The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Leader of the House. Only a small amendment may be needed—decide whether to proceed under the old or new system. In 2017, when the new system came, several of you, including Vijitha Herath, Anura Dissanayake, Nihal Galappaththi, Sunil Handunnetti, Bimal Rathnayake and Nalinda Jayatissa, voted against. That helped jam the PC poll process; 37 voted against then, while some from the Opposition backed the Government. Subsequently, the Attorney General opined that a two-thirds majority was required; he later became Chief Justice and then Permanent Representative to the UN. This is the inconsistency I highlight.

¶ 02 Please bring the proposal on the relevant Head day so we can quickly restore PC elections, as Governors and officials are now effectively running provinces without elected representatives.

¶ 03 On Presidential expenditure, historically it rose and fell: JR (1978–1989) Rs. 1.8 billion; Premadasa (1989–1993) Rs. 1.2 billion; Chandrika (1994–2005) Rs. 2.4 billion; Mahinda (2005–2015) Rs. 5.7 billion; Sirisena (2015–2019) about Rs. 4 billion; Gotabaya (2019–2022) about Rs. 5–6 billion; under President Wickremesinghe (2022–2024) about Rs. 4 billion. Now, Rs. 12 billion is proposed for 2026—the highest. Previously, the current President criticized such spending, even equating per-minute costs. By that yardstick, it is now about Rs. 21,000 per minute. Therefore, refrain from such rhetoric.

¶ 04 Security and motorcades within Parliament are excessive; PSD details are present in large numbers even in dining and committee areas. Security is necessary for top office bearers, but moderation and transparency are advisable.

¶ 05 On the Digital Economy initiative led by the President with Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya as a key driver: while we appreciate the thrust, it appears as a private, personalized process lacking tri-lingual official communication and transparent frameworks. The Ministry website should carry Sinhala and Tamil content: policy, framework, consultations, and technical documents. International experiences (e.g., Brazil’s DPI and platform integrity issues highlighted by UFRJ) show the need for robust State communication and safeguards.

¶ 06 Further: - Clarify the 2022 India-Sri Lanka MoU on digital cooperation and agreements signed in January and on 02 June 2025; table them in Parliament. - The President thanked the Supreme Court for a data case outcome on technical grounds; however, agreements affecting public data and DPI should be tabled, with technical specifications and bilateral terms. - On GovPay and the shift to HelaPay: explain procurement basis. If an unsolicited proposal grants an exclusive percentage fee on all GovPay transactions, that raises competition and tender concerns. Why a single company? What is the selection process? - Consider engaging with the Freedom Online Coalition and aligning with global best practices. - On Digital ID and allocations (e-Grama Niladhari: Rs. 600 million; Immigration: Rs. 1,000 million; Police: Rs. 1,000 million), table the technical framework.

¶ 07 Regarding Parliament administration and staff: staff work long hours this month and are highly responsive. Traditional allowances for extended/holiday work appear withdrawn for 2024–2025 without an alternative. A three-member committee has proposed restructuring pay and facilities of the Secretary-General’s staff under Circular 06/2006 and subsequent revisions, but staff input and parliamentary workflow understanding seem limited. Please review to protect fairness and morale. Also, ensure institutional autonomy—avoid offsite influence over House administration.

¶ 08 On speaking time: it is customary for the Leader of the Opposition to be recognized without having to beg for minutes; maintain balance in mic allocation across benches.

¶ 09 On overseas workshops: ordinarily, delegation quotas are split between Government and Opposition (e.g., 3:2). Recent travel to the UK reportedly included the Speaker and four Ministers; ensure equitable representation.

¶ 10 On the Judiciary: - Provide vehicle permits or adequate transport facilities for lower court judges; current allocations (e.g., Rs. 100,000 toward vehicle) are unrealistic and reportedly taxed; drivers’ allowances around Rs. 25,000 are insufficient and taxed—either raise remuneration or provide State drivers at equivalent pay. - Ensure accommodation in Colombo for judges attending training/seminars. - Commend the Chief Justice’s directive to clear abandoned items from court premises by 31 December; expedite inter-agency releases (e.g., via Industrial Development Board) to avoid delays.

¶ 11 On the Supreme Court: citizens are increasingly hesitant to file fundamental rights cases due to frequent dismissals on technicalities. While the President’s public thanks to the Court may be well-intended, it can be perceived as pressure. Access to justice must be preserved.

¶ 12 On the Judicial Service Commission: reports indicate over 20 judicial officers have been removed, allegedly under pressure to resign. Due process and the principle audi alteram partem must be upheld. Please table details: the inquiry committees, grounds and names (with due privacy protections) to assure fairness.