The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson. Though today’s debate is on VAT amendments, I wish to note—since I may be unable to speak tomorrow—on the report regarding the Battalanda torture camp. I welcome the tabling of the report. However, accountability must follow: those truly responsible should be identified and punished.

¶ 02 Successive governments often appoint inquiry commissions on riots and events in Sinhala-majority areas, submit reports, and then let matters lapse. I can cite many instances in the North and East. In 1983, during the pogrom, Tamil people were driven from Colombo and murdered; in Welikada Prison, Tamil detainees like Thangathurai and Kuttimani were killed. Kuttimani famously said in court he would donate his eyes to see the bloom of Tamil Eelam—such was the record.

¶ 03 No meaningful action followed these atrocities because the victims were Tamils. The same with disappearances. Reports were made; atrocities were buried. I urge this Government to establish a probe into the 1983 killings—identify perpetrators and accomplices, and act. Over 73, including our leaders Thangathurai and Kuttimani, were killed; families still do not know their burial sites. Do not continue the historical pattern of brushing aside Tamil grievances.

¶ 04 I must also question whether this Government, too, is creating new exclusions. A case in point: Supreme Court Justice Ilancheliyian served from 12.01.2025 to 19.01.2025. He was fully eligible for appointment as a Court of Appeal judge in that period. Now the Government and President say that after his retirement he cannot be appointed. This is unacceptable. He was in office during that window and had the standing. We cannot accept discrimination—especially on the basis that he is Tamil.

¶ 05 Thank you.