The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport brought today to enhance the abilities of our athletes and to remove the obstacles they face is timely. Therefore, I support passing and expeditiously implementing this anti-doping (Amendment) Bill. It has been delayed, and because of that many athletes have suffered. I thank the Government for bringing it now.

¶ 03 During the previous government period, especially when I was the District Coordinating Committee Chair in 2018, many works were started and are now being completed—particularly the construction of sports complexes in Mannar and Vavuniya. Though we began these during our administration, we could not complete them then; only now have they been completed. Recently, the Hon. Minister opened the swimming pool at the Nuravilankulam Sports Complex. We thank him. Generally, previous governments did not continue good projects started by their predecessors. This Government has continued and completed them.

¶ 04 Similarly, the works at the sports complex in Omanthai have been completed. Although athletes use the facilities for training, there are no hostels or accommodation for them. Therefore, I request that hostel and other required facilities be provided expeditiously for the Omanthai sports complex and for the Mannar and Vavuniya district sports complexes so athletes may benefit.

¶ 05 Previously, we identified athletes’ needs through sports officials and forwarded them via the District Coordinating Committee to the Ministry. Initial works have commenced. We are very pleased that Rs. 56 million has been allocated for the development of St. Xavier’s Boys’ College sports ground. Likewise, for the Erukkulampiddy Central College ground in Mannar, we recommended an allocation of Rs. 60 million via the District Coordinating Committee and arrangements were made. We intended to develop both grounds simultaneously. However, due to the economic crisis at that time and the election period in 2024, funds could not be utilized and had to be returned. I request that these allocations be re-provided so both national-level feeder schools can develop athletes to the highest levels.

¶ 06 Small but needy schools such as Pallimunei and Vattakandal were also allocated funds, but due to the election period, those allocations lapsed and reverted. Please make arrangements to re-allocate these too.

¶ 07 The Thirunavukulam Public Ground in Vavuniya, located in a heavily populated area, was to be developed with about Rs. 15 million. Those funds too were withdrawn due to the election. I request that this also be arranged.

¶ 08 To encourage registered sports clubs—about 350 in Mannar and 200 in Vavuniya—we had arranged grants from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000. That too was stopped. Just as you are continuing works started earlier, please also resume these halted programs identified through official recommendations and provide the necessary funding.

¶ 09 The Vanni is a war-affected region—everyone knows it. In the Northern Province there has been no recruitment of Sports Officers for nearly 15 years. Now arrangements are being made, but the upper age limit has been set at 35 years, which disqualifies many suitably qualified candidates over 35. I request that the limit be amended to 40 years so more can apply and serve as Sports Officers. Also, please include a Higher Diploma among the educational qualifications.

¶ 10 Further, many divisional-level facilities in the Vanni have been extensively affected and need rapid rehabilitation. I request prompt action. Thank you for the opportunity.