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
## Summary
Hon. Rohana Bandara raised a procedural concern regarding a recently gazetted teachers' examination notification (issued 2nd February), arguing that its eligibility window — restricting applicants to graduates completing degrees between 10 February 2023 and 30 June 2025 — unjustly excludes graduates who completed degrees by 31 December 2025, and called for the Gazette to be amended to include all 2025 graduates.
On broader political matters, the Member criticised the Government for alleged selective application of the law, specifically citing fuel misuse allegations against the Speaker and drawing a parallel to a former North Central Province Chief Minister and his Private Secretary who received 20-year sentences for a comparable offence; he demanded the Speaker temporarily step aside pending investigation. Bandara also challenged the Government's characterisation of southern visitors travelling to Anuradhapura as promoting nationalism, arguing such visits constitute religious devotion rather than communal activity. He further accused the ruling party of political inconsistency — having previously championed Mahinda Rajapaksa — and warned against diaspora influence and the revival of communalism.
Mr. Speaker, for many days our Teacher Development Officers were on a hunger strike. The Gazette for the teachers’ examination was issued on the 2nd of this month, but it excludes a group of graduates. Only those who completed their degrees between 10.02.2023 and 30.06.2025 can apply. However, there are graduates who completed by 31 December as well. I request that the Gazette be amended so that no one is left out and those who have completed degrees within 2025 can apply and obtain appointments.
Many Members spoke today about nationalism, gender, theft and corruption. Yesterday, the President said that after 76 years of a curse, we celebrated Independence after two years—prompting questions whether we marked the 78th Independence or the freedom after the cyclone. When we speak on Independence, we must honour our heroic Tri‑Forces who, during the cyclone, restored roads, reached the stranded and provided relief, and who, over 30 years of war, sacrificed to end it. Yet, we heard none of this from those who once loudly claimed credit.
Remember also that the parties now in Government once sold their votes to different camps for money. You came here with 159 seats and could even change the Constitution; end deal‑making politics and stop playing to the diaspora by stoking communalism. The President said people from the South going North to canvass are stirring nationalism. Then why do thousands go to Anuradhapura from the South? To venerate the sacred sites. Do not label such devotion as nationalism.
We have seen how, in the past, people were dragged before the FCID and CID with media fanfare. Now allegations touch those on your side as well—about fuel misuse, about unnecessary elements in proposed education reforms, and now allegations regarding the Hon. Speaker’s fuel usage. A former Chief Minister of the North Central Province and his Private Secretary are serving 20‑year prison sentences for misusing about Rs. 2 million of fuel. If the law applies equally, can the Hon. Speaker continue in office while similar allegations are investigated? He should temporarily step aside until inquiries conclude; if exonerated, he can resume duties. Let the law apply equally to all.
Some here berate Mahinda Rajapaksa, but who built him up in this country? You once held up “Chinthana” books and declared him the nation’s saviour. If mistakes were made, admit them humbly and do not now sell the country piece by piece, bending to diaspora money and reviving communalism. Let us act to build the nation. Thank you.