The Hon. D.V. Chanaka

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Before focusing on the Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act, I must raise an issue with the Minister of Power and Energy, Hon. Kumara Jayakodi. Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila has on his website posted two MoUs: one on an India–Sri Lanka grid interconnection for electricity imports/exports; another on developing Trincomalee as an energy hub with UAE, India and Sri Lanka. When we asked the Government’s Chief Organizer earlier, he said, “We cannot reveal; we must ask India first.” Are these two MoUs genuine? If there is any wrongdoing, you can act legally for forged documents. Otherwise, clarify. If they are beneficial national agreements, do not hide them; disclose them. Ministers like Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rise and respond; why is the Minister of Power silent?

¶ 02 Turning to today’s Regulations: under the Anti-Corruption Act, if someone provides false information in asset and liability declarations, you empower recovery to the State; we agree. But the problem is law being applied differently to Government, Opposition, and public.

¶ 03 On “Containers 323,” the complainant who raised it has lost his life; allegations were made even against the President about foreign funds, and that accuser is now in jail. When “Dr.” was prefixed to Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara’s name, the CID investigated; yet on these 323 containers we have no answers.

¶ 04 What happened about the “Doctor” issue? It has been five months since the inquiry—was the report received? The Office of the Leader of the House used “Dr.” in sending his name. We need one law for all. On imported rice scams—claims of a Rs. 200 million fraud—but no inquiry. Customs officers themselves say 323 red-labelled containers were released without inspection; yet no investigation.

¶ 05 In the Power Ministry, about 5,000 temples have solar panels installed but not connected to the grid. That costs the CEB about Rs. 100 million per month. If Rs. 50 million loss earns 25–30 years in jail, how many years for causing Rs. 100 million per month? Why are these not connected? Why no battery tariff concession?

¶ 06 The Minister says courts were not independent earlier and are independent only now. Does that mean all past court decisions lacked independence? In 2019, judgments went against the Government in power; the courts were always independent. Such statements themselves attack judicial independence.

¶ 07 Thank you.