The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, I support the Private Member’s Motion brought by Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri regarding preparing a course of action to implement recommendations given by Audit Reports.

¶ 02 It is shameful that we have to urge implementation of already-made Audit recommendations; even some constitutional provisions — the supreme law — have gone unimplemented for years. We have asked for years, and now the international community also urges implementation. We support this Motion in the hope that we can change the abysmal culture in the public sector.

¶ 03 People gave the National People’s Power an overwhelming mandate because they were told previous governments failed. The present Government said it would repeal the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act based on past studies and not bring any replacement; this was clearly stated by then-presidential candidate, now President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Yet the PTA remains. While calling it draconian and promising repeal, they are still unwilling to release those wrongly held under it. I have raised many times the case of Mr. S. Kirupakaran, Remand No. 5710, now in Ambalantota Prison though his cases are in Colombo. One confession was rejected as coerced and he was acquitted in that case, yet he remains in remand on another case based on the same confession. He has repeatedly requested transfer back to Welikada; the Government has taken no decision.

¶ 04 Another political detainee, Aravinthan Ananthavarman, has been under a Detention Order for over a year; he is unwell and there is no inquiry. This is unjust. The Prime Minister is here. If the PTA is acknowledged as a bad law, such persecution is unacceptable. At least implement your stated position. I humbly request that you act, and I conclude.