The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed

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

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, while we debate these regulations, I also note much talk on local authority election outcomes and their implications. The results have taught lessons to Government and parties, revealing who is truly accepted by the people. The All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) contested alone and with allies in 13 districts and secured 140 seats—an encouraging sign of growth compared to the last General Election. As Deputy Leader of ACMC, I thank voters in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Kandy, Kalutara, Colombo, Jaffna, Ampara, Batticaloa, Gampaha and Vavuniya, and our organizers, district leaders, seniors and Members.

¶ 03 We faced attempts to stunt our rapid growth but our supporters prevailed. However, the present local election system creates chaos. On the eve of forming an administration in one council, I went at 7.00 p.m. to meet our member and found a Minister and an MP already there; I turned back. Next day those two arrived in a Government vehicle and our member voted against us. This shows systemic flaws; the system must change.

¶ 04 In the North and East, many councils have been formed by the Opposition. Will they receive funds and support from Government to deliver development? The President and Ministers had said publicly they would withhold funds and called such administrations “formed by thieves.” If so, why spend so much public money to hold the election? Without enabling service delivery through these councils, it becomes a waste.

¶ 05 Local authorities hold public resources; these must be used to uplift local livelihoods—roads, preschools, sanitation—especially in war-affected North and East. Prioritize local people’s lives.

¶ 06 On another matter: more than 1,000 teachers who completed training at Kopay, Addalaichenai, Batticaloa and Kotagala Teacher Training Colleges around 2008–2009 have still not received their original certificates. For 15 years, without these, they cannot get grade and salary promotions, or appear for interviews for Class III/I posts. I request the Education Minister to resolve this.

¶ 07 Also, given the national shortage of salt, the historic Mannar saltern must be developed using modern methods to generate income. We thank the Minister for reopening Anaivilunthan saltern recently, and request similar action for Mannar.

¶ 08 Thank you.