The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 [4.42 p.m.]

¶ 02 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. The Opposition has exposed its political bankruptcy with this adjournment motion. Look at the signatures and sponsors: those who stood with the 18th and 20th Amendments—abolishing and weakening the Independent Police Commission—now shed crocodile tears for independence. One principal mover today was absent when the 20th was passed; another, D.V. Chanaka, voted to abolish Independent Commissions under the 20th yet now pleads for their rights.

¶ 03 This motion alleges a legal wrong where none exists. Under the Constitution, the NPC may act and delegate by Gazette with criteria; it can revoke at will. This is not a constitutional amendment curbing powers; it is the NPC exercising its powers.

¶ 04 Let the public compare then and now. Under corrupt officials and rulers, the Police were part of a criminal state. Today, the Police act independently and efficiently. I urge the public to study works like “Aparadha Rajayak – Asankshiptha Parichchhedayak” by Kasun Pussawela and “Deshabandu – Vadhaka Rajyayak Yuniform Denkāraya” by Tharindu Jayawardena, to understand how policing changed.

¶ 05 The NPP Government is ensuring an independent Police force, the dismantling of organized crime and drug networks, and action against political wrongdoing. Those now under scrutiny cannot bear it; hence this baseless motion.