Hon. Fasmin Sharif

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak in the debate on the Special Commodity Levy Act and related Orders. The Special Commodity Levy is beneficial not only to consumers but also to domestic producers. In the past, due to irregular imports — such as sugar — there were various frauds. Implementing this law will prevent such frauds hereafter.

¶ 02 With structured taxation on essential items like onions, pulses and sugar, consumers will obtain goods at fair prices. Importers will not be allowed to pass undue burdens onto consumers. Necessary imports can be made promptly under Ministerial authority, and duties can be adjusted when needed. Details will be gazetted. This protects domestic producers and prioritizes local production. Excessive imports in the past harmed our producers; now, by regulating imports, producers’ market access and protection will be enhanced.

¶ 03 Under harmonized duties, after paying the appropriate levy, imports can be cleared smoothly, with minimal administrative burden. Import permissions will consider domestic production and real consumer needs.

¶ 04 Separately, on social issues: Some social media platforms are spreading falsehoods about Muslim funerals (janaza). As you know, Muslims seek to bury within 24 hours. Regarding COVID-related cremations of Muslims, I discussed at length with Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara. He clarified: there will be no imposed delay on Muslim burials. Only in exceptional situations — for example, if 15–20 people die in one place — burial will be subject to a Magistrate’s recommendation. Otherwise, even in disease-related deaths, the Coroner will promptly release bodies. Most Coroners act properly; a few spread misinformation for personal gain. The Government will act on such matters after consulting both Government and Opposition Muslim representatives.

¶ 05 Another matter this week concerns the Holy Qur’an. We discussed at length with Hon. Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Sunil Senewirathna and with all Muslim MPs. Under the previous Government of Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, in 2017, Qur’an copies were kept in unacceptable conditions. Today, we have secured them respectfully in a container and will release them properly in due course. The Minister explained at length yesterday in Parliament. We will proceed accordingly.

¶ 06 Hon. Presiding Member, in Gampola area, Ambuluwawe is a popular tourist site. A false impression has spread among locals that we are taking no action. That is false. Our Hon. Minister Sunil Senewirathna oversees that Ministry; together with Hon. Lal Kantha and the Minister of Justice and National Integration, we are taking steps to vest it with the State, legally and properly, and to fund and develop it for public service.

¶ 07 I will conclude. There are statements being made that create disharmony among races. Our Government will never allow that. This country belongs to Sinhala Buddhists, Muslims, Tamils, Christians — to all who live here — with equal rights. Do not create unnecessary problems to break harmony. Thank you.