The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 [11.55 a.m.]

¶ 02 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 03 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak in today’s Adjournment Debate on women.

¶ 04 International Women’s Day falls on the 8th of this month. I extend greetings in advance.

¶ 05 Women comprise about 52% of Sri Lanka’s population. Yet, in many activities their due share has not been realized. We now have a woman Prime Minister; I urge the Government to ensure that in the future women receive due roles in all spheres, including politics and the economy.

¶ 06 The world is in a dangerous situation — on the brink of a third world war — caused by imperialism and war-mongering. In this backdrop, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been assassinated. I recall what he did for his people. He guided Iran to be a civilized, cultured society; his loss is irreplaceable. I express deep condolences to that Government and people.

¶ 07 Western powers are attacking Iran on imperialist grounds. The US and Israel are raging. What is the UN doing? They claim, “We hit the right targets.” In Iran, 167 schoolgirls have been killed — they say they “struck correctly” there too. They abduct presidents from Venezuela; they kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, and schoolchildren. Such actions must stop immediately. At the same time, Iran should also stop attacking countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait that have allowed US military bases. Our call is to stop this war. Our Government should act to establish peace. Even a small nation can play a major role for peace. To prevent this becoming a world war, the Government must urgently engage the US, Israel, and Iran in talks to establish peace. I extend condolences for lives lost in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and urge swift steps to end this war.

¶ 08 It pains me that our Government’s inaction contributed to nearly 100 Iranian naval personnel dying. For 11–12 hours they sought help, yet we did not assist. Some say, “If you could not help, at least do not expose them.” This is deeply saddening. The Hon. President must take steps to establish peace. Our small nation can still contribute significantly.