The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, if you read the full letter, its final paragraph says the relevant Minister or the Government must be informed. That itself shows the letter was issued without prior discussion with the political authority. The Minister has since spoken with the Chairperson and provided advice and direction on the Government’s and political authority’s position. I do not think we should turn this into an issue. The President and the Minister have clearly stated the Government’s position. This is a letter by a Chairperson; we need not be unduly alarmed.

¶ 02 When discussing sensitive issues, they should not be used for political gain, and we must be mindful of communities that could be harmed by such statements. Our Constitution requires all persons be treated with dignity and equality. The Government is not granting special privileges or promotions to any particular group. That is clear.