The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 Why has this Batticaloa issue been brought to Parliament instead of being discussed sufficiently at district level? Historically, this area was Koralaipattu; after 1992 it was split into North, South and West. In Koralaipattu South, 18 GNs function smoothly even if not gazetted; services are delivered. Why then raise this matter to provoke protests and fasts that can inflame tensions? We must think who is behind this.

¶ 03 There are 18 GNs in Koralaipattu South where all communities live with normalcy. Why seek to move five GNs from South to West now? Is that request justifiable? Many past inquiries and committees were politically influenced. Let us act prudently: keep the 18 GNs of Koralaipattu South as they are; similarly, in Koralaipattu North–Vakarai, maintain the two contiguous GNs there as they are. Do not convert this into an ethnic demarcation; treat it as an administrative unit to function smoothly for all communities.

¶ 04 When complaints came to us, we asked people not to protest; we would discuss and reach an amicable settlement. Finally, I request that the five GNs in Koralaipattu South continue as they are. Thank you!