The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. As an Opposition party, we first state our agreement with the original National Audit Act and with adding improvements through amendments.

¶ 02 We know there is intense public discourse on audit. Many officials today face political reprisals when they stand by audit, discouraging them from doing their duties. We support audit and insist government create an environment for officials to work freely.

¶ 03 We welcome adding a third pillar—the Independent Surcharge Review Committee—to disclosure pathways that previously involved only two main institutions.

¶ 04 Regarding narcotics, our Opposition MPs are against drugs. But the Government tries to brand the Opposition as drug dealers. Remember, you are the Government. Recently, about 325 containers were released; we raised alarms about possible arms and narcotics. The Government said it was to ease congestion and took responsibility. Now, when containers linked to the Middeniya ice incident surfaced, we must ask whether they were among those earlier released. Due to our concerns, the Government appointed A.K. Seneviratne to inquire. I request that report be tabled in Parliament.

¶ 05 The executive summary states that 323 red‑channel high‑risk containers were released from Customs premises without physical examination, exceeding the Director General’s authority. Of 151 high‑risk red containers, 114 were scanned and some showed ambiguous cargo mass; scanning officers recommended further checks in writing, but no attention was paid. The report also notes wrong importer entries in the risk system and questions whether there truly was such congestion to warrant sudden red‑container releases. Therefore, we ask: were the two containers linked to Middeniya among those? The House and the Opposition deserve an answer.

¶ 06 Lastly, a burning issue in Galle: the Magalla Water Supply Scheme’s second phase needs to commence. Galle faces severe water shortages affecting hospitals like Karapitiya and the tourism sector; some areas had no water for days. The foundation stone for the next phase was planned but delayed due to COVID‑19. Please allocate funds in the next Budget and start the next phase to provide a lasting solution.

¶ 07 On another matter, the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service recruitment exam (Gazette 2021.06.04) required the subject applied for to be a main degree subject. Yet in Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces, those with Sinhala-special degrees were given primary teacher appointments, while teachers who passed the Education Administrative exam are being rejected for Sinhala stream appointments at interviews, saying they cannot be appointed. Please look into this inconsistency.

¶ 08 We, as Opposition, wish success to this important Bill and thank you for the time.