The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 We must thank the Opposition for today’s debate topic because, unlike others, we have worked this past year and we have results to present: economic stabilization, a cleaner political culture, reduced waste, and more. But there is another important point. The Opposition appears gripped by anxiety, constantly fearing that if this Government does not fall, it will be a problem for them—behaving like the fox nervously following a hare hoping it will stumble. This Government will not fall.

¶ 03 Let me read this just-released note: “IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the Fifth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform programme supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. Once approved by the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will have access to about USD 347 million.” This demonstrates stronger recovery and progress than at the inception. We expect Board approval before 31 December, and we will continue delivering under this programme. Those who said the economy would collapse should reflect.

¶ 04 This is the legislature—the place that makes laws. Debates are recorded in Hansard, which courts later consult to discern legislative intent. Hansards from the 1960s and 1970s show substantive debate. Today’s Opposition instead posts morning YouTube clips shouting “this one’s a thief, that one’s a thief” and smears people, without engaging on Bills. They misuse parliamentary privilege to make slanders they cannot utter outside, and even obstruct state investigations. With such a toxic approach, they cannot provide constructive governance support or fair criticism. This is not a serious Opposition.

¶ 05 What have we done? We arrest underworld criminals without killing them or brandishing weapons; we are exposing political links. New information has emerged on the Thajudeen murder and the Easter attacks. In the past, suspects were killed to shield politicians. Not now. That is why certain political families are worried. Today, Ravi Senewiratne is attacked; Bribery Commission’s Ranga Dissanayake is attacked—because we have restored the rule of law. We thank the Judicial Service Commission and Hon. Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena. He has initiated sudden court inspections with the JSC Secretary, leading to numerous disciplinary actions and removals where warranted—unprecedented before.

¶ 06 We are converting high-volume circuit courts to permanent courts, supporting the Chief Justice’s first-time digitization initiative of the judiciary, and addressing over 650 complaints of delays and misconduct between January 2024 and September 2025 through JSC decisions. We are bringing a raft of laws; over 60 Bills are at committee stage. We are aligning with international standards through the Anti-Terrorism law, the Online Safety Act, and more. What others failed to do in 50 years, we have delivered in one.

¶ 07 We will soon operationalize two additional special courts for bribery cases; we have already designated specialized courts, and three courts will hear bribery, corruption, and fraud cases to expedite justice. Courts will decide on cases; there will be no political vendettas. People tell us on the street and in supermarkets they appreciate the new culture and the Government’s work, urging us to keep working hard and bring remaining wrongdoers to justice. That is our mandate.

¶ 08 We will continue to work with the Judicial Service Commission to strengthen institutions and ensure swift justice. By the end of our remaining four years, the people will entrust us with another term—due to performance and the absence of a credible Opposition.

¶ 09 Long live the National People’s Power!

¶ 10 It being past 5.30 p.m., the Hon. Presiding Member adjourned Parliament without Question put.

¶ 11 Parliament adjourned accordingly at 6.02 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Friday, 10th October, 2025.