Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Members of the Government benches criticize protest as if they had never used it; yet some Ministers criticizing protests today themselves relied on protest as politics when in Opposition. They now appear agitated whenever the Opposition protests.

¶ 02 Given limited time, I will raise a major issue from Trincomalee District. In the Morawewa Divisional Secretariat, in Rottavewa and Miriswewa, elephant fences are being erected. Elephant fences are necessary and many locals agree. But the siting suggests potential ethnic bias: instead of fencing along roads and canals, fences are being placed so as to block access between Muslim residents’ paddy lands and homesteads, restricting livelihoods and movement. Considering other ongoing issues—fisherfolk not being able to fish freely despite permits; land issues in Muslim areas like Muthunagar—we question whether discriminatory approaches are being applied.

¶ 03 At the recent DCC meeting in Trincomalee—held on a Friday—where the district has a significant Muslim population and many Muslim officers, why schedule on Friday in a way that disadvantages them? You say you’ve eliminated racism and religious bias and that 159 people elected by the people are here—then why act in ways that project bias? Is the Government or the officials responsible?

¶ 04 When you bring matters for debate here, many of you revert to history. What have you achieved in your one year? Is tolling the expressway a development? Laying 100–200 meters of carpet on roads—is that development? Before forming Government, some said they would not participate in any development activity, but now attend minor ceremonies with garlands. What of the promises you criticized under the 100-day program in 2015? You have completed one year—what have you delivered?

¶ 05 If someone is linked to meth trafficking, take action and name them publicly. Stop tarring everyone as thieves or drug-linked.

¶ 06 We are not here merely to accuse the Government; people expect proper governance. In Trincomalee, have we opposed your genuine development? No—we have cooperated. Please consider all communities and ensure inclusive progress. Thank you.