The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, recalling incidents from years past, I am saddened by some points raised. Our National People’s Power, with the JVP, fought hard against chauvinism to move this country forward. We did not take power to weaponize identity.

¶ 02 How do we view the Rohingya issue? When these people arrived, who rescued them? Our own Sri Lanka Navy—acting lawfully, conducting health checks, and providing initial care. There is no credible allegation that this Government has mistreated them.

¶ 03 This debate was sought because it was claimed the Minister of Public Security would deport Rohingya. We are glad to clarify our stance here: the Government has taken no action to harm them. We remember past incidents: in 2017, a woman was assaulted in a camp and mobs protested; as a Government today, we will prevent such incidents and protect these people.

¶ 04 The Rohingya are fortunate in one sense: Sri Lanka is now governed by a humanitarian administration that cares for all peoples. Do not divide people by religion. We empathize with the Rohingya who have long suffered injustices. Everyone has a right to live.

¶ 05 We must, however, heed intelligence. Before the 2019 Easter attacks, abundant intelligence went unheeded, with tragic results. The Minister has tabled intelligence reports; we must assess them scientifically and proceed under the law. This is not a “Muslim problem”; it is a humanitarian issue. Whatever their ethnicity, this Government will ensure their protection and act only under legal and international frameworks. They will have the freedom to depart when able. We reject racism and superstition; we will foster unity and the advancement of all communities. Do not politicize human suffering. The proper Minister will address specific concerns in reply.

¶ 06 The Rohingya tragedy is global. Some communities receive international support; the Rohingya have often been abandoned. We will be their voice and ensure their lives and their children’s futures are protected. From this Parliament, we send a message that our Government will protect them and never act unjustly.

¶ 07 Some countries, even Muslim-majority Malaysia at times, turned boats away. In Sri Lanka today, we have the environment to protect and shelter them. There are no credible media reports of Government abuse, denial of food, or healthcare to these arrivals. We must use words carefully. The NPP Government fights racism. If laws are inadequate, we will create new ones to eliminate racism. Do not stoke tensions for political ends. Our movement has consistently stood against racism.

¶ 08 Finally, recalling the Prophet’s decision to send his companions to just rule in Abyssinia under a fair, non-Muslim king, we too will protect all—Sinhala, Muslim, Tamil—so all can live in peace. We will ensure that anyone who comes can leave safely when they wish. We will treat the Rohingya with humanity and provide them the protection they deserve. I conclude.