The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 This debate is to pass a Resolution under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance and Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act to continue the Emergency for maintaining peace and essential supplies and services. While laws already exist to manage Cyclone “Ditwah” and its aftermath, the President proclaimed Emergency at the time—which we could accept then. It was the worst disaster since the tsunami and may have warranted Emergency. But we are now in the recovery phase. Do we need Emergency to meet essential needs and resolve issues during reconstruction? We question the necessity of extension.

¶ 03 Past governments misused Emergency and the PTA to oppress people and violate fundamental rights—even keeping Hindu priests in prison for years without inquiry, some dying in custody. Law must not be applied on the basis of language or religion; violators of law should be dealt with under international norms that protect fundamental rights.

¶ 04 When P-TOMS (Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure) was introduced to manage tsunami reconstruction, those now in Government opposed and blocked it. For such reasons we oppose this Emergency extension.

¶ 05 This Government came to power promising to abolish draconian laws like the PTA. Instead, it has introduced a new law worse than the PTA, without a clear definition of “terrorism,” giving wide discretion to label anything as terrorism and violate rights. In this context, two months after the disaster, why extend Emergency?

¶ 06 On recent arrests of clergy in Trincomalee: whether monks or priests, ministers or the wealthy, all are equal before the law; anyone violating the Constitution or the law must face legal action. We support lawful action against violators. Our concern is with extending harsh emergency powers; as people who suffered under such laws, our doubts are justified.

¶ 07 When bringing laws, consider whether they foster reconciliation. Reconciliation requires mutual accommodation and careful initiatives. In our district, longstanding issues like Mahaweli “L” settlements (1983) and the 2011 Kivul Oya project were implemented without addressing affected communities’ concerns. We recently held a protest in Vavuniya to defend affected people’s interests—not to seize power but to protect livelihoods. Please halt imposing old projects without consultation and ensure the welfare of impacted communities.

¶ 08 On agriculture: over 65% of paddy fields in our area have been harvested. Despite a minimum purchase price set by the Paddy Marketing Board at Rs. 120, in our district paddy is being bought at Rs. 80, causing about Rs. 30,000 loss per acre to already disaster-affected farmers. Although the PMB now says it will commence purchases at the guaranteed price next week, most of the harvest is already sold. Please begin immediate procurement so at least the remaining 30% benefits, and ensure timely procurement in future seasons.