The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity to join this debate on the Adjournment Motion. When the National People’s Power Government took office, Sri Lanka had become a failed state — not only economically but also socially and politically. Social security had collapsed; the country had turned into a haven for criminals. Every social stratum was in decline, and the State apparatus was riddled with maladies. People faced many hardships obtaining services. Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership, within eight to ten months we have achieved a measure of economic stabilization: export and domestic revenues have increased, inflation is controlled, tourism is reviving with higher arrivals and income, and remittances are rising. The indicators show we have stabilized the economy in ten months — essential to deliver welfare and social protection.

¶ 02 We have re-established the rule of law, justice and fairness. Today the law applies equally regardless of rank — whether an IGP, DIG, MP, Minister or former President. Recently, the wife of a DIG was arrested in a murder case; investigations are ongoing, and the DIG has been remanded after being produced in court. The law operates without fear or favour. Victims must receive justice; perpetrators must face the law — a core objective of the NPP Government.

¶ 03 On emblematic cases: the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder, once buried in sand at Welikada metaphorically with evidence destroyed, has been re-activated; the Keith Noyahr assault file has been completed and sent to the Attorney-General; indictments are forthcoming. The Eknaligoda abduction case is being heard before a Trial-at-Bar; a suspect, a Brigadier, was remanded for witness tampering. No one is above the law.

¶ 04 Regarding the Easter Sunday attacks, both domestically and internationally there is special attention. I have previously briefed Parliament. Investigations are proceeding correctly, and progress has been reported to court.

¶ 05 We have many institutions in the criminal justice chain — Police, Judiciary, AG’s Department, Prisons and more. We have strengthened and ensured their independence, building a domestic mechanism the public can trust to deliver justice swiftly. We are committed to strengthening this system further.

¶ 06 On commemorations of those who died during the war: we have allowed such remembrance in North and South alike, with conditions — no use of banned symbols or glorifying terrorism. Everyone has the right to remember the dead.

¶ 07 On Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu: some are returning. As they departed without immigration formalities, on return they faced questioning. The President has directed that obstacles be removed to facilitate their return. A Cabinet paper is being prepared; within two to three weeks we expect necessary measures to enable their return.

¶ 08 On laws: regarding detentions under the PTA, we have no political desire to use it. The Justice Minister has appointed a committee chaired by President’s Counsel Arasakularatne to expedite matters. We will repeal the PTA by September and bring a new law meeting international standards that protects everyone.

¶ 09 On the Online Safety Act, I have appointed a committee chaired by Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, with officials from Justice, Media, Foreign Affairs and Public Security. Public views are being sought, and we will re-introduce an amended law that safeguards online safety without harming freedom of expression or media freedom. Over 5,000 cyber complaints have been received; some regulation is necessary.

¶ 10 On the NGOs law — the National Secretariat for NGOs and the Voluntary Social Service Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Act — we are consulting civil society to introduce necessary amendments.

¶ 11 In eight to ten months, beyond economic stabilization and debt restructuring, we have established equal application of the law, and changed political culture, bringing politicians closer to ordinary citizens. Major reform agendas in education and health are underway. Our aim is national reconciliation — Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim living together — and to uplift all. We have four years and several months ahead; we will deliver justice and fairness 100 percent as promised. Thank you.