The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I was allotted eight minutes; it has been reduced to four. Please consider granting at least one more minute. I will begin.

¶ 02 This month marks the remembrance of “Thiyaga Theepam” Thileepan. I wish to record a few of his words in this House: “With complete satisfaction, under my leader’s leadership, I embrace death with joy. I firmly believe all people will rise. This great people’s struggle will one day achieve our ideal. With unshakable faith in the people and unending love for them, for their dawn I proceed towards martyrdom as the 651st Tiger.” Thileepan fasted unto death for 12 days; 38 years have passed. Our community remains orphaned.

¶ 03 I support the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute relating to disaster management—an institution essential for the country. However, successive Governments seem blind to the fact that the North and East are also part of Sri Lanka. Recently, the President laid a foundation stone in Jaffna, promising more development across the Northern Province.

¶ 04 I must raise a matter: under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, the Governor has written that the Government Agent (District Secretary) for the Northern Province, Mr. Pradeepan, is a “thief.” On what basis does a Governor so label the Government’s principal representative and call for his removal? I tabled the Governor’s letter earlier in this Parliament, yet no action has been taken.

¶ 05 In 2009, you gave us what I call a great “pichchai” (alms). I did not enter Parliament to beg for my people. Those who fought for the liberation of our nation are our lifeblood. Basic needs—health, education, roads and transport—must be developed. When fundamental needs are not met, people are pushed to demand self-determination. Your Government portrays basic works as great favors—Rs. 5,000 million for Northern roads and Rs. 1,500 million for the Vattuvagal bridge. The Budget Speech was in March; five or six months have passed; foundation stones were laid only now in September; this year’s Budget will end in two months. On what basis were funds used? This is deception.

¶ 06 During the LTTE period, our society excelled in economy and education. After 2009, our people—who once lived with autonomy—have been systematically deceived, including by Tamil politicians. In memory of Thileepan who died fasting for 12 days, I resolve today: I will not criticize fellow Tamil political parties henceforth; I will seek unity to put pressure on this Government. People will ask what we did while in Opposition. I will work with others to achieve development in the Northern Province. Nationalism is our lifeblood, but we will not destroy our people with empty rhetoric. We will act unitedly for results.