Sitting of Friday, 23 May 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1750228312097834 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Speaker's Announcements: Committee to Inquire into Complaint on Behaviour of Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Financial Statements of Central Bank and Committee Report on Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented by MPs 8 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question 6: Compulsory Teaching of Languages in Schools (Q.222/2024) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) 11 speeches
- 8 Procedural Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions 27 speeches
- 9 Papers Papers: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill Presented 1 speeches
- 10 Debate Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading 82 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Moved the Second Reading of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and also presented the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill. He said the amendment would give statutory authority to the use of secure contemporaneous audio-visual links in criminal proceedings, including remand extensions, bail applications, interlocutory matters, and witness testimony, in order to reduce court delays, prison congestion, transport burdens, and public inconvenience. He outlined safeguards for accused persons, including mandatory physical production after arrest and where torture or rights violations are alleged, facilities for confidential consultation with counsel, verification of remote witnesses, and procedures for technical failures. He noted that the reform builds on practices used during COVID-19 and would require implementation across prisons and courts despite expected initial difficulties.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Opposition Members would address the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, while attention was directed to the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill as part of implementing the Public Debt Management Act by centralizing government borrowing under the Treasury. The repeal was supported as a debt-discipline measure, but concerns were raised that new rules requiring stress tests and sovereign guarantee premia for SOE borrowing could constrain infrastructure financing, especially given past excessive guaranteed debt and unresolved liabilities such as SriLankan Airlines’ defaulted international borrowing. It was argued that the Government’s stance on retaining SriLankan Airlines under state ownership and proposed electricity sector amendments restricting private investment were inconsistent with the need for capital, and that without greater private participation Sri Lanka was unlikely to meet its large public capital expenditure targets.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva argued that the Government’s new economic framework depends on private investment in infrastructure to achieve its promised capital expenditure targets for the year. He criticized the Government for presenting market-based reforms while, in his view, restricting investment opportunities, recalling a point he made during the 2025 Budget Second Reading debate.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that he would address the closure of Next Manufacturing (Pvt.) Ltd. at Katunayake in his capacity as Deputy Minister of Labour. He indicated the issue concerned the company’s shutdown and its implications, but the provided excerpt does not include further details on the Government’s position, proposed action, or any specific labour-related measures.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the repeal of the Foreign Loans Act, linking it to Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and the transition to the Public Debt Management Act enacted in 2024. He argued that past governments misused borrowing powers, citing the bond scam and debt in state institutions such as SriLankan Airlines as examples of weak governance and corruption. He said the 18-month transition would move debt management functions from the Central Bank to the new Public Debt Management Office, which must be equipped with adequate capacity, integrity and technology.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that building the promised production economy requires coordinated investment from the Government, private sector, foreign investors, and domestic sources. He argued that stronger transparency and governance processes would help reduce the country’s risk premiums, citing the Central Bank’s recent announcement that rates had fallen further as evidence of improvement.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment), stating that allowing accused persons to appear digitally in specified proceedings would improve safety and reduce transport and security costs, while also noting the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill. He used the debate to raise the continuing closure of the Puttalam–Ilavankulam–Marichchikatti–Mannar road, arguing that it imposes major travel and economic burdens and should be resolved without undermining judicial independence. He requested discussions among the Ministers of Justice and Environment, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Road Development Authority, and proposed a Cabinet-backed solution to reopen or redesign the road without environmental or wildlife harm.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, arguing that remote participation and evidence-recording mechanisms would reduce adjournments and improve court efficiency. She highlighted proposed provisions allowing electronic hearings, remote witness testimony, and the use of Commissioners, particularly where security risks, prison production issues, child victim testimony, or health and practical barriers make physical attendance difficult. She cited past incidents of communal unrest, risks to accused persons and witnesses, and delayed abuse trials as examples of why technology-based court procedures are needed.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, noting that similar remote-participation mechanisms have long existed in other jurisdictions and that Sri Lanka is belatedly adopting them. He said the Bill would allow accused persons, suspects, witnesses, and expert witnesses to participate by video link, enable overseas testimony through missions, and permit electronic filing, thereby reducing delays caused by non-appearance and saving time and costs. He also argued that remote proceedings would improve safety by avoiding the physical production of high-risk accused or suspects, citing several past shootings linked to courts and prison transport.