The Hon. K. Ilankumaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, on Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, I wish to address vehicle imports. Those who earlier shouted that importing vehicles would worsen dollar shortages now demand imports. We have removed Luxury Tax on vehicles below Rs. 5 million to allow ordinary people to purchase vehicles and to support tourism, which now requires new vehicles to serve increasing arrivals. This will also earn foreign exchange.

¶ 02 The Opposition turned Parliament into a platform to confuse the public—today with “salt.” In earlier times we lacked even cooking gas. Now the economy is stabilized.

¶ 03 In Jaffna, our Government is focusing on development, recognizing 30 years of war left it behind. We are allocating substantial funds to the North, planning even an international-standard stadium and an indoor arena, and rehabilitating the harbor and rural roads. Past rulers did not develop the North; they fueled ethnic politics.

¶ 04 Our President first met injured soldiers and their parents, and spoke in a way that did not hurt Tamils—an inclusive approach. Yet some Tamil politicians continue ethnic rhetoric. During recent local polls, fake leaflets under “NPP Supporters” told Tamils they must follow Buddhist policy—false propaganda. Despite that, people placed us second in the North.

¶ 05 On lands: we act in the people’s interest. There are overlapping deeds, lost titles, and double deeds. Some properties of diaspora Tamils have been appropriated with past Government support—e.g., the “Sridhar Cinema” in Jaffna was allegedly taken over by a former Minister and not returned. We will return lands to the rightful people. To develop coconut zones, we must legally identify state vs. private lands; no houses will be seized. With proper proof through Grama Niladharis of cultivation periods, we will issue titles.

¶ 06 Some claim the NPP is racist. Not so. In 2007, a current Cabinet Minister, then Deputy Chairman of Committees, brought an adjournment motion to amend citizenship laws to recognize Sri Lankan refugee citizens in India—proving inclusivity. We do not grab others’ assets; we return people’s lands.

¶ 07 Politicians with hidden interests will be exposed when land identification reveals family holdings. National People’s Power has ended patronage politics. For us, an MP’s post is not personal property. We will cut pensions and privileges if necessary. Politics must serve people, not personal survival. Do not fearmong­er; join us to serve rationally.

¶ 08 We will develop the North—stadiums, indoor arenas, tourism, roads, harbor. We will foster reconciliation with cultural events reflecting all three communities. Unite with us on the new path. I conclude.