The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. I will speak in Sinhala so that what we say in this House reaches the Sinhala public. Our people granted 159 seats to this Government expecting a program where Tamils and Sinhalese live together. But you have misled them; a prime example is the 28 March Gazette to vest Tamil lands in the State. This will again pit Sinhalese and Tamils against each other, stoking nationalism. We are not fighting for others’ land; we are asking for our own. Please withdraw the Gazette.

¶ 02 We recognize distinct cultures grew in the North and East for Tamils and in the South for Sinhalese. We are not asking to divide the country; we ask to let us live as we did. But when such Gazettes are issued, someone will provoke, images will circulate, tensions rise, and again we cannot live together. Do not seek to regain 159 seats by fueling division, claiming “the North is demanding land, demanding Eelam.” We do not want division. But consult us before such moves; listen; discuss with us. Do not do this unilaterally. Please withdraw the Gazette and then come for talks. We are ready to support.

¶ 03 Thank you.