The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, many have spoken in this debate on the Ministry of Justice and National Unity regarding the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Yesterday, the President expressed his view in this House. Many detained under the PTA have spent longer in custody than the punishment warranted for their alleged offences. When we met the President, we requested the release of such detainees on bail; he promised to take action. Action should be expedited.

¶ 02 Members of the present Government, when in Opposition, campaigned against the PTA. When previous Governments tried to replace it with an Anti-Terrorism Bill, two current MPs challenged it. Yesterday, the President suggested using PTA provisions meanwhile against organized crime until a separate law for organized crime is enacted. I do not see the need to portray an “organized crime” law as a precondition to replacing the PTA.

¶ 03 On national reconciliation: it is vital for economic development. For the country to move forward, peace and genuine national reconciliation are essential. Reconciliation requires a change of heart, starting from the top. In 2009, after the war ended, soldiers brought the national flag to our homes and forced us to hoist it, considering that “reconciliation.” Those who refused were attacked. That only sowed resentment. Therefore, handle reconciliation initiatives with care.

¶ 04 In this Budget, please clearly state allocations to the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) and the Office for Reparations. Tamil people have largely rejected the OMP, yet the Government pursues a domestic process without allocating adequate funding. Regarding the Geneva Resolution on promoting accountability and reconciliation, our Foreign Minister’s report to Geneva did not adequately address accountability. This is disappointing.

¶ 05 If reconciliation, accountability, and reintegration are to be achieved, a new Constitution is necessary. The late Mangala Samaraweera advanced constitutional reform based on accountability and reconciliation. Although the present Government speaks of a new Constitution, its full attention appears focused on economic recovery. For sustainable economic progress and to resolve the national question, a new Constitution is fundamental.

¶ 06 Language policy must be properly implemented as a first step in reconciliation. Even on public transport, name boards are full of errors—sometimes replacing letters with ones that create offensive words. Correct and enforce language policy without delay.

¶ 07 On the disappeared: parents have been searching for decades and are still living in hope. I urge the Hon. Minister to pay special attention to this matter. Thank you for the opportunity.