The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the opportunity. I commend the Leader of the Opposition’s constructive proposals to improve aviation safety; our Government will consider them positively.

¶ 02 We feel great pride for our country; that pride compels us to push forward national progress economically, socially, and culturally. Anyone who shares that pride can join hands with the National People’s Power Government’s new policy framework.

¶ 03 Turning to COPE’s Fourth Report: the public have the right to ask what came of COPE’s past efforts. Under the Auditor General’s reports, COPE investigates SOEs and tables reports every three months. Previously, those reports would be debated, sent to the Attorney General, or end up in the library. Now, we are taking a step forward: where necessary, reports will be referred to the CID and the Bribery Commission so that not only officials but also responsible political authorities face legal action.

¶ 04 Officials attend COPE apprehensively; one CEB Board member openly asked whether the process ends with scolding. We assure the public this 10th Parliament will ensure COPE reports do not get shelved but that the law is enforced. Wrongdoing will be pursued against both officials and the politicians who enabled it. The people retain strong faith in the law and the judiciary; we must ensure that faith is justified.

¶ 05 To public officials: if you act lawfully and fulfill your duties with integrity, you need not fear COPE. Our purpose is not to demoralize the public service but to enlist it in building the nation. We invite all to stand against corruption. As the President said, fighting corruption is hard; not fighting it is even worse. Thank you.