The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member and Members, thank you for the opportunity. Six months into this Government, after local elections, Tamil people have conveyed many messages.

¶ 02 We expected this new Government to build confidence among Tamils. That has not yet been fully realized.

¶ 03 First, on land: while criticizing past Governments, this Government is actively implementing past Cabinet decisions on Forest Department actions in Batticaloa District—such as in Vakarai’s 6th and 7th canal areas and Kattumurippu; Akkuranai and Muruthanai in Kiran; Pullumalai in Eravur Pattu—seizing lands used by Tamils for residence, farming, playgrounds, and temples. Is this by Government direction or officials acting alone?

¶ 04 We raised in Parliament and ministerial consultations assaults by Forest officers on civilians in March; we were assured solutions, yet activities continue. Even when the District Development Committee Chairman and MPs asked to halt, they did not. During the war many lost title deeds; people lack documents to prove claims, creating immense difficulty. Are current legal changes meant to restore Tamil land rights in the North and East, or to enable dispossession?

¶ 05 If documents are missing, proper mechanisms must restore ownership—not events that strip rights. Today it appears the Government is lethargic or unjust toward Tamils on land.

¶ 06 Second, Tamil history and identity are being erased from Tamil-medium textbooks. Reports indicate sections on the Jaffna Kingdom and Trincomalee’s Konesar history have been removed, creating fear and resentment among Tamils. A Government that speaks of equality and good governance must not attempt such removals. It must demonstrate goodwill and start rectifying these issues now.

¶ 07 Further, university circulars are not fully available in Tamil. Sinhala terms appear in Tamil-medium exams, creating hardships. We complained to the Higher Education Ministry, but have not seen action. The NPP and this Government have a responsibility to ensure fair resolutions.

¶ 08 We also repeatedly raised appointments to the Council of the Eastern University, even to the Hon. Prime Minister; no action was taken. Nationwide university council nominees are being appointed, but no Tamil intellectuals from the South have been included. Such omissions will build deep distrust among Tamils toward your Government and party.

¶ 09 Another point: during elections, from the President down, many flock to the North and East. But when Tamils suffer, no Ministers are seen. On May 18, Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, commemorations of Tamil civilians who perished, not a single Tamil MP of your party from those districts or any Minister was present. Do you seek only Tamil votes, not to share their grief?

¶ 10 On May 18 various obstacles occurred. That day should be recognized as a day of genocide remembrance. Threatening legal action against those who speak of it undermines Tamil trust. Don’t punish the victim; investigate the perpetrator. Repeatedly pushing Tamils into fear suggests continued repression.

¶ 11 If Tamil language, culture, and land are not protected within Sri Lanka, how can Tamils trust you? Change your approach beyond vote-politics; ensure equal rights and conducive conditions. I conclude with that hope. Thank you.