2026-03-03 / Debate: Foreign Exchange Act Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 2026-03-03
## Summary
Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised several interconnected concerns spanning national security, economic policy, and local governance issues. On the Easter Sunday attacks, he questioned the inconsistent treatment of detainees, arguing that while Pillayan and Saleh remain in custody, senior police and intelligence officials—Ravi Seneviratne, Shani Abeysekara, and Aruna Jayasekara—who held command responsibility at the time of the bombings have been rewarded with senior government appointments; he also noted reported Indian intelligence inquiries about whether true masterminds have been identified. He raised several economic grievances, including an unheeded December warning about a gas shortage, the impact of a LKR 3 per-stick levy on beedi workers in Gampaha, Kegalle and Matara, and restricted import quotas for black gram disadvantaging small papadum producers. Additionally, he flagged a public health concern regarding Ulankulama Dairies in Maradankadawala—where a Supreme Court order and MOH report citing unsuitability had not resulted in closure, and relevant health officials were reportedly transferred under pressure—as well as procurement irregularities in the tendering of 100 backhoe machines and salary deductions from Galle police officers' pay in lieu of quarters.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, both Government and Opposition focused on the Middle East war. When reckless leaders take office, these things happen. After imposing unlawful taxes, even the US Supreme Court held a President’s decision was wrong; then that leader sought to override institutions. Months ago, Israel again struck Iran. If this war drags on and others join, poor countries like ours will suffer most. I will not dwell further.
On arrests: Pillayan has been in custody for a year. If he is linked to the Easter attacks, tell the country what information Police obtained from him. Now Mr. Saleh is arrested—then arrest those who were in charge that day: Ravi Seneviratne of CID, Shani Abeysekara, and Aruna Jayasekara, who was the Eastern DIG when the bombs went off. When power seemed to be shifting, they appeared on political stages; now one is a Secretary, one a CID Director, one a Deputy Defence Minister. Had Saleh mounted those stages then, he too would be a Minister or in high office—now he is in remand, while those three flourish.
Veteran JVPers know this history. In the Toppiagala operations, intelligence was pivotal. People like Saleh did major work. Sinhala officers could not operate all intelligence; Tamil and Muslim officers did much of it. Many Muslims bound themselves to our forces through intelligence. Yet today, look at how Saleh is treated. In 2017, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe warned in this House; the then Government mocked him as seeing “ghosts”. But he foretold what was to come.
See Iran now: within two hours, top leaders were struck. How did this happen? Because intelligence was weak. When Saleh was arrested, India’s agencies are reported to have asked this Government whether any real masterminds had been found in the Easter cases. So far, little has been uncovered against those who served this country during war.
On gas: I warned on 18 December about a looming gas issue; the Government did not accept it. I am not calling for fuel queues; we do not want our people to suffer.
Beedi: a poor man’s livelihood in Gampaha, Kegalle and Matara. Now a LKR 3 levy per stick and LKR 90,000 per licence, plus raids. Look into this.
Papadum: importers of black gram/urid for papadum—the small producers—are blocked while big traders get the quotas. Fix it.
In your own district, Mr. Deputy Speaker: Ulankulama Dairies (Pvt) Ltd at Maradankadawala produces ice cream. Children buy it on their way from school. An MOH report declared it unsuitable; there is even a Supreme Court order—placed in the Library. Yet the factory was not shut; instead the MOH and PHI were transferred; the MOH threatened. Without an MOH report, local authorities cannot issue environmental permits. Do not allow undue pressure; if there are violations, stop them.
On procurement: the Budget said the Government will import 100 backhoe machines. SENOK is the agency that brings such machines; yet the tender bypassed them, and the process is dragging. Similar patterns occurred in gas. We point out these gaps not to undermine the Government, but to correct them.
Finally, in Galle, police officers’ entire salaries are being cut in lieu of official quarters. Please look into this.
Thank you.