The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam

¶ 01 Parliamentary and Presidential Elections brought a mandate for a complete overhaul — not only in terms of corruption and cleanliness, but also the entire political culture that has plagued this country for 75 years. In that spirit, I am glad the Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs and my good friend, the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration are here. I wish to highlight that public expectations are very high — and I say this in a positive sense.

¶ 02 While I do not agree with the JVP component of the National People’s Power on several policy issues, especially their historic positions on the Tamil national question — they still have not clearly stated a position that meets Tamil expectations — the NPP’s broader view today is considerably wider. I personally know Members in Government who have very progressive views. Therefore, when we speak of being “ethical,” there must be a clear picture and consistency between words and actions. Using the term “ethical” implies the past 75 years were not ethical — that is why people voted for change. So, consistency in statements today and tomorrow, and in the meaning and connotations of your actions, is crucial.

¶ 03 Take one of the biggest issues for the Tamil people: the godforsaken Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The JVP itself, although I disagree with them on other matters, condemns it because they were once victims of it. During and before the elections, it was said the PTA would be repealed. I understand that repealing a law or introducing a new one may take time, if the Government thinks one is needed — though I do not believe it is. The PTA is so draconian that in 2015, when the then Government committed at the UN Human Rights Council to a moratorium on its use, the current President, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, then in Opposition, did not object, because he knew its draconian nature.

¶ 04 Yet, after the elections, this Government backtracked within the first week and said they would “monitor” the implementation — implying careful monitoring would prevent abuses. But abuses have occurred. During Tamil memorialization, arrests were made under the PTA. Later, after policy interventions, police withdrew PTA charges in the B-reports. The point is: the law is so broad, so draconian, that it invites misuse — and the police will always misuse it. Even if your Government intends otherwise, it is the police who apply the law. You cannot claim an ethical policy and then backtrack. That only empowers a police apparatus “in transition.”

¶ 05 Now, the PTA is even being applied to schoolteachers. Yesterday, the TID in Paranthan questioned teachers at Konavil Maha Vidyalayam, Kilinochchi, over artistic performances at a school sports event — under the PTA. Surely, this needs immediate correction.

¶ 06 I am told the Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has said memorialization in the North and East will be closely observed and scrutinized — justified because some in the South claim such memorialization is “terrorism.” Just because someone in the South says so, you cannot have different application in the North and East. That is unethical. If you cave to such pressure now, it will only mount and you will walk the same path as previous governments.

¶ 07 Please give me more time, Madam.

¶ 08 I will conclude with two brief points. First, the Prime Minister is now the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. When she sat in Opposition — just behind me — she raised the case of Jaffna Central College. A fully qualified lady principal from the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service had her appointment suspended due to political interference by Douglas Devananda, and an unqualified person acts now. The Prime Minister then said such interference must stop. She is now in power — over 100 days — and among the most powerful in Government. This is an uncontroversial matter she can and should rectify.

¶ 09 Second, on solar: for three to four months, the CEB has not issued solar meters. People have invested millions due to rising electricity prices, yet cannot benefit because meters are not issued. Please address this immediately — it is uncontroversial. Also, address the PTA, memorialization, and political prisoners. My friend, the Hon. Minister of Justice, says there are no political prisoners. The JVP call their former detainees political prisoners; the President said in Jaffna that political prisoners should be released. Since he is committed to that, he must act. Thank you.