The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, first, I must thank the staff of the Ministry of Justice. The Secretary and all heads and staff of departments and institutions worked with great dedication for weeks to compile and provide the information necessary for today’s Budget debate. I thank them again.

¶ 02 I also observed something important today. Many Hon. Members of the Opposition presented valuable and constructive ideas and proposals to strengthen the judicial system and minimize delays. I thank them.

¶ 03 In making laws and operating a clean, effective justice system, there can be no party or regional divisions. Justice is for all. Except for one or two Members who spoke with hostility—including one who referred to Hon. Sunil Watagala as the Minister of Justice—most participated constructively. I cannot answer every question due to time; I will respond to a few common themes.

¶ 04 Firstly, some argued that we must bring a new Constitution, fulfil election promises, and abolish the Executive Presidency. Yes—we made those promises to the people, not the Opposition. We are accountable to the people. We accept that these must be done and will be done. But we will not run according to the Opposition’s timetable—we have our roadmap.

¶ 05 Some Members seemed to speak to Geneva. Yes, on Northern and Eastern issues you say some things that may have been more valid before 2019. But please remember, the people of the North and East have placed trust in the National People’s Power and voted for us. Update your scripts accordingly.

¶ 06 To the people of the North and East: we acknowledge your issues. We have allocated Rs. 2,353 million for the Office for Reparations, Rs. 139 million for the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation, and Rs. 126 million for the Office on Missing Persons. We approach unity and reconciliation with sincerity because people across the country have placed trust in us. We will not allow a return to bankrupt politics or chauvinism; we will address people’s real problems first.

¶ 07 Another old refrain is that the Government is a failure. Let me be clear: we protect the independence of the Judiciary, the Attorney-General, and the Judicial Service Commission. The rule of law cannot be upheld if politicians interfere. Some who shouted here do not understand the distinct roles of the Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General, or the resource constraints the AG’s Department faces. We have explained those challenges. That does not mean we are shirking responsibility—we are addressing them.

¶ 08 Senior officers retire; we must recruit anew. I stated earlier there are around 6,000 vacancies across the justice sector contributing to delay—covering stenographers and other staff. We have initiated recruitment and are already in the process of taking on 753 officers.

¶ 09 It was alleged we are not catching thieves and asked to publicize all investigations. If an OIC announces on Friday that from tomorrow he will raid all moonshine dens, will anyone keep a still running? We know what must be disclosed and what must remain confidential. Investigations are proceeding.

¶ 10 Within the last three months, indictments have been filed—not by me, but by the Attorney-General. The money laundering case against “Daisy Forest” has been filed. I have been informed the case concerning “BS Noyar” can proceed expeditiously. These crimes occurred before 2015; in such conditions, gathering evidence and filing cases take time. But we are doing it. We will not file cases that allow offenders to go free. On the Easter attacks too, we proceed without interference. We promised to bring the corrupt and fraudsters before justice; we are doing that. I regret that some matters are not moving at our preferred speed, but it will be done. Do not lose hope.

¶ 11 Today we also presented the Proceeds of Crime Bill—enabling the State to recover assets derived from crime.

¶ 12 As to claims of “deals”: we prepared a resolution for impeachment against a named Court of Appeal Judge; if that person resigns or goes on leave thereafter, where is the “deal”? Nineteen of us signed it. With whom do we have deals? The NPP has no thieves, no fraudsters, no embezzlers. I withdraw the word “beggars” as it may be offensive to some.

¶ 13 Our justice system and other institutions have been decaying—like a table that looks sound from outside but is hollow within. We recognized the weaknesses as opportunities for reform. That is why Rs. 5.4 billion is allocated in the Budget for the justice sector. I assure the people that even if we cannot solve every problem within three years, we will make visible progress so that citizens can conclude their cases quickly without extra cost.

¶ 14 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.