The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, on the forthcoming 8th, International Women’s Day, I extend greetings to all women, including my mother, S.T. Sabura Umma, and pray they receive their rights and become productive citizens.

¶ 03 Today, war clouds have gathered. I express condolences on the death of Iran’s spiritual leader Ali Khamenei, and pray for Allah’s mercy upon him. This conflict threatens Sri Lankans working in the Middle East; the Government must act to protect them. Iran is a friend of Sri Lanka and has supported projects beyond Uma Oya. I urge that peace prevail; the US–Israel provocation must end, for war brings destruction to all, including our country. Let all parties pursue peace.

¶ 04 Fuel and gas queues are lengthening again. The Government should implement proper plans, including QR codes, to reduce queues and prevent hoarding.

¶ 05 In Pottuvil DS Division, Arugambay has about 500 families on about 150 acres since 1960, with LDO permits and Jayabhoomi grants. Tourism is conducted in places like Arugambay, Kottukal, and Lighthouse. Previous governments promised deeds but failed. The present move to force leases even for small plots of 6–40 perches is unfair; these are homestays and guest houses, not big hotels. If the Government wants revenue, establish large hotels itself.

¶ 06 From Arugambay Bridge to the surf point, we need geo-bags to protect the coast; waves are essential for surfing tourism and for dollars to flow. Allow beach beds and umbrellas; hoteliers already pay all required dues to CCD, Marine, and local authorities. Why cancel Jayabhoomi grants issued under a former President? Under whose advice was “Arugambay Tourism Zone” demarcated? I urgently request 1,800 meters of geo-bags (200 meters already done—thank you). I thank local tourism operators M.H.A. Raheem, Dilzath, K. Bary, and A. Mafeer.

¶ 07 I appreciate the service of Akkaraipattu Regional Irrigation Engineer T. Suhirthan. I also thank past contributors to Pottuvil’s development, including Meerasahibu Podiyar, Y.M. Musthafa, Azath Moulana, M.M. Hassan, M.S.M. Marzook, A.L. Rauff, M.H.A. Raheem, P. Partipan, M.S.M. Samzudeen, M.I. Cader Mohideen, A.B. Ismalebbai, and former MPs M.B.A. Azeez, M. Gunasegaram, M.C. Kanagaratnam, M. Jalaldeen, R. Pathmanathan, S.M.M. Muzaraff, M.I. Uthumalebbe, and M. Abdul Majeed (SSP).

¶ 08 Ampara District contributes significantly to agriculture, especially paddy. During rainy seasons, when farmers must sell wet paddy at a loss, the Government should provide dryers in Pottuvil and other farming areas so farmers can earn full value.

¶ 09 In 1956, before Lahugala DS Division was carved out, 1,900 acres in Pottuvil were given to 131 middle-class farmers (5–30 acres each). Cultivation stopped during the 1990 war but resumed during peace. In 2010, a gazette claimed this land for the Forest Department. After protests, the then Government recommended releasing 186.4 hectares, but before release the Government changed. I urge this Government to secure release of those 186.4 hectares from the Forest Department for the farmers.

¶ 10 Hundreds of volunteer teachers—about 60 in the North and 193 in the East—who served around 2009 were not absorbed. Please review and appoint them as teachers.

¶ 11 Provide vehicles to veterinary offices in Karaithivu and Padiyathalawa; establish an ice factory for fishermen in Pottuvil and Sainthamaruthu; and set up a fuel filling station for fishermen, given 500 large boats and 9,000–11,000 metric tons of fish production.

¶ 12 Reopen the closed “Pasu” facility in Nintavur to continue service; appoint officers and provide training.

¶ 13 Reconstruct the damaged Addappallam Bridge urgently so A4 traffic improves. Nintavur Hospital has two VOG specialists but no Blood Bank—please establish one, and appoint paediatricians and anaesthetists.

¶ 14 The Nintavur paddy stores could purchase 12,000 metric tons if repaired; Rs. 900 million is needed. Allocate funds to restart and purchase farmers’ paddy. Provide the local council with a dozer, a gully bowser, and other machinery, and appoint a permanent Zonal Education Officer. Thank you.