The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today the Hon. Prime Minister has presented a Supplementary Estimate to allocate funds to enable children to obtain necessary educational items. The relief to be provided was outlined by her.

¶ 02 When we took over, the economy was fragile. Yet, we have stabilized it and rebuilt the confidence of investors and creditors. Despite predictions, the rupee has been maintained around 280–290 per US dollar. The stock market has signaled recovery. This shows the trust placed in this Government. Still, as the country progresses, as usual, the Opposition and those aligned with them attempt to create social confusion to derail progress rather than engage with meaningful information. That is not new to us.

¶ 03 We promised a new political culture and a Government that is open, transparent and accountable. We also promised a cleaner Parliament. Even with a two-thirds majority, the NPP has established a humble, listening Government that does not act arbitrarily.

¶ 04 There has been talk about MPs’ certificates and degrees. Recently, many false claims about our MPs’ qualifications were spread on social media. This consumed time that should have been used for productive work. Earlier, what did people question about Parliament? Now, what do they question? That change itself is a positive. In the past, Parliament was mired in issues like ethanol, drugs, and even persons convicted of murder being sworn in. Today, people question educational qualifications. That is progress, and in a sense, a victory for the NPP.

¶ 05 We have created a Government sensitive to public voice, elevating democracy. People have changed. They now ask us about our qualifications. That is good; we welcome constructive criticism and public engagement. We serve the public.

¶ 06 However, we are not here to answer every slander on social media or to tuck our tails in fear. We work as a team, not as individuals. My issue is not with the general public’s questions—they have every right. The problem is who is questioning us: those who did not apologize for tragedies like the Meethotamulla garbage collapse, or those who protected a Minister during a no-confidence motion over substandard drugs that blinded and killed people. With their own hands unclean, they now hurl mud at others. That, too, is part of our political culture—one we are changing.

¶ 07 People have long said that in other countries leaders are sensitive, they listen, feel shame, and apologize. We have created a Parliament and a Government accountable to the people and sensitive to them. Today, people trust this Parliament because there is an NPP Government.

¶ 08 I also must speak about a matter that involved me. My name appeared on the Parliament website as “Dr.” I never submitted such a title. I filled a bio-data form that had only “Mr. Harshana Nanayakkara,” and I confirmed on screen there was no “Dr.” A friend later told me the website showed “Dr. Harshana Nanayakkara.” I immediately called the Parliament. I thank the Secretariat for promptly correcting it and issuing a public statement that it was an error by staff during upload.

¶ 09 The problem is not that it was corrected; the “news” was created only after I had it removed. That is why I lodged a complaint with the CID yesterday: to determine whether this was an innocent mistake or a planned act intended to harm my and my Government’s image. The CID has begun investigations; Parliament is also looking into it. I am not pointing fingers at anyone. But some may still be serving their old masters. I say to them: change—before we notice you.

¶ 10 Further, I request the Office of the Secretary-General of Parliament: as long as erroneous information on the website can be reproduced for up to ten years, and as many entries for multiple MPs across parties are incorrect, please temporarily take down the site and restore it only after a full verification and correction to avoid mental distress and reputational harm. I appreciate the Secretariat’s immediate correction and statement. My objective is not about who clicked the button, but who instructed it.

¶ 11 On legal titles: Prior to 1973, Sri Lanka had Advocates and Proctors, akin to Barristers and Solicitors in England. The Law College was established in 1873, with separate exams. In 1973, the Administration of Justice Law No. 44 merged the professions; since then, everyone is an Attorney-at-Law. There is no “Adhinee-thignya” (Sinhala for Advocate) after 1973, except within the Attorney-General’s Department, where “State Counsel” translates to “Raja-gee Adhinee-thignya” for prosecuting counsel. I served as State Counsel from 2000 to 2004. That was a post title, not an academic qualification. After leaving, I no longer use that title.

¶ 12 I advise: those in glass houses should not throw stones. I hoped Hon. Ajith P. Perera would be here. In the 2024 Parliamentary election, his materials introduced him as “Adhinee-thignya Ajith P. Perera.” For that to be accurate, he would have to have qualified before 1973—which is impossible as he would have been only about five years old. If someone is a Barrister of an English Inn, that does not translate to “Adhinee-thignya” in Sri Lanka post-1973. I too am a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn, but I do not use that as “Adhinee-thignya” here. If anyone uses that title today, it is misleading. I table election materials accordingly.

¶ 13 Let us not descend to disgrace. Let us debate policy sincerely and contribute to law and policy-making. Your ideas matter—so long as they are not mud and falsehoods. The NPP Government will not be swayed by slander.

¶ 14 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.