The Hon. Mujibur Rahman

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, following the Deputy Minister of Public Security’s remarks, I too will begin from the concluding observations of the Batalanda Commission Report. Under “Concluding Observations” on pages 160-161, the Report states in effect that while it does not condone any terrorist acts by the JVP or affiliated groups during 1987-1990, those acts led to deaths of politicians, activists, police officers and civilians, disrupted state services, and created a grave situation; yet, the State’s response also involved extraordinary measures.

¶ 02 I table the relevant document.

¶ 03 I also note that although this Report was tabled in 2001 and a two-day debate could have been held then—with ten JVP MPs, including now President Anura Kumara Dissanayake present—no one from the JVP spoke on Batalanda at that time. Only now, after an Al Jazeera segment revived attention, are they animated.

¶ 04 We all know the 1988-89 armed insurrection’s drivers included resistance to the Indo-Lanka Accord and opposition to devolving power. Those who claimed provincial councils would divide the country later benefitted from them—including vehicle permits.

¶ 05 It took 36 years for the JVP/NPP to show urgency about the killing of their own leader Rohana Wijeweera. They were in governments before: with President Chandrika Kumaratunga in a probationary administration; later aided Mahinda Rajapaksa’s rise; and partnered with Ranil Wickremesinghe in the “good governance” period, sharing platforms in 2010. Why raise Batalanda now, after working with those very leaders?

¶ 06 On alleged abuses in 1988-89, many who led operations then are now aligned with the current Government. Will you act against them? Even your present Deputy Minister of Public Security is noted for leading operations against the JVP in that period—check public records. Will you investigate?

¶ 07 Regarding broader accountability, in 2022 at Galle Face, numerous documents were circulated about incidents in Matale and elsewhere. Since forming Government, have you taken those forward?

¶ 08 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I have limited time. Turning to current concerns: I raise issues about the use of counter-terror laws. A youth was recently arrested in connection with a sticker critical of Israel, reportedly subjected to a 90-day detention order under the Prevention of Terrorism framework, then later released on bail without charges, yet required to report weekly—while foreigners allegedly engaging in business activities on visit visas face little scrutiny. This selective approach raises questions. I urge the Government to ensure the police act proportionately, respect freedoms of expression and assembly, and avoid misusing security laws. Investigate reported intimidation of families by investigative units and ensure due process.

¶ 09 We must not weaponize history for electoral gain. If you open these issues, accountability must be even-handed across all periods and regions—North, East or South—and across all parties and actors involved.

¶ 10 Thank you.