During a heated parliamentary debate on the Sri Lankan Defence Ministry’s budget, Tamil parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam demanded accountability for past human rights violations and transparency in the country’s defence spending.
Addressing Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was present in the chamber, MP Shanakiyan questioned the government’s commitment to justice for past atrocities.
During the Committee stage debate on the defense budget, I raised several significant concerns, including the New Constitution, the proposal to abolish the executive presidency, the 30% increase in defense spending for “uniforms and diets,” and the investigations into the Tripoli… pic.twitter.com/Nl5If0ahcD
— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) February 28, 2025
“There are still questions on accountability in this country,” he stated. “On the accountability front, we have not seen anything progressive. Will you continue with a domestic process, or will there be an international process? Accountability remains unresolved.”
Shanakiyan referenced the long-standing allegations against the military intelligence unit known as the Tripoli Platoon, implicated in a series of politically motivated abductions and assassinations. “During this Parliament, the murders orchestrated by the Tripoli Platoon have been raised multiple times. Yet, even now, no investigation has been conducted,” he said. “Several military intelligence officers are linked to this unit. This has been documented before, and mounting evidence points to their involvement.”
The MP also highlighted the extrajudicial killings of Tamil detainees after the end of the armed conflict in 2009.
“Twenty-seven Tamils who were held at Manik Farm were taken to Kattankudy, murdered, and their bodies dumped at sea. The driver of the van, himself a former military intelligence officer, testified to witnessing this crime. I still have the video testimony,” he revealed.
“Is this government unwilling to investigate these grave allegations? Are you still afraid of the truth, or are you actively working to conceal the facts?”
Shanakiyan called on the government to take concrete steps toward justice, questioning whether it would establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission or launch serious investigations into war crimes and enforced disappearances. “You, as the President, have been given a mandate by the people of the North-East. What steps will you take to address their long-standing grievances?” he asked.
Turning to the country’s defence budget, the MP criticized the significant increase in military expenditure despite Sri Lanka’s economic challenges. “This year, LKR 135 billion has been allocated for the defence sector, with a 33% increase in spending for uniforms and rations alone. In the past, we were told that former Army Commander Shavendra Silva had his uniforms sewn in France. Now that you are the Defence Minister, tell us the truth. Explain these expenditures to the people.”
The expenditure was approved in Parliament by a majority of 78 votes with 88 members voting in favour and 10 against. Almost all Tamil members in the Opposition, including those from the ITAK, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam and Archchuna Ramanathan voted against it.
Shanakiyan further called for the demilitarization of civilian spaces, urging the release of lands still occupied by the armed forces. “We have repeatedly asked that naval bases, army camps, and air force-controlled school grounds and marketplaces be returned to the people. While you claim that land will be released, no such release has taken place.