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary During debate on the Bill to repeal the Foreign Loans Act, No. 29 of 1957, Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide details on foreign debt, IMF Extended Fund Facility conditions, creditor arrangements, repayment schedules and whether electricity tariff increases are linked to IMF review requirements. He argued that the Government had failed to honour its election pledge to conduct a new Debt Sustainability Analysis, and said an alternative DSA could have been used to renegotiate conditions and reduce the public burden. He questioned the proposed 18 per cent electricity tariff increase, sought assurance that water tariffs would not rise, and urged that reform-related costs be imposed on those able to pay rather than on low-paid parliamentary staff facing higher meal charges. He also welcomed the regularization of 4,500 Multi-Task staff and requested similar regularization for about 1,000 volunteer nature guides in the wildlife and eco-tourism sector.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, stating that they advance the Government’s digitization policy and give statutory basis for obtaining evidence electronically from outside court premises to reduce delays in criminal justice. He referred to past precedents including the Sathasivam case and COVID-19 court practices, and said further reforms to the Evidence Ordinance and related laws would follow. He also condemned alleged racist and religious incitement on social media targeting Hon. Muneer Mulafer, said legal action was being pursued, and linked the issue to the Government’s broader commitment to communal unity and constitutional and legal reform.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, stating that it provides a legal framework for remote testimony and court participation, including for overseas witnesses, elderly and disabled persons, children in care, prisoners, police officers, and persons living far from court. She argued that the measure advances the Government’s commitment to digitizing the justice sector, reduces costs and delays, and improves safety in light of recent shootings and attacks connected to court and prison transport. She described the Bill as an initial step toward a digital court system and requested cooperation from the Bar and the public for its implementation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara proposed that Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Ariyarathne assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne supported the Bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that legal reform is necessary to close loopholes, ensure equality before the law, and address delays in justice. She cited case backlog figures from the Ministry of Justice, including over 800,000 pending Magistrates’ Court cases, and said the reforms would need accompanying improvements in staffing, facilities, equipment, funding, and digitization. She also linked the measure to the Government’s broader priorities of rural poverty eradication, digitization, and Clean Sri Lanka, while criticizing the Opposition’s absence from the debate and calling for cooperation in maintaining peace and improving public services.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Anushka Thilakarathne stated that the proposed reforms aim to address deficiencies in the court system through a long-term, phased approach. She said the National People’s Power Government would, over five years, take steps to strengthen equality before the law and fairness in the legal system.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage rose on a point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilusha Lakmali Gamage clarified that the decision to increase meal prices for Parliamentary staff was made at the request of the staff, responding to a statement by the Leader of the Opposition. She noted her role as a member of the House Committee and thanked the Chair for allowing the clarification.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised a point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary As Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva rejected claims that about Rs. 22 trillion in borrowings were “missing” or unaccounted for. He explained that borrowed funds are often reflected as assets or expenditure under public entities such as the Mahaweli Authority and the Road Development Authority, and noted that reconciliation work by the Comptroller General and Auditor-General is already underway. He urged responsible public statements on the matter to avoid misinformation.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Dr. Najith Indika supported the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, stating that there was broad agreement on allowing evidence to be given remotely through digital technology, including from abroad or from prisons, and that the measure was timely and necessary. He also addressed the forthcoming constitution of local authorities, arguing that administrations should be formed according to the mandate given by voters in each local body after the 2025 local government elections.
- Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika argued that the National People’s Power received a nationwide mandate in the 6 May local authority elections, citing wins in 267 local bodies, majorities in 120, and 3,926 councillor positions. He stated that local authorities do not have a formal “Opposition” structure like Parliament and that mayors or chairpersons should be appointed based on support from the largest number of councillors under the relevant local government laws. He rejected claims by Opposition parties to control councils, particularly referencing the Colombo Municipal Council, and said the election results show that the NPP, rather than alliances of other parties, has the public mandate to constitute councils.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill as part of replacing outdated debt legislation with newer public debt, financial management, economic transformation and liability management frameworks, in the context of Sri Lanka’s IMF programme and debt restructuring needs. He warned that debt service is absorbing much of projected revenue, cited low FDI, ratings concerns, household income pressures and future external repayment obligations, and urged consistent implementation to make the current IMF programme the last. He called for pragmatic revenue growth, clearer investment policies, SOE reform, lower lending rates to support supply-side growth, and avoidance of actions such as strikes that could undermine economic recovery.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe expressed condolences on the death of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira and thanked voters in Kegalle District for electing him. He said the NPP’s electoral mandate at national and local levels provides a basis for grassroots reforms and cited ongoing changes in transport, education, and health. Supporting the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, he argued that measures such as remote appearances and evidence would help reduce court delays and ease the burden on citizens.
