Hospital Controversy: No Room for Political Gain Through Ethnic or Religious Provocation – Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra has stated that administrative decisions in multi-ethnic and multi-religious regions such as the Eastern Province must be made with social sensitivity and a strong sense of responsibility.
He made these remarks in a media statement issued today regarding the ongoing controversy at the Kalmunai North Base Hospital.
The Deputy Minister noted that the regulations and circulars currently under discussion were not introduced by the present government. He added that if changes are required to suit contemporary circumstances, the government has already initiated discussions and measures to review them and formulate progressive, practical solutions that balance legal requirements, professional needs, religious rights, and individual dignity.
Hemachandra further pointed out that in 2004, when the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was a partner in government, arrangements were introduced to provide additional school uniform fabric to Muslim female students in recognition of their religious and cultural needs.
He also stated that Vijitha Herath, who served as the Minister of Cultural and National Heritage at the time, played a significant role in supporting such progressive measures.
Accordingly, he emphasized that respecting religious and cultural rights is not a new position but rather a continuation of the JVP’s long-standing progressive political approach.
“A measure may be legally justified, but it must also be socially and ethically justifiable,” he stressed.
The Deputy Minister alleged that despite the strong public confidence and support enjoyed by the government and the President, certain groups are attempting to unnecessarily escalate the issue and exploit ethnic and religious sentiments for political gain.
He further asserted that no one would be allowed to transform an administrative issue into a conflict between Tamil and Muslim communities—or between any other communities—with the aim of creating distrust toward the government.
Hemachandra reaffirmed that there is no place for racism or religious discrimination within the current government and that this remains a firm government policy.
He also stated that action has already been initiated on the matter and assured that all necessary steps will be taken to reach a progressive, fair, and practical solution that safeguards the rights of all parties, professional requirements, individual dignity, and social harmony.
Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring an equitable resolution to the issue while preserving communal coexistence and mutual respect.
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