The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, briefly on the CMC: those aggrieved should first watch the full recording. In the end, an Opposition member himself proposed proceeding by secret ballot, and it was unanimously agreed. If they disagreed, they could have walked out, but they did not.

¶ 02 People voted in local elections based on party performance and promises. The NPP was given support to deliver “a prosperous country and a beautiful life.” Members of other parties may have felt compelled by conscience to vote accordingly in the CMC. Secret ballots allow members to vote by conscience without intimidation; that is a democratic safeguard.

¶ 03 Now to the Orders: recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments—especially monetary and divorce—help align with other legal systems, strengthen international ties, and alleviate practical difficulties when parties reside in different countries. It reduces mental strain and delays for litigants and allows enforcement notwithstanding residence in two jurisdictions.

¶ 04 I also suggest that, in time, we consider frameworks for certain criminal matters, since some offenders flee abroad. Past regimes enabled such impunity. Ensuring accountability requires robust legal pathways, domestically and in cooperation with foreign jurisdictions. Please continue legislative work to build a law‑abiding state. Thank you.