Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I wish to draw attention to two matters: inter-ethnic harmony and the economy.

¶ 02 On the economy, the previous speaker alleged misuse or disappearance of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” funds. Such claims mislead the public. The diaspora continues to contribute to this fund. I suspect an attempt to deter contributions and mislead people.

¶ 03 Recently, the rap artist Sangeethsan from Kilinochchi was arrested, causing debate in Tamil society and the South. Our President has clearly stated there will be no return to war or the LTTE or similar organizations in Sri Lanka. In that context, to claim that certain songs or artistic expressions will recreate armed culture is unrealistic. I lived through war in Jaffna and the Vanni from childhood. We have worked to move people away from that mindset, using art, literature, and music that reflect people’s history, memories, emotions, and experiences. Rather than criminalizing these expressions, we must understand the social and political contexts that produce them.

¶ 04 For Tamil people, especially in the North and East, many issues remain unresolved: land disputes; the fate of the disappeared; power-sharing; economic development; education and employment. Until such legitimate issues are fully addressed, people’s emotions, memories, and artistic expressions will naturally continue to surface.

¶ 05 As an NPP Government, we affirm that there will be no return to ethnic violence or war. We aim to unite all communities and create a peaceful political environment and inclusive governance. No one should engage in acts that confuse or agitate people—especially Tamils in the North and East. All sides must avoid unnecessary controversies and provocations and focus on solving real problems. That is the path to lasting peace and national unity.

¶ 06 Globally, the Middle East war has impacted economies, including ours. Our own past wars severely damaged livelihoods, particularly of the North and East Tamils, whose wounds must be healed. All must be able to live equally.

¶ 07 Regarding the 2022 crisis: fuel queues, medicine shortages, daily power cuts, stalled industries, disrupted education—these were driven by a lack of foreign exchange. A country needs forex to import fuel, medicine, machinery, and inputs. When forex does not enter the system, the entire country suffers. Hence, we now seek to ensure export-earned foreign currency returns to the formal system.

¶ 08 We are not asking exporters to convert all earnings into rupees immediately. Legitimate business needs—export costs, external debt service, overseas staff salaries, investor payments, travel, and other permitted expenses—can be met first. The residual thereafter should come through the banking system. This policy seeks balance, not arbitrary control.

¶ 09 To illustrate: if a family earns Rs. 200,000 a month but parks most of it outside the household, they cannot pay bills or educate their children. Likewise, a nation needs forex to flow into its system for the economic engine to function. Our policy is clear: a strong economy must benefit all citizens, not a privileged few. We are not anti-private sector or anti-investor or anti-entrepreneur; we oppose systems where national wealth pools at the top while burdens fall on the people. We must grow the economy sustainably and preserve inter-ethnic equality. On Sangeethsan’s case, we will adopt a proper approach; our Government will not err.

¶ 10 Thank you.