The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Though today’s debate includes transport, I wish to highlight an issue. I do not know if MP Jegatheeswaran is present; perhaps he is now seated on the small “chair” at SLTB in Vavuniya. This government came to power promising to eradicate corruption—shame! When I called and asked about that “chair,” he replied he did not know; yet he claims he was a teacher and had sat there. An MP walking into a state enterprise to do trade-union style shows—this is what you call good governance?

¶ 02 Another matter: The Northern Provincial Council. You have effectively appointed a “shadow” Chief Minister—our Minister Chandrasekar. A “shadow” Women’s Affairs Minister is the person who jumped over the wall with a “vehicle”—an MP from Jaffna—already given an appointment letter. You have also made Dr. Bhavanandarajah, who yesterday voted against his own party here, the “shadow” Health Minister for the North. He could not even press the correct button on the voting console—how can he be shadow Health Minister? You have also appointed a “shadow” Local Government Minister—Ilankumaran—well known for stone-throwing incidents in Parliament and elsewhere. Shameful.

¶ 03 You gathered government officials, prepared letters, and under the Governor’s presence held a meeting installing these “shadow ministers” for the North, and the media carried it. You fear holding the Northern PC election because Archchuna will contest? Hold it then! Even if you try to avoid it, I will contest.

¶ 04 How can a person who cannot identify red, green, and yellow indicators or place his finger correctly in one of three voting slots be a Health Minister for the Northern Province? Appoint someone competent. And for Agriculture, do not appoint someone who says rice shortages occur because dogs eat rice; otherwise, tomorrow they will catch cows claiming grass disappears because of cattle.

¶ 05 You also mock the Opposition Leader citing rankings—confusing 69th as 65th. Please get your facts straight. Finally, I request: appoint as shadow Health Minister someone who can press the correct button; and for Agriculture, someone who understands that if goats, cattle, and dogs eat, rice won’t vanish. Do away with these absurd shadow ministries—everyone is laughing at you. Thank you.