2026-02-20 / Ministerial Statement: Strengthening state security mechanism to suppress crimes 2026-02-20
## Summary
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) summoning Public Security Committee Chairpersons and two named individuals — Ms. Thevuni Jayawardena and Ms. Sakusha Roshani — following his disclosure in Parliament that these Chairpersons had been issuing character certificates. He argued that issuing character certificates does not constitute a criminal offence and urged the Minister to redirect investigative resources toward actual criminals rather than pursuing those involved in the certificate matter. Premadasa also called on the Minister to adopt a new community-centred security programme in response to rising homicides and lawlessness, while affirming the Opposition's full cooperation in upholding law and order and public security.
Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker—because I consider you as my presiding officer when you are in the Chair.
Hon. Minister, we have no objection whatsoever to pursuing and punishing criminals. That must be done within the legal framework of the country. But, after I revealed in this House that Public Security Committee Chairpersons were issuing character certificates, those individuals have been summoned to the CID. Not only they, but also Ms. Thevuni Jayawardena and Ms. Sakusha Roshani, who obtained character certificates, have been summoned to the CID. I request you: do not go down that path. It is wrong. Your responsibility is to arrest criminals, not to summon Public Security Committee Chairpersons to the Criminal Investigation Department over the issuance of character certificates, nor to act against those who obtained such certificates.
Further, with the rising trend of crime—homicides and lawlessness—in society, I believe you must adopt a new approach to re-establish law and order, strengthen the rule of law, and implement the administration of justice. Therefore, I earnestly request you to adopt a new, community-centered security programme.
Also, do not summon Public Security Committee Chairpersons or those who obtained character certificates to the CID. There is no benefit in that; they have not committed crimes. Please focus your attention accordingly. From our side, we will extend our fullest cooperation to protect law and order, strengthen public security and national security, because we value human life. Protecting lives, ensuring security, and strengthening law and order is the responsibility of all—Government and Opposition alike. Therefore, I make this request, and I now give the Hon. Minister the opportunity to reply. Hon. Chief Government Whip, please afford the time.