Hon. Lal Premanath

Hon. Lal Premanath raised concerns about the physical safety of regional journalists, noting that they face serious risks—including assault and killing—from political and criminal elements when reporting on the ground. He observed that accreditation cards, currently their primary form of protection, are frequently disregarded, and asked whether the Ministry has plans to introduce more substantive protective measures for journalists beyond accreditation.

The Hon. Lal Premanath raised a supplementary question regarding the financial conditions of regional journalists employed by private media outlets, noting their complaints of low and delayed wages. He asked the Government to consider introducing regulatory measures, specifically a minimum remuneration standard and a fixed payment schedule, to ensure fair and timely compensation for these journalists.

## Summary Hon. Lal Premanath submitted a written parliamentary question (No. 1572/2025) to the Minister of Health and Mass Media regarding the welfare and professional conditions of regional journalists in Sri Lanka. The question seeks data on the total number of active regional journalists and raises concerns about challenges they face, including inadequate and delayed payments, job insecurity, safety risks, and lack of training and welfare schemes. The member specifically requests details on government steps taken or planned to address these issues, and calls for the expeditious implementation of a low-interest loan scheme, structured training programmes, and an active insurance scheme for regional journalists, along with expected timeframes and measures to ensure their professional competence and safety.

Hon. Lal Premanath delivered a speech praising the current government's governance record, citing recognition from international institutions such as the World Bank and IMF as evidence of improved fiscal transparency and integrity. He argued that the administration has strengthened the relationship between citizens and government, and pointed to expressions of solidarity from neighbouring countries India and Pakistan through trade and sports as indicators of Sri Lanka's restored stability. The speaker characterised the country's recovery from crisis as a demonstration that transparency leads to progress, framing the government's achievements as an expression of public will.

## Summary Hon. Lal Premanath delivered a speech defending the current government's governance record in the context of debates on transport regulations, contrasting the administration's approach with that of previous governments. He argued that the government is fundamentally transparent and accountable, claiming no misuse of public funds, and that budget commitments are being fulfilled within their respective fiscal years. The member highlighted several specific policy commitments: a target of 55,000 housing units in the current year across three ministries (including 1,000 homes each for youth leaving state care and parents who have dedicated children to religious life), a LKR 6,000 million Cabinet-approved hospital replacement in Deniyaya, Matara District, and an education policy goal of placing schools within three kilometres of every child. He also defended the government's decision to abolish MPs' pensions as a necessary fiscal measure, criticising former politicians who publicly opposed the move, and framing it within the broader context of national economic recovery from debt default and depleted foreign reserves.

Hon. Lal Premanath raised a second supplementary question regarding vehicles imported by international financial institutions such as the World Bank and ADB for large-scale projects. He proposed that upon project completion, these vehicles be systematically reassigned to government institutions experiencing shortages, without addressing the legal complexities of such a transfer.

Hon. Lal Premanath raised a supplementary question regarding transportation difficulties faced by Divisional Secretariat staff, particularly those working in remote rural areas who struggle to commute using public transport and consequently cannot report to duty punctually. He specifically inquired about the Government's current position on establishing or expanding a common vehicle pool to assist field officers and development officers facing such commuting challenges. The question was posed in the context of the new Government's ongoing efforts to address broader issues affecting executive-grade and other officers serving in Divisional Secretariats.

## Summary Hon. Lal Premanath submitted Written Question No. 1571/2025 to the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government regarding the vehicle situation at Divisional Secretariats across Sri Lanka. The question seeks comprehensive data on the total number of Divisional Secretariats, vehicles currently allocated to them, and whether sufficient roadworthy vehicles exist to support Divisional Secretaries' field duties. Additionally, the question demands information on whether the Government has a systematic programme to procure new vehicles or maintain existing ones, and whether vehicle requirements have been identified with a defined timeline and budgetary provisions to address any shortfalls.