The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you. This is perhaps the first serious speech from this Government on this topic.

¶ 02 The gravest charge against this Government is the absence of a coherent foreign policy. In tough times, leaders like J.R. Jayewardene, at San Francisco in 1951, spoke of peace—“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love”—earning global respect. We were firmly non-aligned. In 1971, Sirimavo Bandaranaike proposed the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace—remove or reduce foreign bases and nuclear weapons, prevent superpower rivalries, and ensure free navigation and trade.

¶ 03 Today we face US–China–India military competition in our region—a new cold war. When you work with one, you get hit by another; that is the Government’s predicament. The President said he spoke to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but not to Iran. He should show solidarity with Iran, where thousands are dead and millions affected; global energy nodes like South Pars have been struck via Israel, and Iran has struck back at energy hubs. This is a massive global energy and fuel crisis, and we must discuss it. This war was forced on the world by the United States; people everywhere suffer due to unilateral actions by its President. We in the Opposition condemn such assaults on world peace.

¶ 04 The Government reacted late. From the 14th, news signaled escalation; precautions should have begun then. Instead, they rushed to spot tenders. We have storage for 460,000 MT, but only 37,000 MT was held—now we wait till the 12th for the next ship. Previously, they incited people to the streets over petrol queues; we will not let the country burn. Note: there have been no violent protests in the past 18 months; we choose structured engagement. We met the President today to resolve issues. Exporters should be allowed to retain fuel for their operations—CPC still has not approved.

¶ 05 We must also seize opportunities: Dubai’s tourism has slumped; investors and hoteliers can be attracted to Sri Lanka, now seen as safer in the Indian Ocean. Make Sri Lanka a logistics hub; strengthen shipping, tourism, and coconut-based exports. Establish the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries—the President has been informed; please act.

¶ 06 Our democracy depends on transparency, judicial independence and the rule of law—now under strain. Judicial appointments, transfers and promotions are contested; prosecutorial functions seem politicized. The case regarding the “Krish” transaction—attempts to gift for USD 712 million at 2014 prices—was challenged, and AG’s Department recused; the Supreme Court intervened. Anti-corruption efforts are also troubled.

¶ 07 Regarding the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption: the Director-General has faced serious allegations. In sworn statements connected to the Kapila Chandrasekera/Airbus matters, claims are made of undue influence—naming “the big one and the small one,” and payments allegedly made to them—now splashed as headlines. He has also filed an affidavit claiming he acted under pressure. What does this mean for CIABOC? We must ensure justice and due process.

¶ 08 Ultimately, the Government appears to create two standards: JVP members remain “pure until proven guilty,” but others are condemned at accusation. Combined with global war risk and internal governance failures, this pushes the country toward serious trouble. Thank you.