The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe

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

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak on this Motion. Though women are 52% of the population, only about 3 in 10 are in the labour force. I urge the Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs to introduce laws and measures to expand women’s employment.

¶ 03 Islam accorded women dignity and rights 1,447 years ago. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said when asked who deserves the best companionship: “Your mother”—thrice—then “your father,” and that “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers.”

¶ 04 I also must address current events. In Iran, during the holy month of Ramadan, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s family and the nation’s security apparatus have come under brutal attacks by the US and Israel, including coordinated strikes across 132 locations. We condemn these killings and express condolences. The UN looks on silently.

¶ 05 The US has long targeted leaders in Muslim, oil-rich countries—Iraq, Libya, Venezuela—and now Iran. The Middle East is destabilized; this also affects over one million Sri Lankan workers and our economy. The ruling party seems afraid to condemn the US and Israel. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka is deeply concerned that the government has not openly condemned the killings in Iran, including the heinous attack that killed over 100 schoolgirls. The President conveyed condolences and support to the UAE after recent events in Dubai; likewise, he should express condolences and condemnation over these atrocities in Iran.

¶ 06 An Iranian naval vessel that had participated in an Indian naval exercise sank just outside Sri Lankan waters after being struck by a US asset; hundreds are missing. I request a full report to Parliament. Another Iranian vessel reportedly entered our waters today. Is Sri Lanka being used as part of Israel’s war theatre? The Defence Minister should report to this House tomorrow.

¶ 07 Please grant me one more minute. To those who revel in bloodshed—Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu—remember: “God is the planner above all plotters,” and justice will prevail. If ruling party Members cannot speak for Muslims, Iran, or Ramadan, at least allow others to speak without interruption. Thank you.