The Hon. K. Ilankumaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to participate in today’s debate on the Regulations under the Motor Traffic Act.

¶ 02 These regulations have been framed to protect the public. Every day many people die or are disabled due to road accidents. A major cause is the use of narcotic drugs. Narcotics have penetrated our country in ways that police could not easily detect, and, especially under previous administrations, drugs were distributed island-wide to distract and mislead people. As a result, the country is now trapped in drugs.

¶ 03 Previously, while police could identify drunk drivers, it was difficult to detect drivers under the influence of ice, “GO,” or cannabis, and to prove it in court. Though officers sometimes recognized such drivers by body language or behavior, there were insufficient legal provisions to establish drug use. Under the new regulations, drivers who have used ice, “GH/GO,” cannabis, and similar substances can be identified and confirmed through saliva and blood tests, and legal action can be taken. This will benefit the public and improve road safety.

¶ 04 Our government is determined to free the country from drugs. Some drivers are addicted, but now, if drug use is suspected from demeanor, police will have powers to send them for medical examination, obtain tests, and take action. We believe this will improve traffic services.

¶ 05 In 2025, approximately 1,960 people died in accidents and there were more than 3,700 serious accidents. A large share is linked to alcohol and drug use. With these regulations, tools and legal procedures will allow confirmation—through tests such as blood tests—and punishment.

¶ 06 The country is moving towards digitization. As the Minister said, fines paid through GovPay will be permanently recorded, and identifying hotspots of violations will be easier. By digitized fine payments, government can readily see which areas have higher rates of offences.

¶ 07 In the Northern Province, many accidents involve tippers due to illegal sand mining operations and related mafias. Many drivers are also addicted to drugs. Youth are being trapped in drugs to divert their minds and exploit human resources, with some politicians complicit.

¶ 08 There have been no factories in Kilinochchi since the end of the war 16 years ago, and no one spoke about it. Yet a certain MP representing that area said at the District Coordinating Committee that a bar was needed in Kilinochchi to reduce illicit liquor consumption. Now bars are found throughout Kilinochchi. That MP did not ask for factories. On the 21st we will lay the foundation to restart the Paranthan Chemical Factory.

¶ 09 Our youth become addicted due to lack of employment. If we set up good factories, we can create jobs. No factories were started in the Northern Province in the past. After we came to power, we restarted the Elephant Pass saltern. On the 21st the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development will lay the foundation for the Paranthan Chemical Factory, creating employment for Northern youth.

¶ 10 In the islands area, sea transport predominates. From Kurikattuwan to Velanai there are many tourists, but vehicles could not be ferried. After we came to power, the government has been establishing ferry routes capable of carrying vehicles. Even during the recent disaster period, those works continued. Soon, facilities will be arranged for people to take their own vehicles to Nainativu via ferry.

¶ 11 A previous government purchased the ‘Ezharakai’ boat for our area; it ran only three months and then broke down. That is the sort of outcome produced by prior rulers. Our administration, however, is undertaking what the area actually needs. We have repaired island roads with significant funding. The prior government did not recognize island roads; we do, and we are striving to uplift them on par with other regions. In that vein, we are establishing a fuel station in Neduntivu (Neduntheevu) and three central economic centers in the Northern Province to create jobs and guide youth towards a better path. Thank you.