The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the chance to speak on this extraordinary Adjournment Motion by Hon. Shritharan, on human rights in the Northern, Eastern and Central Provinces.

¶ 02 Our Government is fully committed to protecting, promoting and upholding human rights of every citizen — Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim, Burgher or Malay. Human rights are the foundation of democracy and peace. We must look not only to the past but also to present and future: dignity, access to justice, schooling, equal opportunities in jobs and healthcare. Challenges remain in the North and East due to decades of conflict, and in the Central Province for estate workers. The Government has taken concrete steps to address them.

¶ 03 In 1986, Comrade Rohana Wijeweera wrote a book, “What is the Tamil Eelam Struggle?” In it he identified Tamil people’s problems and solutions even then. Following that path, our Government acknowledges many issues and the hundreds of human tragedies that occurred. I was born and lived until 2009 in a climate of war and violence. I am from Velanai; to study, I had to travel by sea to Jaffna. One day on my way to school, a helicopter fired at me; I fell into the water and my white uniform was ruined — a memory I still carry. Such things must never befall our children; we must all live in unity — that is why I joined the NPP, to secure a lasting, peaceful solution.

¶ 04 But some still do not want good things to happen; they prefer constant strife. The recent hartal in the North and East was rejected by the people — especially in Jaffna. These are the same people who once voted for the Vaddukoddai Resolution and separatism; today they vote for peace and normal life. They gave us over 80,000 votes to elect three Members, mandating us to bring democracy and development.

¶ 05 I was abroad recently and observed multicultural societies. Germany, once divided, is now developed and peaceful; in France and Switzerland, multiple languages co-exist. On our small island we, too, wish to live together. We will fulfill our promises and rebuild the nation. Our diaspora and others asked us: release occupied lands; free long-detained political prisoners; resolve the issue of the disappeared. Not only Tamils — Sinhalese asked too. These issues will be resolved during our Government’s term. Ministers and Members have reiterated this: no one can topple this Government; we will deliver what we promised before we leave office. Thank you.