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

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, listening to the Opposition, we feel six months sounds long only relative to their own long rule. Sri Lanka has one of Asia’s oldest parliamentary democracies. Those who ruled for decades are the very ones now complaining. We have been in Government only six months, held several elections, presented a Budget and begun work.

¶ 02 We have already presented the Proceeds of Crime law. They shouted but did not bring it; we passed it and started the work. Any process takes some time. To those who feel six months is long: a day in hell is very long — they who lived in luxury for decades feel this short period as long, because now the law is being applied equally.

¶ 03 This Motion seeks to establish mechanisms to implement Audit recommendations. Good — we are doing that. But these are not done overnight. We are strengthening institutions. Also, law alone cannot fix everything; even the best laws cannot prevent some acts. If rulers are disciplined and systems are ethical, a country advances.

¶ 04 Now, for the first time in history, the law applies to all. Steps are being taken against former ministers and officials linked to corruption. The former Chief Minister of North Central Province and his secretary have been sentenced to 26 years over a Rs. 2.6 million fraud. Proceedings are underway against others. Institutions enforcing the law are being strengthened.

¶ 05 Recently, in a bribery case filed in 2018, the judge asked why it was delayed; the State Counsel replied that those in power then made it impossible to act against them. We inherited such a country. You cannot change all this in one night. Under our policy “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life,” we are committed to every word. We will progressively strengthen the rule of law. Regarding the deceased schoolgirl, action will be taken against all responsible, and institutions will be strengthened. Thank you.