The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, among the two Bills today, I will touch on the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill. Based on views already expressed here and elsewhere, there is broad consensus — no serious opposition — to enabling evidence without physical presence, including from abroad, from prisons, or other locations using digital technology. We had a detailed discussion at the Oversight Committee as well. This is a timely necessity, moving laws forward with technology. I believe this Bill will pass without issue.

¶ 02 I also wish to address local government. This is the last sitting day of this week; on the 2nd of next month, local authorities will be constituted and Chairmen and Mayors appointed. We heard the Opposition — especially the SJB — engage in debates over forming administrations, particularly in Colombo MC and elsewhere, speaking very boldly about establishing power.

¶ 03 But what do the 2025 local election results tell us? Elections reflect the people’s will; they are not entertainment. Democracy requires that those who have the mandate in each local authority form the administration. You cannot combine numbers arbitrarily to defy clear messages from voters in each body.