The week of 4 June 2026 – 10 June 2026

Notable contributions

The week's most substantial speeches. AI summary summaries are AI-generated and labelled.

• The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB

  Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, initiated following a 2024 complaint and conducted with Attorney-General’s guidance under a pending Colombo Magistrate’s Court case, have produced material implicating retired Major General Tuan Suresh Sallay. He said investigators have evidence alleging that Sallay, while in senior intelligence roles, helped steer Islamist extremists towards the attacks, ignored prior warnings, suppressed sensitive information, and was linked to claims made by informants and in a Channel 4 programme. The Minister stated that these matters are being treated as potential offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, rejecting claims that Sallay was unlawfully arrested, detained, or tortured.

  Law & OrderSecurity & DefenceJustice & Human Rights
• The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB

  Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni said the Health Ministry is implementing a ten-year plan and Strategic Plan covering infrastructure, recruitment, equipment, prevention, treatment, and post-care services. He acknowledged shortages across all health workforce categories and said 8,133 doctors and 13,000 nurses are planned for recruitment, while a scientific cadre revision by the Health and Finance Ministries is nearing completion to determine hospital-level staffing needs. On medicines, he said shortages have reduced, a new procurement procedure is being developed with Asian Development Bank support, weekly Medicines Review Committee meetings are being held, and the SWASTHA software system is being expanded to improve distribution and stock management.

  HealthcareEmployment
• The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB

  Minister Ananda Wijepala, presenting a statement on behalf of the Minister of Defence, said Police, CID, FCID and Customs investigations had uncovered large-scale illegal foreign remittances made through companies registered as importers, with no corresponding goods brought into Sri Lanka. He outlined three investigations involving alleged telegraphic transfer schemes, drug-related proceeds and suspected customs fraud, including frozen bank accounts, seized balances, links to multiple companies and transactions across numerous countries and banks. He said the Government is investigating the role of company directors, bank officers and related individuals, and described the inquiries as part of wider efforts to address financial crime and protect economic stability.

  Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & OrderPublic Finance
• The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB

  The Minister provided data on National Housing Development Authority housing schemes, stating that most pre-2012 high-rise schemes were built without elevators because regulations at the time did not require them, and that elevator maintenance in newer schemes would be transferred to Management Corporations after deeds are issued. He identified two schemes reported as unsafe or unfit for occupation: Slave Island Wekanda, cited by the National Building Research Institute as hazardous, and Nupewela Resettlement Housing Scheme in Matara, found by the Department of Buildings to be unfit for occupation. Responding to a question on NHDA housing and deeds, he stated that 15,947 units were constructed within Colombo Municipal Council limits and 52,174 islandwide as at 31 December 2025, with further project and district details provided in an annex.

  Land & HousingPublic Finance