10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

The Hon. Kabir Hashim

Samagi Jana Balawegaya· Kegalle· 3 June 2025 ·Debate: Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading

Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform
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Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that issues around data protection and related governance are matters of democratic rights rather than only technical concerns. He criticized the Government, referring to the JVP’s earlier position in Opposition, for not implementing proposals such as an independent Data Protection Authority appointed through the Constitutional Council. He urged the Government to bring forward the civil rights amendments it had previously advocated, stating that his side would support and vote for them.

Verbatim record (translated)

Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English

¶ 01 I will conclude in a minute, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.

¶ 02 I spoke on technical issues, but this is not merely technical; it is about our democratic rights. Governments change; when in Opposition, rights violations feel severe. The JVP, only a year ago in Opposition, demanded, among others, an independent Data Protection Authority appointed through the Constitutional Council. If those who said that now fail to do it in Government, it is surprising and unfair. Taking this stance harms our people’s rights. At times, it seems some are skilled at switching positions: one day here, the next day there. You should uphold the civil rights amendments you once proposed; bring them, and we will support and vote for them.

¶ 03 Thank you.

Provenance

Source
Hansard, Tuesday, 3 June 2025 ·No. 1750149440002739 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Kabir Hashim. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 3 June 2025. No. 1750149440002739. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/10134