The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, many years have now passed since the tragic Easter Sunday attacks. We express our condolences to the victims and their families. As a responsible, accountable and transparent Government, we give primacy to truth-seeking and acknowledgment.

¶ 02 We received a strong people’s mandate with high expectations — especially from victims — and we promised to fulfil them; we will not let those hopes fade.

¶ 03 The previous Government received the Presidential Commission report on 31.01.2021 but did not hand it to the CID. After we assumed office, on 20.04.2025 we handed it to the CID. A special team is investigating and we are expediting this, independently. Many sensitive matters are being uncovered that cannot be disclosed in the House at this time.

¶ 04 The Motion moved by Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam alleges that the Government has failed to ensure justice by not revealing the truth immediately. Our Government is committed to revealing the truth and ensuring justice to victims. We have not avoided such issues; rather, we have taken full responsibility. The Commission report has been handed to the CID to expedite an independent investigation. There is no political interference, unlike in past regimes. Look at how the law is now dealing with previously responsible corrupt politicians and officials whose large-scale corruption collapsed the economy. We will ensure an independent legal process.

¶ 05 We are acting responsibly not only on this but also against the corruption that bankrupted the country. I ask the Opposition why they did not implement their “six steps” while in office. Had they done so, progress would have been made. We, meanwhile, have additional information.

¶ 06 As the Minister stated, on 30.11.2018 in Vavunativu two police officers were murdered; an alleged LTTE figure was arrested, and the matter became complex. Cases have been filed. Unfortunately, senior investigating officers were removed from their duties then. How could that be justified? We have not removed CID officers; we reinstated capable, professional officers and strengthened the teams. Those who altered evidence or took revenge against truth-tellers and moved against politicians are not being protected. On 20.04.2024 we restarted the stalled investigations and handed them back to the CID, ensuring space to proceed independently.

¶ 07 We believe only a very small group within intelligence or the public service may have been used for political ends. Do not blame the entire intelligence community. Most are professional and capable.

¶ 08 We must manage national security professionally, pre-emptively. Before a high-impact incident occurs, security institutions must act. Prior to Easter, intelligence and State Intelligence had information, yet the National Security Council was not convened for months. The Executive and the then Prime Minister each blamed the other. Since assuming office, our National Security Council meets every two weeks under the President.

¶ 09 Recently, after the presidential election — and before the parliamentary election — a complex situation arose in Arugam Bay. Our intelligence officers, professionally and independently, gathered information, apprehended suspects, and stabilized the situation without media spectacles. Officers who failed to act to prevent that situation will face action under criminal law as warranted.

¶ 10 The Government is also reforming processes to expedite trials — a recognized need.

¶ 11 Madam, given the strategic national value of the measures underway, and the reintroduced, independent and efficient process involving State investigative units and legal mechanisms, there is no need to create a special prosecutor’s office with international assistance. Our legal system and intelligence services have the full capacity. The Minister of Justice and National Integration has already arranged what is needed.

¶ 12 We will continue to seek the truth and administer justice in this and other cases. We will not stop the law from taking its course against the corrupt politicians who led the country to collapse. Taking all into account, we assure justice will be delivered to the victims. Thank you.