The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, as we discuss the Defence Votes, accountability remains a serious unresolved issue. I am glad the Hon. President is here. Please clarify whether there will be a domestic or international process—and whether there will be any accountability at all.

¶ 02 Further, I have repeatedly raised in this House the killings carried out through the Tripoli platoon, with alleged involvement of State Intelligence personnel. Yet no investigation has begun. Following the recent killing of Ganehmulla Sanjeewa, many witnesses who provided information that I disclosed here fear they will be targeted next.

¶ 03 Let me add: after 2009, 27 youths from Manik Farm were allegedly taken to Kathankudy, killed there, and dumped at sea. I have the video testimony of a related intelligence van driver on my phone. Why is there no questioning on these matters? Is the Government afraid of conspirators from the past? Are you trying to cover this up? On Easter, if the current investigation is genuinely progressing, we welcome it—but I can say with responsibility that not a single statement has been recorded from certain key individuals we identified.

¶ 04 On accountability—be it a Truth and Reconciliation Commission or concrete action on the disappeared and on alleged killings—nothing tangible has emerged. The people of the North gave you, Hon. President, a special mandate—though not in Batticaloa, where I received it. That mandate was to pursue these matters.

¶ 05 Turning to the Defence Budget: this year Rs. 135 billion is allocated under diets and uniforms. It was Rs. 70 billion in 2023; Rs. 101 billion in 2024; now Rs. 135 billion in 2025—a 33% increase this year for diets and uniforms. Previously, when in Opposition, we said Shavendra Silva brought uniforms from France— [Speech continues.]