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

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first, I must say this. During the pandemic, some profited from antigen tests through fraud and exploitation; now they shed crocodile tears. This is directed at those who practice deceitful politics.

¶ 02 Today’s debate concerns emergency law. We all know why it was proclaimed—due to the recent national calamity. To rapidly undertake essential tasks, the Government and President need appropriate authority. We have used these powers to restore the country and for people’s welfare, not to suppress dissent, and we will not do so. I state this assurance in this august House.

¶ 03 This country has a long history with emergency and the PTA since 1979, with monthly extensions. During those periods people were killed or disappeared, imprisoned, abducted in “white vans,” journalists murdered or abducted, media institutions torched. That is our experience of emergency then. Today, we have put an end to such practices.

¶ 04 To my Tamil colleagues: Hon. Shritharan said there is police brutality against Tamils. There is no police brutality as alleged. If we go to the North and ask people, it becomes clear who is actually creating unrest among them today. He repeatedly raises the Thayiddy–Tissa Vihara issue; measures are being taken in a fair manner to resolve it.

¶ 05 In the past, various frauds occurred in the North; inquiries are now underway. Some MPs engage in businesses, run supermarkets and bars—these exist. They now fear inquiries into past conduct which may affect their standing among Tamils. Hence, they cry “police/military brutality” to inflame the public. Please refrain from such politics.

¶ 06 Hon. Shritharan, be cautious not of us, but of Mr. Sumanthiran, who often brings trouble upon you. Because of such conduct, the ITAK has decayed. Also, in Nallur PS, what happened? In Kilinochchi district, which you represent, there are many bars—the most in the North—and your party people distribute liquor permits; sand mining is carried out, and those behind it are from your side. Do not forget that the unrest unleashed on Kilinochchi people is of your own making. Such politics will not always succeed.

¶ 07 In the past, emergency was used to harm Tamil youth. Our Government has been in office for a year; in that period, has any Tamil citizen suffered due to emergency? No—and we will not permit it. Tamil people are with us and have voted for us in greater numbers. Our responsibility to protect them is greater. We will protect the people of the North and East. You, meanwhile, should protect yourselves from Sumanthiran.

¶ 08 Thank you.