The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I thank Hon. Srineshan for bringing this very useful motion and for the opportunity to speak.

¶ 02 As you know, the people of the North and East fought for 35 years to live with equal rights in their own land. After losing leadership and many lives, for 16 years some politicians have exploited our people for personal gain. Notably, responsibility for stalling international accountability lies with TNA politicians.

¶ 03 In the East and North, large areas remain under military control — particularly around Palaly Airport in the North and in the North-East more broadly. We have lost generations and thousands of youth, and yet we still cannot breathe freely in our own land due to the unresolved national question.

¶ 04 Even though three MPs from the North support your Government, on this question there is no decisive action; they are only repeating what their leaders say, which is troubling. Sinhala majoritarianism — including Ranil, who has lost credibility — has decreed that Tamils should not live as equals in this country.

¶ 05 As Tamils, we seek the same rights you enjoy: rights to land, language, and to love our motherland. Just as fighters from the South once rejoiced to visit the North, I, coming from the North, am glad to raise my voice in support of releasing our people’s lands in the East.

¶ 06 I especially request the release of lands in Palaly, Vasavilan junction, and Keppapulavu. This will foster ethnic harmony so that Sinhala and Tamil people can live together. Therefore, at least under the Anura administration, take steps — including constitutional changes — to create conditions for unity. Thank you to the Hon. Deputy Chairperson for the opportunity.