The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

¶ 01 Thank you. I must respond to the question raised by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara. Generally, I consider him a Member who brings important proposals and speaks on important matters. Why is today’s debate important? We all know there is a court order. Therefore, we must act according to the court’s order. Hon. Member, likewise I request you not to go around the country for propaganda; at least try to win one electorate like Paduwasnuwara.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill is very important. Many here presented views, some claiming there are legal challenges or practical issues, seemingly attempting to postpone the already-scheduled local authority elections. However, regardless of these, for the people living at the grassroots—in villages—local authorities are essential. From cradle to cremation, many matters connected to people’s lives are decided by local authorities. We saw that local authorities had become dysfunctional. Past governments tried to bury local authorities, not revive them.

¶ 03 Even after the Election Commission announced the date for the last elections, the then President mockingly said in this House there was no money and no date to hold the election. When he was playing with democracy, those who enjoyed it then are crowing today.

¶ 04 Delaying or not holding elections contributed in the past to Tamil youth in the North taking up arms to win democratic rights. In 1981, when District Development Council elections were to be held, those who used thugs for anti-democratic activities to bury that election also burnt the Jaffna Library, destroying over 94,000 books. Those who supported that then are now waiting and crowing for how to postpone this election.

¶ 05 In any case, the court’s decision regarding this Bill is that the election must be held. Today, grassroots administration is in disarray—be it maintenance facilities, sports clubs, women’s organizations, or village development societies. Local authorities handle activities connected to birth and death. The people carrying out these tasks through these institutions are the representatives of local authorities. To appoint these representatives, the people at the grassroots are demanding this election. People have mandated us not to play with democracy and elections as past governments did. Those who played with democracy now seek political gain through elections—namely, communalism. During past elections, some incited communal and religious hatred. Therefore, we must restore and strengthen democracy and return the responsibility to the people by conducting local government elections. Our Government will take all necessary measures to safeguard democracy. Thank you.