The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Madam Deputy Chairperson, I thank the voters of the Vanni electoral district for electing me. This time, in Vanni there was a worst form of political culture — liquor, cash and goods widely distributed. Of 25 administrative districts, only Mannar elected an SJB MP — myself. I thank the people of Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu who voted for me without selling their votes, and my fellow candidates Dr. Mikra, Hunais Farook, Ramanan, Baskar Raj, Rasika, Nirosh, Neel Santha and Sudarsan.

¶ 03 Our party, the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, contested independently in Ampara and faced great challenges. Yet the people helped secure one seat — Brother Tahir. In Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala and Puttalam, our candidates allied with the SJB and helped it win many seats. I thank those candidates and voters.

¶ 04 President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Throne Speech aligned with what he promised on the campaign, and if its contents are implemented by the 159 Members of his party with sincerity, we in Opposition will give 100 percent support. Do not use this Parliament like a campaign platform rehashing old histories. The country is in a severe crisis; you must think calmly.

¶ 05 This morning I visited markets; prices are very high — rice, coconuts and other essentials. The Government must control the prices of 10 essential items. Appoint a team under the President, Prime Minister or Finance Ministry to review prices weekly. Do not let people die of hunger.

¶ 06 We welcome the President’s declaration that there is no place for racism. Racism drove our economic downfall and humiliation. At Independence, Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims fought together, but later Sinhala leaders viewed Tamils and Muslims through different lenses. That pushed Tamils and Muslims to rally separately. Now the President says he will embrace all — a message we need. No single community can rebuild this country alone. Except for Batticaloa, all districts have endorsed this Government; treat all equally, ensure good governance, rebuild the economy, and develop tourism with special plans.

¶ 07 India is our strongest partner. When we fell, it provided US$4 billion, saving our people from famine. Maintain close ties with India. The Middle Eastern Islamic countries do not meddle in our internal politics; after the war, when we were in distress, they helped — giving fuel on credit, funding tsunami housing, roads, bridges, universities and hospitals. Keep close relations with them.

¶ 08 Bring good investors. Too often, officials block them — by withholding land or approvals, or spawning problems. Set up proper mechanisms and draw more investment from the Middle East, where funds flow to the West today. Also improve tourism.

¶ 09 Reform education to serve the job market and technology. Our tech sector has declined; the President pledged to rebuild it. Follow models like India’s tech rise.

¶ 10 We have mineral wealth; through value addition we can earn billions of dollars — create pathways to achieve this.

¶ 11 On the Easter attacks: it dominated campaigns; the President referenced it. Identify all culprits. Muslims suffered too; I myself was detained unjustly for 210 days under Gotabaya’s rule. Many remain in jail. If they are not guilty, release them. Likewise, those held over alleged LTTE links — expedite their release.

¶ 12 I allocated Rs. 80 million for resettled Jaffna Muslims’ development; it has been halted. Rs. 100 million for roads in Puttalam has also been stopped. I request the President to release these funds so the people benefit. Thank you, and thanks again to those who voted for me and my party.