The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member, for the opportunity.

¶ 02 While debating the emergency extension, let me first say we have no confidence that a Government which fails to perform its normal duties under ordinary law will perform them merely by imposing emergency. We question whether justice for those displaced by the “Ditwah” cyclone has been delivered under emergency.

¶ 03 The President, as well as the Health Minister Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa, and previous speakers, asked the Opposition to act responsibly; not to make baseless, inflammatory, or partisan statements. But I ask: does this Government have the moral right to demand that of us? We recall how you behaved when you were in Opposition – summoning protests at the U.S. Embassy, calling out “Ask Obama to come and answer.” You urged then Governments to bring resolutions in Parliament condemning Middle East wars. Now you tell us not to do what you once demanded. We understand diplomacy and will not speak to embarrass the State.

¶ 04 We must thank everyone involved in rescuing Iranian nationals from the two stricken vessels, and also the people of Galle. We saw how, when the Government brought the injured to Karapitiya Hospital, doctors and the people of Galle set an admirable example.

¶ 05 The Middle East is our prime tea-buying market. The crisis there worries smallholder tea growers, particularly in the South and Sabaragamuwa, about demand for green leaf. The Government has not given clear answers. If risks materialize, what is the Government’s plan?

¶ 06 We also ask about the defence pact your President signed with the U.S. when sanctions were in place, without informing Parliament or even you. What were the conditions? To what did you agree? Please inform this House.

¶ 07 We warn that our exports – tea, apparel, etc. – could face difficulties, and fuel and gas imports could be hindered, affecting tourism and the economy. We raise these not with joy but in earnest: pay attention and act.

¶ 08 On another matter: the former State Intelligence head, Mr. Salley, has been arrested. He rendered distinguished service in eliminating terrorism. We know what happens when an intelligence apparatus is undermined – even Iran suffered due to intelligence lapses. Our officers are facing difficulties. Is this the fate awaiting those who served? Meanwhile, your party’s National List nominee, Ibrahim, had direct links to the Easter attacks and has been released. Allegations were also made against then Eastern Commander, the present CID chief Shani Abeysekara, and Defence Secretary Ravi Seneviratne; yet that group now probes the Easter culprits. Is this to appease the LTTE-friendly diaspora? The Catholic community expects the real perpetrators to be brought to justice.

¶ 09 Regarding women’s rights: this is the Parliament with the highest female representation; we are happy. While you are in the Chair, I draw attention to an injustice to a woman officer: Ms. D.D.S. Seneviratne, Assistant Security Officer at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, has been transferred back to Sapugaskanda from Galle, after only recently being transferred to Galle. Sadly, she has a three-year-old child with autism. I respectfully request attention consistent with women’s rights.

¶ 10 Also, women police officers over 50 are being transferred to difficult districts like Jaffna. Under a Government professing to stand for women’s rights, please assign them to stations within reasonable commuting distance from home.

¶ 11 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member, for the opportunity.