The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 The previous speaker behaved like a teacher from old times—complaining students were late, then asking wrong questions in the afternoon about subjects taught in the morning. Repeated answers to such questions are pointless.

¶ 03 Hon. Presiding Member, Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna spoke regarding a complaint made to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). There is a well-known equitable maxim: “He who comes into equity must come with clean hands.” Hon. Presiding Member, he made many claims without any document being tabled in this House. We hope the Opposition will use its valuable time here for more admirable politics. That will build the forward-looking political culture people expect. As a lawyer, I have a question: if the complaint has merit, why was the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament sent on compulsory leave when complaining to CIABOC? CIABOC will inquire. Our National Peoples’ Power Government is ensuring the law applies fairly to all and institutions have the independence they need.

¶ 04 The Opposition also spoke about the judiciary, alleging transfers for granting or refusing bail. We strongly reject such statements which, under parliamentary privilege, baselessly attack judicial independence. Another Member referred to a case pending before a Magistrate’s Court and made statements about Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris. Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of law would know the ASG is the officer in carriage of the complaint and has the right to present that case. Do not spread falsehoods under privilege.

¶ 05 The Leader of the Opposition took about six minutes claiming injustices to Buddhism and to the Sangha, but cited no specific instance. We ask him to return with facts.

¶ 06 While the Opposition remains silent, several developments occur. Today, Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa was summoned to the FCID regarding alleged financial irregularities of the “Siriliya” account. I believe she has given a long statement and left. In 2015, when the yahapalana Government was in office and the present Opposition Leader and its chief organizer were Cabinet Ministers, statements were recorded in the then Speaker’s official residence. That is how Speakers and investigative bodies behaved then. Today, the law applies equally to all. Investigations proceed regardless of status. The Opposition has nothing to say about this. Also note: the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered in relation to the 2012–2013 Airbus deal to name Shamintha Rajapaksa, younger son of a former Speaker, as a suspect. The Opposition does not recall these.

¶ 07 I must also mention “Dream President No. 2 of 2029,” who used to arrive half an hour before lunch and leave at lunchtime to “save the country.” Today he too went to the CID. Back then they arrived wearing shirts outside their trousers. Today, the law applies equally to all.

¶ 08 On today’s Order: Regulations on infrastructure sharing among licensed telecommunication operators are before us. Through these, the TRC gains specific powers: to issue directions to operators; to require sharing agreements to be submitted for TRC approval; to evaluate those agreements; to issue directions and guidelines on sharing and distribution; to intervene in disputes; to prohibit sharing arrangements that harm competition; and to take action, including imposing fines and taking licensing measures, for non-compliance. In line with our “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” policy, these necessary regulations will help advance digitalization.

¶ 09 What benefits do these regulations bring? Coverage and service quality differ across networks nationwide. Sharing will drive competition, improving quality and reducing operational costs over time, bringing economic relief to consumers.

¶ 10 Finally, I urge the Opposition: taxpayers fund this Parliament. Use debate time to present facts, proposals, and critiques on the subject at hand. Thank you for the time.