The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the previous Opposition speaker suggested the Minister of Justice should not do things that make people happy. But the duty of a governing system is to serve and satisfy the people; if we cannot do that, we will be discarded.

¶ 02 In the past we saw rulers pleasing themselves—enjoying public tax money and privileges. The results are emerging now through long-delayed court cases surfacing; people must reap what they sowed. Hence their attacks on the Justice Minister arise from their guilty conscience.

¶ 03 On local authorities: a term is 4 years (48 months). A month has passed since the election, yet the Opposition is acting against the people’s mandate to prevent constituting councils and appointing mayors, trying to create a new “opposition” even where electoral groupings differed. This conspiracy must be defeated by upholding the people’s mandate.

¶ 04 We are debating the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, which aims to regulate and manage passenger transport systems. If we can create a satisfied consumer base in public transport, that is progress.

¶ 05 We must end politicization and the strong-arm tactics that made “bus association leaders” attempt to bring governments to their knees. Recently, during the Sinhala-Hindu New Year, those same leaders had to request passengers to use their buses—revealing the limits of their leverage. Fare hikes have not led to service improvements; passengers are controlled and pressured while service quality is inadequate. Therefore, public transport must be standardized, regulated, and consumer protections ensured, or congestion and accidents will worsen.

¶ 06 It is pleasing that low-floor buses are being introduced, ending the era of lorry-chassis buses. This will greatly benefit persons with disabilities, enabling wheelchair access and safer boarding. We should also ensure accessible bus stands and terminals. The school transport system is in crisis; parents and students suffer. That sector must be regulated. Likewise, three-wheelers need regulation. Through this Bill, we can strengthen and regulate the whole passenger transport system to provide a safe, satisfactory service.

¶ 07 We must expand access to public transport for people with disabilities. Mobility is a basic human right; we should remove barriers. Deaf passengers who use sign language cannot hear bus bells or train announcements; information must be provided in accessible formats to attract and include them. Those with mobility impairments need safe access or must bear unaffordable private costs. I hope this Bill will integrate the disabled community and help build a strong, safe public transport system.

¶ 08 Thank you for the opportunity.