The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we present Amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Many constructive points were raised by the Minister of Justice, Government Members, and some in the Opposition. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala will also present a summary at the end.

¶ 02 While I should speak on the Bills, I wish to comment on recent conduct by some Opposition MPs in earlier sittings. Politically stranded and directionless, a group has been abusing the first two hours—from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m.—misusing opportunities such as oral questions for narrow political aims. I invite the public to the gallery to witness the Opposition’s disgraceful theatrics.

¶ 03 As the NPP Government advances and public confidence grows, an oppositional group unable to accept this is disrupting proceedings. Either the Opposition Leader is unable to control them or he is tacitly supporting them. Parliament exists primarily to legislate for the people—introducing and amending laws. Government business must take precedence. There are also routine items: Speaker’s announcements, tabling of documents, Committee reports, public petitions; and oral questions and questions under Standing Order 27(2). These two are being abused to stage debates and delay Government business.

¶ 04 Experienced Members who lost power are weaponizing procedure to obstruct Parliament’s proper functioning and the people’s expectations. Often, only a few Opposition Members sit in the Chamber—sometimes just the one due to speak. We have been patient long enough, but let them remember: every action has an opposite reaction. Parliament must run peacefully to meet public expectations, legislate, and uplift the people. I invite those Members to learn and allow Parliament to proceed.

¶ 05 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.