The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hon. Members of Parliament and beloved citizens of our motherland, Eelam.

¶ 02 I begin with homage. I bow to the heroic Tamil leader revered as “Methagu,” to the brave who safeguarded our people’s dignity, and to all who perished in the cruel war—Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala youth alike—including Rohana Wijeweera and his comrades.

¶ 03 With profound gratitude and responsibility, I rise as a representative of the resilient people of the Northern Province. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the venerable Tamil leader “Methagu” whose visionary leadership inspires generations, and I remember all who gave their lives for peace, equality and unity—sacrifices shared with our Sinhalese and Muslim brethren.

¶ 04 I recall my father. In 1966 he captained the Sri Lanka Police football team for years. With the situation in 1983, our family had to leave that service and move to the North. For two decades thereafter he served—yes, I must speak truthfully—in the LTTE police. In May 2009, during the Tamil genocide at war’s end, though severely wounded and bedridden, he was forcibly disappeared from Padaviya Hospital. His life and sacrifice reflect the complexities and responsibilities of our shared history. I must speak the truth.

¶ 05 My presence here is not to advocate division but to champion unity, harmony and prosperity. Our people’s mandate is clear: move forward as one, undeterred by ethnic or religious prejudice, striving together for peace and development.

¶ 06 My journey testifies to determination and the Tamil people’s support. Born into a marginalized community, I faced systemic barriers. In 2006, I was denied entry to medical school due to discrimination. I petitioned the Supreme Court and, after two years, gained admission to the University of Jaffna Faculty of Medicine—graduating in 2015, a victory against oppression. I thank Hon. Sumanthiran, former MP, for his role.

¶ 07 From my first posting at Chavakachcheri Base Hospital after internship at Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, and later as a medical administrator, I witnessed stark inequities and corruption in our health system, especially in the North and East. As Director of Chavakachcheri Base Hospital, within three days we achieved significant reforms, but those efforts were met...