The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Today we debate the Ministries of Defence and of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, including the Sri Lanka Police and the Tri-Forces. I wish to draw attention to an issue affecting Police officers serving in Parliament. I have raised this before. We have learned that officers under a particular cadre (1151) have not received a certain allowance. I request the relevant authorities and the Ministry to rectify any such unfairness.

¶ 02 On national security, much discussion now focuses on recent underworld-related shootings. I urge attention to a serious incident that took place inside the High Court precincts, in a high-security zone, in front of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, while 25-30 STF personnel were outside. The State Minister of Justice, a lawyer, faced that situation; it cannot be treated as normal. If we downplay it, mixing ego or personal views, it becomes a major security concern. Imagine someone entering Parliament and firing shots—would we call it ordinary? This is a serious national security issue and must be treated as such.

¶ 03 I do not wish to dwell on personal injustices endured, out of respect for the judiciary. But to recall: when officers from the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit came ostensibly to check a vehicle license, over 15 officers searched my house for over a month, seeking to arrest me, alleging LTTE clothing. If the same energy was used to investigate those linked to recent underworld killings, especially the woman suspect tied to a murder, it would be better.

¶ 04 Regarding a person named Pimpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi: we have heard that the State Intelligence Service had prior information that she was preparing to assassinate this “Sanjeewa”. Similarly, before the Easter attacks, despite copious intelligence on Zaharan and requests to arrest him, it did not happen. Lapses occur worldwide, but when they do, you must do everything to avoid them.

¶ 05 Some in Opposition said shootings do not warrant national-security discussion. I disagree. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa recognized the gravity, and I thank him for that response. However, I did not expect the State Minister to cite past political leaders’ alleged underworld links. Accuse whomever you want, but do not suggest links to leaders like Sajith Premadasa, myself, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Harsha de Silva, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, or Nalin Bandara. We have not been part of killings, assaults, torture, or political thuggery. We can speak without fear; we have not engaged in corruption.

¶ 06 I urge: do not appoint politically affiliated officers to senior Police posts. Then they will be biased, chasing promotions and vendettas, not crime and corruption. Too often, critics are targeted while friends are protected.

¶ 07 On the VFS outsourcing transaction: show what action you have taken. This is a fraud of about Rs. 1 trillion. If you can, commence and conclude an investigation within a month—take two months, a year, even two. You will not. You attack Ranil Wickremesinghe; Malik Samarawickrama was his close ally and your adviser. I opposed Ranil within the Party on principle, not personal animosity. Bring any substantiated allegation; I will be the first to sign. But do not use the Police selectively against opponents.

¶ 08 On Easter Sunday, do not drag this on indefinitely. Some aspects are hard to prosecute; I know as a lawyer. Present what can be done and discard what cannot. Identify which officials failed to act then, and whether there was a mastermind; conclude proceedings quickly. Do not manufacture evidence or scapegoat anyone. Our Cardinal keeps speaking from different angles; even the Government could be targeted. Conclude it swiftly.

¶ 09 I also request the Defence establishment be put to productive national use. Yesterday I visited a prison where inmates successfully produce chips. The Minister confirmed Rs. 100 million in the Budget for inmate skills. Expand similar productive industries using the armed forces’ manpower—30 to 40 ventures—channel skills, pay appropriately, and contribute to development. Thank you.