The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first, I thank Hon. Kader Masthan, though in the Opposition, for having the courage to speak the truth and value it.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, though today’s debate is on the extension of the state of emergency, since morning there has been a wide discussion on the law, analyses, submarines, torpedoes and warships. By last night, due to the Government’s intervention in this process, the world’s attention turned towards Sri Lanka. I intend to express some views on the politics involved.

¶ 03 After that chain of events, irrespective of Government or Opposition, Sri Lankans can be truly proud before the international community of the humanitarian intervention undertaken—led by the President—in the midst of these calamities.

¶ 04 At a time when a major war has recently erupted in the Middle East, and nations are in conflict, we maintained neutrality and acted accordingly. As a State, we performed our humanitarian intervention even better than expected. We should all be proud. When a ship in our adjacent seas came under attack, Sri Lanka’s Navy and Air Force immediately intervened, risking their lives, rescued the crew and brought them to hospitals—32 lives were saved. With the intervention of the people and the Government, aid was extended to the distressed Iranian nationals. Especially, when many bodies had to be brought, facilities were arranged to conduct last rites in accordance with their religious practices, including providing freezers, food and clothing—both by the Government and ordinary people. Our people showed what kind of nation we are. This is an act before the world that allows us to stand tall.

¶ 05 Last night, the President made a special statement on another vessel. In line with international conventions and understandings, with restraint, fairness and speed, the Government of Sri Lanka succeeded in securing the release of that vessel’s crew.

¶ 06 Hon. Member, we are showing the world that we are a Government that resolves problems, not creates them. The message is that Sri Lankans intervene to solve issues, not to inflame them. In contrast, due to the conduct of previous governments—stoking ethnic tensions—Sri Lanka’s reputation suffered internationally. From Black July 1983, and later riots against Muslims in Beruwala and Gampola, our country was labeled as one of killings—even of neighbours. Yet, despite this calamity, we intervened without taking sides, risking our lives, to save people of any nation. The country’s leadership and Government took steps that elevated our international standing. We are pleased about that.

¶ 07 What did the Opposition do while we did this? We know governance responsibility is not only for a Government but also pertains to the Opposition. However, a Government must act according to international law, conventions and understandings—not whims. You cannot arbitrarily bring ships into or out of the country or chase torpedo types. We are bound by international conventions. In the midst of a global war, acting on whims is not child’s play. We are dealing with the fate of 22 million people, bearing that responsibility as a Government.

¶ 08 To the Opposition, this may be a game. For the Government, it is a duty to protect our people. We are acting swiftly and responsibly, in line with international agreements and conventions. Meanwhile, what did the Opposition do?

¶ 09 International mischief emerged from that side. In the last two days, they spread lies and sensationalism. They claimed the ship was in our waters for 11 hours; Hon. Mujibur Rahuman said he saw it was in the sea for 11 hours and that a submarine came from there. You cannot bring ships ashore at will during a war. Matters must be discussed with relevant parties and in accordance with applicable agreements and conventions. As a State, we intervened to the maximum possible to save those people without endangering Sri Lanka.

¶ 10 While our Navy and others were risking their lives at sea to rescue those aboard, Hon. Ajith P. Perera held a media briefing saying, “There are 300 children; isn’t the Government rescuing them?” They did not think we would do it. They didn’t believe the Government would. Spreading falsehoods about “300 children” to stir sentiment and imply inaction was their plan. But we did what had to be done. Not 300 children, but 208 persons from that ship were rescued. The “300 children” claim was a blatant falsehood. Today, they still ask about the type of submarine or the torpedo. For what? We did not even ask the “type” of the people aboard the sinking ship when we rescued them. We showed we help all humans, regardless of nationality.

¶ 11 This State intervened without probing the people’s race or type aboard the sinking ship. So why seek the submarine or torpedo type? At minimum, we urge the Opposition to act responsibly on such sensitive international matters. Then they ask if we knew beforehand when it would be struck. If one knew when attacks would occur, Iran’s leaders would be alive; in Venezuela, even a President was targeted without foreknowledge. That is the nature of international politics.

¶ 12 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for extending my time by two minutes.

¶ 13 International politics is thus. Sri Lanka is not a big power; it is a small island in the Indian Ocean, with limited naval and military capability—that is the truth. Then to come here and ask if we knew the US would attack an Iranian ship is absurd. This childish conduct regarding sensitive international matters must stop. Those who didn’t know of the Easter Sunday attacks until bombs went off—while in Government—now ask whether we knew about strikes on an Iranian vessel. They even said then, “We knew there would be an attack; we didn’t know it would be like that.” Those are the ones talking now.

¶ 14 On matters like these—sensitive internationally—our Parliament has global attention. The Government has marked its level and the State’s level. At least the Opposition should also maintain the country’s dignity.

¶ 15 Finally, on whether we knew of an attack on the Iranian ship: in truth, we do not know, and need not know. Because we all operate on the basis that such attacks do not occur in the Indian Ocean. In 1971–72, Sri Lanka and Tanzania intervened at the UN to designate the Indian Ocean a Zone of Peace. We are within that Convention. For 50 years since, such state-on-state attacks have not occurred in the Indian Ocean—apart from local war-related events, Somali piracy, and minor incidents. This unforeseen situation is regrettable. Even so, we intervened. We are a small State; the Indian Ocean’s dominant military and naval power is not us. But at our doorstep, on our coast, at the first moment, without looking at nation or race, we intervened for humanity—and we will continue to do so. Sri Lanka should mark itself before the world as such a nation. The most difficult thing is to stand for peace when war is normalized. That is the difficult decision. Even when great powers violate UN conventions for decades, as a small nation we must uphold those standards. Today, Sri Lanka is making history as a State that defends conventions and peace. Our President and Government have provided that leadership. We are proud and the nation should be proud. Thank you.