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran questioned the Government’s economic direction after seven months in office, arguing that reliance on foreign and IMF borrowing is unsustainable and calling for concrete plans on productivity, investment, poverty reduction, exports, and cost-of-living pressures. He urged the Government to act against corruption without using past administrations’ failures as a substitute for current economic policy. He also raised concerns over changes to Hindu religious traditions linked to the Kataragama Pada Yatra and Aadi Vel festival, and requested action against obstruction of a temple entrance arch at the Sri Sindhayathirai Pillaiyar Temple in Veeramunai. He further called for land, housing, roads, and basic facilities for displaced families in Pottuvil and for the return of disputed lands in Sainthamaruthu/Thottachchinungivattai to documented rightful owners.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka thanked voters for the SLPP’s improved performance at the local elections, arguing that the party had recovered significantly from its low vote share at the presidential election despite limited organization and representation. He alleged that rival parties were seeking support from independents to form local councils and criticized the Government for politicizing village security structures through Civil Defence or Public Security Committees involving Development Committee Chairmen. He also raised concerns about shortages and price increases in essentials, particularly salt, questioning delays in imports despite domestic production capacity and alleging irregularities in the import process.
- The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979, arguing that they would strengthen the rule of law and improve the efficiency of criminal proceedings. He highlighted provisions allowing courts to excuse the personal presence of accused persons in specified circumstances, use remote participation to address security, public order, health or rehabilitation concerns, and permit witnesses and experts to provide evidence or reports electronically. He said these measures would help reduce delays caused by shortages of specialists such as Judicial Medical Officers and Government Analysts, while also referencing past alleged abuses of legal process and criticizing the Opposition’s engagement in the debate.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara proposed that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly the use of technology to take evidence from abroad and excuse an accused’s presence in defined circumstances to reduce delays. He then criticised Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s reported warning of legal action against those alleging genocide during the war, arguing that Sri Lanka has not criminalized genocide domestically or ratified the Rome Statute, and called for the remarks to be withdrawn. He also raised the Kurunthur Malai dispute, questioning the legal basis for arrests of farmers outside the gazetted archaeological area and demanding government intervention to stop the arrests and secure the release of those remanded.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera said the Opposition supports the Bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, describing it as a timely measure to enable the practical use of technology in judicial proceedings, including for overseas witnesses, victims, and remand suspects who cannot be brought to court. He proposed clarifications on the rank and authority of diplomatic or court officers commissioned to record evidence, safeguards to ensure witnesses can testify freely and securely, and rules on who bears costs when victims or other witnesses request remote arrangements. He also urged wider court digitalization and briefly raised concern over unparliamentary conduct during the previous day’s proceedings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, arguing that Sri Lanka has lagged in adopting technology for justice administration and that audio-visual testimony and electronic evidence are necessary to address organized crime, witness safety, and court congestion. He referred to proposed changes including provisions linked to Sections 144 and 273, enabling remote testimony where there are threats to life or public safety, and cited international precedents from the United States and India. He connected the need for reform to past incidents involving organized crime and violence, including attacks on prisoners and witnesses, and urged all parties to support the Bill as part of broader justice-sector reforms.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake only addressed the Chair as “Hon. Presiding Member,” with no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy positions recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted that the debate included a Finance Bill and said the Deputy Minister had addressed its legal aspects while others had discussed the economic aspects. He requested that the amendments be viewed positively, emphasizing that they were based on laws introduced under Ranil Wickremesinghe and that bringing them forward now was beneficial.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake noted that bringing a Bill before Parliament typically takes six to nine months and stated that credit should also be given to the relevant individual involved. He added that the matters under discussion were not entirely new.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra noted that two Bills were being debated and urged Members to keep the discussion focused and constructive. He called for support for the proposed progressive reform and for improving the quality of debate in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana said his side supported the regulations introduced under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe but criticised the Government’s governance record, particularly the appointment of the Auditor General, alleging that merit and seniority had been disregarded. He questioned progress on implementing Easter Sunday Commission recommendations and raised concerns over shootings, underworld activity, cost-of-living pressures, electricity tariffs, and shortages including salt and medicines. He also called for action to retain health professionals, support local pharmaceutical manufacturing, protect professionals from harassment, and ensure youth programmes are continued without political interference.