The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank Hon. Oshani Umanga for this motion. Digitalization and a digital economy are central to our future; no one can oppose that. I attended the Sectoral Oversight Committee today—it is a forum where Government and Opposition can work together.

¶ 02 An example: at Bangkok Airport recently, I had to complete a landing card digitally by scanning a QR code; I had some difficulty at first, but many others, including clergy, completed it smoothly. When necessity arises, we adapt. During COVID-19 we conducted court work and economic activity digitally. I participated in proceedings of the Batticaloa Civil Appellate High Court digitally from Colombo; even filings in the Supreme Court proceeded digitally, and today calling of cases continues so in many instances.

¶ 03 The present Chief Justice has clearly promoted digital proceedings. This saves time, fuel, and money. In future, cases in Jaffna, Batticaloa, Galle, Matara, or Nuwara Eliya can engage senior Colombo counsel without travel costs—saving, for example, Rs. 40,000 flights—thus reducing costs to litigants.

¶ 04 Therefore, we support unifying the country through the digital economy. This has already begun, and can bring significant change. As we digitize the economy, we must prioritize certain departments.

¶ 05 Local authorities: payments can flow via GovPay. Court fines can be remitted directly through GovPay; stamp duties at Land Registries similarly—so relevant local bodies receive funds within a day. In my time as Mayor, we had to spend two days in Trincomalee to recover three years’ arrears for Kalmunai MC; GovPay can solve such problems. We can support this without conditions.

¶ 06 For Parliament: instead of only laptops, provide better digital screens and connectivity so Members can participate in Committee meetings digitally while present in the Chamber, avoiding empty-seat optics. Small practical steps—digitize local authorities, Parliament, and revive digitalization in courts—will deliver impact. Transport e-ticketing is underway; use existing equipment without waiting for foreign funding.

¶ 07 I urge all Members to support this constructively. I again thank Hon. Oshani Umanga and conclude.