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

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, two points at the outset. Approximately 90 days have elapsed under the emergency; we hold this debate as that period completes.

¶ 02 The Opposition alleges lies and misuse. I challenge them: present a single verified example where this emergency was used to suppress fundamental rights. None has been presented because none exists. We have used the emergency solely for public benefit — the Ditha cyclone and consequent needs.

¶ 03 They also criticize service delivery after the cyclone. That criticism is unfair. We have been providing assistance and continue to deliver benefits to the affected.

¶ 04 They painted doomsday scenarios tied to global conflicts — power cuts for New Year, water cuts. Yet we managed and provided services, proving their claims false.

¶ 05 On coal: the Opposition spoke 80 words out of 100 on coal. Now a full-powered commission has been appointed — not just for this incident, but to review the coal procurement process dating back to 2009. I saw a cartoon showing all former “coal ministers” running in fear. If you have facts, go before the commission.

¶ 06 On Treasury matters and alleged duplications — we will respond in due course, with facts. On the 323 containers, a committee with your participation now meets weekly; ask any question there. When the CID was engaged on alleged double-payments at the RDA, the SJB MP who made the claim backtracked. Today another MP from the SLPP spoke of a fertilizer scandal; legal processes are underway — come and seek answers. You can shout “daily lies,” but none survives beyond a week when we lay out facts.

¶ 07 The Bar Association has raised concerns on matters related to legal force; SJB has brought a motion; that will be discussed by the Parliamentary Business Committee. We respect the BASL; we have fought for the rule of law alongside them in the past. The President, Cabinet, and this government have affirmed, protected, and proven the rule of law. Do not create fear-mongering “ghosts” around this.

¶ 08 Our manifesto committed to an independent, efficient, transparent, people-trusted judiciary; we aim to realize the public’s expectation of justice through courts. Extending this emergency has, over these 90 days, been used only to meet people’s essential needs — nothing else.