The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979, mark an important moment in public administration. As a Government acting according to the people’s mandate, we bear a historic responsibility to modernize every sector in line with global realities. These amendments show that commitment.

¶ 02 We see the Opposition constantly nit-picking, but we continue to address people’s burning issues in this House. By passing these two Bills today, we fulfil essential legal reforms.

¶ 03 Digitization is a core policy of our Government to facilitate criminal justice. Our courts have long been paper-heavy, causing delays and eroding public confidence. We aim to deliver a more efficient, effective service. The amendment allows evidence to be obtained electronically from outside court premises by accused, witnesses and others involved — a change long necessitated by difficulties of access, seen notably during the 1950s Sathasivam case where overseas witnesses were facilitated, and more recently during COVID-19 with proactive judicial innovations. This Bill now provides statutory footing.

¶ 04 At the same time, we see destructive racist and religious incitement in society. Currently, some are spreading inflammatory content on social media against our colleague, Hon. Muneer Mulafer, depicting him as linked to violent extremist leaders. As a Government and political movement, we are appalled. For the first time in history, from Gampaha — where no party previously succeeded — our National People’s Power sent a Muslim MP, elected with the support of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims together. We will not allow racist, extremist elements to undermine this unity. Legal steps are underway; those responsible will be held to account.

¶ 05 We will advance comprehensive constitutional and legal reforms to build a country where all communities live together. Beyond the Code, we will modernize the Evidence Ordinance and allied laws so that justice is accessible and timely.

¶ 06 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

¶ 07 Next, the Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe. You have 11 minutes.