2026-02-06 / Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations under Public Security Ordinance 2026-02-06
Hon. Kodeeswaran spoke during a debate on matters under the Public Security Ordinance, raising several concerns across public security, consular services, and agricultural policy. He criticized the government for failing to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as promised before coming to power, arguing the law enables human rights violations and was unnecessarily invoked during the "Ditva" disaster response. He challenged Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa's comments on the treatment of Buddhist monks, calling for equal treatment of clergy across all faiths under the law. While acknowledging government progress on narcotics control and anti-corruption efforts, he demanded urgent action on severe passport processing delays and reported corruption in Sri Lankan missions abroad — including alleged payments of Rs. 600,000–700,000 to intermediaries — calling for a digital monitoring system and greater accountability. He also urged the government to establish fair procurement prices and proper storage facilities for paddy farmers in the Ampara District, whose harvests have been further diminished by the "Ditva" cyclone.
Madam Deputy Chairperson, today we debate matters under the Public Security Ordinance. Although arrangements have been brought for essential needs, before coming to power this Government said, “If we come to power, we will first repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and we will not bring any law akin to it.” Yet the PTA continues to be enforced. It leads to increased human rights violations and the denial of justice and fairness to people.
Recently, during the “Ditva” disaster, the PTA was enforced alongside other laws. Was this necessary for disaster response? We believe not. Disaster relief is already in its final stages—provision of dry rations, rehabilitation and reconstruction. For these, there is no need to introduce these provisions now. The arrangements should be to help citizens pursuing their just demands, not to stifle them.
The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, stated that in our country where Buddhism is given foremost place, monks are being oppressed. I wish to ask him: do only Buddhist monks face problems in this country? Why do you not look equally at all faiths? Is justice one thing for monks, and something different for Hindu priests, Christian clergy, and Muslim moulavis? He seemed to suggest that even if monks commit offences they should not be punished. We find that position unacceptable.
This Government has done some good things—especially in controlling narcotics and curbing bribery and corruption. For that we must commend the Government. But the PTA is a law that inflicts injustice on our people. All steps must be taken to remove it.
Next, regarding the Ministry of Public Security: there are severe delays in the issuance and renewal of passports through our missions abroad. Our migrant workers and citizens living in many countries apply through Sri Lankan embassies to renew expired passports or extend validity. Applications often languish for one or two years without being processed. People cannot return for funerals, urgent family or educational needs, or even renew visas. Why these delays? On top of that, there are reports of malpractices in missions—intermediaries extracting Rs. 600,000–700,000 from applicants under the pretext of expediting work.
We urge a proper database, accountability for officials, eradication of corruption and administrative irregularities, and a modern digital monitoring and ranking system. Missions must be specifically monitored, bottlenecks cleared, and an expedited mechanism established. An embassy is the face of a nation; that face is stained today by corruption and neglect. The Government must deliver that service swiftly and properly.
In Ampara District—Thirukkovil, Alayadivembu and surrounding areas—paddy harvesting is underway. Farmers have worked hard, but there are no proper storage facilities, no orderly purchasing, and no fair price. Farmers are pushed into misery. The “Ditva” cyclone reduced yields; even the little produce they have cannot fetch a fair price. This problem persisted under previous governments and continues now. We ask the Government to immediately fix a fair and just price and promptly procure farmers’ paddy.