The Hon. Mujibur Rahman

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity. I second the Motion moved by Hon. Rauff Hakeem.

¶ 02 The WHO’s guidance on COVID-19 was accepted by all countries. Unfortunately, our then rulers rejected it and committed an egregious act in human history by forcing cremations, disregarding religious and cultural rights. Burial is practised by multiple communities in Sri Lanka — Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims and Hindus are among those buried at Oddamavadi. This was not a single community’s issue. Was this done knowingly or out of ignorance? Parliament must know. Therefore, we need a trustworthy Parliamentary Select Committee to inquire so that such incidents do not recur, with decisions that bind the future.

¶ 03 The former President apologized — on behalf of political leaders, implying wrongdoing. What of the responsible officials? Many “experts” and officials publicly claimed groundwater risk. The current Secretary to the Ministry of Health was then the media spokesperson announcing those decisions. Did he do so knowingly? Politicians may come and go, but public officials must be accountable. Otherwise, governance collapses. Public officials are paid by taxpayers and must correct political wrongs, not enable them.

¶ 04 Therefore, we must find the truth. If officials faced political pressure, let them testify before a Committee. Identify where the wrong occurred and make recommendations to prevent recurrence. Otherwise, we cannot claim to uphold justice, fairness and the rule of law. Give this matter the priority it deserves to deliver justice to those who suffered. Thank you.

¶ 05 Question proposed.