The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Rasamanickam. Though the Question was not directed to me, I can clarify.

¶ 02 On recruitments: When we came to power in 2024, cadre vacancies existed. Post‑2019, racial politics seeped into institutions; some appointees drew salaries without performing. We identified weaknesses. The current OMP cadre is 29; we are recruiting 90 more — approved due to fiscal constraints — and the process is underway. Other OMP reforms, neglected since 2019, are being undertaken since November 2024.

¶ 03 On the Office for Reparations: There is misinformation. OFR can pay only after a person is assessed as missing. Of 16,000 registered, about 4,000 have been paid compensation. Payments have been made since the 1990s and early 2000s, before OMP functioned. By law, only a one‑off payment can be made after recognition. In the 1990s it might have been Rs. 25,000; later Rs. 100,000 or Rs. 150,000, etc. A group now demands Rs. 200,000 for all. There is no legal provision to top up past payments. I told them I would seek Cabinet policy approval to pay balances, but there is difficulty ascertaining historical payments made by various institutions; records are incomplete. Without reliable data, I cannot frame a Cabinet Paper scientifically or use Treasury funds prudently. We are collecting data.

¶ 04 Beyond one‑off payments, families need continuing social and economic support because breadwinners are gone. We are working with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office on a better social package.

¶ 05 Claims that none of the Rs. 1,000 million was paid because we refuse Rs. 200,000 are inaccurate. Payments follow OMP investigations and recommendations. I have Cabinet approval for Rs. 375 million to appoint 75 investigators to accelerate cases. Those entitled will receive Rs. 200,000 per law.

¶ 06 Regarding Constitutional Council recommendations to OFR, I leave that to the Hon. Prime Minister.

¶ 07 Thank you.