The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, Hon. Members, good evening.

¶ 02 I just spoke by phone with the Government Agents of Jaffna and Kilinochchi. They conveyed thanks that the Government immediately provided Jaffna Rs. 38 million for dry rations and Rs. 11 million for cooked food, and Kilinochchi Rs. 4.5 million for dry rations and Rs. 7 million for cooked food.

¶ 03 November is the month in which the North and East commemorate their fallen; it is also the month of rains. This time the rains were heavier, intensifying pain and losses. I have been visiting affected areas since the 28th, where my colleague Ilangkumaran and the Hon. Minister were diligently working; I too did what I could.

¶ 04 I must emphasize: we often misconstrue “diaspora,” using it only for Tamil blood relatives who emigrated from Jaffna, while never labeling ex-combatants acting against the state as “diaspora.” Those abroad are my brothers and kin; they are prepared to return to Sri Lanka and invest their money, knowledge and entire wealth for our people. In Jaffna, if stoves still burn in every home, it is more due to diaspora assistance—two to three times more—than government aid. I request: whether it is my brother Ilangkumaran or our brother, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, please also accept me. I was elected via an independent group; I have no political base and never intended to do politics. People entrusted me with this task and sent me here.

¶ 05 To our respected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his 159 MPs, I say clearly: do not view me only as a “Jaffna Tamil.” For every measure you take for the nation, I will extend full cooperation and do whatever my knowledge allows.

¶ 06 There are no Opposition Members now in the Chamber. I wish to note on chemical fertilizer: a group hostile to the country brought that policy, which ruined us. Those who were in such a government now talk of allocating Rs. 40,000 per acre—it is ironic. A certain doctor, abandoning his medical practice, interfered in the matter of chemical fertilizer, and that caused this problem—you know this well.