2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading
Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha
2026-02-19
Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised two matters in concluding his speech. He criticised television channels for repeatedly promoting narratives about gas shortages and queues, arguing that such coverage constitutes promotional content rather than responsible public information. He also tabled a letter from the Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries addressed to Minister Lal Kantha, alleging that Rukmal Jayawira, a Coordination Secretary to the Minister of Lands and Highways, is exerting political pressure on land administration duties, and requested that the matter be investigated.
I will conclude quickly, Hon. Presiding Member. It is wrong for television channels to keep promoting the narrative that there is no gas and that there are queues. Television stations should inform the public with news, not run such promotional content. If we identify the problem and then look for a solution, that would be good.
Finally, Hon. Presiding Member, I table a letter sent by the Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries to Hon. Lal Kantha, Minister, under the title “Carrying out land duties free of political interference.” It alleges that Rukmal Jayawira, a Coordination Secretary to the Minister of Lands and Highways, is exerting pressure. I request that this matter be looked into. I place the document before the House.
Placed in the Library.
Thank you for the opportunity.