The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, first, I congratulate Hon. Vijay on his impending assumption of office in Tamil Nadu following the recent election. People often do not separate cinema and politics; fans may elevate an actor, but only the people’s vote confers leadership. A history has been written.

¶ 02 During his campaign he raised Sri Lanka-related issues, notably Katchatheevu. As Minister, I often visited Tamil Nadu and observed that the core problems include the plight of our compatriots living in camps there, and, regarding fisheries, a persistent conflict that is not between Tamils and the military or Tamils and Sinhalese, but between Tamil Nadu fishers and Sri Lankan Tamil fishers. We hope the new Chief Minister will visit Sri Lanka and, through renewed relations, we can address these matters constructively.

¶ 03 We Malaiyaha Tamils have lived here for 200 years, facing many issues. Though many see us simply as Sri Lankan Tamils—which is not wrong—we also have a distinct identity and history. We look for recognition of that identity and for the Tamil Nadu Government to acknowledge it as well.

¶ 04 Some in the Government benches likened Tamil Nadu’s result to the NPP’s rise—overcoming pressures with youth and women’s support. One difference: Hon. Vijay finished acting before entering politics; here, some seem to have begun acting after entering politics.

¶ 05 In response to Hon. Arun Hemachandra’s claim that we have no standing and “incite people”: we do not incite. If this Government delivers even a fraction of what Hon. Mano Ganesan and the late Hon. Arumugan Thondaman did in office, then it may claim standing. Consider wages: pre-election postures differ from post-election realities. Some Members subsist on the President’s political capital; they should reflect.

¶ 06 Take the Indian Housing Project: when India’s Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited, you took him to Liddesdale to showcase housing. You announced 4,500 houses for 2025 and 6,500 for 2026. But the site you showcased—Liddesdale—was completed by us in 2021. Thus, since taking office, you have not built even one house for the Malaiyaha people.

¶ 07 In Kahawatte’s Neelagama Estate, a recent incident occurred. Youth also bear some responsibility, but when issues arise all local politicians must go there and engage—that is what we did in Pedru Estate, in Matale, and elsewhere. The President said in Anuradhapura he would end “anarchic politics” in the upcountry. Yet his principal candidate there is an infamous plantation owner from Maskeliya. This shows the priority given to the Malaiyaha community.

¶ 08 The Government has been in office for 1½ years; 3½ remain. We supported the President—including on the Budget—expecting change. But beyond statements and “meetings,” what have you delivered? I have repeatedly asked here: will you grant land titles to estate residents? Will you implement the housing program? Will you ensure protection and that Police—not private forces—handle estate area issues? When we were in office, through the IGP we directed Police to resolve estate-area disputes. Now we see Police entering estates to intimidate residents.

¶ 09 If you allege we were long in power and corrupt, then act on it—no one objects to investigations. But do not dodge our specific, people-centered questions. If you have the courage, answer: will you grant land titles to estate residents or not?

¶ 10 As for May Day: we know what to do and when. I request answers to the questions I posed; if not, cease the empty criticism.