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

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance, No. 61 of 1979, a resolution has been published by special Gazette and is before Parliament for approval. Essential services are declared to ensure continuity of life and to prevent disruptions to those services. That is the core purpose. The Opposition alleges we brought these regulations to repress people. If there are instances where we used them to repress—please name them: when, where, and whom?

¶ 02 This emergency covers limited, defined sectors: all services relating to electricity supply; production and distribution of petroleum and fuel, including gas; all services required for admission, care, protection, nutrition and treatment of patients in hospitals, infirmaries, pharmacies and similar institutions; public transport for passengers and goods by road, rail or air, including services and facilities for tourism; all services for water supply and sewerage; supply, protection and distribution of food and essential commodities; all field-level services by District and Divisional Secretariats and officers such as Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Development Officers, Agricultural Research and Production Assistants, Community Development Officers, and Clean Sri Lanka central teams; ambulance services; operations of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, all state banks and insurance services; water supply, electricity, sewerage and drainage, fire and ambulance, waste treatment and garbage removal by local authorities; all irrigation services; all services in telecommunication, broadcasting and media; land reclamation and low-lying area development; all agriculture and agricultural insurance services, etc. These 15 sectors are to provide convenience and fairness to the people—not to repress anyone.

¶ 03 The role of the Commissioner-General of Essential Services is crucial. Immediately after the “Dittu” cyclone and thereafter, relief was possible due to declaring emergency. Administrative circular constraints were overcome to transfer resources and personnel across areas—allowing, for example, local authorities with shortages to receive help from others.

¶ 04 Therefore, all these regulations are solely for the upliftment of the public. The Opposition’s accusations are baseless. We need not repress anyone. Unfortunately, the Opposition brings distorted claims to this House. Initially, I too worried that people might believe them, but now it is clear their falsehoods do not last even 24 hours. People no longer panic over such claims, though they are saddened by them.

¶ 05 The Opposition’s duty is to offer truthful policy alternatives and win people’s hearts—not to spread fear and contradictions. They claimed education reforms would harm the country, then said they never opposed them. The people are not naïve. There are a few Opposition MPs who raise fair points, but overall their arguments are distorted.

¶ 06 They also said our government lacked international relations and the IMF would abandon us. Today they cannot bear the international trust in our President and government. The Iran–US tensions affect the world, and human lives are the first casualties. Our Foreign Minister and the President consistently call for peace. Though we are a small island, we act with confidence and conscience, and we remain neutral and humane under international law. We will not allow our land, airspace or waters to be used to harm others.

¶ 07 Some MPs asked about a ship with “300 children.” In fact, through the President’s intervention and state diplomacy, 208 persons on a vessel were provided protection; there were no such “children” aboard. Spreading such stories without verification is unjust to the public. Social media rumors now allege Sri Lanka provided intelligence for an attack on an Iranian vessel, and then claim Iran will stop supplying fuel to Sri Lanka. See how destructive such propaganda is.

¶ 08 We are asked, “Arrest them; you have a majority.” We will not suppress freedom of expression. Use that freedom responsibly. I acknowledge that some in the Opposition act in the national interest, but attempts to gain power by fanning chaos will fail. The next election will not send this government home; rather, it may send this Opposition home.

¶ 09 Regarding fuel queues: people suffered greatly during the bankruptcy. Recent queues were driven by fear due to the conflict. I do not blame the public. But those who fuel panic online cause real harm. Some MPs exploit parliamentary privilege to amplify such claims—remember, any falsehood can be said here without legal consequence. Even so, the government has not intervened to curb speech. We are proud to demonstrate that the current President is popular, capable, and humane—his leadership during the “Dittu” disaster proved this domestically and internationally. I am proud to be part of this team.

¶ 10 Thank you.