Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, of the two items today, I will address the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act. In the face of the recent cyclone and current global crises, we must ensure uninterrupted essential services—water, electricity, fuel, health, communications, and public transport—so people’s welfare is protected and rapid normalization is possible. A Commissioner-General of Essential Services is appointed with powers to coordinate from District Secretaries to Grama Niladharis and across the State apparatus to ensure delivery. Without continuity, severe economic problems arise. Regulations will guide each sector’s responses.

¶ 02 Regarding the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund: a Member said it is illegal and unauditable. The COPE Chair has consulted the Auditor General and confirmed it is lawful and auditable. We take financial management and audit seriously and are accountable to the public for every rupee.

¶ 03 On accusations about “hunting war heroes”: I served 36 years. We know the sacrifices. But if anyone commits a crime, civil law must apply. Being a veteran is not immunity. I, too, was questioned by CID about Easter; I went and answered for five and a half hours. That is how one proves one’s integrity. If innocent, go to Police or Court and present the facts.

¶ 04 There are 278 victims of the Easter attacks; about 500 live in dire conditions, many disabled. They deserve justice through independent judicial processes. Considering all this, extending the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act by another month is essential for our forward work.

¶ 05 Thank you.

¶ 06 Question put, and agreed to.

¶ 07 ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICES ACT: RESOLUTION