Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, we oppose theft and corruption. We welcome CIABOC’s activation—its independence and impartiality are essential. We supported the Anti-Corruption Act.

¶ 02 But we now see this Government, which came to catch thieves, protecting thieves. CIABOC must also go after the new thieves—not only the old ones. On coal, complaints were lodged long ago. The current Minister previously faced serious allegations and now has cases filed, yet continues as Minister. A normal public servant would be interdicted pending inquiry.

¶ 03 Because of the coal scam, people pay higher electricity tariffs and we burn diesel to meet shortfalls. The new QR approach was announced; this morning my QR code did not work at the shed, and I was told the system had been halted. You could not even maintain the old QR, and you now search for a “new” QR in a dictionary.

¶ 04 Last week, when the Opposition Leader asked, Minister Wijitha Herath said there were no issues; ships were arriving; Hormuz Strait disruptions would not affect us. Yet within a week, you brought back QR and increased prices twice in a month, despite earlier saying no increase was needed.

¶ 05 We insist: protect CIABOC’s independence and act on ALL complaints, including those recently filed against the Speaker by the Deputy Secretary-General, and those against the Speaker’s Secretary for alleged interference. If only old complaints are pursued and new ones ignored, public trust will erode. Independence must be seen to be real.

¶ 06 On coal and fuel, the nation is suffering. People do not trust statements by the CPC Chairman, the Minister, or even the President, who promised tax reductions from opposition platforms. Now in office, reduce taxes and give relief. I conclude.