The Hon. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank the Almighty first for my re-election in 2024 through the Sri Lanka Labour Party. I acknowledge my late father, Marhoom Kader Hajiar, whose guidance and my family’s support brought me here.

¶ 03 The people of Vavuniya, Mannar, and Mullaitivu—without ethnic or religious distinction—have sent me here for the third consecutive time, recognizing my past, corruption-free public service. I thank the voters and also the grassroots leaders and supporters who campaigned. Even the eight rival candidates who campaigned among the people acknowledged our clean stance.

¶ 04 This victory belongs to the people of the Vanni. In the recent election, despite severe violations in our area—cash, liquor, food parcels—perpetrated by those politically strong there, and despite efforts by us and authorities to curb them, such malpractices continued. Even so, we won. Only one candidate from the Sri Lanka Labour Party won—you know this.

¶ 05 The President, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who came to eradicate corruption, and this Government must fundamentally change the election laws. In the last 2-3 days of the campaign, crores of rupees were spent to buy votes and sway minds. A new Constitution or legal reforms must decisively prevent such practices.

¶ 06 The President, in his Address, spoke of creating a non-racist society and many good measures—religious and national harmony, eradication of corruption and fraud, and development. Our party will support the good programmes of this Government, especially to eradicate corruption and punish those involved. The people voted with that intent. If implemented swiftly, we will extend full cooperation to the Government and the President.

¶ 07 Thank you.