2026-02-05 / Second Reading Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals Bill, Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, and Licensing of Shipping Agents Amendment Bill - Member Contributions 2026-02-05
Hon. Namal Rajapaksa raised several criticisms of the current Government across multiple policy areas. He questioned the release of 323 red-labelled containers and two drug-flagged containers without transparent investigation, and called for impartial enforcement of anti-money laundering and public property laws. He criticised the Government's handling of Independence Day commemorations for failing to explicitly acknowledge the military defeat of the LTTE, arguing this distinction separates counter-terrorism from ethnic discrimination. He also raised concerns about assaults on Sri Lankan fishermen within national waters, the non-delivery of promised fishing technology, and reportedly bounced cheques issued to cyclone relief recipients, demanding confirmation that those payments have since been honoured. Additionally, he cautioned against public disparagement of religious leaders and accused the Government of stoking communal tensions for political purposes.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Chairperson.
The Deputy Minister spoke of expanding the port — which is good. That is why we began building terminals then; you opposed them with protests. I am glad you now accept their importance.
But you know the international consequences of releasing red-labelled containers. Your Government has reportedly released 323 such containers without proper inquiry. Two drug-laden containers flagged by international intelligence were also released. There is no transparent investigation. Rather than abusing the anti-money laundering and public property laws for political vendettas, uphold the law impartially — even against those within Parliament if necessary — so the Speaker is not embarrassed and your promises are kept.
On Independence Day, you could not even proudly speak of the victory over terrorism by our war heroes. Nations celebrate their brigades and units and their sacrifices; we had only a 21-gun salute. If the Head of State lacks the courage to recognize the defeat of the LTTE — which is not “racism” but the defeat of terrorism — then there is little point discussing your Government’s actions. We did not fight the Tamil people; we fought terrorists. If you cannot say that on our national day, what can we expect?
This Government also disparages religious leaders publicly. In our society, that is not something to be proud of; be humble enough to admit when wrong.
On fisheries: our fishermen have been assaulted within Sri Lanka’s waters. They already battle the elements and high fuel costs, and promised technology like fish-finding has not materialized. Now they are beaten at sea. India says it was not its Coast Guard or Navy; who then? Are criminal groups nurtured by this Government’s networks involved? If the Navy cannot protect our waters, and if you cannot even display naval strength on the national day, how will you ensure the safety of our fishermen?
Cyclone relief: cheques given at the President’s ceremony bounced. Have those payments been made now? What steps are you taking?
Please also stop attacking religious leaders, and stop pushing society toward unnecessary communal tensions for political gain. Do not trade the people’s interests for diaspora funding or advantage.