The Hon. Athula Welandagoda

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we are discussing a very sensitive subject. Entering this important debate with care and adherence to the law, considering responsibilities, acceptance, and the human form and nature, I think we should present matters in a careful manner consistent with the subject.

¶ 02 We believe a country cannot be governed only by rules and regulations; we must also enact laws accordingly. Regarding the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill presented today by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, various views were expressed since morning. We seek a society with human dignity. Under the new Government’s vision of “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life,” this package of changes has been brought at a very important time. In this short period we feel that we need such a society.

¶ 03 From the morning’s debate it is clear that we cannot create a society of good citizens merely through laws; we must build the social environment. From Hambantota District — now referred to with another moniker — a major call has arisen for change in political culture. We have directed every discussion toward creating a new cultural life and a new cultural person, and presented this under the Government’s vision. Many factors influence this. Even without delving into the past, the present shows this transformation happening nationwide. Alongside, through this Amendment and legal reforms, we must open space to move toward a human society, human ethics, human bonds, and a balanced society. Our culture is progressively transforming in a positive direction.

¶ 04 About a year ago, at a well-known meeting in Middeniya, I was present when a threat to life arose. A person got out of a vehicle with a weapon and attempted to stop the meeting. We saw how “Middeniye Kajja” behaved; there were children and women present. The threat he made to stop the meeting made me wonder: does he have children, who is he? He operated within a narcotics-linked underworld environment. Earlier, at a meeting attended by our Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, three lives were lost. Six months later that same “Kajja” — Arun Vidanagama — killed himself after killing his two children. That unfortunate environment is now gradually changing. Drugs including methamphetamine and the underworld are being curbed and cleansed on one side, and society is being transformed toward a better condition. Through Parliament we expect to transform society toward a humane and positive direction by passing necessary laws and important Acts. This Amendment Bill debated today has been presented under the new Government’s vision to uplift the country and society to a higher human transformation. Thank you for the time.