The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we discuss towers — precisely, sharing of towers. Meanwhile the Opposition keeps speaking about those who “plant poles” and leave; we will come to that later. Let us first address tower sharing.

¶ 02 In simple Sinhala, this work aims to speed up and improve the quality of telephone and data services, and increase competition among service providers so that the benefits reach users. Is this not good? In 2025 the TRCSL made profits, paid dividends and taxes to the Government, and strengthened itself. In 2026, these measures operationalize the Government’s desired digital transformation through strategic programmes. Actions are being structured accordingly.

¶ 03 Meanwhile, the Opposition is pursuing an inquiry into whether there was a “pole” in Parliament or whether a “rope” was lowered to Parliament, and they keep that inquiry going. Their focus is not on these regulations but on their heightened emotions; fine — that is democracy. Because of that democracy, after banging their heads, this morning a few people’s backsides were exposed. How? Today Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara tabled a preliminary inquiry report. This is his report; I obtained it. He tabled it for others to see.

¶ 04 What does the inquiry say? It began on 10 November 2025. How was the “exposure” revealed? Let me quote from page 18 of the report tabled by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara: “In three days we recorded statements from Mr. Kularatne, and also afforded him the opportunity to submit in writing any further matters and any documents he considered necessary.” Yet the Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara — our learned friend — and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition tried to claim they were stifled: “No chance was given to speak or to be heard; democracy was suppressed; the Speaker’s Chair was attacked,” etc. But his own report says opportunity was given. So there is no issue; later one can quietly come and say “sorry” here in Parliament — no need for a press conference.

¶ 05 Next quotation: On 25 June 2023, an advertisement was issued for the post of “Deputy Secretary-General.” Clause 5 states: “Professional Qualifications — Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court with minimum 10 years of seniority.” It also notes, “Experience in the Judicial Service/Attorney-General’s Department” will carry extra marks. Clause 8: “Appointment will be made subject to a three-year (3) probation period.” Clause 8(4): “The selected candidate will be subject to a medical examination.”

¶ 06 From page 19 of Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara’s report: “After one year of service, Mr. Kularatne requested that he be confirmed in the posts of Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, and accordingly his service was confirmed. Mr. Kularatne did not undergo a medical examination for appointment to that post.” He did not fulfil what the advertisement required. This is in the report Hon. Dayasiri tabled. That is why, like a shaved head covered with paste, their backsides got exposed this morning.

¶ 07 This inquiry is not about whether one ate hoppers or kottu roti. Some Members insulted the Hon. Speaker and brought Parliament into disrepute. I say that when the Hon. Member from Badulla insulted the Speaker by making improper allegations, this House should take appropriate action.

¶ 08 Who is (Dr.) Jagath Wikramaratne? The country should know. While former Speakers had unlimited fuel, this Speaker himself moved and got approval on 02 May 2025 to abolish unlimited fuel for a Speaker. Next, while previous Speakers used to pile up official vehicles, this Speaker limited himself to two official vehicles. Earlier, private staff took entire planeloads to Jaffna — sons, uncles, daughters — but this Speaker has limited the staff to eight, avoiding such excesses.

¶ 09 Let me state more figures. Former Speakers used unlimited fuel: in 2023 one used Rs. 2.61 million worth of fuel; in 2024, Rs. 3.34 million. A former Deputy Speaker used Rs. 1.48 million in 2023 and Rs. 1.35 million in 2024. Food expenses: a former Speaker spent Rs. 260,000 in 2023 and Rs. 310,000 in 2024. Former Speakers had 8 vehicles in 2023 and 9 in 2024. Now the Speaker has two vehicles, and the Media Unit has one. A former Deputy Speaker used six vehicles in 2023 and five in 2024; the present Deputy Speaker uses one. A former DCC used four vehicles in both 2023 and 2024; the present Deputy Chairperson uses one. The Hon. Speaker intervened to set an exemplary Parliament. Some cannot tolerate this and resort to mud-slinging.

¶ 10 Today we debate regulations on communication towers, but the Opposition that “kept the poles” is now entangled. The Leader of the Opposition made a blunder by hugging the garbage bin of the Pohottuwa. Even the fleeing President’s Secretary was handed to the Police via such a document. Likewise, a similar document was handed to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The Leader of the Opposition should consider with his political wisdom how these are comparable. Therefore, when the Deputy Secretary-General’s dance is over, if you are tired, come later and we can share a cold glass of water, Hon. Leader of the Opposition.