Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

## Summary Hon. Aslam addressed the House during consideration of orders under the Motor Traffic Act and the Special Commodity Levy Act, but devoted his speech primarily to defending the government's handling of the Waqf Board appointment process. He stated that while the NPP government has already constituted the Hajj Committee with neutral individuals, the Waqf Board shortlist remains under discussion and has not been finalized, pushing back against allegations that the selection process is politicized. He argued that the Board, once appointed, will be independent, inclusive of all jamaaths, and tasked with overseeing Sri Lanka's 2,826 registered mosques free from corruption. He also defended Deputy Minister Muneer Moulana against criticism and countered opposition parties by referencing the Digana communal violence and the Easter Sunday bombings, which occurred under the previous "good governance" administration, questioning the credibility of those now raising concerns about Muslim community interests.

Hon. M.K.M. Aslam spoke in support of the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill, noting that it would replace the 2016 Microfinance Act (No. 6) and establish a new nine-member regulatory body — with appointees from the Central Bank Governor, the Minister, and ex officio members — to bring previously unregulated lenders and borrowers under a formal framework. The bulk of his speech, however, responded to remarks by a previous speaker, accusing opposition parties of stoking communal tensions against Muslims — including during the Easter period — while selectively expressing solidarity with Muslims abroad. He argued that those who previously allowed or encouraged violence against Muslim communities, including the destruction of mosques and properties, lacked credibility in now raising concerns about international events such as the situation in Iran. Aslam concluded by defending the National People's Power Government's record on economic stabilisation, ethnic reconciliation, and public wellbeing, and called on members not to exploit communal grievances for political gain.