Hon. Jagath Withana

¶ 01 At this moment a police state is being created in Matugama. Even as I speak, three police stations’ officers have come in five jeeps and are questioning officials of the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha; they have been questioning them for days. The Chairman has been imprisoned on the same charge, with the same complainant. At the first hearing bail was granted. At the second hearing, Chairman Kasun Munasinghe was remanded. He had done nothing. What he did was to act upon the unanimous decision—across party lines, even MPs from Malimawa supported it—regarding the arbitrary actions of the Secretary, a lady named Nelu, who had acted unilaterally. Concerning an intervening fund and a grant received from the Government for road development, instead of using it for roads, this lady tried to send it to the General Treasury. How are we to face the people then? All, across party lines, rejected that and informed the Provincial Commissioner of Local Government. Today I am tabling those documents.

¶ 02 After doing those wrongs, she ran to the police with a false complaint saying the Chairman assaulted her. After being admitted to hospital claiming assault, a day later the hospital report came saying there was no assault. Despite that, our Chairman was produced in court the very same day and got bail. The next day the same complainant, this Secretary, went and said the Chairman’s room should be handed over to her and that no vehicle should be given to him. Following that, police presented a new charge—obstruction of official duties—citing various Penal Code sections. On that basis the Chairman was remanded until the 8th.

¶ 03 Yesterday all of us MPs met the Provincial Commissioner of Local Government. After meeting her, she said, “No, we will install her here.” But by then an Acting Secretary had been legally appointed. Even so, today this lady sent a tele-message granting herself leave. Yet the police still come and question our officials. Fourteen officials gave statements that no assault took place. Government officials and others testified that this Secretary is trying to paralyze the administration. Still the police say the evidence is insufficient. Why? Because a group of ministers is behind this. This is how a police state is born—consider how much authority the police are taking in administrative matters, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees. Can they enter an office and order who should sit in which chair—the Chairman here, the Secretary there? What right do the police have for that?

¶ 04 This is a very dangerous trend. They want to start it in Matugama. I too went there. The officials had all walked out saying they would not work. Tomorrow the officials will not work with this Secretary either. As politicians, our group will take to the streets only to ask that work be allowed to proceed. But the officials have come out saying they cannot work with her. Why? While there is a properly appointed Acting Secretary, this Secretary follows only the earlier Secretary. She even took salary advances during her irregular leave, and now deductions are being made from her salary. Today I am tabling all those documents.

¶ 05 This morning I tried to enter the police station and was not allowed. How wrong is that? Do our MPs or anyone, from any party, not have the right to go to a police station? The police station was packed—SSP, ASP, all present. OICs and SIs told me not to enter. Is that acceptable? I stopped my vehicle and forcibly walked into the station, exercising my right as a citizen. I asked the Hon. Speaker today to allow me to make a statement on the breach of my privileges. I was not allowed. They say it is not a breach. I say no MP should have to face such harassment. When an injustice occurs, do not paralyze Matugama town and the Pradeshiya Sabha to the point that an MP cannot even go to a police station.

¶ 06 As the Opposition, with a majority of six, we are running that Sabha. Though one of ours was remanded and powers were given to the Vice Chairman, even now the Vice Chairman is in the Chair. Therefore conduct an impartial inquiry into this.

¶ 07 Members, see the injustice here. Today we are in opposition; in 3–4 years you could be in the same position. Do not do such things. I have tabled all relevant documents.

¶ 08 Thank you for the time given.