The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, we are debating the Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act. Though brought previously by another Government, this is a good law, and we appreciate that this Government has brought regulations to act against those who engage in corruption and unlawful accumulation of assets.

¶ 02 However, the Government should also bring a specific measure to investigate funds received by recognized political parties in Sri Lanka — the sources, countries, usage — because there is presently no mechanism for this. Periodic upheavals, economic setbacks, protests, and attempts to overthrow governments are often linked to such funding. Money is sent covertly from abroad to create political change, fueling instability and economic decline. Therefore, a law to examine and investigate party funding must be introduced to ensure transparency.

¶ 03 On narcotics: drug use is increasing; traders target students, selling drugs in ways that attract youth, sometimes with the connivance of certain police officers. The Government must intensify efforts to identify dealers swiftly and eradicate drug abuse, which is a root cause of crime.

¶ 04 On the Kataragama pilgrimage: It should be officially recognized by Gazette so that public servants can be granted leave, as is done for Hajj and for Buddhist pilgrimages to Varanasi. I kindly request the Government to gazette recognition accordingly.

¶ 05 Regarding the large Kataragama pilgrims’ rest (mutt) established by the Ramakrishna Mission in 1956, which provided alms and spiritual services: it was taken over by the State around 1976–77 and has not been returned; it remains closed and empty. For inter-ethnic harmony, please return it to the Ramakrishna Mission to foster peace and equality.

¶ 06 On recruitment: Often a Gazette calls for applications to fill one or two vacancies but thousands of graduates apply, paying application fees (Rs. 2,000–10,000), generating large revenue while very few are appointed. Graduates then apply repeatedly and waste money. The Government should either advertise larger batches of vacancies at once, or, if recruitment is not possible, provide soft or interest-free loans and training to enable self-employment, strengthening production and exports. The same should be extended, with appropriate support, to non-graduates. Otherwise, the country will continue to fall behind.