The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 The Motion mentions not only judicial efficiency but also public doubt about the delivery of justice, focusing on the Police, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Judiciary.

¶ 03 Let me remind the House: today, a former IGP, for whom an arrest order had been issued by the Matara Court, has been moving around with political henchmen of the Rajapaksas and those who attacked Galle Face protestors. During politicization of the Police, public trust in justice did not exist. But now, under the NPP Government, the Police are performing their duties independently and with satisfaction. There is no political interference. Even former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne stated that in the past, OICs were appointed on the word of then MPs. Today, the Police work with pride and independence, knowing there will be no punitive transfers or political reprisals for doing their duty. Therefore, I do not think there is public distrust of the Police in delivering justice.

¶ 04 The Attorney-General’s Department was also mentioned. The Minister spoke today about filling vacancies and even discussed establishing provincial-level prosecutorial offices. We have identified shortcomings and are acting on decisions taken.

¶ 05 On the Judiciary: I recall a previous Minister of Justice who, when he could not secure favourable judgments, criticized judges here in Parliament. I also recall when dozens were unlawfully arrested and produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate over an alleged attack on a former President’s house; the Magistrate, acting with conscience and judicial mind, granted bail at the first instance—that is judicial independence. Thereafter, we saw how those judges were treated by that political side—false accusations and criticism even within Parliament. Today, however, the NPP is working to establish an independent, impartial judicial system. I believe public trust in the Judiciary is higher now than at any time in the past.

¶ 06 Given that we are already focused on these issues and moving on necessary measures, I believe there is no need for a special Select Committee at this time.

¶ 07 Thank you.