The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, several matters are before us. On Sports Law regulations now brought—these are important. I brought similar measures in 2017; the next Minister removed them. Bringing them back, especially to de-politicize sports administration, is commendable.

¶ 02 However, I must raise concerns: our high-performance pool and national pool still lack required allocations. In our time, we struggled but found funds, even privately, to support athletes. Now, I learn only the senior team’s air tickets have been funded for the Commonwealth Games trials in India, not the junior team. Selections benefit when more athletes participate. I ask that tickets be provided for juniors too. I also request, through the officials here, including Mrs. Shriyani Kulawansha, that selections be athlete-centered—send more athletes so their talent can be identified.

¶ 03 On Samurdhi: today there is no housing lottery, beneficiary insurance has been removed, and recruitment halted, forcing one officer to cover three or four GN divisions. The programme is shattered. Yes, it was politicized; still, support and facilities are essential.

¶ 04 On the JEDB Chairman: contrary to what the Minister said, there was pressure. I can prove it with documents if needed. Files on land sales or leases were recalled by the Secretary, and a new General Manager was appointed and sent with buyers; the Chairman objected.

¶ 05 Next, serious matters: It is reported in The Sunday Times that indictments are to be filed by the CIABOC against Hon. Punya Sri Kumara Jayakody regarding carpeting within the Hunupitiya Oya Storage Complex premises. I table the investigation report.

¶ 06 Another: A license has been issued for a new floating armoury. For years it was with Nishantha Senadhipathi; now, a license has been granted to Mr. Ruwan Fernando. Who is he? He took over the tender to build an international airport in South Sudan—there were major issues in that process. His company later engaged in oil; technical support was given to Wunkoc Engineering and Modern Contractors Company Limited. He is linked to crude oil sales from South Sudan, with questions of sanctions evasion, money laundering via Lebanon, Dubai, or Somalia. After issues there, he came to Sri Lanka and is now appointed a Director at Hilton, and has been granted the floating armoury license by the Secretary, Ministry of Defence, on 2024.11.04. These connections are allegedly organized by the President’s Private Secretary, Mr. Muditha Nanayakkara, whose wife, Ms. Bhershani Randiligama, is a Director at “Bol.” You decried nepotism; yet such appointments occur.

¶ 07 On coal power procurement: tenders are typically called around March–April. Now the tender was delayed and only called on the 18th, and certain companies were licensed before that. Normally we need about 2.2 million metric tons per year—38 coal vessels. Why was the tender delayed?

¶ 08 On LPG: Previously about USD 3 million per consignment; now USD 27.5 million, leading to increases of around Rs. 30 per cylinder instead of Rs. 4 as before.

¶ 09 On the Securities and Exchange Commission: The new Chairman, Prof. Disabandara, previously served as a Director at the SEC while also serving at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, drawing both salaries; the Board ruled that was illegal and ordered recovery, which was paid back. He also served as a Director at a Central Bank-regulated failed company, Standard Credit Finance Limited, and was linked with Ceylinco Investments and Realty Ltd. Appointing such a person raises issues of independence and credibility for the SEC.

¶ 10 Another matter: issuing a Rs. 2,000 driving license at the airport to arriving tourists. While it seems convenient, it severely affects local drivers and tour transport operators—over 40,000 people—because tourists immediately rent vehicles and drive themselves. This policy needs careful reconsideration.

¶ 11 Thank you for the time.