Justice & Human Rights

## Summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration reported that 793 death-row prisoners have exhausted all legal appeals and have not received Presidential Pardon under Article 34 of the Constitution, while declining to release a list of these individuals on privacy grounds. The Minister acknowledged that previous presidents have granted pardons, both on the basis of committee recommendations and on an individual basis. To establish a more objective process, the Minister announced the Cabinet-approved formation of a committee — chaired by a Supreme Court Judge and comprising representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General's Department, and the Sri Lanka Police — whose recommendations will be submitted to Cabinet to formulate a formal pardon procedure.

## Summary The speaker poses a brief but pointed rhetorical question regarding a payment that was allegedly made, challenging the logic of an instruction not to pay the Divisional Officer (DO) in the event of a case being lost. The question implies a contradiction or inconsistency in the handling of funds, suggesting that a payment was in fact made despite such a directive. The remark appears to be part of a broader line of questioning or scrutiny regarding financial accountability or a specific transaction.

Hon. S. M. Marikkar addressed the Deputy Speaker regarding evidence he had already presented, asserting that 99 percent of the evidence had been provided and urging the relevant authorities — including the Police — to investigate what had already been submitted. He indicated that he would subsequently furnish specific details, including an account name, number, and deposit records at People's Bank. The speech appears to be part of a broader motion, with Hon. Ajith P. Perera called to second the motion moved by Marikkar.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, used his brief speaking time to call on Hon. Ananda Wijepala to immediately contact the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to demand that anyone connected to the crimes under discussion be investigated and arrested, with the rule of law upheld. He pledged the Opposition's full support for such action.

Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sajith Premadasa presented documentary evidence from Biyagama Police Station indicating that the Criminal Investigation Department's Special Investigation Unit 2 had summoned three named individuals — including P.I. Yasanta Ariyasena, the Chairperson of the Public Security Committee — to give statements on 20 February 2026. Premadasa referenced this information in response to the Minister's earlier claim of needing to seek facts, implying the CID summons was already an established fact. The statement raised an implicit question about the circumstances and propriety of a parliamentary committee chairperson being called to give a statement to the CID.

## 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.

Hon. Ajith P. Perera posed a supplementary question demanding accountability regarding a campaign pledge made during the last Presidential Election to reinstate approximately 42 withdrawn legal cases against allegedly corrupt and powerful individuals, including a former President. He questioned why these cases have not been re-filed, raising the possibility of political fear, an undisclosed agreement, or other impediments as explanations for the inaction.

## Summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration provided a detailed written response to a parliamentary question regarding the Permanent High Court at Bar, established under Section 127A(1)(a) of the Judicature (Amendment) Act, No. 9 of 2018, which came into effect on 4 July 2018. The Minister reported that the two courts have collectively handled a limited caseload — six concluded and four pending cases — with activity concentrated in 2018–2019 and minimal filings thereafter until 2024–2025, including a pending bail matter involving Mahindananda Aluthgamage. The Minister indicated that no cases have been concluded in the courts currently active, with the next hearing dates scheduled into 2026. Looking ahead, the Government anticipates a significant increase in case filings following the re-establishment of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division and enhanced action by the Bribery Commission, alongside plans to establish seven new High Courts — five within and two outside the Hulftsdorp complex — with flexible bench arrangements, expected to be operational by mid-year.

The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi formally presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of Mr. I. Dayawansa de Silva, a resident of Pamunugama, Alubomulla, Panadura. No further details regarding the subject matter or nature of the petition were stated in the speech.

## Summary Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara criticised the Opposition for procedural misconduct, citing absenteeism during debates, unnecessary divisions, violations of Standing Order 27(2), and the use of unparliamentary language, including offensive remarks directed at women Members, stating that the Parliamentary Business Committee has addressed these matters and that such conduct will not be tolerated. He then spoke in support of narcotics-related legislation being brought before Parliament, arguing that for decades the drug trade had operated under political patronage, and that the current National People's Power Government has moved to sever that connection. Drawing on the example of Pablo Escobar, the Minister framed the legislation as a moral imperative to protect future generations from drug networks, pledging that the Government would not only pass the Bill but actively implement it.