The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Adjournment Motion on human rights issues faced by Tamils in the North, East and the Hill Country.

¶ 02 We must design the future from our past experiences. For over 75 years Tamils have suffered deprivations. Accepting this, we must ensure their rights and habitats are protected, including language rights, as outlined in many proposals in this Motion. It is the duty of the representatives elected by that community to articulate the political, linguistic and cultural concerns of their people. When we do so on their behalf, it must not be miscast as racism or incitement; articulating needs in a public forum to secure rights is different from hate.

¶ 03 Grave injustices occurred. You have formed a Government with support from all communities; use this chance to deliver Tamils’ fundamental political rights. Even if you take time, tell us your framework and timelines. Clarify your position on a federal solution for Tamils as citizens of this country — both Government and party.

¶ 04 In the past, you too were involved in actions against Tamil interests, including breaking the North-East linkage and opposing limited devolution under the Indo-Lanka Accord. Let us move beyond that and herald a new era. We welcome your anti-corruption measures and decisive actions for non-violence and economic recovery. But how can we advance economically without political stability and a solution to the national question? With a two-thirds majority and 159 seats, use this opportunity well.

¶ 05 As you act against past corruption, also educate the Sinhalese majority about the immense suffering Tamils endured, as Tamils voted trusting you to deliver a just solution. Troop presence remains excessive in many northern and eastern areas; drawdowns are too slow. Tamil language equality is still weak; for example, A/L papers have translation errors that jeopardize futures. We have raised this repeatedly without sufficient action. Disparities in language, ethnicity and religion persist: even in Habarana a bus stand has been put in front of a temple, erasing its presence.

¶ 06 We trust you will ensure religious freedom and equality in religion, ethnicity and language. Development is one track; political, religious and language rights must move in parallel. Empower people with political rights to self-govern, or to secure just solutions. As you near one year in power, bring concrete proposals to Tamil people to rebuild trust. The stances on political prisoners and the disappeared remain unclear, feeding suspicion. Show your commitment, please. Thank you.