The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I expected a richer debate at this Second Reading of a very important Bill.

¶ 02 We came into politics to transform the prevailing political culture. The people elected us with that hope. Yet the Opposition now asks, “Where are you headed?” That is disappointing. If you look carefully, more Government Members are present even on the Opposition side today. Perhaps the Opposition fears this Bill, or is indifferent, or it is contrary to their political culture.

¶ 03 Some Opposition Members said they too tried to do this. But from 2015 to 2019, you had ample opportunity. I also saw attempts to nitpick this Bill. You even had the chance to go to the Supreme Court earlier; you did not. Speaking for the sake of speaking is not wisdom.

¶ 04 This is an important Bill. We have Members whose asset values are now immeasurable, though when they came to Colombo, they carried only shopping bags. They always played to nationalism and religion. Whether in Government or Opposition, they never represented their side’s true values but misled people and harmed national harmony.

¶ 05 Especially, some who once came to Colombo with only a suitcase now possess wealth beyond measure. We do not mock that; but if one now enjoys a luxury life beyond explanation, we will use this law to ensure accountability.

¶ 06 Once this Bill passes, we are ready as a Government to conduct proper investigations and implement it.

¶ 07 Let us understand: this is a timely, important law. The Opposition should shoulder responsibility for a constructive debate. We in Government have done research and studied global practice; from your side, we saw little serious engagement. No matter—we will do even the Opposition’s job.

¶ 08 Sir, there is no retrospective effect here; it does not operate ex post facto. If an earlier wrongdoing produced property, we have the power to freeze and recover it; fundamental rights are not violated; it is not contrary to Article 12 of the Constitution. That is why you did not go to court.