The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I rise to make the winding-up speech on behalf of the Opposition at the Committee Stage Discussion on the Votes of the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

¶ 02 The digital economy is not just a concept; it is our present and our future. Its core principle is the seamless integration of digital technology into the economy. Digital technology permeates daily life and every sector: finance, justice, transport, parliamentary affairs, even cultural affairs. Whether or not there is a dedicated ministry, we already live in a digital world.

¶ 03 As we debate Budget allocations, we must recognize digital transformation’s role in economic growth, better governance, and improved service delivery. Within my time, I will highlight practical applications that can yield significant economic benefits without additional burdens on the National Budget.

¶ 04 First, rail transport: recent elephant–train collisions are alarming. Yet the solution can be simple—something a student with basic computing could prototype. Integrate the rail network with Google-based tracking, install a simple device on every engine, and enable the central operating system to monitor trains in real time. We already know high-risk wildlife crossing zones. Night-capable CCTV at these spots can stream live to screens inside engines, providing early warnings; the central control can simultaneously monitor and intervene to prevent collisions. With this network, stations can display real-time train arrivals. Hon. Presiding Member, we can thus prevent elephant–train collisions.

¶ 05 Second, the legal system: laws for digital integration are already passed. The Ministry must fund digital infrastructure for all courts and establish a network linking higher and lower courts, and relevant departments—the Attorney-General’s Department, the Legal Draftsman’s Department, the Government Analyst, and Parliament. Officers need specialized training. I also propose a dedicated unit within the Ministry to oversee the digital economy’s implementation across government.

¶ 06 Third, elections: our current process undermines the President’s digital economy efforts. As Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, I requested nomination documents to field candidates for just 90 local authorities; my secretary reported he would need a lorry to carry the paperwork. Even with seats folded, my seven-seater could not hold it. For declarations of assets and liabilities alone, if 90 authorities require a lorry, would 350 require a container? In this age, it is farcical. Why not digital forms and a single printed affidavit page? The law already recognizes digital documentation. Subject to correction, Section 87 of the Anti-Corruption Act provides for this.

¶ 07 Parliament too should modernize. We spend heavily printing Hansard, Order Papers, and committee reports. Standing Orders require printing, but not that every Member must receive a printed copy. We can shift to e-copies on screens. As I previously suggested, install pop-up screens at each Member’s desk. Savings from one year’s reduced printing would likely cover the screens and upgraded processors. With digital technology, Sri Lanka can save billions; we must be mindful of this.

¶ 08 On public security, our situation is shameful. While we speak of digitalization elsewhere, digital integration in policing lags badly. Globally, countries first modernize public security with digital tools. Here, it is neglected. Warrants for minor village crimes are mishandled; officers text the OIC on mobile phones instead of using proper digital workflows. Even now, an attempt is being made to avoid arresting the non-performing IGP by seeking a writ from the Court of Appeal. The supporting affidavit must be signed before a Conciliation Judge; the records are in court. If the police did basic checks, they could identify who signed it. What has happened to our CID? They fail to arrest a wanted IGP, masterminds of major crimes, those who seized the Presidential Secretariat again, big bank fraudsters, or police suspects in killings. If digital technology does not help here, where will it?

¶ 09 There is a saying: “A sword not used for war—do we chop jackfruit with it?” Likewise, “If technology does not serve public security, is it only for TikTok?” Public will lose confidence in us.

¶ 10 Hon. Presiding Member, I must also raise, in Tamil, an issue I asked on 07 February regarding the prior government’s restrictions on Islamic religious books. The Minister said the ban would be lifted after receiving the proper report. We learned from the media that the restriction has now been lifted. Based on that, I trust seized Qur’ans and tafsir volumes will be released. I thank the Minister and the government for this decision. I personally thanked the Minister when I saw him in the lift today.

¶ 11 Next, to my Hon. colleague Dr. Ramnathan Archuna, who often speaks in ways that hurt other communities. Our words must be sweet, truthful, and well-spoken—above all, truthful. Thiruvalluvar says in the Thirukkural:

¶ 12 “Truth is that word which causes no harm to any being.” (Chapter 30, Kural 291)

¶ 13 The late Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi explained: a true word is one that does not cause even the slightest harm to anyone. We call ourselves “Honourable Members of Parliament.” We must not bring dishonour upon that title. Thiruvalluvar also teaches on discipline:

¶ 14 “Since discipline brings greatness, it must be guarded more than life itself.”

¶ 15 In Sinhala: the Thirukkural says that keeping discipline in one’s character is dearer than life. As Honourable Members, we must speak with care and not hurt other communities, religions, or fellow Members. Hon. Archuna should uphold Tamil cultural values accordingly.

¶ 16 Order, please.