2026-02-20 / Adjournment Motion: Coal procurement for Lakvijaya Power Plant at Norochcholai (Part 2) 2026-02-20
## Summary
Hon. M. A. M. Thahir, speaking during a postponement motion on alleged coal procurement fraud, distanced himself and minority community representatives from partisan point-scoring, urging both Government and Opposition to focus on substantive governance rather than mutual accusations. He raised the non-functional Oluvil fisheries and commercial harbour in the Ampara district, citing severe coastal erosion, siltation, and the loss of approximately 250 acres of farmland and private land, and demanded that the Government either render the port operational or pay outstanding compensation promised by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Ministry of Fisheries. He also highlighted ongoing erosion damage in Nintavur and Attapallam, including the rapid loss of a four-acre plantation, and drew attention to flooding affecting harvest-ready farmers in Ampara following a week of heavy rains. The Member concluded by calling on the Government to fulfil its campaign commitments on the port works and to address these constituents' grievances with concrete action.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Hon. Presiding Member, the Opposition has brought a postponement motion alleging fraud in the coal procurement. Listening to Parliament’s debates of late, the most used word seems to be “lie.” When we, on behalf of our people, raise their needs and shortcomings, neither Ministers nor Members on either side appear to listen or respond; rather, both sides try only to score points and seek public applause.
We, as representatives of minority communities, come here to raise our people’s problems and obtain solutions for them. Do not lump us with party squabbles simply because we sit on the Opposition benches. As a new MP, I came with the hope that through this Government we could deliver to our people. You came to power saying you would not repeat past mistakes. We expected you to ensure that neither the Opposition nor anyone else could credibly say “a fraudulent tender was called.” Instead of trading accusations, please focus on governing well.
Let me raise an issue in our area: the Oluvil fisheries and commercial port. The fisheries harbour functioned briefly; the commercial port never did. Due to coastal erosion and poor construction, the basin has silted up and become unusable. Either operationalize the port or close it and remove the protective groynes, so surrounding private lands are protected. From Maruthamunai to Thirukkovil, many villages and farmlands have been severely damaged by erosion; nearly 250 acres have been lost. Though valuations were done by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Ministry of Fisheries, compensation has not been paid. The President promised during campaigns to complete the port works. Either make the port usable or compensate the people.
Recently, heavy erosion in Nintavur destroyed many plantations—especially in Attapallam. The well-known Ismail Master lost his four-acre holding to the sea within two weeks—we saw it with our own eyes. We have repeatedly appealed to the Minister of Fisheries and to the Ports Authority. They say foreign firms have come and they are trying, but nothing has happened yet.
Meanwhile, Ampara has seen a week of heavy rains. Farmers ready for harvest are suffering; floodwaters from inland and the sea are wreaking havoc. I respectfully urge the Government to act on these matters. I also urge both Government and Opposition: stop the family quarrels and use this Parliament with the good intention of doing something tangible for the people. Thank you.