Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, today we are debating, under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, the determination of the remuneration and conditions of service of the officers and employees of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). I am grateful for the opportunity to make submissions.

¶ 02 We fully agree with strengthening this institutional framework that is vital to take lawful action against bribery, corruption, waste, theft, and fraud, which have gravely hindered the development of our country. The measures now taken are for the advancement of that system, and we support them.

¶ 03 However, the Opposition keeps trying to use Parliament to cement a series of falsehoods in society. For instance, regarding the recent change of the LPG supplier by tender, they claimed “gas explosions” happened because the tender shifted from a long-time single supplier to another under proper procedures. They now try to say current supply tightness is due to that. What is their intention in manufacturing this lie?

¶ 04 For March, Sri Lanka normally needs around 33,000 metric tons of LPG. As of now, the State has about 38,000 metric tons. From March 1st, ordered quantities have arrived and are kept in a floating storage near Malé to be shuttled to Sri Lanka, because Litro’s onshore storage capacity is only around 8,000 metric tons. That infrastructure shortfall was never addressed by those who previously managed the sector. We have 38,000 metric tons, above average needs. Distribution must match demand at the required pace. A larger problem arose because a private-sector company did not import its share, creating a gap. The former long-time supplier stopped shipping; the new tender winner brings cargoes as per procedure. Some try to undermine the correct process. If they foresaw “a crisis,” on what inside knowledge did the private company decide not to import?

¶ 05 Another point: the previous supplier sourced via Oman; the current one sources about 81% from the USA, so shipping lanes do not pass near active conflict zones. Therefore, the present situation is being managed. India, which buys via an Oman-based company, rationed restaurant LPG supply by up to 20%. Had we followed that route, we too would face severe rationing. Fortunately, our sourcing differs, and supply is available. The shortfall created by a private company’s non-imports is being managed.

¶ 06 Claims that in April there will be no fuel are aimed at provoking public anxiety. On February 28th, when attacks on Iran began and global tensions rose, Sri Lanka implemented fuel queue management. We provided a technical, time-bound mechanism to minimize disruption. Over 5 million users have already registered, and more are registering. Some spread lies “out of love,” but such a Opposition is not needed.

¶ 07 Falsehoods have even been uttered here, like “fuel will be given to anyone who disembarks at the port.” Opposition Members should at least comprehend Sinhala and grasp sentences before making such claims. This Government inherited massive debt. The funds being collected now are needed to service that debt.