The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 As S.P. George N. Kennan noted, a nation unprepared for surrounding dangers inevitably approaches ruin. The Government must pay serious attention. Government members politicized the underworld and the drug crisis. At the high-profile launch of the national programme under the President, you should first have invited the Opposition, including the Leader of the Opposition, if you truly sought unity beyond party colours. Instead, you sought to blame the Opposition for drugs, pointing fingers without naming anyone.

¶ 03 If you assert that Opposition politicians are connected to the underworld, name them and bring them to justice with maximum punishment. We would fully support it. Do not politicize this. We will support genuine efforts, but this has become media spectacle and partisan accusation. You claimed southern politicians were involved—name them here; Parliament offers privilege.

¶ 04 We now see attempts to politicize the Police and pressure the Police Commission, including removing its powers over OIC transfers—contrary to what you advocated when in Opposition, when you called to strengthen the Commission. Acting within the Constitution does not make everything right; many things are constitutional yet undesirable. Stop politicizing the Police; this is Sri Lanka Police, not a party police.

¶ 05 Provide fair representation—women constitute 52% of the population but are underrepresented in the Police; promotions for women face issues and litigation. Implement positive discrimination for women. Similarly, increase Tamil and Muslim representation to reflect national demographics—again, through positive measures. Safeguard the dignity and independence of the Police.

¶ 06 On security for public representatives: we saw a JVP MP barely escape assault in Trincomalee. Security is not a privilege but essential for Members to speak against crime and, if necessary, against Government wrongs. Do not discuss intelligence budgets and details on public stages; rectify shortcomings internally.

¶ 07 In sum: modernize Police and intelligence, depoliticize institutions, ensure fair representation, and provide proper security to all Members. Thank you.