2026-02-18 / debate: Special Commodity Levy Act Order, Customs Ordinance Resolution, Motor Traffic Act Regulations 2026-02-18
## 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. Presiding Member, today we are asked to approve two orders under the Motor Traffic Act and three regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act.
On the Waqf Board: first, when we came to office, we constituted the Hajj Committee with neutral, respected individuals to organize the Hajj fairly—accepted across communities. We have also shortlisted names for the Waqf Board, but have not finalized them. Discussions continue.
Some allege the list is politicized. In the past, municipal councillors from places like Galle and Beruwala, as well as MPs’ close associates, served on the Waqf administration. Today someone points to a retired Major General; in reality he is now an ordinary citizen. We must appoint the most suitable Waqf Board to manage Sri Lanka’s 2,826 registered mosques.
This NPP Government acts to eradicate corruption. If there is corruption in mosque administration, we will eradicate that too by appointing an appropriate, independent Board. We will not politicize it. Our Hon. Deputy Minister, Muneer Moulana, is being unfairly targeted. Why? We want to establish proper administration and resolve mosque issues.
Dr. Shafi himself has said the first to speak for him was Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Those who speak today forget that during the “good governance” period, the Digana violence and the Easter bombings occurred, devastating the Muslim community. Hon. Sajith Premadasa was a senior Minister and Deputy Leader then. Those who burned Hettipola now speak for Muslims and about the Waqf Board.
We will clean up the Waqf Board. There is no political gain here. Our Minister Bimal Rathnayake often says the biggest Buddhist, Tamil and Muslim party alike is the NPP. With Ramadan beginning tomorrow, we pray for a safe month. We will select the Board per proper criteria, inclusive of all jamaaths, and resolve mosque-related problems across the country. Thank you.