The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 In the debate on extending the Emergency, thank you for the time. The Hon. President’s anti-narcotics drive benefits from the Emergency, and we commend the President and Ministers for the results from operations and cordons.

¶ 02 However, when in Opposition, the President criticized Emergency and vowed not to extend it in office. After the “Ditwah” cyclone disaster, it has continued. At least now, we should consider ending it. Relief for “Ditwah” victims does not strictly require Emergency.

¶ 03 I raise an injustice: youths from the South on a leisure trip to Pottuvil–Arugam Bay were arrested and remanded, allegedly for remarks about Israel to a driver. Foreigners move freely here, but citizens are arrested for words in conversation. Such cases should be handled by warning and release, not heavy-handed arrests. Similarly, if the Emergency is used for actions in the hill country, be cautious — continued enforcement creates harmful consequences. Do not provide opportunities for abuse. Your Government rose to power on organized, people-driven union struggles; now those same struggles are being met with Emergency actions by some officials. Since Emergency brings both good and harm, do not keep extending it.

¶ 04 On disaster aid: many overseas donations, including containers, are arriving. The Disaster Management Centre’s clearance time limit expired on May 2, and has not been extended. As you extend Emergency, also extend these clearance windows because global conflicts delay shipping. The Ministry of Defence has already gazetted tax exemptions on goods arriving up to 03.05.2026. I table the related letter. Please extend the tax exemption period by another month so goods stranded offshore can be cleared and delivered without the 18 percent VAT burden.

¶ 05 On the India–Sri Lanka energy plan: agreements are being made. Please present details to the House. The Indian Vice President’s visit discussed land links; expedite these to improve trade, contain essential prices, attract tourists and pilgrims, and earn more foreign exchange. Opening land corridors will significantly benefit the Northern Province.

¶ 06 Compensation for partially affected by “Ditwah” — including livestock farmers — has not fully reached them. Some are denied for lack of prior registration. Fix these gaps and avoid partisan misuse in payouts.

¶ 07 On Mannar sand: under our time, the sand mafia was controlled; now a tipper load is Rs. 50,000 officially, yet illegal sand mining persists, with unclear approvals and permits issued on Forest Department land. Please curb and regularize as before.