The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to participate on this final day of the Budget debate under the Finance Ministry. From morning, several Opposition members, beyond their usual allegations, appeared to be at a loss for substance. In that context, Hon. Mujibur Rahman tried to malign our Hon. Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe with baseless charges. I say this clearly to him: I know his political beginnings well. He was once a fine politician; today he appears deeply degraded in politics. In the last local polls, he resigned as MP in a rush to try to become Mayor—we all saw. This time he could not be seen there. So I ask him not to waste this House’s time spinning tales; instead go to Maligawatta and at least protect your base. Because this time, Colombo Municipal Council will be won by the National People’s Power, and the Mayor will be our colleague Ms. Roy.

¶ 02 Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna also made absurd claims. We expected a healthy, constructive debate; instead they speak repeatedly of killings and a culture of murder. Let me point out: Since Independence in 1948, those who built a culture of murder and killed people are the United National Party—Ranil Wickremesinghe’s party. Look at 1956 and 1958—who killed our people? In 1977–78—who stoked ethnic riots? In 1979—who brought Emergency and the PTA, and built a culture of massacre and torture targeting youth? In 1981—who burned down the Jaffna Library, incinerating 97,000 books? The same party. Yet they call us killers.

¶ 03 Particularly, on 25 and 28 July 1983, 53 Tamil political detainees including Kuttimani and Jegan were killed in prisons—Kuttimani’s eyes gouged out—under J.R. Jayewardene’s government. Those who incited the July 1983 pogrom that propelled separatist and armed struggle now act like saints in this House. While I intended to address other matters, I was compelled to respond to these charges.

¶ 04 Even today, some who relished torture and killings in 1983 and 1989 remain. To them, we must say this.

¶ 05 Hon. Presiding Member, all speak of development; development in the North and East is crucial. For over 30 years, people there suffered war, losing everything. We must deliver development to those who lost all. Before moving forward, we must heed what His Excellency the President has clearly stated: “Channel financing to the villages of this country, and thereby carry forward the nation’s development.” In that spirit, we will devote special focus to the North and East. We have decided to undertake major development for the North: begin rehabilitation of Kurikattuwan Bridge and Vattuvagal Bridge; revive the non-operational Paranthan Chemical Factory; rehabilitate and last week reopen the Ottuchuddan rice mill; on the 29th of this month we will reopen Anaikoddai salt pan; and we will rehabilitate Kurinjattivu salt pan. Also, we will establish a modern industrial zone in KKS.

¶ 06 Especially in Mullaitivu, more than 20 new investors have come forward, pledging to invest and build up the district. Furthermore, Tamil friends there will, with their own funding, rebuild the Periyapandivirichchan coastal area that was completely destroyed.