The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Hon. Shanakiyan’s father who passed away yesterday.

¶ 02 There was a Member representing the Upcountry here; I asked him to stay, but I think he left. It is fine; Hon. Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe is here. After I complete, you may respond.

¶ 03 I did not come today to criticize the Hon. President. In my view, much of what the President proposed in the Budget is welcome. At the same time, some matters still lack clarity on implementation. But that does not mean I must criticize the President or the Government. I did not come with that intention.

¶ 04 Within minutes of me sitting here, someone speaking sought to make the 8.00 p.m. headlines by saying “Jeevan Thondaman must resign.” No one has the right to demand another Member resign. Let me be clear.

¶ 05 What “wrong” did I say? As an Opposition Member, and as a Minister who twice gave historic wage increases to Upcountry workers, I said: if the President can increase the basic salary of plantation workers, congratulations! Because the plantation companies, every time, say they will increase wages; then finally say, “We meant incentives, not basic.” That is why I said it clearly. Now, what talks has the Government had with the companies? Under what mechanism is this increase to be given? Answer that and we have clarity from a trade union perspective. That is civilized dialogue. Instead, to say “Ask Jeevan Thondaman to resign!”—is that fair? Should I resign for expressing a view? Think about it.

¶ 06 They promised Rs. 1,700 daily wage last time and did not give it. No one resigned. They said they would build 4,500 houses in Badulla—at the time I said they would not even lay one brick; and to date they have not. They held an event “issuing” 2,000 land titles, handing two thousand blank papers, while I had actually prepared deeds for 237 people. No one resigned for any of that. On what basis do you ask me to resign?

¶ 07 However, I welcome that the President announced Rs. 5,000 million to increase plantation workers’ wages. I think a Rs. 200 per day attendance incentive mechanism is intended. If instead it is a Rs. 200 basic wage increase, we will surely welcome it. Because basic wage increases are difficult; we understand. Amid many challenges, we have secured wage increases. This time, companies also say they will give Rs. 200. We welcome that. If the Planters’ Association issues a statement, that will be firm. Better, notify by Gazette. If companies are to add Rs. 200 to basic, then remove “1,350” in the Gazette and put “1,550.” Have the companies agreed?