The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member, for the opportunity.

¶ 02 When Hon. Ravi Karunanayake presented this Motion and spoke, I felt some satisfaction because even the Opposition now speaks the language of change the people demand. I was glad to see readiness to join with us. However, listening to some Opposition speeches thereafter, I felt that some could not do justice to the Motion itself, using this time to speak on unrelated matters — showing they cannot change the old political culture rejected by the people.

¶ 03 Hon. Karunanayake, I regret that some on your side did not do justice to your important Motion. The Government’s 158 Members support it not merely on the question of our own pension entitlements but because we must rebuild trust in Parliament and politicians. The public image is not good; election results showed that. We must use this opportunity to rebuild trust, making necessary sacrifices.

¶ 04 You cited Singapore as a model — paying professionals well and making politics an attractive profession. Someday we must get there. But our country is not there yet, because privileges and power were abused, seen as entitlements, contributing to crises whose costs people still bear. To change that culture, we must first restore public trust, showing commitment and service over entitlement. Then we can move towards a Singapore model in future Parliaments. The Tenth Parliament has a greater responsibility to correct past wrongs and reform the political culture. That is why your Motion is important and why we support it. Our movement has been proposing this since 2001 and 2003; it is not new to us. We welcome an Opposition Member bringing it now.

¶ 05 On the Lasantha Wickrematunge assassination, much was said. Those who carried his body may be here; but what did they do when in government to ensure justice? The murder occurred in 2009; this is 2025. Our Government reopened the case after years under the carpet. We know the AG cannot file cases without evidence; that is not for the legislature to decide. As a Government, we have reopened the case, will support gathering new evidence and re-investigation as needed to deliver justice. Witness intimidation, destruction of evidence and reprisals occurred for years. We have reopened and will take all necessary steps until justice is done — not only for Lasantha but to give hope to thousands awaiting justice. We will not evade this.

¶ 06 Order, please! Is the House agreeable to extend time until the conclusion of today’s business?