The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, those who turned this country into a haven for criminals now shed crocodile tears. Those who nurtured the underworld and armed it now talk about the underworld. They also spoke of JVP weapons. After ruling for 30–40 years and giving a mandate to the NPP/JVP, they now talk. It was their socio-economic-political system that created conditions for organized crime. We have had only three months since receiving the people’s mandate, and those who destroyed the country come here to lament.

¶ 02 Rather than reply to each, let me address the President’s Head and especially the Commissions and key institutions. On Independent Commissions: our party fought hard for them, established them, and is committed to their independence and powers. The Government will not interfere; we will provide resources and the environment so they can ensure State sector efficiency. We are strengthening their infrastructure and funding.

¶ 03 Under the President’s Head for 2025, capital expenditure is Rs. 454 million; recurrent is Rs. 2,526 million; total Rs. 3,000 million. Under Ranil Wickremesinghe, it was Rs. 38,600 million. We have significantly reduced. The CIABOC (Bribery Commission) was allocated Rs. 644 million in 2023, Rs. 950 million in 2024, and Rs. 1,374 million this year – reflecting our commitment to a country free of bribery, corruption and waste.

¶ 04 For the National Audit Office: Rs. 2,260 million in 2023; Rs. 3,254 million in 2024; and Rs. 4,353 million this year – to strengthen oversight. The National Procurement Commission received Rs. 98 million in 2023; Rs. 128 million in 2024; and Rs. 222 million in 2025 – to enhance transparency. For the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka: Rs. 274 million in 2023; Rs. 419 million in 2025 – strengthening democracy in deeds, not just words.

¶ 05 On the Presidential Secretariat: previously it was a hub for misusing funds—recruiting as they wished. As at 22.09.2024, permanent staff was 900 and temporary 352, totaling 1,252. Under the current President, staff has been reduced by 370. Private staff then was 65 including Chief of Staff and Private Secretary; today only about ten, and both the Chief of Staff and Private Secretary serve without salary. We save about Rs. 104 million per month at the Secretariat. This is how to save and minimize waste, aligning with the people’s mandate. The Secretariat is now open to the public five days a week.

¶ 06 On the President’s Fund: under Act No. 7 of 1978, its purposes include alleviating poverty, promoting education and knowledge, religious activities, honouring service to the nation, and other public welfare. In past times, particularly under Ranil Wickremesinghe, funds were misused for handouts to ministers and to maintain political power: Rs. 1.09 million to Keheliya Rambukwella; Rs. 2.98 million to D.M. Jayaratne; Rs. 1.5 million to Vidura Wickramanayake; Rs. 4 million to J.E.E. Amarathunga; Rs. 10 million to Rajitha Senaratne – using people’s money to sustain political clout. Those who misused now try to pin accusations on us after three months.

¶ 07 We are reducing expenditure, minimizing waste, and improving revenue mobilization. In the last quarter, tax revenue increased by about Rs. 111 billion. Inland Revenue, Customs, and Excise together increased revenue by Rs. 191 billion in the last quarter alone. Along with savings from cutting waste, we will build a capable public service and a prosperous future.

¶ 08 We have introduced a political culture where NPP Government members do not engage in corrupt deals. From the President to Ministers and MPs, examples have been set over the past three months.

¶ 09 We will spend Rs. 232 billion to raise public sector salaries, create conditions for an efficient, motivated public service through Independent Commissions, and address their issues. People need an efficient, citizen-friendly service; that is our commitment.

¶ 10 On Presidential Commissions: 14 were appointed previously at great cost; except for two, many reports were shelved. One notorious example: the Upali Abeyratne Commission appointed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa spent Rs. 350.11 million, entertained complaints to pursue vendettas, even recommended withdrawing cases from the High Court. Many challenged its recommendations; the Supreme Court quashed them all as unlawful. Who is accountable for that Rs. 350 million wasted? Gotabaya who appointed it, or its members? Such commissions were used to mislead the public. We propose a special review into this.

¶ 11 Lastly, we have established a Presidential Investigation Unit within the Presidential Secretariat. Within a short period, it has received about 700 complaints, operating under a Director-General. We understand the people’s mandate and will act accordingly.

¶ 12 Thank you.