Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, while we amend CIABOC remuneration, let me respond to Opposition arguments and restate our policy. Our manifesto pledged to end a degenerate political culture and to empower CIABOC, Police, and the Attorney General as truly independent. Though the Act was passed under the previous government, it lacked operational teeth—no guidelines for a year. We issued the necessary guidelines and gave the law bite.

¶ 02 Transparency International’s CPI shows we improved from 121st to 107th among 180 countries by acting practically in line with the people’s mandate.

¶ 03 We are also restructuring CIABOC’s operations to suit their work: currently about 973 staff, and we are expanding from a Colombo-centric model to 24 district offices (budgeted). For the first time, cases can be pursued outside Colombo as well.

¶ 04 Some present irrelevant examples. They seem to argue that even if the whole world lacks fuel and power, Sri Lanka must not—ignoring global war conditions.

¶ 05 As for allegations: some of your side and one of ours are accused. The difference is: under our government, our own Minister faces cases—filed now, under this government—and we do not shield him. Let the law proceed. Under your rule, you would have sent the Director-General home and shut CIABOC. We will not.

¶ 06 Procurements like gas and coal are now governed by established processes. If you point fingers at us, four point back at you. CIABOC, the AG’s Department, and the CID are functioning independently; lodge complaints and we will prove our case in law. There will be no amnesty for big-time thieves. With 973 staff and 24 district offices, CIABOC is being strengthened to pursue even the highest placed.

¶ 07 Thank you.