The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today this House is debating the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance. Arguments are being advanced here regarding its extension.

¶ 02 We view the emergency law as an important legal arrangement that vests powers to ensure national security, maintain public order, and provide essential goods and services necessary for social life without hindrance.

¶ 03 There is discussion today about the unusual situation in the Gulf region, particularly about the serious warlike situation among the United States, Israel and Iran. Due to the “Ditwah” cyclone disaster, our Government is advancing various programmes to restore affected people to normalcy, including providing financial assistance for economic uplift, saving lives and delivering necessary relief. At this time, under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, while we are reconstructing the country from this calamity, Members of the Opposition continue to criticize the Government. Instead, by offering support, the Opposition can help return the lives of the people affected by Cyclone Ditwah to their former state. However, a Member who spoke before me said the Government and the Hon. President are adopting a pro U.S.-Israel stance. Our Government has issued no such statement; we are proceeding on a policy of non-alignment while rebuilding a collapsed economy. The comment seems to have been made in that context.

¶ 04 While training in India and sailing in international waters, an Iranian ship was attacked. Those aboard a second ship were brought to our country on humanitarian grounds by the President. For that, I convey thanks to the Hon. President on behalf of the people of Iran and the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. Listening to the Opposition, it appears they try to exploit such situations for their own political benefit.

¶ 05 I have often heard our Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake say that if there is to be a proper political party for Muslims in this country, it is the National People’s Power. Today many Muslims, especially in the North and East, are aligning with that party because they have been deceived by politicians in the past.

¶ 06 We are now in the holy month of Ramadan. Think of the past: Muslims in this country were not given the opportunity to fast peacefully during Ramadan. For example, the so-called “grease devil” incidents were pushed into Muslim areas, preventing night prayers during Ramadan. The same happened during the time of the Saharan issue. Past governments did not provide a peaceful environment for Muslims to observe Ramadan. Since this Government came to power – in 2025 and 2026 – Muslims in this country have been fasting in peace. On behalf of the Muslim community, I thank the Hon. President for enabling this environment. There is independence and a calm atmosphere now. In past years, the country woke each morning to tensions somewhere and people lost their peace of mind.

¶ 07 Today, due to the dominance of America and Israel, Iran is under attack. Political leaders, intellectuals and scientists, including the country’s spiritual supreme leader, have been targeted. This is unacceptable. Questions arise whether such acts conform to international law. Therefore, we categorically oppose them. Arrangements for people to live peacefully must be created in all countries, which will also benefit us since we depend on international trade.

¶ 08 If such activities spread here, our country and our international credibility will also be affected. The Opposition tries to use elections to split Muslims from the Government, staging political dramas to draw Muslim votes and preserve their own positions. But what they hope for will never be achieved.

¶ 09 Today, a peaceful environment has been created in this country. By extending emergency regulations, those affected by Cyclone Ditwah can reach the outcomes they expect. I conclude. Thank you.