The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we are debating the motion on remuneration and service conditions for CIABOC’s officers and employees. We have no objection to granting salaries and pensions to those who shoulder such a heavy responsibility. Increase them speedily, even align the Commissioners’ and Director General’s salaries with the President of the Court of Appeal and other judges if necessary. But our concern is whether, after granting all this, they act to protect the Government and attack the Opposition.

¶ 02 The Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said under our time “the scarecrow was left in the field,” implying we did nothing. Yet that was when they too had offices at Temple Trees. Many cases filed then are what they cite today. Now every Opposition MP has been turned into a “scarecrow” by citing CIABOC. We ask, is this how the system should work?

¶ 03 What about Container 323? What about the latest power/energy procurement issues? Here’s a practical example: the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament filed a complaint nearly two months ago. Has any investigation commenced? What action has been taken regarding suspension or the complaint? Has a statement been recorded? Meanwhile, we hear the Speaker’s complaint is being investigated and that a complaint alleging interference with evidence by the Speaker’s Secretary has also been filed. What happened to that?

¶ 04 We do not object to increasing CIABOC salaries—pay them double or triple if they do the work. But if it is to fulfill Government wishes, we have a problem. If they are only to frighten the Opposition, we question their independence and impartiality. Regarding Container 323, I am a complainant; I have not been questioned to date. When we raise it, they phone us the next day, tell us to come in, and say a few things—this is how it works.

¶ 05 On the power sector and the Minister responsible—today he faced many verbal attacks. I do not understand why he is still in that post. About emergency procurement: in the tender, Trident Chemphar—previously implicated in corruption—bid at USD 121; the next bid was USD 142. After the opening, Trident wrote saying they miscalculated and their price was USD 141. Even after we raised concerns about dealings with this firm, efforts continue to award to them again. We hear a Cabinet paper is in. If, as the Minister interjects, the award went to USD 142 bidder, fine—but the broader pattern is problematic.

¶ 06 CIABOC can resolve this: if two foreign labs confirm an issue and if power output has dropped, then cancel the deal. If the Attorney General is unaware, seek advice and cancel swiftly. On 5 March, Unit 3 at Norochcholai emitted smoke; the CEB admitted it was due to poor coal quality. Then who is responsible? There is now an approximately 148 MW deficit because of this coal, requiring about 3.5 million liters of diesel per week, 14 million per month—diesel that should go to the people now queuing with QR codes. Because of this fraud, we are burning 14 million liters a month. Does the Government accept this? Is CIABOC just watching? Who is responsible for the health impacts? Within 5–10 km of the plant in Paniyadiya, Narakkalliya and surrounding areas, thousands are exposed. Who accounts for the health losses and the primary financial loss?

¶ 07 On Parliament: globally, when there is a crisis, parliaments convene; here, because of a fuel crisis, we are closing Parliament “to save on A/C power.” The people sent us here to speak and seek solutions on their suffering days—not to shut the House. In my district, two Pradeshiya Development Committee meetings are scheduled tomorrow—the same day Parliament is being made a holiday. Do not schedule district and pradeshiya development meetings on sitting days; we are elected to attend Parliament. I ask the responsible ministers to correct this.

¶ 08 Finally, as CIABOC proceeds, please also heed what we have raised and allow Parliament’s voice to be heard publicly. Thank you.