The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today is important. I thank Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan for bringing this Adjournment Motion, allowing us to explain issues and positives as Government Members. It is disappointing that none of the senior speakers of the main Opposition took part; as usual, they opted out, showing their lack of interest in solving the ethnic conflict and other issues.

¶ 02 Citing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Report: “The new Government has a historic opportunity and a clear mandate from communities across Sri Lanka to implement transformative reforms and deliver truth and justice, laying the foundation for sustainable peace.” He also notes pledges to address emblematic cases, restore rule of law, eliminate ethnic discrimination and divisive politics. This shows international trust.

¶ 03 We are not here to justify past wrongs; we are here to change the system — hard as it is. We see the Judiciary acting independently; high-profile cases are taken up; former Ministers arrested; even matters at presidential level are moving — perhaps slowly, but moving.

¶ 04 The Foreign Minister made a historic speech today, emphasizing repeal of the PTA, with a repeal Bill by early September — a turning point. As a JVP member, I know the PTA, brought in the 1970s, oppressed us; now we have a chance to repeal it and replace it with non-oppressive laws, while addressing underworld and drug crimes with modern legislation.

¶ 05 Though today’s Motion focuses on Tamils, we acknowledge issues faced by Muslims. As an MP from Trincomalee elected also by Muslim votes, I believe we can change the system to treat all — Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims — equally.

¶ 06 Land issues must be addressed. Over 76 years we had a certain political culture; now we have the mandate to change. Lands taken during war by Forest Conservation, Wildlife, Archaeology, defence and others must be reviewed. Past Governments ignored this. Now, with a two-thirds majority, we are addressing them. In Trincomalee recently, we decided to release over 55 hectares demarcated for Forest Conservation but long used by locals for agriculture, following due process. We are urging Archaeology to deploy more Tamil-speaking officers to improve communication. PTA repeal is moving; land issues are being resolved; an equal ground is created for every citizen.

¶ 07 Please, Opposition Members, do not try to divert us. Point out shortcomings; help us change the system. Trying to topple this Government will revive the corrupt system; people will not accept that. Support us to move forward. Thank you.