The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, greetings. We must closely and carefully consider the adjournment motion brought by Hon. Hizbullah. I also acknowledge the growing harmony between Tamil and Muslim people. In the Koralaipattu South (Kiran) area, there are 18 GN divisions; within them, five particular GN divisions are at issue. We must first consider what the people living in those specific GN divisions prefer: do they wish to remain with Kiran (Koralaipattu South) or separate and join another DS division? Since 2002, these 18 GN divisions have functioned together with no ethnic friction; Muslims there engage in agriculture and livestock like Tamils and live in harmony within Kiran/Koralaipattu South.

¶ 02 These five GNs have not, at any time, functioned with Koralaipattu Central or West; their RDS and other community bodies have worked with Koralaipattu South. When consulted, the people prefer to remain with Koralaipattu South. Some Muslim families from Kalliyadi have settled in Jayandiyaya and Ridithenna areas which, I hear, are proposed to be linked despite lacking contiguity. Even so, the people in these areas currently live without conflict. Land in these areas largely belongs to Forest, Wildlife, Mahaweli, VRI and Archaeology authorities; there is little private ownership. In a context of harmony, if we attempt to detach these five GNs from Koralaipattu South, tensions will arise. I have received calls and representations. Therefore, resolve this transparently through dialogue. My understanding is that the people of these five GNs wish to remain with Koralaipattu South. I bring this to the attention of the House. Thank you.