Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law

## Summary Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha delivered a speech in support of an adjournment motion on establishing a corruption-free state, citing Sri Lanka's 14-place improvement in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index in 2026 as evidence of progress under the government's anti-corruption programme outlined in policy item 4.3 of "A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life." She argued that combating corruption is a prerequisite for development and called for the mobilisation of political leadership, public officials, and civil society to advance the programme further. The speaker referenced historical incidents — including the assassinations of Judge Sarath Ambepitiya and Customs official Sujith Prasanna Perera, and an acid attack on Additional Auditor-General Lalith Ambanwela — as examples of past suppression of accountability, contrasting them with the current government's commitment to non-interference in investigations. She concluded by affirming that the National People's Power government, elected with a presidential mandate and 159 parliamentary seats, is committed to fulfilling public expectations on anti-corruption.

The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha posed a second supplementary question inquiring about the government's actions to modernize the legal framework governing the regulation of chemicals. The question seeks specific information on any legislative or regulatory steps undertaken in this regard.

The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha raised a supplementary question regarding government measures taken to regulate chemicals that pose a threat to national security. The question appears to follow an initial query or ministerial statement on chemical regulation, with the member seeking clarification on the broader regulatory framework beyond the specific substance previously discussed.

## Summary Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha submitted a detailed written question to the Minister of Defence concerning the regulatory framework governing commercial explosives in Sri Lanka. The question addresses two broad areas: first, the legislative and administrative arrangements, including anticipated amendments to existing explosives laws, storage and issuance procedures, the designations of responsible officers, and the status of the Controller of Explosives post, which she indicates may currently be vacant, along with concerns about succession planning for that role. Second, she seeks specific data and oversight information relating to commercial explosives licensing, including the number of licences issued versus active licensees, the licensing procedure, regulatory oversight mechanisms, private storage facilities and their security arrangements, and the quantity of explosives permitted per issuance to a licensee.

## Summary Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha spoke during a debate on extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, defending the Government's disaster relief response following Cyclone "Ditva" on 27 November and the associated flooding that severely affected central highland communities, including Gampola, Nawalpitiya, and Mawathura. She argued that landslides and infrastructure damage in these areas were partly attributable to quarrying licences and land development projects approved by previous administrations, directly rebutting an Opposition member from Kandy District who had raised environmental concerns about a quarry in Ilukkuthota. She highlighted ongoing Government relief measures, including the President's visit to Kandy District to disburse compensation and lay foundation stones for development projects, and referenced the "Rebuilding Sri Lanka" programme under the Prime Minister's leadership providing housing assistance to fully damaged households.