The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, this Budget debate can be viewed in two ways: first, analytically through statistics; second, as the voice of the affected people of the North and East. Statistically, the Budget deficit is projected at 6.2% of GDP this time, down from 6.5%—a positive sign. Growth is 4.8%; interest rates have fallen to 9.3%; Government debt said to have reduced from about 114% in 2022 to around 96%. Estate workers’ daily wage has been increased by Rs. 400 to Rs. 1,750. Women’s participation in the Labour Force and the People’s Force programme are seen positively.

¶ 02 From the perspective of the North and East, we welcome efforts to curb corruption, fraud, bribery, drug use, and underworld activities, and to strengthen the rule of law and people-centred governance. Alongside, the national ethnic question must be resolved; doing so would favour the Budget and allow intellectuals, economists, and the diaspora to contribute, boosting growth across the country.

¶ 03 Sixteen years after the war ended in 2009, the UNHRC in 2012 called for accountability regarding events during the final phase: ascertain truth, ensure justice, provide reparations, prevent recurrence. These remain unfulfilled and are intertwined with the economy. We must speak for the war-affected, the disappeared, political prisoners, and land grabs in our areas.

¶ 04 There were grave incidents of sexual violence during the war: for instance, the killing of a mother, Koneshwari; of Saradhambal in Pungudutivu; of schoolgirl Krishanthy Seemanpillai of Sunchikuli; and of LTTE journalist Isaipriya—Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has made key statements to the media, indicating, among others, the role of DIG K.D. Hemachandra (Kabila Hendavitharana was named) and referring to commanders like Jagath Jayasuriya and Shavendra Silva. Since the former Army Commander has spoken publicly, and as the Government advocates a domestic mechanism, it must investigate these statements. Evidence is now on hand; the Government should act.

¶ 05 While tackling drugs, underworld, and corruption, the Government must also act swiftly on the national question; for nearly 16 years, the domestic mechanism has shown no positive outcomes.

¶ 06 In this Budget, for Batticaloa District, funds are allocated for the Kiran Bridge, Pondichchenai Bridge, and initiating the Mundeni Aru riverbed reservoir project. I welcome these.

¶ 07 People’s messages—letters and WhatsApp—highlight basic needs like drinking water. Only about 65% have access; thus 35% in the North and East lack clean water. Many suffer kidney disease due to unsafe water. Provide facilities to supply clean water to affected villages without delay.

¶ 08 There is also a human-elephant conflict: in Batticaloa, elephants now enter fields, villages, even towns. The eight Beat/Range Offices require around 75 staff, but only three are in place; as a result, elephants destroy and kill. Between 2020 and 2025, 63 people were killed by elephants and 9 by crocodiles in Batticaloa; 89 elephants were killed. People live in fear. When I moved an Adjournment Motion, the Minister promised quick action. Establish offices and staff in Vakarai, Eravurpatru, Pattipalai, Vavunativu, and Ottamavadi to prevent human–elephant conflict.

¶ 09 On grazing lands: in areas like Mayilathamadu–Mathavanai, Karuvachcholai, Mesaikkal, farmers cannot maintain their cattle due to increased restrictions—lands are variously demarcated as Forest Department, Wildlife, or Archaeology. This must be resolved.

¶ 10 We welcome Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar’s statement to withdraw the Army from Maaveerar Resting Places and allow people free activity there.

¶ 11 Regarding The Finance Company PLC: many depositors have suffered since its closure; they await a solution but have received no satisfactory response.

¶ 12 Pensioners protested outside Parliament recently about anomalies. Those retiring on 31 December 2021 receive a salary of Rs. 67,500; those on 1 January 2022 receive Rs. 97,500—an unfair Rs. 30,000 difference due to a single day. These are graduates and long-serving officers; the Government must correct this disparity.

¶ 13 In Nadikalkallimalai (Batticaloa North), where no Buddhist residents live and the nearest are 15 km away, a Buddhist place of worship has been established—similar issues arose at Vedukunari Malai and Deegavapi. These were not created in your time, but they must be addressed. Hon. Deputy Speaker, please give me one more minute.

¶ 14 In Batticaloa North at Nadikalkallimalai, monks from Polonnaruwa are establishing shrines contrary to national reconciliation. The Mihintale Viharadhipathi openly admitted that ruins were dumped at Kurundoor Malai to later claim historic presence. These acts must be curbed.

¶ 15 Further, make Batticaloa Teaching Hospital a full general hospital; now patients must go to Colombo or Jaffna. Start the Karadianaru and Malwatta farms; revive the closed fisheries cooperative in Batticaloa; build a bridge at Annamalai. The North and East, being war-affected, should receive additional attention, not be treated as tenth or eleventh priority. I conclude by urging special focus and resources.