2026-02-05 / Second Reading Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals Bill, Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, and Licensing of Shipping Agents Amendment Bill - Member Contributions 2026-02-05
## Summary
Hon. Srineshan spoke in support of the Sri Lanka Real Estate Professionals' Institute Bill, arguing that it presents an opportunity to rebuild professional capacity lost through emigration — partly due to ethnic conflict — by creating a welcoming environment for skilled professionals and investors. He called for the Institute to promote entrepreneurship across all ethnicities and backgrounds on the basis of talent alone, and urged university curriculum reform to produce job creators rather than graduates dependent on government employment.
In a separate matter, he raised concerns about the deterioration of the Batticaloa railway service, noting that replacement of Romanian-type locomotive trains with smaller power sets has reduced daily revenue from approximately Rs. 1,000,000 to Rs. 300,000, while a less convenient timetable disrupts commuters. He requested restoration of the original rolling stock and schedule.
Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we debate the Sri Lanka Real Estate Professionals’ Institute. The Institute seeks to increase investment, bring forward professional expertise, and thereby advance the sector.
Since Independence, Sri Lanka has produced many professionals. But due to various issues—including ethnic conflict—professionals emigrated. These experts could have developed our country. We must now, through this Institute, encourage and bring back skilled professionals. If we foster a culture that welcomes investors and creates a conducive environment for them to participate in our economy, we can rebuild the country.
This is a sound concept. Without promoting entrepreneurship and professional capacity, our youth will leave and enrich other countries. If instead we encourage professionals to invest and give them the opportunity to grow rapidly, exports will rise and earnings increase. Today we spend heavily on imports while exports lag; the balance of payments suffers. Through this Bill we must expand the base of entrepreneurs and professionals—regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, or creed—purely on the basis of talent.
Our universities must also reform curricula so graduates become job creators and entrepreneurs who can employ others—not only job seekers dependent on the Government. At present, schooling and university education largely prepare students to ask the State for jobs. In line with the spirit of this Institute, graduates should be equipped to start on their own and generate employment.
Education must go beyond theory to transform mindset, skills, and practical exposure, as in developed countries. This should help our nation and youth progress and boost export earnings.
I also wish to raise an issue about the Batticaloa railway service. In the past, Romanian-type locomotive-hauled trains with about 10 coaches—including first class, second class, and sleepers—served the route, enabling around Rs. 1,000,000 of daily revenue. Now the service uses power sets, cut to five coaches, and revenue has dropped to about Rs. 300,000. The timetable too was better before: departing Colombo at 7.00 p.m. and reaching Batticaloa at 4.00 a.m., a schedule convenient to the public. Now the train leaves Colombo at 11.00 p.m. and arrives Batticaloa at 9.30 a.m., making office-goers miss work and waste a day. These power sets also lack canteen facilities.
Please restore the earlier schedule and the Romanian-type locomotive service so revenue and convenience return. Thank you.