The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to speak under the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.

¶ 02 We all know national harmony is vital. Our people have suffered greatly in recent years, due not to events of a day or two, but long-term wrong pathways, including ethnic, racial, religious and linguistic conflicts. Every time society was divided and harmony lost, all sectors collapsed—rule of law, economy, society and culture. Therefore, national harmony remains essential.

¶ 03 In recent times, many chose to inflame nationalism to gain power. But we must acknowledge that the Sinhala people are not inclined to nationalism; they oppose it, as do Tamils and Muslims. In the presidential and general elections the message was clear: we do not need nationalism; we need peace and a Sri Lankan identity. The National People’s Power (NPP) captured that moment; people across all regions and communities endorsed peace and a common Sri Lankan identity.

¶ 04 ONUR was established in 2015 to build reconciliation. However, when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa took office, reconciliation was sidelined. Even as Governments claimed to uphold reconciliation, media space—state and private—was often given to those making hate speech; some were even provided luxury vehicles and maintenance. The people have now given us a mandate to prevent a recurrence and build a peaceful State.

¶ 05 Members from Batticaloa and Hon. Mano Ganesan raised issues. An international study into causes of conflict and disharmony in Sri Lanka identified politics as the main cause undermining harmony and mutual understanding; the second was the language issue. Even in this House, language problems were raised. When a citizen cannot explain his grievance in his own language at a police station or state office, he faces helplessness. Previously, institutions for reconciliation and language were scattered. As a Government, we are now bringing them together; language is central to building harmony. We have decided to recruit police officers proficient in Tamil and create a pool of translators/interpreters for Government services, ensuring service delivery in citizens’ languages. International advisors also suggested promoting language learning through modern technology (mobile-based). We will also propose a “Sri Lankan Day” to share cultural experiences, as South Africa celebrates a Day of Reconciliation in December.

¶ 06 Some who lost power now attempt to stoke hatred again; we will not amplify them through State media. Cement can build walls to divide, but it can also build bridges for exchange. That is our approach.

¶ 07 A Member earlier spoke of rising criminals and drug dealers. Let me say: those fostered by your own leaders and Governments are those in that state today.

¶ 08 I too listen to sermons by revered monks, including Ven. Kagama Sirinanda Thero, who once said: if rulers were given the task of building Kala Wewa, they would build their own houses like Kala Wewa, and we would be left with only a coconut shell’s worth of reservoir. I need not name which rulers he referred to. To those who speak of keeping the five precepts, I say: do not claim purity without evidence. If a leader refrains from theft, those around him will follow a righteous path. We want such a country—filled with national harmony and pride as Sri Lankans. The Ministry of National Integration alone cannot do this; as citizens, let us all work together. Thank you.