The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Thank you, Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 We are debating the extension of the State of Emergency. Regardless of circumstances, the Tamil Eelam Liberation Movement and the Tamil National Alliance (Democratic National Alliance) have consistently opposed emergency laws, as they are used to suppress public protests. We oppose this extension.

¶ 03 Since the debate on the Easter Sunday attacks is scheduled for 2.00 p.m., let me state our position: we support the Government’s efforts to bring all those involved to justice, whoever they are. Many suspects have been arrested; to deliver justice to the victims, everyone involved must be punished. We also support the Government’s swift actions against corruption and narcotics. If the Government errs, we will point it out, but we will support rightful action.

¶ 04 I congratulate Mannar District students who excelled at the recent GCE A/Ls: from St. Xavier’s Boys’ College, A. Charles (Biological Science); from Iluppaikadavai Tamil Maha Vidyalayam, D. Sutharsan Thithursan (Commerce); in Physical Science, Clodius Clarus (Periyapandivirichchan Maha Vidyalayam); in Arts, A. Sathursika (Murunkan Maha Vidyalayam); and in Science, Sivaloganathan Karunika (Adampan Central College). Despite teacher shortages in science and mathematics, they have achieved excellent results. We commend the schools, principals, teachers, parents, and the Zonal Education office. Students in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya also excelled—congratulations to them as well.

¶ 05 Yesterday, under the President’s chairmanship, we discussed ancestral and paddy lands in Mannar. The President has engaged with the Navy to expedite the release of areas under naval control, including Mullikulam. This must be implemented practically. Many church and diocesan lands and other areas also remain to be released—we request their release.

¶ 06 Due to natural disasters, large quantities of soil have accumulated in Mannar, yet a cube of soil sells for Rs. 75,000. Since nature has deposited this soil, the price should be reduced by stopping mafia control, managing it through local authorities, and selling at Rs. 50,000 per cube. I propose this measure.

¶ 07 Also, Hon. Minister, there are irregularities in the projects for St. Lucia’s College grounds and St. Joseph’s College grounds—corruption under the previous government—and works remain incomplete. Please act immediately.

¶ 08 Finally, please provide employment opportunities inside and outside Parliament to Tamil youths—especially young women—who have long been excluded under the pretext of war. Thank you.