2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised four concerns directed at the Ministry of Justice and National Integration. First, he demanded immediate resolution of the Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya encroachment at Thayiddy, alleging the temple was illegally constructed by the military on private land, and criticising a recent government meeting that excluded the deeds-holding landowners while involving a former intelligence official in pressuring local authorities. Second, he objected to the Northern Province Governor convening a provincial health meeting inviting only NPP-aligned MPs designated as informal "shadow ministers," arguing that all Northern Province MPs should be included in such proceedings and characterising the practice as undemocratic. Third, he raised the case of PTA detainee Nimalan, alleging a change in custodial transfer practice has placed him at serious risk in outstation prisons, and called on the government to honour its pre-election commitments to Tamil voters on PTA reform. Fourth, he highlighted the case of detainee Morris, whose coerced confession was rejected by a court leading to acquittal, only for a new case to be filed against him, which Ponnambalam characterised as a continuation of unjust practices under the PTA.
Madam Speaker, I wish to raise several matters relating to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.
First, the Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya at Thayiddy was constructed illegally by the military, without approvals and without the knowledge or authorization of the Buddha Sasana Ministry or any other Government ministry—long before this Government came to office. Shavendra Silva played a leading role. This is part of militarization and has nothing to do with the Buddhist religion. Yesterday, a meeting was held in Colombo with officials of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Viharadhipathi, but the private landowners—who possess deeds—were not invited. How can that be a fair process?
We have learned that Chandra Nimal Wakishta, former Director of the State Intelligence Service and retired DIG, now heading the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, has written a letter pressuring the Jaffna Government Agent regarding these lands, even though the lands should be promptly released to the owners. This shows the deep-state, counterinsurgency face of the matter. This Government was elected to end racism against Tamils. Please do not enable such injustice. Decide firmly and immediately in the Tissa Viharaya matter and end this militarized encroachment.
Second, on 10th of this month a meeting of the Northern Provincial Health Ministry was held in Jaffna under the Governor. Only the NPP MP Sri Bavanandarajah was invited. I state responsibly that when Hon. Bimal Rathnayake last visited Jaffna, “shadow ministers” were unilaterally named for portfolios and the Governor was instructed to invite them: Hon. Sri Bavanandarajah for Health; Hon. Jegatheeswaran for Education; Hon. Rajeevan for Women and Children’s Affairs; Hon. Ilankumaran for Local Government; Hon. Thilakanathan for Agriculture and Livestock, etc. With no Provincial Councils in existence, if a meeting is held for the Northern Province, all MPs representing the Province should be invited. Instead, members of “Praja Shakthi” are being inserted into provincial functions without any democratic basis. This is spineless and deceptive—publicly posturing against Provincial Councils while installing one’s own agents to act as if within them.
Finally, on the Prevention of Terrorism detainees: Nimalan, a Tamil political detainee under the PTA, remains in Welikada Prison and faces credible threats to his life. He has multiple cases requiring transfers to Badulla High Court and to Matara. For over six years, due to the risks, he was always brought back to Colombo immediately after court appearances. A new officer has stopped this practice, keeping him in outstation prisons where he is at grave risk, and bringing him to Colombo only on hearing dates. Please stop this. Your election stance—that those eligible under the PTA should be released—helped you secure Tamil votes. At least prevent such new injustices.
Another detainee, Morris, had a coerced confession rejected by court and was acquitted in one case, only to face a new case immediately. This is unjust. Even if you cannot yet repeal the PTA, stop such practices. I appeal also to Hon. Nihal Abeysinghe, General Secretary of the NPP, who is present and engaged in reconciliation initiatives, to intervene.