The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we are discussing public security and national security. For both, we need an independent police. That is why the 17th, 19th and 21st Amendments established an Independent National Police Commission. This Government has undermined police independence. I recall how the President threatened the Police Commission at a meeting. After that, appointments and transfers of OICs were handed to the IGP, who sits under the Minister of Public Security. Police independence has effectively ended. In recent times, OICs were appointed without examinations or vetting—whoever the IGP or Government MPs wanted. We now hear a plan to give promotions power entirely to the IGP. That is a grave problem which will harm the public.

¶ 02 Next, Civil Security Committees. Historically, village security was maintained by community-based committees formed by the police together with local clergy and associations. Today, however, the JVP is reportedly submitting name lists to SPs to appoint their cadres into these village committees. Thus JVP cadres now populate them, eroding local police and rule-of-law independence. I ask the Government: is this what you promised? In 1988–89, 342 police sergeants were killed by the JVP. Those same elements now chair committees that control village “law.” This is dangerous for the country’s future.

¶ 03 Further, after Anura Kumara Dissanayake became President, there have been 114 police shootings, with 63 deaths within the last year. I ask the Minister of Public Security about this; I have the list. In 2014, 518 died in such incidents; in 2016, 588; in 2017, 42. In your first year, 63 have been killed in public shootings. When our Weligama PS Chairman was murdered, before the inquest, the Minister declared he belonged to an underworld gang. We have not seen Ministers like this before. Your President vowed to crush the underworld; in 2017 it was 42 killings—now, 63 in your first year.

¶ 04 On drugs: of course we must control them. But statistics show our Government seized 1,110 kg of heroin up to 7 August 2019; in 2021, 1,629 kg; in 2022, 1,677 kg. From your shows and media one would think 5,000 kg. The Minister said this morning 20 tonnes were seized; but Government statistics show that by end-October it was 1,481 kg. Cannabis in 2013 was about 81,800 kg seized. Cocaine—used by the wealthy—was 1,568 kg in 2016; 220 kg in 2017; and only 32 kg this year. Why is that? Big money people, some allied with Government, are in business. We warned you: do the work silently; our Government did so. Now more than half a million youth are addicted, and the number is rising. Please control drugs beyond media spectacles. I challenge the Minister: seize 20 tonnes if you claim that.

¶ 05 I also have a Parliamentary Research Division document: in 2014, 80 tonnes of cannabis were seized. We are not against seizures. But five members of your party have already been implicated—including a school principal related to “Kosgoda Sujee,” a Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia MC member’s son, and a Hambantota activist called “Sana.” We thank the police; they arrested without looking at party colour. Another Dehiwala organizer ran a large operation; another is the son of a JVP organizer, also chairing an anti-drug committee. So far five of your party’s members have been arrested in connection. When a kasippu brewer was caught, one of your party’s members threatened the OIC. Is this how you promised to build a just society?

¶ 06 On the Easter Sunday attacks: in 2019, Gotabaya Rajapaksa came to power; in 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power—both riding on the Easter narrative. Back then you said, “Rajapaksa–Ranil didn’t arrest them; give us the chance.” In the Yahapalana period’s first months we arrested about 700. We investigated the blast sites under 166 SPs. In 2020, it was shelved. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the Catholic faithful hoped the JVP Government would deliver. Finally, what happened? Last April, the President said he would reveal the mastermind. Next April 21 is nearing—tell the truth to the people. You said witnesses and accused are in Switzerland and the UK. If you can bring back big overseas drug dealers, why not bring those linked to Easter that the Catholics are awaiting? What progress? Once again you are misleading the people.

¶ 07 For the first time in police history, the former CID Director was reappointed after retirement as an advisor—Mr. Shani Abeysekara was made Director then; a former CID DIG is now Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security. I see no progress. Then–MP Nalinda Jayatissa asked why “Sara” was not brought from India. You have signed seven agreements with India, but have not revealed them. Why not bring Sara? Is it because the father of two main suspects who died in the bombings contested under your party?

¶ 08 When you cannot lower prices, fix the economy, protect savings, reduce electricity bills or fuel prices, you stage dramas: first drug seizures, now another on estate workers’ wages. Our party empowered estate workers to become citizens and gave them seven perches of land. Not Rs. 200—we would support triple that.

¶ 09 On the Trincomalee statue: I saw reports that the Minister promised to reinstall the Buddha statue where it was. Did you earlier order its removal? We have not seen the police transporting Buddha statues. We do not want to stoke ethnic or religious tensions. When we devolved power in 1987–88, you opposed Provincial Councils, killed thousands, and burned offices, wrecking the economy. We say: do not create religious conflict.

¶ 10 I recall President Premadasa’s Gam Udawa ensured interfaith centres in every village—Buddhist, Catholic, Islamic, Hindu—like Kataragama, where multiple shrines coexist. You are now posturing as anti-racist, but back then you bred racism. We fear you are attempting to recreate such history. Rule of law lies not with the police or ministerial orders; if there is a dispute, go to court and show dates of registration and construction. Instead, a statue was removed and hurriedly returned within hours.

¶ 11 This happened also in Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia MC. My friend Bimal Rathnayake said, “Statue worship is tribal,” and I have the video. Nalin Hewage said, “Bo trees are of no use.” Sunil Handunnetti said, “Religion is not a State function; the State must withdraw.” Is that why statues are being removed? We are not religious bigots. Every religion has freedom of worship.

¶ 12 On 9 March 2024, at a Maha Shivaratri puja in a Hindu temple in Vavuniya, the police arrested seven youths. Our Tamil colleagues here objected. Then–Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa asked the Speaker to ensure freedom of worship and relief for them. MP Shanakyian thanked him then. Small incidents can become big. July 1983 began after seven killings; Aluthgama began with a small incident; Kandy–Digana with false propaganda. Do not undermine religious harmony.

¶ 13 We cared for police officers: under Yahapalana, we increased salaries by 107% and allowances by 40%. A constable who earned Rs. 23,000 then earned Rs. 58,000. Those who serve 16–18 hours, standing in the sun or at night, have received no verbal relief from you. You only allocated money to buy 3,000 batons—perhaps to stop protests.

¶ 14 Road accidents are high; 2,500 die annually due to drunk driving. Yet for three months there were no breathalyser balloons; thus drunk drivers were not caught. Even shoe polish and other basics are lacking for officers. Establish a promotions system and discipline. We now see top officers clashing, and senior DIG (Administration) removed. This cannot happen in a disciplined police.

¶ 15 We ask the CID: what is the progress on the 323 containers case? Our colleague Ramanathan Arunachalam said there were weapons inside, speaking as a Jaffna MP. Investigate.

¶ 16 Finally, a Deputy Minister said someone connected to the former regime is with the cricket team to ensure victory. Let me say: it was our rulers who made Muttiah Muralitharan the world’s best bowler and a world-renowned player, not you. We oppose racism and religious extremism.

¶ 17 Thank you.