The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Though the debate on the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme concluded yesterday, I wish to raise related matters today since I could not speak then.

¶ 02 We welcome, in principle, the initiative to build a corruption-free Sri Lanka. Actions taken regarding residences of former Presidents and summoning former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for inquiry are commendable. This programme must continue; it should not become merely an electoral strategy for the upcoming local government elections. A ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ can only succeed through consistent, principled action.

¶ 03 In the North and East, many lands belonging to the public, churches and temples have been occupied by the armed forces. Such activities must cease and lands returned to rightful owners. Only then will the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative be practically meaningful.

¶ 04 Further, due to the high-handed actions of certain departments—such as Wildlife Conservation, Forest Conservation and Archaeology—people are left landless. These departments often act outside proper government oversight, arbitrarily seizing public and agricultural lands. Releasing such lands back to the people is essential if the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme is to succeed.

¶ 05 Our farmers and fishers are suffering, particularly due to natural disasters. Farmers mortgage their assets to cultivate. In the North and East, farmers have never been millionaires; war-affected communities cannot progress when governments fail to set fair prices. They are forced to sell paddy at low private prices to redeem pawned jewellery and settle bank loans. Be it paddy, onions or vegetables, the Government should set guaranteed prices and uplift farmers. Only then will the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ objectives be achieved.

¶ 06 Those who engage in corruption—politicians or officials—must be punished. Oversight must extend to government departments, not only politicians. We will cooperate. Many citizens suffer due to a few lethargic and arrogant officials who hold positions for years. This must change under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme.

¶ 07 Two more issues: In Mannar, two persons were murdered following a shooting in front of the court, part of a pattern of vendetta. Police must act immediately to stop this. The continued occurrence is due to the laxity of local police and military. Speaking about this may make me a target, but I speak to seek an end to this cycle. Gun violence is rising across the country; stopping it is essential for ‘Clean Sri Lanka’. Also, please take steps to repair the Sivapur Bridge in Manthai East.

¶ 08 Additionally, vendetta-driven campaigns on Facebook are harming people. When complaints are made, police must act promptly, but often do not. For example, at a Tamil Maha Vidyalaya in Vavuniya with 3,000 students, the Principal, Mr. Logeswaran, and the school are maligned on social media alleging corruption, causing severe harm. If anyone is corrupt, they must be punished—but with complaints to proper authorities, not public vilification. Otherwise, if the accused is innocent, the psychological damage remains. I urge the Government to pay attention to this. Thank you.