The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hon. Hasara Liyanage demeaned humanitarian concerns. Due to grave geopolitical crises, mothers and sisters worldwide are distressed. Yesterday we failed to provide humanitarian assistance. A friendly state mired in conflict needed help; our duty is to save lives, not aid war.

¶ 02 Right now, a ship with 300 children is within our maritime reach. Saving lives is a humanitarian and international law obligation. Regardless of country, ethnicity, religion, or war, we must help those on Iran’s second vessel under duress.

¶ 03 On women’s advancement, sport is crucial—it builds character, equality, and leadership that translate into public life. I wish our women’s cricket team success in the West Indies. However, cricket overall has declined due to administrative deficiencies, corruption, and malpractice. This Government came to remove such ills; a long-term solution is needed.

¶ 04 A private member’s bill based on K.T. Chitrasiri’s proposals was previously approved by Cabinet to reform cricket governance comprehensively. Ad hoc interim measures or committees will deepen crisis; the Legislature must act.