The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 are critical. For about 76 years, rotating rulers drove the country towards bankruptcy through corruption that permeated from schools to Parliament, making life unbearable for Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim people. The poor became poorer while politicians amassed wealth.

¶ 02 These Regulations must be approved. Those who looted working people’s money must be punished. Many who shout from the Opposition benches today may well face prison under these Regulations if implemented, including those who recently threatened to “put a jumper” on the Minister of Justice and National Integration.

¶ 03 Corruption is seen across sectors, including road works. Many who plundered public money now sit in the Opposition and shout, but are absent when this motion is taken up. The NPP came to power to punish those who robbed through bribery and corruption. People constantly ask us on the streets: “Why haven’t you caught the thieves and jailed them?” My answer is that they will be brought before the law; this Act is essential to do so.

¶ 04 People elected us to protect their rights, property, and labour. Looters and their associates, even abroad, live in luxury on stolen public funds. We strongly support these Regulations.

¶ 05 From the presidential election through the parliamentary and local authority elections, people changed the political destiny and entrusted NPP at all levels, including numerous local authorities, precisely because local bodies, too, were riddled with corruption. Our duty is to clean from the highest to the lowest levels. Those most fearful are the ones now shouting.

¶ 06 Recently, a person who accused NPP of robbery withdrew his statement the very next day. That is what keeps happening. We must approve and implement these Regulations. Thank you.