The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill. At this time, the Opposition sought a debate yesterday on a grave matter: the disappearance of around USD 2.5 million from the Treasury—an unprecedented incident. Never in our history has the Ministry of Finance mispaid funds. When the Opposition asked for a debate, denying time and attempting to bury the matter raises suspicion. Why is debate not allowed?

¶ 02 The deceased individual was known as an activist linked to the Government side of the JVP. Various versions of his death circulate. That is why we asked for a debate. This is a major issue—the theft of USD 2.5 million of public money. Government leaders may downplay it, but it is public money. Why deny us debate? Even when 20 Members rose under Standing Orders, the time was cut to half an hour. We do not understand this conduct.

¶ 03 This incident occurred between December and January. Yet only three months later was a complaint lodged with the CID. The Government did not inform Parliament or the public. Only after Attorney-at-Law Maithri Gunaratne’s letter did the Government speak, having been silent earlier. The President, who rushes here for a small rain shower, is absent now during this deluge. He has spoken here under other ministries previously, but now funds under his own Ministry have gone missing. As Minister of Finance, he should come to Parliament and make a statement. He made statements for lesser matters in recent months, but now, with theft at the most important institution, he is silent, even on May Day.

¶ 04 We see some officers have been interdicted. On what basis? Not for dereliction of duty, but for allegedly exposing the scandal. If dereliction was the reason, the first to be interdicted should be the Secretary to the Ministry, yet he is not; instead, four junior officers are interdicted—seemingly because they exposed the theft. That is our suspicion.

¶ 05 The deceased, Ranga Rajapaksha, had cut wounds on his body. Despite this, the Police immediately told the media it was suicide, without any investigation. The Health Ministry appointed a four-member committee to find the cause of death—this is the JMO’s duty, to find the cause of death, not the circumstances. They even opined on suicide, which is not their remit; that is for the coroner and magistrate. How can a JMO declare suicide? Their job is strictly the medical cause of death.

¶ 06 Hon. Deputy Speaker, as a doctor you know this. Such premature declarations raise suspicion of foul play. The deceased had twice given statements to the CID and was to be called again, indicating he was a key figure with information. Denying debate for two hours and giving only ninety minutes suggests an attempt to cover up.

¶ 07 The Minister of Justice, present today, yesterday falsely claimed the family had not complained. Yet I have here a letter by Asela Gunawardena, of the Ministry of Health and Media, stating that Nishshanka Arachchilage Seelawathi of Pahala Veerambuwa, Kuliyapitiya, informed that her husband, Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage Ranga Nishshanka Rajapaksha, died under suspicious circumstances on 30.04.2026. Thus, the family did complain. The Minister misled Parliament. How can we trust laws brought by a Minister who misleads the House? At minimum, the law should be allowed to take its course.

¶ 08 Many cite old cases: the former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran was to be brought back—why has that not happened? You promised to jail Ranil Wickremesinghe; why has that not happened? Stop reciting old rhetoric; you now have power—act.

¶ 09 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I also turn to the appointment of the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance. We warned against politicizing the Ministry of Finance, yet a political appointee with no State service experience was made Secretary, later brought in on the National List. Today, while USD 2.57 million has surfaced, we do not know how much more has been paid out improperly. The Government must take responsibility. I also remind investigating officers: if you attempt to suppress, divert, or bury evidence, remember the barbed wire that wounded Ranga Rajapaksha could also wound you.

¶ 10 This accusation is against the Government, its Ministers, and the Secretary. Do not reduce this to suicide. The deceased knew details of the transaction; killing him could be political criminality. Who will investigate? The Government itself. Previously, the President said when rulers are in power they control police and courts. Today those institutions are under him. Can we expect justice? At least bring in Scotland Yard to investigate, because public confidence in local inquiries is eroded when Ministers lie in this House.

¶ 11 Even the Japanese Ambassador says: “Sri Lanka must walk the talk, not talk the talk.” Others will echo the same. I conclude.