The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am unwell, so my voice is different. Before addressing the Bill, let me respond to some Opposition remarks. Hon. Chanaka spoke not on the Bill but other matters, claiming their highest vote percentage this time. The proper comparison is with 2018 local elections when they won 3,369 seats; in 2025 they are down by 742. I do not know what Pythagoras’ theorem they cite while running like Archimedes.

¶ 02 He also claimed we politicized the circular on Community Policing Committees. The circular clearly says to act in consultation with the Chair of the Divisional Coordinating Committee, with State officers and civil society participating. Accusing us of politicization is rich coming from those who once politicized even temple Kapumahattayas.

¶ 03 Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised gaps. I consulted the Attorney General’s Department. On taking evidence abroad through missions: Section 273A(4) provides the framework. On applications by witnesses or victims: Section 273J applies. On costs: Section 273B(1) covers that. If further clarifications are needed, we can discuss.

¶ 04 Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana and Hon. Nalin Bandara spoke of the public mandate. They asked why we do not credit Ranil Wickremesinghe for drafting. Drafts in pigeonholes are useless; many regulations stuck in files were brought to the floor by the NPP Government—including the Proceeds of Crime law. These amendments too are presented by the NPP Government. That is the public mandate.

¶ 05 We are doing this to catch thieves—both kinds: white-collar and direct criminals. Current Penal Code and procedural provisions to tackle white-collar crime should be revisited; crafty fraudsters have looted, including from the President’s Fund, with false medical certificates, and inflated valuations for aragalaya-damaged houses. If there are gaps, we will bring new provisions.

¶ 06 Now, a new variety of thieves has emerged—gold-plated firearms. A former Cabinet Minister is in custody over such a weapon. Social media says do not house Duminda and Mahindananda together—we do not know why. But these are the realities.

¶ 07 This Bill will help us prosecute both ordinary and sophisticated offenders more effectively by protecting witnesses and enabling technology-driven processes. We act according to the people’s wish to uphold the rule of law.

¶ 08 Thank you.