The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, we all understand the devastation of “Ditwah.” My core question is: why use Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance for rebuilding? What development requires emergency powers?

¶ 02 The Gazette’s Regulation 15 allows prohibiting entry into specified areas. For landslide-prone zones, GSMB/NBRO can issue notices without Emergency. Regulation 5 allows appointment of “Competent Authorities”—but the President and Ministers already exist; why add another layer?

¶ 03 Most alarming is Regulation 12: if the President declares a service “essential,” any employee who fails to report even for one day without lawful excuse—even as part of a strike—shall be deemed to have vacated employment. Why bring this in the name of cyclone recovery?

¶ 04 Regulation 19 on spreading rumours and false statements—“through any means including electronic, digital or artificial intelligence systems”—is aimed at media suppression. We saw the Speaker refer a newspaper matter to the Ethics and Privileges Committee; with Emergency, media can be targeted for reporting. A Minister even stated readiness to ban platforms. Is this for rebuilding after “Ditwah,” or to muzzle the press?

¶ 05 Regulation 33 bars civil or criminal proceedings for acts done in good faith under these Regulations—another sweeping shield.

¶ 06 On cultural heritage damage: in Kurunegala District (Mahawe PS area), an attempt is underway to reconstruct an ancient Asana-gara at Katuwannawa Vihara (declared a protected monument in 1963) in a manner inconsistent with archaeological practice—this is wrong. Another case: removal of a burial stone from the historic Ibbankatuwa cemetery, now reportedly held in Kandy Museum storage with letters facilitating removal. There is also talk of dismounting the Sigiriya Kaludiya Pokuna inscription board to install it in the Kandy Kachcheri. While such cultural vandalism happens, the President makes divisive remarks and gets thanked for them here—why?

¶ 07 On Trincomalee, 10 monks including our venerable clergy have been on remand for about a month with bail refused; an SSP has allegedly told them to withdraw two cases to get bail, including human rights actions—how is that acceptable? Please ensure their release if lawful grounds exist.

¶ 08 Finally, on the economy: while the Treasury claims to be flush, leasing rates offered to citizens were 75–80% APR; now even institutions have reduced lending to around 50%. Please examine this.

¶ 09 You cannot rebuild “Ditwah”-hit Sri Lanka through Emergency Law. It is being used to repress, not to restore. We oppose this extension. Thank you.