The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

¶ 01 Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Hon. Presiding Member. I will make a few remarks in Sinhala and then continue in Tamil.

¶ 02 Members of the Opposition usually come here every morning shouting, dancing, and giving voice-cuts. But we did not see that group this morning. I do not know why. Perhaps two of their friends having to wear jumpsuits has frightened them. We can expect to see better things ahead.

¶ 03 Now to today’s subject. We are debating the Second Reading of the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill. I remember that when this Bill was first brought in 2022, our present Hon. Prime Minister, who then functioned as an Opposition Member, presented very timely amendments. If my memory is correct, Hon. Namal Rajapaksa praised those efforts.

¶ 04 An Opposition Member today asked what benefits to the people or the country have been set out during this debate. I think Members of the Opposition need to improve how they evaluate costs and benefits. The Personal Data Protection law brings major gains. We have all seen instances where lives were destroyed; people have even committed suicide due to lack of data protection. Economically, from tourism onwards, there will be significant benefits. If we want Sri Lanka to be perceived as a developed country, we must have advanced legislation like this. The benefits will accrue across sectors, even if not always immediately visible.

¶ 05 Hon. Presiding Member, in 2020 India banned certain apps including TikTok citing national security. Many countries acted with similar awareness due to modern technological risks. While we digitize, we must be careful. Appropriate laws are required to protect the economy, the nation, and individual citizens from social harms.

¶ 06 A central feature of this law is the Data Protection Authority. Although Parliament enacted the principal law, it is unfortunate that the Authority was not made operational in a way that could protect citizens’ data. I wish to recall the Authority’s objectives:

¶ 07 - Regulate the processing of personal data in accordance with the Act. - Protect the privacy of data subjects in both public and private sector digitalization from adverse impacts. - Provide mechanisms to ensure the security of personal data in digital transactions and communications. - Ensure compliance to facilitate growth and innovation in the digital economy.

¶ 08 Where injustice occurs, this law provides recourse to courts. We must view these measures as part of the country’s development.

¶ 09 On one hand, progressive laws are being enacted to put the country right. On the other, thieves are being jailed. At this juncture, let me state another point: Our country now has conditions to prosper. Simultaneously, the future of parties and leaders who engaged in racist politics has become questionable.

¶ 10 I must also recall: in 2014, when Tharqa Nagar suffered from racist attacks, many Muslim Ministers and MPs belonged to a particular party aligned with Mahinda Rajapaksa. Even then, despite severe racism that prevented peaceful living, Muslim political leaders did not unite. Instead, they formed separate parties and worked apart rather than uniting to protect Muslims.

¶ 11 Today, as the NPP Government works to end racist politics, some whose futures are in doubt—such as Hisbullah, Athaullah, Rishad Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem—now speak of forming a unified Muslim political party, claiming to be protectors of Muslims, together on a single racist platform. Why did they not unite when racism was rampant?

¶ 12 Now that a decisive end is being put to racist politics, those who, for personal profit, would sacrifice the community will receive their answer from the Muslim people—and punishment from Allah. We must all unite to ensure the nation’s security and existence, and to foster unity among Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil people. Some continue to sow racism for personal or political gain—whether as preachers, social activists, or politicians. We must love this country and serve its people.

¶ 13 Regarding this important Bill before the House: Are the Opposition’s interventions constructive, or do they fear that the country will progress through these amendments? Anyone involved in corruption—Sinhala, Muslim, or Tamil—will face the same fate as Mahindananda Aluthgamage. No corrupt politician will be able to escape as the NPP Government upholds law and justice. I conclude. Thank you.