The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka
Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka urged that the programme under discussion be continued with a clear plan, consistent workflow, and a proper legal framework, noting apparent contradictions in its legal basis. He argued that its credibility depends on addressing waste and corruption in public service and politics, including through transparency over reported expenditure of about Rs. 7 million on the launch ceremony. He also called on the Government to set an example internally, referring to allegations that some ruling party politicians had presented false educational qualifications during the last General Election.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 We make a special request to draw attention to this. Likewise, if this programme is to succeed, it should be continued without interruption. To ensure continuity and success, there must be a good plan and a consistent workflow. Many have referred to Singapore’s “Clean Singapore” programme. However, the first “cleaning” in that initiative began within their own party. You too now have such an opportunity. In the last General Election, some in your party presented false educational qualifications to the people and obtained power. You can begin the cleaning with such politicians within your party. If you do so, it will be a great example to society. Further, you must also ensure a proper legal framework for such a programme. We see contradictions in the legal set-up surrounding this programme. Therefore, we request a clear and proper understanding of the legal status.
¶ 02 Next, we must also address waste and corruption. While implementing such a programme, it is essential to prevent prevailing waste and corruption in the country and build a sound public discourse. Particularly, waste and corruption in the public service and in politics must be rooted out, with example taking precedence over mere warnings. Even now, there is controversy that around Rs. 7 million was spent on the programme’s launch ceremony. Acting without transparency erodes public trust in such programmes. I draw your attention to that as well. Also—
Provenance
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- Hansard, Tuesday, 21 January 2025 ·No. 1737707091008005 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 21 January 2025. No. 1737707091008005. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/27359