The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, this House has become an election campaign stage without an election. I was going to speak about a broken promise.

¶ 02 We have repeatedly said—and will continue to say—that the Government has not conducted Provincial Council elections. You may speak of economic wins and anti-corruption measures, but as General Secretary of a party representing the North, East, and the Muslim community, and as someone from that region, I will continue to speak about Provincial Council elections.

¶ 03 Hon. Minister Lal Kantha said there is no need to hurry; since there was an election this year, one election a year is enough to prove popularity, so hold Provincial Council elections next year. That is a completely wrong premise. We are not calling for elections to see whether the NPP Government wins, or SJB, SLMC, or ITAK wins. That is irrelevant. What matters is that, under the 13th Amendment’s minimum devolution, people must elect representatives to Provincial Councils to govern through their chosen members. Which party wins is for the people to decide; we will accept their verdict. But you promised, in this House as well, to hold the election. Therefore, you must hold it; you cannot make excuses.

¶ 04 I am also concerned—though I do not know if it is true—about a documentary stating that only Rs. 6 billion has been allocated to the Election Commission next year. I hope that is wrong; Provincial Council elections would require at least around Rs. 10 billion. I trust the Government will allocate sufficient funds so the election can be held next year under whatever law or the old system.

¶ 05 Next, on the Norochcholai housing scheme: due to the Supreme Court judgment and the failure to utilize the houses effectively after spending billions, there is now a call to allocate them based on the district’s ethnic ratios. Parliament has previously legislated to modify court outcomes; for example, the Revocation of Irrevocable Deeds of Gifts (Special Provisions) Act overturned a judicial principle that only courts could revoke such deeds. If there is an issue with Norochcholai housing, bring a law to allocate them to all communities affected by the tsunami in Ampara District. Provide them to all who qualify, regardless of community—Tamil, Muslim, or Sinhalese along the coast—because they were the most affected. The aid should go to those affected.

¶ 06 Thank you for the opportunity.