The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Madam Presiding Member, I thank God for the chance to speak on the Committee Stage debate on the allocations to the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs.

¶ 02 In today’s NPP government, the Prime Minister is a woman, carrying many responsibilities. The Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs is also a woman—a mother who understands a child’s needs. We are proud that His Excellency appointed a woman to this Ministry.

¶ 03 International Women’s Day emerged from struggles: about 15,000 women in the US over 100 years ago protested for fair wages, working hours, voting and property rights; the UN later proclaimed March 8 as International Women’s Day, and this year emphasizes rights, equality, and empowerment. Islam, 1,400 years ago, defined women’s rights clearly—worship, education, property, divorce—and honored women as creators of humanity. The Qur’an emphasizes a woman’s consent in marriage (4:19) and mandates the mahr (4:4). It also guarantees inheritance shares for women and men (4:7).

¶ 04 On the MMDA: there are foreign and Zionist influences trying to insert unjust provisions. Please consult widely—our political leaders, the Muslim MP who is a Mawlawi, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, writers, and experts—and remove defects without heeding those who speak against Islam to attack Muslims. Minor reforms may be needed, but do so consultatively.

¶ 05 About child-care institutions: many children live with inadequate basic facilities. We must feel that those children deserve the same as ours—new clothes for festivals, proper toilets, and basic needs. Please allocate funds to upgrade such institutions nationwide.

¶ 06 We thank the President for proposing Rs. 6,000 for schoolbooks and stationery for needy children; if possible, increase it.

¶ 07 In Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee there are over 400,000 widows, and many separated women. As a mother yourself, please support their livelihoods through micro-enterprises—e.g., machines for string-hoppers, mat weaving, etc. In Maruthamunai, Sainthamaruthu, Sammanthurai, many women are in weaving—provide equipment via your Ministry. In Eravur, Oddamavadi, Valachchenai, Kattankudy, Kaluwanchikudy, etc., women process cashew, yogurt, milk—help with equipment and, crucially, market access. Set up sales centers in Trincomalee, Pulmoddai, Kinniya, Muttur, Oddamavadi, Eravur, Valachchenai, Kaluwanchikudy, Kattankudy, Ampara and elsewhere.

¶ 08 In Mischnagar, Meerakeny, Aiyankenni, Saddam Hussein village, and Abdul Majeed Mawatha, people live below the poverty line, many war-affected. Past governments ignored them due to ethnicized politics. Please provide livelihood support.

¶ 09 On 16 September 2016, a 56-year-old mother, Noor Mohamed Huseira, and her 30-year-old daughter, Mohamed Yoosuf Zeenira Banu, were brutally killed. Past authorities failed to find the perpetrators. We believe your government will bring the killers to justice. The murders occurred on the holy ‘Arafah’ day; many arrests were made and released; the masterminds were never found. Please help bring them to justice.

¶ 10 Women in Puttalam face difficulties: the mother-and-child clinic is poorly maintained; at the Muslim Base Hospital, some nurses question women’s attire during deliveries—please address such racial, religious, and regional bias. Unite all three communities in service delivery.

¶ 11 Puttalam Qazi Court has no judge; people travel long distances to Karapitiya or Chilaw Qazi Courts, spending Rs. 1,000-3,000 to collect small maintenance payments. Please appoint a Qazi in Puttalam immediately.

¶ 12 In Pothuvil, women face hardships; the Chamber of Tourism and Industry, led by A.M. Jafer, with Pakistan’s support, provides sewing machines and housing assistance—we thank them and other charities.

¶ 13 Some YouTubers abroad spread falsehoods about Eravur, alleging mosques train armed groups and brainwash students. Having suffered under Zahran, we reject extremism. Please act against such YouTubers misleading the public, especially during Ramadan. The Muslim community overwhelmingly voted for an inclusive President. Ensure such issues do not arise in this term and free the community from these troubles.