The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, before I begin, I thank the Hon. Speaker, Hon. Deputy Speaker, His Excellency the President, Ministers, MPs and the staff of Parliament who participated in the funeral of my late father last Saturday.

¶ 02 Looking at the 2026 Budget, I note that about 61 per cent of the proposals are “economic decisions,” while social welfare components are limited. Some social welfare programs one would expect from a left-leaning government are absent. Therefore, our party, the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), must take a considered position.

¶ 03 As the principal Tamil party and the third-largest party in Parliament, ITAK’s mandate is for a dignified political solution through constitutional reform ensuring Tamil political rights, equality, and meaningful self-governance — not merely slogans of unity on paper.

¶ 04 Within the Budget, there are gaps. Last year, funds were “allocated” to the Northern Province, but actual utilization was minimal. This year, I see Rs. 29.6 billion allocated for the Eastern Province, which, under a Governor without elected representatives, raises concerns about how and whether funds will be spent. Our position remains: until a new Constitution brings a durable solution, at least hold Provincial Council Elections — even that has not been done.

¶ 05 Allocations to the Livestock Ministry total Rs. 4.2 billion, yet the Mahaweli Authority continues to alienate pasture and other lands in the North and East to communities from outside, depriving Tamils. The Budget mentions the Maduru Oya Right Bank Development Project along the Batticaloa border; we already face serious land issues there.

¶ 06 We will support good initiatives: we will support action against drugs and against corruption. However, we cannot support the Budget merely because it includes feasibility studies — for example, a study for a Kokkilai bridge or two bridges in Batticaloa. Our people did not sacrifice thousands of lives for bridge studies.

¶ 07 Connectivity is essential for sustainable development of the North and East. Yet, in the 2026 Citizens’ Budget, only Rs. 4 billion is allocated for ports and airports (pages 16–20). Only Hingurakgoda Airport seems to have a clear commitment. What about Palaly International, Batticaloa Airport, KKS Harbour and Trincomalee Harbour? If you truly intend to develop the North and East, prioritize these.

¶ 08 On agriculture modernization: revisit the Mahaweli scheme. Remaining lands must be allocated in line with the national ethnic ratio under the Mahaweli Act, which has not happened for Tamils. Give land to the landless Tamil people; that is how agriculture in the North and East will grow. There is a stark gap between the NPP Manifesto and the 2026 Budget.

¶ 09 Regarding estate workers: if the Government wishes, it could have presented only that measure. Opposition MPs opposing the Budget are not opposing estate Tamils; the question is about a sustainable approach. NPP-linked unions promised Rs. 2,138 prior to elections; now Rs. 1,700 raises questions of integrity. If the Government grants Rs. 4,000, the Opposition has no issue. But many estate Tamils today are not only estate workers — they aspire to dignity, secure housing and land rights as well. The promised dedicated housing for the Malaiyagam Tamil community appears folded into general housing programs, not as a distinct, targeted initiative.

¶ 10 ITAK’s mandate is to secure political rights through a new Constitution, truth and justice for the disappeared, accountability for human rights violations, and resolution of land issues. While some military-held lands have been released — we appreciate that — much remains to be done.

¶ 11 Accordingly, our party resolved today to abstain at the vote on the Second Reading of the Budget. Historically, ITAK has cooperated when engagement was meaningful — including supporting Governments led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and during the yahapalana period. Over the past year, however, this Government has not created space for constructive engagement with ITAK. Still, we place renewed trust in the President, who has given us time next week for a meeting. We have four more years to engage — or to oppose if nothing is done.

¶ 12 Therefore, only for today’s vote, as a goodwill gesture and in expectation that the President will listen to the victims, address accountability and land issues, and bring a new Constitution reflecting Tamil aspirations, we will abstain.