The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Extending a finger is not enough; there was no mention of what immediate remedial action will be taken regarding the staff shortages. Although my focus is on the legal aspects of the wording, we always discuss at the Advisory Committees the issue of staff such as stenographers across the Government Analyst’s Department, the Attorney General’s Department, and the Prisons Department. This is a nationwide problem. There was not even a reference to the answer to that problem; nothing was said about it.

¶ 02 When speaking about data, it is not we who must listen to accusations for lack of data; it is this Government. I say this with respect. It was not we who misled the people of this country without data. It was not we who, without any sense of data, promised the people a heaven. There was no data on rice in December; there was no data on salt. After all the problems erupted, the Minister of Industries even tabled a weather chart here. The day to table a weather report was not then; one should have looked at weather reports and worked with that data to forecast. Yet a weather report was tabled after the salt crisis arose. I remember, without looking at data, he misspoke that “salt will never be imported.” Likewise, the President also misspoke without looking at data, saying “rice will never be imported.” So, this Government has a major problem regarding data. When speaking about data, I understand the difference between personal data and other categories. But since data was discussed, I specifically raised that matter as well.

¶ 03 Next, misinformation and disinformation were also mentioned in the context of data. Who created misinformation in this country? Who took the government through lies? People have now given an answer to that to some extent. Do not ask me how many committees were established or will be established; we can see that tomorrow. But I wish to say that the people of this country reduced votes by two million as a response to misinformation. The very group that peddled misinformation is now lecturing us about misinformation. I do not wish to sling mud personally, but I will say this: Put your own biodata in order. We know how academic qualifications were lied about in biodata. The Hon. Member who spoke before me talked about misinformation, but we know that not even a single visa was granted by the United States Government for that visit because the data was wrong — the biodata was wrong. So, put your own biodata sheet in order before fixing the country’s data. Do not come and lecture us about misinformation and disinformation; it has no meaning.

¶ 04 This Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill must be further amended going forward, Hon. State Minister. We will stand ready for that. As you move towards a digital economy, if changes are necessary, make the required changes. We will help; that is not a problem. But explain the background to this: what this is being done for; the nature of the arrangements with India; what happens with the digital ID; what data will be sent, processed, and retained; and, when working with that country, what data we can use under the right to be forgotten. You know very well that the agreements signed with India have not been presented to Parliament. That is why we ask. You said they were presented. I once said, if so, perhaps they were presented to some Parliament other than the one I sit in. That claim was misinformation — a lie. If you cannot disclose, then at least inform us that between two countries, such disclosure is not possible. I saw a Member say that recently; that is good and truthful. Between two countries — especially with a country like India — you cannot publicly reveal all contractual terms. We understand that; we are not fools. But do not lie.

¶ 05 You previously misspoke saying that everything was presented to Parliament — that is where the misinformation began. Tell us about these matters. If a digital ID is coming, we are in favour. In 2013 I was a Provincial Councillor; when our Government came in 2015, I even spoke at the Provincial Council level about this. Our group met the then Prime Minister and discussed it. The then Deputy Minister Hon. Harsha de Silva even presented a Cabinet paper; I remember. At that time, we were told there was a lack of funds. I believe Hon. Chathura Galappaththi also remembers. As youths and users of technology, we have stood for this, including a digital payment gateway. But do not move forward by lying — I stress that point.

¶ 06 Finally, there are areas we see and understand in this Amendment, but also areas unclear to us. Hon. State Minister, I hope you will clarify those areas in your reply. We are prepared to extend our cooperation and assistance as needed. I conclude.

¶ 07 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.