The Hon. D.V. Chanaka

¶ 01 Hon. Chair, we believe CIABOC must be further strengthened. In 2023—my vote included—we passed laws granting it the necessary powers, including public asset and liability declarations. But CIABOC must not become a partisan tool. It should not be a place where Government shields itself, targets the Opposition, or exerts pressure on witnesses.

¶ 02 We have lodged complaints on the container fraud, coal fraud, rice, onion and salt frauds. Yet we see no visible progress. Even a complaint against the Speaker was lodged about a month and a half ago, via a then Deputy Secretary-General. If the Commission is truly pure and independent, it should start there—examining a complaint concerning the third citizen of the State. Instead, we hear only about inquiries into a Secretary; not the primary complaint.

¶ 03 When coal fraud issues emerged, instead of investigating that, a Fundamental Rights case was promptly filed in the Supreme Court on a fertilizer-related issue targeting the Minister of Power and Energy. Even that case appears structured advantageously for the respondent: the complainant’s statement was recorded two days after filing—procedurally unusual—suggesting it was framed to benefit.

¶ 04 We are at risk. We warned before the war escalated—when ships were leaving the US—to prepare. The Government responded that we faced no issue because our oil doesn’t come via Hormuz/Iran but through Singapore and India. Did you verify where Singapore and India source their crude? India’s domestic production is about 15%; the balance is imported. Singapore’s traders source largely from the Middle East. You failed to study this.

¶ 05 Today is the 17th; the current phase of the conflict began around the 28th of last month—about 20 days ago—yet no tenders for April cargoes were secured. A week ago, you said tenders were ready and supplies ensured till August. But the facts: an RM Parks cargo (an American company previously deemed unsuitable) has arrived—18,000 MT diesel, 17,000 MT petrol, and 2,800 MT super diesel. A Sinopec combined cargo of 40,000 MT is due on the 17th—today. Another combined cargo of 40,000 MT is due via “1100.” Additionally, one Lanka IOC diesel cargo is expected on the 28th. Beyond that, for April, no diesel or petrol cargoes are secured. If there is a global crisis, how are RM Parks, Sinopec and Lanka IOC bringing fuel? If you cannot, at least negotiate with those who can, at better prices. Otherwise by around April 12, we will run out of diesel.

¶ 06 Moreover, most arriving shipments are petrol-heavy, while available diesel is diverted to power generation due to low-quality coal shortfalls. This will strain consumer diesel availability further.

¶ 07 We need transparent, timely procurement and equal, swift investigations into all major frauds. Strengthen CIABOC, but ensure it acts without fear or favour.

¶ 08 Thank you.