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana concluded his remarks without making any further substantive point in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the Government’s reported decision to restrict Kotelawala Defence University medical faculty admissions to foreign students and cadets, excluding Sri Lankan civilian students. He argued that KDU provides a domestic pathway for students who narrowly miss State medical admission, retains foreign exchange that would otherwise be spent on overseas medical education, and helps address doctor shortages in regional hospitals. He questioned whether the Minister of Education and Government members support the decision, asked how public investment in KDU is being justified, and urged the Government to reverse the policy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bills under debate, stating that legal frameworks must adapt to technological development, and then addressed concerns raised around national security and political violence. He argued that recent arrests exposed past links between some politicians, criminal networks and weapons, while claiming the NPP Government had established a non-violent political culture after successive election victories. He rejected allegations connecting him or institutions such as Jamia Naleemiya to extremism, called for investigations into any genuine incitement, and reiterated opposition to racism, extremism and fundamentalism. He urged all communities and political actors to promote peace, coexistence and trust, citing post-Easter Sunday reconciliation efforts and interfaith engagement.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, speaking on the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, urged the Government to repeal the PTA, initiate the promised new Constitution process, and enact laws criminalizing incitement to racism and communal hatred. He called for ethnic inclusivity in the Clean Sri Lanka task force, specifically the inclusion of Tamil and Muslim members, and criticized defects in the local government ward-based electoral system while requesting a revised method. He also sought a separate court for Irakkamam or its reattachment to the Akkaraipattu judicial zone due to language-access concerns, and requested action by the Justice and Fisheries Ministries against sea theft affecting deep-sea fishermen from Trincomalee to Pottuvil.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for justice and accountability for Tamil victims of the 2009 final war, referring to Mullivaikkal commemorations and the continuing demands of survivors 16 years later. He welcomed the unveiling of a Tamil Genocide Memorial in Brampton, Canada, and statements by Canadian leaders supporting truth, accountability, and justice, and appealed for international assistance to secure justice for the Tamil people.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the use of technology to improve court efficiency, noting its potential to enhance access and fairness for persons with disabilities, including the hearing-impaired. He also addressed State debt management, arguing that Sri Lanka’s crisis reflected poor borrowing practices and non-productive expenditure, and cited projects with low returns and Auditor General concerns over unreported debt funds. He said the State Debt Management Act and related measures should improve transparency, parliamentary reporting, coordination among responsible agencies, and the productive use of borrowed resources.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Code of Criminal Procedure amendments enabling courts to dispense with personal attendance of accused persons and to receive remote testimony and electronic submissions, citing security concerns such as the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder and the need to expedite cases. He urged the Government to address pending High Court judicial appointments, improve outdated court technology and staff capacity, and establish a supervisory mechanism for technology adoption across justice-related institutions. He also called for parallel amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to permit remote evidence in civil and commercial cases, particularly involving overseas witnesses.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to Opposition criticisms before supporting the Bill, rejecting claims of politicizing Community Policing Committees and citing provisions in the Bill on taking evidence abroad, applications by witnesses or victims, and costs. He argued that the Government was giving effect to pending legal reforms, including measures to strengthen prosecution of white-collar and other crime, and said further amendments could be introduced if gaps remained. He stated that the Bill would help protect witnesses and use technology-driven procedures to prosecute offenders more effectively and uphold the rule of law.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala supported the Bill’s provisions enabling courts to receive and record remote testimony through contemporaneous audio-visual links, arguing that this would improve security, reduce transport costs, and speed up criminal justice proceedings, especially for high-risk prisoners and organized crime cases. He said existing criminal laws are insufficient to address organized crime and noted that the Ministry of Public Security has submitted a Cabinet memorandum to draft new legislation targeting organized criminal groups, including shootings and related offences. He also framed the amendments as part of the Government’s mandate to strengthen accountability and act against impunity.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper requested clarification from the Chair or relevant authority. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was elaborated in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper noted that clauses 2733 to 2735 allow the Minister to make regulations on taking evidence abroad. He urged that such regulations should not be limited to embassies or high commissions, but could also cover judicial offices such as courthouses or chambers, with the Minister acting in consultation with the Chief Justice.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala briefly referred to the Consular Functions Act, No. 4 of 1981, noting that the Act’s definition of “diplomatic officer” is applicable. The intervention appears to clarify the legal basis or terminology being used in the debate.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, referred to clause 273XR and noted that it empowers the Minister to include additional places within its scope. The remark appears to address the extent of ministerial discretion under the relevant legislative provision.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala briefly thanked the Chair or the House and made no substantive remarks, proposals, or requests.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
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