The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. In this Committee Stage debate on Defence, I must ask: every Government increases allocations to the military; the new Government has done so too. But for what, in a post-war context without gunfire in the North and East? The military in our areas seizes people’s lands, cultivates them, even milks our people’s cattle, and sells the produce. Along the A‑9, and across the North and East, there are military canteens everywhere.

¶ 02 Why are so many troops concentrated in the North? Why are they occupying civilian lands? The President said occupied lands would be released, but it has not happened. People trusted you. I voted for the Second Reading of the Budget because it promised development to improve livelihoods and freedom of movement in the Vanni. But for the Defence Head, I will vote against.

¶ 03 In Vavuniya, camps sit on civilian land: Eechankulam camp land belongs to the public; similar in Peyadikoolankulam; and about 200 acres along the A‑9, including near the Senior DIG’s premises, are people’s lands. In Mannar, churches and temples are under military control; people must undergo checks and are allowed in only at set times. The church at the Talaimannar pier remains under Sri Lanka Navy control; festivals occur only with permission. In Mullikulam, agricultural lands which were said to be released are still under naval watch. In Chunnakam (Mannar’s Sannar area), many civilian lands are under Army training camps. In Mullaitivu, Army and Police have seized about 1,494 acres. The President pledged during and after elections to release such lands; I urge that it be implemented.

¶ 04 With many troops and naval patrols, checkpoints, and camps across vast acres, how are drugs still trafficked into the North, often by sea routes? Are some complicit? The Government must give serious attention. Why are additional troops and land occupation maintained—fear of an Indian attack, or plans for “reconstruction” of something else? Our people are calm; do not use that to justify troop concentration. Recently, many shootings occurred in the South. Send troops from the North to the South if needed. I do not say remove all troops from the North, but reduce their numbers.

¶ 05 You invoke national security to apply the PTA and arrest innocent journalists or people who keep war-related images on phones or computers. Are innocent Tamil civilians and those who hold the memory of fighters in their hearts your enemies? Is that why more troops and funds are kept for the military? Our people are fearful. Many MPs in the North were elected with a large mandate. Perhaps out of fear of the Government, some forget to voice these concerns. For true reconciliation, defence allocations must be reduced. Merely arresting journalists and youth under the cloak of national security will not make people safe. I conclude. Thank you.