The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, in the Pothuvil DSD of Ampara District, telephone users use the 063 code, which belongs to Ampara. But in coastal areas, 067 is used. When 063 users call those in 067 areas, they incur unnecessary extra charges. I request that the Pothuvil code be changed to 067.

¶ 03 More than 16,000 Development Officers working in schools and elsewhere are on hunger strike seeking teacher appointments. They work as teachers during school hours and as Development Officers until 4.15 p.m. and on Saturdays. For those who have taught for six years to now face a competitive exam again for appointment is unjust. The Government must urgently regularize them into the Teachers’ Service—even disregarding salary issues initially—to resolve this. In Pothuvil, many schools run on these Development Officers’ dual service.

¶ 04 Thousands from Ampara working abroad bring in significant foreign exchange. I request a passport office for the Eastern Province, specifically Ampara, since people now travel over five hours to Kandy or Matara.

¶ 05 Renewing driving licenses in Ampara requires a full day to obtain medical certificates. Please enable obtaining medicals at divisional level.

¶ 06 The Australia-based Capital Metals PLC has for a decade tried to mine ilmenite sands along the East Coast, notably from Akkaraipattu to Pothuvil. In 2018–2019 they targeted Thirukkovil, Thambiluvil, Vinayagapuram, Thandiadi, and Umiri, with support from GSMB and CCD, but over 5,000 people led by Hon. K. Godeeswaran protested and drove them out.

¶ 07 Now the company is again active around Komari and Pothuvil/Arugam Bay, causing fear among residents. People say such mining would damage environmental balance, destroy marine resources, cause coastal erosion, and devastate livelihoods and tourism. Our area is a key tourism hub—especially Arugam Bay contributes to the economy. I urge His Excellency the President to immediately intervene and halt this environmentally destructive ilmenite project, and direct local authorities not to grant any direct or indirect approvals.

¶ 08 The Government should establish a provincial residential school for children with special needs, and identify and nurture their special talents to create employment opportunities for their future.

¶ 09 The allowance of Rs. 1,500 approved for Principals should be increased and extended to Deputy and Assistant Principals as well. Provide them with telephone allowances. Many teachers avoid applying for Principal posts because it is treated as a transfer rather than a promotion and reduces pay. Revise Principal salary scales and ensure all allowances so schools are better managed and student outcomes improve.

¶ 10 If a dairy processing factory is established in Pothuvil to process milk and related products, it will generate youth employment; I request attention to this.

¶ 11 The Land Registry at the Ampara Kachcheri lacks space; please provide larger premises.

¶ 12 Make permanent the Pothuvil Post Office workers Fahmy, Ranjith, Bathuru Mujaya, and build new sub-post office buildings at Hidayapuram, Komari, and Pasarichenai. Also regularize Pothuvil Pradeshiya Sabha workers such as Rifan and Sathiya Seelan.

¶ 13 Finally, over 3,000 principals serving nationwide with strong performance, dedication, and service seniority should be appropriately confirmed. Do not appoint outsiders to replace acting principals in the Eastern Province. Ensure all benefits paid to other principals are extended to them as well. I conclude. Thank you.