The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, this debate is on extending the Emergency Law. The Deputy Minister said the situation was normalized within six weeks. It has been over two months since the cyclone. If normalcy has returned, why extend the Emergency?

¶ 02 In Sri Lanka, emergency law is used when elements act against the State—during 1988–89 JVP violence and during the LTTE war. No one opposes assisting those affected by Cyclone “Ditwah.” The Opposition and the people themselves stepped in first to help. So why the Emergency now? The Deputy Minister said it is to get officials to work. Do we need Emergency Law for that? Under normal law, that can be done.

¶ 03 I have the Gazette of 28.11.2025 declaring the Emergency, which cites reasons such as restricting distribution of publications. Is the intent to suppress democratic rights? Another reason cited is to prohibit communication or dissemination of rumours or statements. This aims to suppress normal life and dissent: to prevent criticism and protests. The Gazette further states no person may unlawfully obstruct public roads, bridges, or culverts—but no one is doing that; people have a right to protest. When we were in Government, the JVP protested daily; university students were always on the streets. Now, using the cyclone as pretext, you invoke Emergency to stifle dissent.

¶ 04 Doctors and health workers protested; university communities protested; electricity sector workers protested during restructuring and compensation issues. Are you extending Emergency to curb forces opposing the Government?

¶ 05 Look at Trincomalee: over a Buddha statue issue, four monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, were arrested under the pretext of “illegal assembly.” They chanted pirith; for that they are on remand. We hear all four monks have contracted fever in Trincomalee Prison. Bail applications were refused; police have reportedly said they would consider bail only if fundamental rights petitions against the police are withdrawn. Is this the law of the land? I request the IGP and the subject Ministers to investigate and ensure justice.

¶ 06 Regarding relief: 646 deaths have been recorded; compensation payments are minimal. The President told Parliament that payments would range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 10 million, even Rs. 100 million in some cases, but Rs. 1 million payments have not been made. Please table a report. 173 persons are missing; without death certificates, families cannot receive compensation—what action have you taken? There are 5,988 total house destructions; what is being done to relocate these families? Many are still staying with relatives; camps have been closed prematurely. Rent support of Rs. 25,000 per month has not been paid consistently; people are asked for six months’ key money. Please resolve this quickly.

¶ 07 Agriculture suffered damages estimated by the World Bank at USD 814 million. How much compensation has been paid? Farmers report severe crop losses. Also, in Monaragala, at Bibile (village No. 8206), relief was distributed along partisan lines—JVP persons received goods, others did not. The Grama Niladhari Association says political pressure led officials to step back from duties. This kind of politicization is unprecedented. Two months on, have suitable lands been identified for resettlement? In many areas, no.

¶ 08 Finally, the President has been distributing cheques—some have reportedly bounced, which is a criminal offence. If so, the Government must take responsibility. Media is also being suppressed; that appears to be the real reason to extend Emergency.

¶ 09 On education reforms, the Prime Minister said the Opposition is at fault for halting Grade 6 reforms. But on 04 January 2026, the Government itself admitted modules were withdrawn for correction. The President acknowledged issues with module preparation, teacher training delays and technical problems, and deferred Grade 6 reforms to 2027. Even Ministers from the JVP side have said the printing process was mishandled. Do not shift blame. We oppose using Emergency Law to suppress media, the Opposition, and dissent. We will vote against it.