The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, we are debating the VAT (Amendment) Bill at a crucial time. Owing to the unilateral decision of U.S. President Donald Trump, not just our country but the whole world is affected. Around 22% of our exports go to the U.S., and roughly 40% of our garment production is destined for the U.S. The tariff on our exports to the U.S. has been raised from 11% to 44%. This is unacceptable under any circumstances. Whoever is in power, this hurts our country. We cannot support it. This morning, all parties signed a letter to the President urging him to urgently convene an all-party conference and commence talks with the U.S. Government to resolve this.

¶ 03 A 44% tariff on our exports to the U.S. shakes key sectors of our economy. This is not a mere trade hiccup; it is a national crisis with far-reaching consequences. We must unite, plan, and act. Exports of garments, tea, rubber, and cinnamon are badly hit, jeopardizing foreign exchange and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands. Regardless of party, let us work together to remove this tariff. The IMF program has further complicated matters; in this context, let us be transparent, discuss the problems, and cooperate to rebuild our economy.

¶ 04 I also raise an urgent matter: During the recent GCE (O/L) examination at the Kathankudy Central College, 8274 Centre, Hall No. 01, for Tamil Language and Literature, the invigilator forcibly stopped students one and a half hours before the end and collected answer scripts. Though the Principal and Zonal Director have taken steps and the invigilator has been removed, the students and parents have suffered severe distress, affecting remaining exams. I kindly urge the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training to take immediate action to grant appropriate marks and justice to the students.

¶ 05 On the Kathankudy Jamiul Azhar Mosque: after it was shut post-Easter attacks, permission was later granted to reopen, and an 11-member Board of Trustees was appointed under the Wakfs Board through the Divisional Secretary. The mosque reopened, but has been closed again without reason. At a recent meeting at the Batticaloa DIG’s office, it was said permission would be given to reopen, yet it has not been granted. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the mosque has no link to extremism. I urge the Minister in charge of Police to act immediately to reopen the mosque, as local residents face hardship.

¶ 06 A young man named Rushdi, arrested under the PTA for pasting an anti-Israel sticker, was released yesterday. We thank you. But do not use the PTA to arrest those involved in such acts and destroy their future. If there is suspicion, arrest and investigate under normal law.

¶ 07 Sri Lankan Muslims are citizens of this country; they should not suffer hardship at the hands of the Government, while Israeli tourists are given undue importance. With this plea, I conclude. Thank you.