Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law

## Summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem opposed the motion to extend Emergency Regulations, arguing that existing legislation under the Disaster Management Act (Sections 10, 11, and 12) provides sufficient authority to manage disasters without resorting to emergency powers, which he characterised as susceptible to misuse. He cited the rock quarrying operations in the Udunuwara area as a case of government inaction, detailing deaths, property damage, and displacement caused by quarrying near Monarakanda and Sindurankanda, including the deaths of four family members in Gaguldheniya and the destruction of access to the historic Potgul Rajamaha Viharaya temple, and called for accountability from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and Divisional Secretaries over the granting of quarry permits. He also raised delayed compensation for cyclone "Ditva" damage to madal fishermen in the Eastern Province and the failure of officials to visit or assess affected communities in multiple areas. Hakeem tabled residents' correspondence to the President and concluded by reiterating his party's opposition to further Emergency proclamations, contending that the Government's failure to fulfil its obligations under ordinary law while invoking emergency powers warranted criticism.

Hon. Rauff Hakeem concluded his remarks by arguing that remaining silent under the guise of "neutrality" would ultimately harm Sri Lanka's own government and interests. He contended that such silence does not constitute genuine neutrality but rather represents an abdication of national sovereignty, which he characterized as subservience to the United States and Israel.

## Summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem concluded his speech with a quotation attributed to John F. Kennedy, warning that those who seek power through dangerous means risk being consumed by the very forces they attempt to exploit. The remark was offered as a cautionary note against tolerating certain unspecified actions, suggesting consequences for those who pursue power recklessly. *Note: The extract provided contains only the concluding remarks of the speech, without sufficient context to identify the specific legislation, policy, or events being referenced.*

## Summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem spoke on two distinct matters during the debate on the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill. On the legislation, he argued that the Bill fails to accommodate representations from women-led, member-based, non-profit savings and credit organisations seeking a separate regulatory category or full exemption, criticising the Government's assurance that this would be addressed through post-enactment regulations as inadequate. The majority of his speech addressed the escalating Middle East conflict, specifically criticising the Sri Lankan Government for failing to openly condemn the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader or issue condolences beyond a private embassy visit, which he characterised as diplomatic timidity toward the United States. He also condemned the Government's silence on related regional developments, including Israeli strikes on Qatar and the situation involving Venezuela's President, while expressing solidarity with Gulf states under Iranian attack and calling for de-escalation, nuclear disarmament by Israel, and constructive diplomacy.

The speech consists solely of an interjection — "You cannot even make a statement on it. Shame! Shame!" — directed at another member or the government, expressing disapproval. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy position is presented. The remark appears to be a reaction to a perceived failure or refusal to address a particular matter on the floor of the House.

Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised a point of order regarding the reported assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, characterising it as a violation of international law. He questioned whether the Sri Lankan Government had issued a formal statement of condemnation or condolences in response to the incident, and requested clarification on the Government's position.