The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, since Independence, successive governments have restricted democratic principles and people’s freedoms. In this debate on the alleged Batalanda torture camp of 1988–1990, I wish to remind the House of several past events.

¶ 02 All communities suffered from the brutal three-decade war; hundreds of thousands from all three communities died. We lost seasoned Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim political leaders who could have been national leaders and party heads; in their place, new parties have arisen and are led by much younger figures.

¶ 03 Due to the long war, the Eastern Province suffered severe ethnic tension. The 1987 Indo–Lanka Accord introduced Provincial Councils, taking development to the people beyond the Central Government. At that time, the JVP protested island-wide against the Provincial Council system; later it turned violent. Though war was in the North and East, it affected the whole country—Tamils and Sinhalese. The Accord intended to devolve three key powers to the affected people. As Tamil-speakers, we view Provincial Councils as a political foothold. I served twice as Provincial Minister for Roads, Irrigation, Housing, Water Supply, Rural Development and Power Infrastructure, and six times as Acting Chief Minister of the Eastern Province.

¶ 04 Back then, the East had dual control—Government and LTTE-administered areas. Amid this, the Provincial Council came. Communities were segregated, but with devolved powers we pursued development to build ethnic harmony—from Kantale to Paanama; ask the Sinhala areas there. Chief Ministers of the East have been Tamil and Muslim; Sinhalese have been provincial ministers. Together we achieved substantial development through the Provincial Council.

¶ 05 Your Government promised to restore provincial powers upon coming to office, yet people affected by 30 years of war still await political authority—elections have not been held. Ministers said polls would be held soon, but no arrangements have been made; this is painful. When in the Opposition, you opposed Provincial Councils; now you have 159 MPs and a President. You should conduct the elections. The absence of PC polls has greatly harmed people. Major works are now run by Governors—an unfortunate state in all nine provinces. Please make arrangements to hold PC elections soon. You said by year’s end; recently a Minister said next year; the General Secretary of the JVP, Tilvin Silva, said the system would be abolished. Perhaps there is an issue between JVP and NPP. In any case, please proceed quickly to hold the elections.

¶ 06 Finally, on a recent international concern: our country has taken a firm stand against the continuous violence on Palestinians. During holy Ramadan and Eid, Israel has continued inhumane actions...