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. K. Kader Masthan spoke in support of the Container Depot Licensing Bill and the related Amendment Bill, commending the legislation for bringing proper regulation to shipping agents, freight forwarders, and container operators. He referenced an earlier procedural matter raised under Standing Order 27(2) regarding the Mannar–Puttalam Road, noting Minister Bimal Rathnayake's clarification that a court settlement—rather than a binding judgment—allows for further action, and urged cooperative rather than adversarial engagement to establish the road as a principal route. The member also endorsed the President's Independence Day address acknowledging governance failures of the past 76 years and its call to correct past wrongs. He concluded with a specific humanitarian appeal for 253 volunteer teachers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces—60 and 193 respectively—who were excluded from permanent appointments following 2019 Cabinet-approved interviews, requesting a special Cabinet Paper to regularize their positions given their service and limited prospects at approximately 45 years of age.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to participate in today’s debate on the Container Depot Licensing Bill and the (Amendment) Bill to license Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non‑Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators. These Bills identify the issues faced by industry operators and, by providing proper licensing, will ease their work and bring the sector into a proper system. I commend this effort.
This morning, under Standing Order 27(2), I raised a question regarding the court “decision” that the Mannar–Puttalam Road could not be used. The Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake clarified that this is a settlement order, not a judgment that would prevent future consideration, and he will work with the relevant Minister and all stakeholders to reach a positive outcome. I thank him.
As the Government works toward a favourable resolution, we too must support it rather than engage in polemics to keep the road closed. We should use the cooperation extended to make this roadway a principal route.
At the 78th Independence Day ceremony, the Hon. President delivered an excellent address, acknowledging that, over 76 years, both good and bad had occurred in governance. He said we should welcome the good, correct the bad and move forward. I support this approach and wish it success. Today’s situation is indeed better than at independence, despite challenges; development has taken place. Past decisions often punished the many for the mistakes of a few; we must now correct wrongs and move on.
I also wish to raise the issue of volunteer teachers. After the 2019 interviews and Cabinet approval, permanent appointments were granted, but some were left out—60 in the Northern Province and 193 in the Eastern Province, totaling 253. After the war ended, these teachers went everywhere, under great hardship, to educate our children. I request a special Cabinet Paper to grant them permanent appointments on humanitarian grounds. Some are now 45 years old with no other options. Please regularize their appointments. Thank you.