The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, many Members have spoken, but some in the Opposition seem unclear about what we are debating. The Act—No. 49 of 2024—has already been passed. Today’s debate is on the Gazette listing the countries to which the Act applies, published as Gazette No. 2429/51. Some spoke as if on a Bill; even raised criminal-law points irrelevant here.

¶ 02 The Gazette lists 53 countries whose judgments may be recognized, registered and enforced here in specified matters. Practically, as a lawyer I’ve seen how Sri Lankans abroad face difficulties in matrimonial cases—needing to return to Sri Lanka to obtain divorce. This law provides relief by allowing enforcement here of foreign decrees from listed jurisdictions.

¶ 03 Section 3 clarifies scope and exclusions: it applies to judgments in actions between creditors and debtors, and matrimonial matters such as annulment, divorce and judicial separation; it does not apply to criminal penalties, taxes, fines or other penal orders. An application for registration must be made within 10 years from the date of the final judgment of the original court. Parties may object under the Act. Our courts retain power to set aside a registered judgment—for example, if procedures under the Act were not followed, if the foreign judgment was obtained by fraud, or if it has been set aside on appeal abroad. Appeals against registration are also provided for, including in matrimonial matters.

¶ 04 Therefore, this is a good, practical law easing the burden on Sri Lankans abroad.

¶ 05 On public service criticisms by an Opposition Member: in every sector there are many who work properly and a few who do not. The country suffered from misconduct across fields. We are stabilizing the economy, exchange rate and reserves, and must also enhance public service efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, and fight corruption—recent arrests of senior officials show we are acting. We remain committed to a capable, clean public service.

¶ 06 Yesterday, when I tried to raise a matter on the Israel–Iran conflict, the Opposition behaved disruptively. The Opposition has a responsibility in a democracy. Some seem to seek political gain from crises—tsunami, COVID, now overseas wars. Let’s act responsibly.

¶ 07 This morning the Opposition Leader quoted, “Asevanaa cha baalaanam – panditaanañ cha sevanaa” (Avoid the company of fools; associate with the wise). If he truly follows that, he will have a better Opposition to work with. I wish strength to the Hon. Minister of Justice to implement these regulations under the Act. Thank you.