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
Dr. Hizbullah opened by acknowledging the Ministry of Transport's swift response in restoring train and bus services following recent floods and Cyclone Ditwah, before raising several concerns. He called for the urgent operationalisation of the Oluvil Port as a fisheries harbour, noting it remains unused despite a Gazette notification for conversion, forcing fisherfolk from the Eastern Province to travel as far as Valaichchenai, and offered to assist in securing financing or private operator arrangements. He raised the threat posed to Sri Lanka's apparel exports by reduced U.S. tariffs on Indian goods (18%), urging the Government to negotiate equivalent or lower tariffs for Sri Lanka or secure GSP concessions as a national priority. He also demanded the immediate conduct of long-delayed Provincial Council elections, describing governance through unelected Governors and Provincial Secretaries as fundamentally undemocratic under the 13th Amendment, and separately requested road repairs in Batticaloa District damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.
Okay.
Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to join this debate related to the Ministry of Transport. The recent floods and the “Ditwah” cyclone badly affected the transport sector. Under the leadership of Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake, steps were taken to restore train and bus services swiftly and effectively. We appreciate that.
Hon. Minister, the Oluvil Port, built at great cost, remains closed and unused. Though a Gazette notification was issued to convert it into a fisheries harbour and hand it over for fishing needs, it is still unused. Our colleague Hon. M.S. Abdul Wasith is here; this concerns his electorate. Fisherfolk from areas like Kalmunai, Sainthamaruthu, Nintavur, Oluvil, and Pottuvil are compelled to travel far, even to Valaichchenai, to moor their boats and fish. Please discuss with the Minister in charge of Ports and the Minister of Fisheries and take steps to operationalize this fisheries harbour urgently. If assistance is needed, we are ready to help the Government mobilize support from financial institutions or engage private operators under proper arrangements.
The garment industry is in very poor condition. Following a sudden decision by U.S. President Donald Trump, tariffs applicable to India have been reduced to 18 percent, posing a serious threat to our apparel exports. This is not just a government issue; it is a national issue. The Government must urgently engage the U.S. to reduce tariffs applicable to Sri Lanka to 18 percent or less, or secure GSP concessions. Please pursue this on priority.
Provincial Council elections have still not been held, despite repeated assurances over the years. This is a fundamental denial of democratic rights. The 13th Amendment devolved substantial powers to Provincial Councils. Running provinces through Governors or Provincial Secretaries without elected representatives is wholly undemocratic. Arrangements must be made immediately to conduct Provincial Council elections and hand over governance to elected representatives.
Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake, I have also personally met you and requested urgent repairs to roads in Batticaloa District damaged by the Ditwah cyclone. Please look into this as well.
Thank you.