclusion, even though they may be unemployed or studying.

¶ 07 Appointments for Samurdhi Development Officers were given 13 years ago, with no new appointments since; vacancies remain. Please appoint more officers and increase travel allowances. Also increase allowances for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Only then can we realize full benefits through the programme. Thank you.