The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees,

¶ 02 All day the Opposition suggested that Emergency is intended to suppress them. History shows who used Emergency repressively when they were in power. The Prime Minister clearly stated this morning that post‑“Ditwah” Emergency is to restore normalcy and serve the people—finding alternatives where rail lines are cut, for example. Recovering from bankruptcy and now facing post‑cyclone challenges, we have used Emergency for this purpose.

¶ 03 We must act beyond political divisions. The world is under a war cloud driven by geopolitics. If we love this country, we must unite our people and plan to face it, working so that war ends swiftly and we are not dragged into it.

¶ 04 I thank the President. Yesterday, amid many remarks about the attack on the Iranian vessel, he conveyed to the world that Sri Lanka will adhere to neutrality with humaneness. In earlier times, Sri Lanka was known for conflicts with neighbours and communal violence—1983 July, Aluthgama, and others. Yesterday’s principled stance tells the world we value humanity even in crisis.

¶ 05 Some members, including a few Muslim MPs, tried to politicize the Iranian incident. Let me remind them of the indignities our community faced during COVID—actions then were supported by some of the very parties now questioning our stance. When Iranian sailors were brought to Karapitiya Hospital, people across the country cooperated. I thank them.

¶ 06 Parliament should not be used to score political points during such crises, especially when over a million Sri Lankans work in the Middle East and many more depend on them. Our collective aspiration is that the war cloud disperses and peace returns. This is not a time for mutual accusations.

¶ 07 We have learned from three decades of war: even when wars end, problems persist. Our Government’s position is clear: no country has the right to violate another’s sovereignty; attacks on civilians in the Middle East are wrong. Yesterday we showed we are neutral and humane. All who love this country should unite to overcome the challenges, not exploit them for politics. Let us build a better world together.