The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). COPE is one of the most important institutions of Parliament. A long-standing problem is that although COPE discusses many matters and reaches decisions, legal action on identified issues and irregularities often does not follow. Therefore, findings disclosed at COPE should also be pursued through legal processes to develop a methodology that truly reduces fraud and corruption.

¶ 02 We heard the President speak at the UN General Assembly about fighting corruption. In 2023, we passed the Anti-Corruption Act with near unanimity to curb corruption in this country.

¶ 03 You received a large popular mandate from the people in the aftermath of the 2022 uprising against misgovernance and corruption. You promised a system change, transparency, good governance, and rule of law. Now questions arise whether transparency and rule of law are being applied genuinely, or only against opponents, given the Government’s inaction regarding allegations within its own ranks.

¶ 04 First, the Mannar wind power project: allegations were made that the awarded bidder under the tender process was bypassed and the project given outside procedure to another company. Complaints are before the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission, but not yet examined. The allegations are not being addressed.

¶ 05 Next, the “309 containers” incident: it was alleged that 309 containers exited the country improperly. A committee appointed by the President reported that the 309 containers labeled “red” or “yellow” were released without any examinations or scans. Recently, two containers were intercepted containing crystal methamphetamine; officials claimed those were checked, even by the Police Narcotics Bureau. If checked containers carried drugs, what of the 309 released without checks? No one knows what they contained. Meanwhile, a former Assistant Director General accused in connection with the 309 containers was promoted Director General without disciplinary inquiry. Why the promotion? Was it a reward?

¶ 06 Those who imported the two recently seized containers have been arrested, but those who facilitated releasing them from the port have not. Why the delay? If those officers are arrested, they might reveal who higher up ordered releases—perhaps why there is hesitation.

¶ 07 Further, a license reportedly to establish a liquor distillery has been issued without a transparent tender—this raises serious questions on transparency and potential kickbacks. Previous presidents were criticized here for such acts; people elected a new President promising system change, but we are seeing a reversion to the old system: the Government showcases arrests of opponents while shielding its own.

¶ 08 Serious allegations have been made against the Director General of the Bribery Commission—claims that he previously worked with a political party’s legal wing. The Constitutional Council exists to ensure independent appointments; now doubts arise whether investigations are focused on Opposition members while Government figures are ignored. The public mandate for transparency must not be misused.

¶ 09 We also note media reports of impending cases against a former Chairman of the Fertilizer Corporation over corruption; more than a month has passed without cases being filed. There are claims of interventions to stop such cases. This selective justice cannot take the country forward and risks renewed public upheaval.

¶ 10 On Right to Information: requests to the Presidential Secretariat for details of the President’s media unit personnel and for costs of domestic travel were reportedly refused. Previous Presidents provided such information. A leader who speaks globally of transparency should not withhold basic information; withholding creates suspicion.

¶ 11 On public service appointments and promotions: your manifesto promised meritocracy. Yet, soon after assuming office, a close associate was appointed Presidential Secretary; qualified candidates are idling in pools. A former director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation was proposed for Auditor General—blocked by the Constitutional Council. Appointments to the Foreign Service also deviate from policy—of nine recent ambassadorial appointments, eight were reportedly non-career; one was even a former electoral candidate, and another a former JVP member appointed as Deputy High Commissioner to India. These are political appointments contrary to stated policy.

¶ 12 I raise these to remind you why the people gave you the mandate: to uphold transparency, rule of law, and clean governance. Deviating from that risks another popular uprising. Thank you.