The Hon. Fasmin Sharif

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to join the debate on the National Audit (Amendment) Bill and the supplementary estimates for the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

¶ 02 By strengthening the National Audit framework, we move towards a corruption‑free country and protect taxpayers’ money. This will be a boon to the public. Strengthening audit provides assurance over both Treasury and public funds; hence, we should pass this Bill.

¶ 03 Past rulers defrauded and wasted taxpayers’ money, plunging the country into severe economic crisis. Every citizen now bears heavy debt. Through audit, Parliament can fully know whether allocated funds have been properly used and identify any irregularities. If corruption or fraud occurred in funds allocated via the Budget to departments or ministries, there must be proper investigations, studies, and reports to Parliament—annually in October—then referred by the Speaker to COPE. COPE should examine the Treasury Secretary and relevant officials. Although this existed, it lacked strength.

¶ 04 With new legal amendments, if corruption or fraud occurs, investigations will proceed, and via COPE reports, fund integrity will be assured. Earlier, even with COPE inquiries, frauds occurred, leading the country towards bankruptcy. Strengthening the National Audit mechanism will close avenues for corruption. Incompetent secretaries and officials can be replaced with capable persons.

¶ 05 By creating a mechanism for truth-finding through audit, public funds will be safeguarded. This will put the country on a path to development. Future users of state funds will be compelled to work without irregularities. A mechanism is created to examine allegations from the basic level and deliver determinations—improving service delivery and preventing waste of state funds.

¶ 06 Our President, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has great respect for the Muslim community. The National Milad celebration was held in Ambalantota, Polonnaruwa; though unwell, the President attended, showing respect. We thank the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, the Deputy Minister, the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Moulavi Munir, and all MPs. In past governments, religious events were held centered around their electorates; for the first time, the National Milad was held in Ambalantota.

¶ 07 Regarding the Kurukkalmadam mass grave, a former Minister levelled grave allegations against our Minister. The Minister of Justice, after visiting the site, assured that justice will be done for Muslims and those at fault will be punished.

¶ 08 There is a severe drinking water problem in Kandy District. A nearly Rs. 3 billion water project centered on Harispattuwa, Pathadumbara, Akurana, and Poojapitiya had been halted; our Government is reviving it to benefit the people.

¶ 09 Some YouTubers are now making big efforts to spread racism. We will take action against them. Eight Muslim MPs, including me, face false and abusive content from such channels. We know which channels. If they continue, we will take legal action. Some Sinhala media also push hate against Muslims and Muslim MPs, even over the Palestine–Israel issue. If they persist, we will act.

¶ 10 Some Muslim MPs are spreading inflammatory comments regarding the Mahar mosque. The Government will ensure the required land for that mosque, as informed by Hon. Vijitha Herath. Our Government will also recognize Palestine as an independent State, as stated by Minister Bimal Rathnayake. Therefore, do not spread false news. Closing a mosque, temple, or kovil is easy; reopening is hard. This was not done under our Government but earlier. We wish to live in unity and happiness with all communities; please act accordingly. I conclude. Thank you.