The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we are debating the Votes of the Ministries of Justice and National Integration; Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. I intended to begin with the Justice Ministry. However, looking at what happened in Parliament today, I must address it first, because what we say here will be broadcast with various interpretations.

¶ 02 First, the Opposition’s leadership appears confused. Grandstanding with outstretched arms—this reminds us of earlier challenges that ended in debating even with chairs. If you issue challenges, at least consider how your own leader accepted a challenge before. Never mind.

¶ 03 Over the past few days the Opposition seemed flustered, unable to manage a coherent position. They hesitated over what might happen on the 21st. Now, suddenly, they are trying to divert the narrative. Today’s talk should have been on Votes, but they have grabbed onto communal rhetoric, reviving “the nation is in danger” theatrics.

¶ 04 Members who spoke before me, instead of discussing the Justice and National Integration Votes, spoke of national danger. Some of these speeches are now on Facebook. Before, they said, “Come on the 21st.” Now the same pages cry, “The nation is in danger.” Clearly these themes are tied together. We must not allow national issues to be subsumed beneath such agendas. If the Government works for the people, let it be so. The Opposition, however, opposes anything that increases public support for the Government, regardless of merit.

¶ 05 On the Justice Vote, several Members spoke of independence of the judiciary. Some have a history of having issues with the judiciary. Though they speak here as if protecting it, those before court know what they did. They try to show the judiciary lacks independence and even act as if to appear for persons against whom rulings were made. They seek to tarnish the respect and independence the people have for the judiciary. Not now—those were the old days. Now there is a clean Government. We have no special ties or dependencies on the judiciary. Our aim is to protect the rule of law and improve people’s living standards. Judicial independence is vital.

¶ 06 People must feel we are equal before the law. Ask them: is there not a greater sense now than before that all are equal before the law? Earlier, people felt the law changed before wealth and power; now they see changes. Some inside may be nervous about what will happen to them and try to create inequalities and confusion, making viral calls: “The nation is in danger; let’s unite and save it.” We have consistently said this Government protects the rule of law. If anyone has done wrong, they will be punished properly. We also urge the Opposition to act responsibly.

¶ 07 There have long been systemic problems: case backlogs, delays in justice, overcrowded prisons, rising crime. These are interconnected. Without reducing crime, justice cannot be delivered. The State has duties to reduce crime, improve the justice system, and consider rehabilitation and social conditions. Fundamentally, we must build economic, social, and political justice; without that, we cannot fix issues in the justice sector.

¶ 08 On recruitments: there is a shortage of officers. A decision to recruit 2,871 has been taken, including 1,315 to the justice sector. There is also a shortage in prison staff; 1,086 will be recruited.

¶ 09 We said justice must be accessible swiftly and locally. We have made decisions: additional Magistrates’ Courts are operating in Puttalam, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, and newly established ones are functioning. The Manampitiya and Kalpitiya Tourist Magistrates’ Courts have been elevated to Magistrates’ Courts. Several Magistrates’ Courts—Bibila, Hettipola, Deyyandara, Thambuttegama, Angunakolapelessa, Anamaduwa, Galgamuwa—are being empowered to function as “Divisional/Magistrates’ Courts” with necessary gazettes finalized. New District Courts are being established. These are tangible benefits to the public from the Justice Ministry.

¶ 10 The Ministry is not only about courts and prisons; it plays a major role in law-making. Many Bills have been passed; more are planned. The Hon. Minister of Justice has explained in detail.

¶ 11 Time is up. I will end by noting two key Bills: the Proceeds of Crime Bill and the Bill on Removal of Presidential Immunities. These will make some people uncomfortable, so we will watch the outcry.

¶ 12 Finally, I say: two groups, in two disguises, are trying to incite communalism—sometimes sitting within the same frame. People must be vigilant, defeat communalism repeatedly, and support rebuilding the country.

¶ 13 Thank you.