The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, allow me briefly. Minister, this is highly sensitive, involving a schoolgirl. One must think twice before publicizing medical details. Also, there is an allegation concerning a political party organizer; I am not politicizing this—we did not speak of it on campaign platforms—but it is not the first such case. The government must intervene here, including on issues like ragging and third-party interference. Step in on behalf of this child.

¶ 02 On vehicles: the IMF conditions and HS code classifications have created practical problems. Electric and hybrid classifications at Sri Lanka Customs have led to vehicles stuck in yards, incurring demurrage—sometimes doubling costs. A person who hoped to buy a car at Rs. 1.2 million now faces Rs. 8–9 million as a minimum. Please review HS codes practically with industry input and current technologies like various hybrid systems; minor wording differences in manuals cannot trap importers. Otherwise, despite “allowing” imports, people and traders will still blame you.

¶ 03 On the schoolgirl case: there is also mention of a JMO report—JMO reports are post-mortem; how does that speak to mental state? Clarify, and ensure justice for the child. Do not shield anyone just because he is an organizer. Beyond that, the country faces a wave of shootings and murders. Back then, you blamed the Rajapaksas; now you are in government. It is reported there have been around 36 shootings recently. Every morning people ask where the next shooting was. Mere attention is not enough; what action will you take?

¶ 04 Regarding the security agreement signed with India: many of your own members do not know its contents. If there is a war between India and Pakistan, what clauses govern Sri Lanka’s actions? If you cannot disclose without India’s consent, say so.

¶ 05 In summary, while vehicle imports are good in principle, fix the HS code and policy issues. And, above all, read the public mood from the local elections and address people’s problems. We are ready to support if the country is to be built. Thank you.