The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Motion calls for expeditious legal amendments so that matters arising in COPE can be promptly referred to the Attorney-General for action. With respect, the Motion does not identify which statute requires amendment. There are already extensive studies on making Sectoral Oversight Committees more effective and on utilizing their recommendations; perhaps that is why this Report was brought for discussion.

¶ 02 I also sought time to clarify an issue. Minister Vatagala Howden challenged a point regarding the appointment of a Mayor under Section 66A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, claiming the Presiding Officer has a discretionary power to decide on open or secret ballot. That misleads the House. The law states:

¶ 03 “Where the names of two or more members have been proposed and seconded for election as Mayor, the method of election, whether by open or secret ballot, shall be decided by a motion passed by the members present...”

¶ 04 Thus, it is the majority of members present who decide; the Commissioner has no discretion. I will table the reference.

¶ 05 Order, please! On behalf of the Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, I welcome veteran Indian filmmaker and actor Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan Dr. Mohanlal Viswanathan to the Speaker’s Gallery.

¶ 06 Sir, we welcome him.

¶ 07 Technically, I have been on my feet since 3.30 p.m. yesterday. I was recognized by the Chair then, commenced my speech, a point of order was raised by Hon. Vijitha Herath, matters got out of control, and the House was adjourned without a ruling. I will not belabour it; I will proceed.

¶ 08 Returning to today’s discussion on economic impact from malpractices, I must also address a fast-escalating global threat: the Israel-led war on Iran, rooted in the Gaza crisis. We call upon the Government not to encourage Israeli tourists—many are here for extended stays establishing places of worship—and not to send our workers to Israel. We in the Opposition repeatedly warned against this. Now, beyond the millions allegedly wasted in this Report, we are on the verge of a wider war. Israel’s unending attacks, illegal settlements, and defiance of international law, abetted by the United States’ political and military backing, have created this crisis and exposed double standards. Failing to protect Palestine’s rights has bred violence and risks a larger war that affects us.

¶ 09 Our Foreign Ministry lacks leadership; instead of facilitating debate, they use spurious points of order to silence us. We allotted from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. to debate irregularities that COPE or law-enforcement (FCID/CID/AG) can handle through existing mechanisms. What exactly is the legislative amendment the Government refers to?

¶ 10 Hon. Deputy Speaker, you have one more minute?

¶ 11 So let us discuss imminent economic challenges—fuel prices, tourism risks with Israelis present here, and preventing the war’s spillover to our region—rather than evade that debate. Also, the Secretariat should not prompt abrupt adjournments without a ruling; that is not their business.

¶ 12 Thank you.