The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees. I am pleased to speak on the Motion on human rights of Tamils in the North, East and Hill Country. In Mannar, imposing wind power projects against people’s will is a human rights violation. People have protested for 20 days. Human rights violations are a challenge nationwide. Mass graves in Mannar and Mullaitivu are realities. Those who raise human rights issues face repression.

¶ 02 We still seek international investigations into wartime violations. While one year is short to do much, the Government must address ethnic issues — repeal the PTA, bring constitutional changes, release political prisoners who have languished for years. Journalists in our areas have disappeared. If our issues are before the UN, it acknowledges our struggle and sacrifices. Show goodwill through action, as Hon. Gajendrakumar said, so Tamils can feel they can live with you. People voted for you believing — do not betray that trust. Show through action, without Sinhala-Tamil-Muslim divisions, that all can live together. Thank you.