The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, on double standards: on the one hand, we must maintain relations with Israel, as many Sri Lankans work there and we have received technical assistance. On the other hand, Israel’s current pressure on Palestine and Gaza—resulting in mass civilian deaths, including innocent children, women, the elderly, and the sick, with UN-declared famine and lack of medicine and food—demands that those who once championed Palestinian rights now speak up. Instead, some Sri Lankan government representatives have reportedly been participants in Israeli propaganda efforts, claiming they went in a “private capacity.” That is double standards.

¶ 02 We recognize Israel’s statehood, and equally the right of Palestine to statehood and for Palestinians to be treated humanely. Sri Lanka historically stood for Palestinian rights. Today, when hundreds die daily, when Europe increasingly recognizes Palestine, our government remains silent in the name of “humanity.” That silence is shameful. We must have the moral spine to speak.

¶ 03 Turning to the Sri Lanka–UAE investment promotion and protection agreement: it is an important and welcome step, with good content and momentum. Since 1981, Sri Lanka has concluded 28 bilateral economic cooperation agreements of this nature. Under our Constitution, passing this by a two-thirds majority will build investor confidence and create a conducive environment. Investment levels and quality depend on the perceived environment.

¶ 04 We acknowledge the government’s recent vigour against narcotics. Regardless of rank or connections, the law must be enforced, including through dedicated courts to expedite serious narcotics cases, with penalties up to capital punishment where applicable under law. We support strong action.

¶ 05 However, I must raise a serious issue: On 20 January 2025, the Customs Trade Union Alliance informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of grave irregularities. Under an artificially engineered congestion, 323 containers labeled “Red Channel” were released without physical examination across 17–18 January 2025. This poses national security and revenue risks. They also asserted that claims of 30 vessels turning back due to congestion were false; later committee findings corroborated that.

¶ 06 A government-appointed committee confirmed, among other conclusions: 1) Releasing “Red” categorized containers without physical examination contravened established departmental procedures. 2) The decision to release high-risk “Red” containers without physical examination exceeded legal authority. 3) This opened the door for prohibited items—arms, gold, diamonds, narcotics including “ice,” restricted chemicals, and harmful substances—to exit or enter, and Customs’ fundamental responsibility was abdicated. 4) Creating an ad hoc committee to release “Red” containers outside lawful procedures was not a legitimate step to resolve congestion.

¶ 07 Recently discovered containers with precursor chemicals used for drug manufacture align with these risks. This government came to power promising to fight corruption and narcotics; yet within Customs, an enabling environment was created that aided serious crime while depriving the state of revenue and endangering security. The committee’s recommendations remain unimplemented. Those who facilitated such grave wrongdoing must face the law. Thank you.