The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, first, I thank Hon. Mujibur Rahman for supporting this Motion and requesting others to join, highlighting legal issues in some institutions.

¶ 02 I am pleased that Government Members acknowledge this cannot be done in one stroke, not in 24 hours, a week or even six months; Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama calls for four years to do it. It was not we who said thieves would be caught and punished in 24 hours. Government Members now admit more time is needed.

¶ 03 Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam also added related issues, including legal weaknesses of the PTA, and the benefits to the public of rectifying them.

¶ 04 Today, Hon. Minister Handunnetti also responded. I thank the Prime Minister for decisions proposed. You admit that Standing Orders and committee powers are insufficient for binding decisions. The most important part of my Motion is to ensure the implementation powers for committee recommendations and decisions are vested in Parliament and the relevant committees. That will make it timely. I request the Prime Minister to do justice to my Motion by formulating this legal framework within your Government, because the allegation is non-implementation.

¶ 05 Also, once matters are surcharged/charged, they should not return to Parliament for mere discussion; they should go straight to court. Many charged matters end up merely discussed. Instead, refer them to courts so that due process proceeds swiftly.

¶ 06 Thank you to all who contributed.

¶ 07 Question put, and agreed to.