The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to join the debate on the Second Reading of the 2025 Budget. I commend the Hon. President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for presenting the first Budget of this Government. There are substantial allocations for development needs, and commendable relief for children, women, the sick, and increased Mahapola for university students.

¶ 03 However, there is a shortcoming regarding salary increases for public and private sector employees. As the Tamil daily “Maalai Murasu” noted, the expected level of increases was not provided; instead, increases are staggered over three years, with a minimal rise this year. Many public servants—70–80 percent—voted for this Government; they are concerned.

¶ 04 The Eastern Province is largely neglected in this Budget; there is no special allocation for its development. In contrast, Rs. 5,000 million is allocated to improve rural bridges and roads in the Northern Province, which we appreciate. But the East—severely war-affected, home to all three communities, and prone to natural and man-made disasters—has not received adequate funds, even for the Provincial Council. Recent floods destroyed bridges, roads, and school buildings; yet no reconstruction funds have been allocated. Even if not in the speech, please allocate from the capital budget for these needs.

¶ 05 South Eastern University lacks adequate buildings; floods twice a year force closure as floodwaters reach three feet, making access impossible. Please fund permanent flood protection.

¶ 06 The Oluvil Port remains incomplete and unusable for the people. The Government must rehabilitate it and convert it into a proper fisheries harbor. Despite thousands of fishermen in the East, there is no proper harbor. Even Trincomalee is limited; Valaichchenai is too small. Please develop Oluvil as a fisheries harbor and provide necessary facilities.

¶ 07 Schools, technical colleges, roads and bridges across the East need rehabilitation. Focus on rebuilding the East—its multi-ethnic people voted for this Government.

¶ 08 Batticaloa’s flooding is mainly due to rain in the Central Highlands and Uva flowing into Batticaloa’s rivers, overflowing the tank and inundating the region. Integrating the large tanks would enable flood control and irrigate thousands of acres while storing water. The Irrigation Department has studies; the World Bank, ADB, and WFP have prepared related plans. The East produces the most paddy and is strong in fisheries; resolve these issues and complete development.

¶ 09 Education in the East is at a low level. There is a severe teacher shortage in many schools; please approve recruitment to fill vacancies. The Prime Minister recently gave approvals; please ensure remaining approvals to fill teacher gaps.

¶ 10 I welcome the Justice Minister’s remarks about transporting children for court separately from adult prisoners. As a former Deputy Minister for Child Development and Women’s Affairs, I know the harm done otherwise. We appreciate and thank the move to provide separate transport for children.

¶ 11 To the Hon. Minister of Fisheries: the Valaichchenai fisheries harbor cannot even build 200 berths; it lacks basic facilities and only accommodates small boats. Over a thousand larger boats anchor outside due to lack of space. About Rs. 800 million is needed to expand it. Please take steps during your tenure so fishermen from Kalmunai, Kattankudy, Valaichchenai, Ottamavadi, Vakarai, etc., benefit.

¶ 12 On the Valaichchenai Paper Mill: once a major factory for the whole country, it declined due to the war and now runs at a very small scale. If, with foreign investment, it is fully revived, many jobs will be created and we can meet our domestic paper needs without imports. Please take necessary action to fully restart it.

¶ 13 Finally, in the North and East—especially the East—there are administrative issues in local authorities. Some newly created Pradeshiya Sabhas, such as Koralaipattu Central and Koralaipattu South–Kiran, still lack defined boundaries and secretariats, though established per the Panambalana Commission Report. People suffer as a result. Please resolve these administrative issues to enhance inter-ethnic harmony. The East is a province where all three communities live in unity; rebuild it. Thank you.