The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, before commenting on the Bill, I wish to be the voice of a people still waiting for justice.

¶ 02 Seventeen years ago, an armed struggle representing our community was brought to an end or silenced by the Sri Lankan State with the support of several countries. Cluster bombs and chemical weapons buried the norms of the laws of war. The institutions and expertise of our Tamil homeland were destroyed; our addresses and identities erased. We lost hundreds of thousands, especially at Mullivaikkal. We continue to search for those we entrusted to the State’s custody. Those who fought for our rights and dignity still languish in your prisons as political detainees. For 17 years, we have waited—for justice from you and from the international community.

¶ 03 How can reconciliation arise without justice for those on this island who wait for justice and a dignified life? Another year passes, up to 18 May, marking the State’s refusal of reconciliation. With unhealed wounds, we commemorate in advance, here in this House, our civilians who perished in the war, as we may not sit on the 18th. Once again, we appeal through this House to the international community to deliver justice. I also pay tribute, on behalf of Eelam Tamils, to ‘Paasaraip Paanar’ Thenisai Chellappa, the voice of our liberation struggle, who passed away on 28.04.2026.

¶ 04 Turning to the Bill: establishing a legal framework to rescue, rehabilitate and return distressed enterprises and individuals to activity is welcome. When MSMEs fall, reviving them protects jobs, firms, and economic resilience.

¶ 05 However, when implemented, pathways accessible to large corporates must be equally accessible to MSMEs and individuals, including those in the Vanni. Regional equity is essential. Too often, circulars neglect regional realities—for example, the Paddy Marketing Board and Agri Insurance circulars have ignored “broadcast seeding” (puzhudi vidai) prevalent in the North and East.

¶ 06 In the North and East, many paddy farmers, especially in the major season, sow by broadcast on dry fields. When disasters destroy such crops, they are unable to obtain insurance compensation due to this method being excluded. This regional neglect must be rectified. Likewise, under this Bill’s benefits and procedures, ensure equal access and awareness for the Vanni and other affected regions.

¶ 07 We seek a framework that truly includes our regions in economic rehabilitation, alongside our continued call for justice and dignity. Thank you.