The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, thank you. COPE is doing good work exposing issues in state institutions, and the judiciary is functioning effectively to punish wrongdoers; there is no reason for the corrupt to be calm.

¶ 02 I must address a matter raised here and in the media alleging that Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, myself, and Mayor Ranjan Jayalal were to be arrested. I have the full case file and minutes. Nowhere does it state that we are to be arrested. Why then are such claims made? This resembles the past when the Rajapaksas manipulated the law and used Parliament to sway cases. Today, certain Opposition figures do the same—seeking to label independent judicial officers as politically biased.

¶ 03 The Judicial Service Commission is independent; not even the President or Minister of Justice can direct it. Attempting to create public perception that the judiciary is not independent is dangerous. The Bribery Commission leadership, including Mr. Ranga Dissanayake, is acting without fear against wrongdoers; those affected are understandably agitated.

¶ 04 Regarding the case cited today, the Mount Lavinia Court has ruled that since no offence has been disclosed by police investigations, no arrest order can be issued. Presenting falsehoods in Parliament insults the institution and the people’s mandate.

¶ 05 Our President Anura Dissanayake has said the people’s love is stronger than the hatred of the corrupt. We will proceed, fulfilling the people’s aspirations. Thank you.