The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 [5.00 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, we brought this motion because we sought a special committee on the 323 missing containers; as consensus to appoint it emerged, a Cabinet reshuffle appeared, seemingly to shield the Prime Minister. When we bring no-confidence motions, we are asked for numbers. Numbers are not needed to reveal the truth. Our motion against Keheliya Rambukwella did not pass, but look how events unfolded for him.

¶ 03 Because we brought this motion, the Gazette seeking to bypass the NPC has been delayed. The Government seems intent on returning to a police state—turning the Police into a political arm. I have seen with my own eyes how OICs once submitted to political thuggery in stations, with complainants denied even the chance to file a complaint while aggressors lounged at reception. That is the Police you now seek to recreate.

¶ 04 Independent Commissions safeguarded democracy, allowing even those once oppressed to stand in this House today. Do not threaten or coerce Commissioners; they are guardians of democracy for 22 million people. Do not hand over their powers to satisfy the lust for control of any one person.

¶ 05 You ask where pressure is. Recently, an officer in Kalutara was moved after charging illicit liquor; last week in Monaragala, who stormed a station and danced there? You are reverting to old habits—dragging the Police back to pre-Commission days. It was the Commissions that protected our democracy and allowed opposition politics to survive.

¶ 06 We opposed the 20th when it was brought to weaken Commissions, just as we supported strengthening under the 19th. Those who pushed the 20th—what became of them? They were chased from office. Let that be a lesson.

¶ 07 Do not mistreat disabled officers; ensure their suitable postings. Do not transfer them indiscriminately.