The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Minister who spoke earlier once stood outside this Parliament urging people to set it on fire. He spoke about “Pacha Perera”; there have been many such figures. When you speak, do so responsibly.

¶ 02 Today we discuss strengthening the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption—raising pensions, recruiting 63 posts laterally, and 971 staff overall to expedite its work. That is good. But the Commission must act equally. In my case, over an incident from 13 years ago, I was remanded and later indicted. For the Coal Minister, the case was filed and bail granted; the Commission’s approaches differ. We want true independence.

¶ 03 On the QR fuel system: the Deputy Minister spoke, but many matters remain unclear. Newly imported vehicles still cannot register. Vehicles sold cannot be re-registered by new owners. Numbers not yet assigned cannot register. If the old database was cleared to create a new one, reactivate all prior QR users so they can immediately draw fuel. If you cannot fix it, ask Kanchana to come for a month—he will do it, even without pay.

¶ 04 On LPG: Do not blame the war for everything. I warned in Parliament on 18 December that a gas shortage was coming—it arrived in February. This was due to cancelling the Oman supplier and awarding to Switzerland’s Geogas, not the war. We accept that oil shipments are affected by the conflict; we do not blame you for what you cannot control. But why are we now seeking oil from Russia? When our Navy intercepted an Iranian vessel previously, India benefited; now India should help us with fuel as well.

¶ 05 This Government must answer for the gas issue. You removed a supplier with five ships and gave it to one with two; hence the shortfall. On oil, we accept global constraints.

¶ 06 There are many other issues. Around 1,000 Army officers submitted pension papers six months ago; still no pensions processed. Senior citizens once received 15% interest on fixed deposits; now it is gone, affecting their livelihoods. Disabled police officers were transferred—this is wrong. Civil Security personnel had a food allowance that has been cut—please look into restoring it.

¶ 07 Another matter: peacemakers (Mediators) are now asked to undergo medicals; don’t burden them unnecessarily with new circulars.

¶ 08 In Mihintale National School in Anuradhapura, a teacher passed away; the body was brought to the school, then home, then to the cremation ground, and the school was disrupted for two days. These processes must be managed better to minimize the disruption to students.

¶ 09 At Passara Pradeshiya Sabha, there is a notice at the door requiring visitors to remove shoes and slippers before entering the Chairman’s office. This is unacceptable for a public office. Please inquire.

¶ 10 Also, many officers of the Western Province Police Intelligence units are being transferred. While we appreciate seizures of narcotics arriving during this Middle East conflict, frequent transfers can weaken intelligence. Manage carefully.

¶ 11 When we raised the gas issue in December, had it been resolved, there would have been no shortage from January. Now, on petroleum procurement, whether it is through anyone’s contacts—even “Mustapha” or anyone—just ensure that oil is brought to Sri Lanka.

¶ 12 Let us be practical. People are suffering: even I had to borrow a gas cylinder to cook. We raise issues so you can fix them. Do not silence debate or rely only on selective media coverage. Deliver fuel, gas, food and essentials as you promised.

¶ 13 We do not oppose today’s Motion regarding the Commission. However, the Commission must not treat one side one way and another differently.

¶ 14 Thank you.