The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, regarding today’s debate to extend the Emergency, I wish to note the Security Council meeting chaired by the President, where he directed the release of privately-owned lands in the North and East acquired during the 30-year war for security and military camps, and to pay compensation where release is not possible.

¶ 02 In the Eastern Province, some police stations still occupy private or departmental lands. I request the Public Security Minister to ensure permanent buildings are constructed on properly allocated state land. As Hon. Hizbullah said, the Eravur Urban Council has allocated a suitable plot for a police station — please proceed.

¶ 03 A significant Supreme Court judgment today satisfies the long-standing demand of Sainthamaruthu residents. I thank former Provincial Minister and National Congress Leader Athaullah for proposing a plan benefiting all communities in Kalmunai–Sainthamaruthu: a UC for Sainthamaruthu, an MC for Kalmunai, an UC for the Tamil area, and an UC for Maruthamunai. The Party General Secretary Nizam Kariapper also pursued this in the Supreme Court. I request the Minister to implement three urban councils and one municipal council in Kalmunai accordingly.

¶ 04 On Pottuvil–Arugam Bay — the Eastern Province’s premier tourist destination and a major foreign exchange earner, and the only majority-Muslim tourism hub in the country — peace and security are paramount. Yet, within short distances of 50–100 metres, multiple roadblocks have been set up by police, army, STF, navy, and at telecom points, severely inconveniencing foreign and local tourists.

¶ 05 Recently, seven youths from Panadura visited Pottuvil and asked a welfare group representing Israelis where they might stay and whether there would be any issue. For this, police immediately arrested the seven and filed cases. This harms a key tourism zone. I request the Deputy Minister of Defence and all concerned to craft a special plan to ensure a conducive environment for residents, farmers, fishers, and tourists, and to recognize that the predominantly Muslim population there has contributed to national security for 30 years. Please address their current anxieties and create a better environment. Thank you.