Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, M.P.
Profession: Businessman
Speeches 97 #49 of 225·#3 in party
Attendance 4/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 34 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
40 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
97 speeches- 9 June 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued that rising fuel prices, taxes, electricity and water bills are worsening the cost of living despite public expectations of relief after the 2024 election. He said high costs are affecting households, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and businesses, and urged the Government to use available funds to support people and keep enterprises afloat. He questioned the Government’s plan to meet IMF reserve targets, manage upcoming debt and import costs, and sustain the economy after IMF support ends. He also called for faster relief and housing reconstruction for people affected by Cyclone Ditta. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) InfrastructurePublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 21 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concern over the rapid depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee and its impact on fuel, bus fares, and essential commodity prices, arguing that any claimed Treasury surplus should be used to ease living costs. He questioned the Government’s cost-of-living estimates, saying Rs. 16,690 per month was unrealistic, and cited reported financial and cybersecurity-related losses at People’s Bank, the Treasury, and SriLankan Airlines as operational failures requiring attention. He also argued that the Government’s rhetoric was insufficient in the face of economic hardship and called for Provincial Council elections to test public support. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Corruption & Governance ReformCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said Opposition MPs had sought time to debate alleged Treasury irregularities, particularly the reported disappearance of US$2.5 million, and demanded full disclosure to Parliament. He linked the issue to the appointment of a former MP rather than a career official as Treasury Secretary, questioned allegations about the Secretary’s past dual citizenship, and argued that experienced public officers should not be sidelined. He also referred to the Port City regulations, defending the project he said was initiated under President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and criticized the Government’s May Day messaging and timing of fuel price increases. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 7 April 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the importance of the Port City project but urged the Government to appoint a business-oriented chairperson to attract investors, criticizing the suitability of the current appointment. He linked global instability and the Middle East conflict to economic pressures, and argued that domestic living costs have worsened since the Aragalaya, citing increases in food, gas, fuel, and electricity costs. He called for Provincial Council elections to test the Government’s public support and criticized statements by Government members that he said minimized public hardship. He also requested that the Fisheries Minister table records of assistance paid to multi-day fishing vessels, arguing that current fuel costs have left fisherfolk in serious difficulty. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Cost of LivingForeign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
- 4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the need for the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill but emphasized that its effectiveness would depend on proper implementation. He urged the Government to state its position on attacks in the Middle East during Ramadan and to prepare for possible impacts on Sri Lankan workers in the region, including evacuation if necessary. He warned that escalation could affect fuel, gas and electricity supplies, and called for strengthened energy security through storage, pipelines and use of facilities such as Trincomalee, Hambantota Port and other infrastructure assets. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) InfrastructureForeign AffairsSecurity & Defence Read →
- 18 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana rejected claims that he had not contacted the Fisheries Minister regarding protesting stilt fishers, stating that he spoke to the Minister through a fisherman’s phone and demanding verification and a solution for their grievances. He criticized the Government over alleged unfulfilled promises, investigations, and what he described as attempts to blame stilt fishers for coral damage. He also accused the Government of pursuing political vendettas, cited public dissatisfaction and recent killings as evidence of governance failures, and called for Provincial Council elections if the Government believes it retains public support. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Law & OrderEmploymentCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana states that if the relevant matters or actions are found to be wrong, they should be cancelled. The remark appears to be a brief demand for corrective action rather than a detailed policy proposal. Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Deputy Minister to clarify the status of 304 licences allegedly issued unlawfully by the previous Government to favoured parties. He requested details on whether the licences remain valid or are illegal, how they were granted, and whether there is a procedure to terminate or cancel them. Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana requested that the price of rock bottles be reduced, addressing the Deputy Minister directly. He then began a second supplementary question referring to a matter Minister Nalinda Jayatissa had presented to Parliament about a year earlier, but the provided excerpt ends before the question is completed. Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) Cost of Living Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana addressed the Speaker in a brief personal remark, urging him not to become angry. No policy issue, legislative matter, or procedural proposal was raised. Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana stated that he was asking a question. No further details, context, or policy issue were provided in the excerpt. Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued that consumption of “gal” liquor is widespread, including at social events such as funerals, and said general statements about liquor were misleading. He suggested that the new Government could reduce health-related burdens by lowering the price of a bottle of “gal,” addressing the Deputy Minister directly on the matter. Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) HealthcareCost of Living Read →
- 5 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana highlighted the high excise revenue earned from locally produced liquor, citing a Rs. 1,832 tax on a 750 ml bottle of commonly consumed arrack. He noted that widespread alcohol consumption contributes to health burdens, with drinkers later requiring free treatment in public hospitals, and linked liquor taxation to the costs borne by the health system. Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) HealthcarePublic Finance Read →
- 20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said he would support the Aswesuma payment scheme if it is properly delivered and expanded to eligible poor families, but questioned claims that poverty could be eliminated within five years amid high living costs. He urged the Government to fulfil election promises by reducing fuel prices, commodity prices and electricity tariffs, citing higher-than-expected revenue from vehicle imports as a source for relief. He also called for action against wastage and delays in the Central Expressway project, protection for officials handling disaster compensation, and safeguards for livelihoods such as traditional stake-net fisheries alongside welfare payments. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme EmploymentCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 20 January 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concerns over about 11,000 high-end vehicles imported under the cross-border method and stranded at Hambantota Port for nearly a year. He asked whether, if legal proceedings are ongoing, the vehicles should be auctioned and the proceeds deposited in court to prevent further loss of value, rising demurrage charges, and damage to modern sensor-equipped vehicles from prolonged exposure. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) InfrastructureLaw & OrderPublic Finance Read →
- 20 January 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana questioned the Deputy Minister about the levy imposed on imported vehicles remaining unsold after 90 days from submission of documents to Sri Lanka Customs. He argued that normal clearance can take around 40 days, leaving limited time for sale before a 3 per cent recurring levy applies every 30 days, increasing costs to consumers. He asked whether the Government would consider revising this arrangement. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
- 20 January 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana made a brief reference to the total revenue ultimately received. No specific figures, policy proposals, or further context were provided in the excerpt. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
- 20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Deputy Minister for details on the total revenue received from vehicle imports, as a first supplementary question. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
- 20 January 2026 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for details on vehicle imports since the reopening of import permission, including the number imported and taxes collected by engine capacity. He also sought expected versus actual tax revenue from vehicle imports, and separate figures for imported three-wheelers and motorcycles, including applicable taxes by vehicle type and engine capacity. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
- 26 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said the Opposition’s role during the Ministry’s Budget Head debate was to acknowledge positive measures while warning the Government where it was failing, particularly in relation to fisheries. He recalled fisheries-related initiatives under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, including “Diyawara Gammana,” and urged the current Minister to heed the concerns raised and implement promises made to fishing communities. He said the Government should correct mistakes rather than repeat them, and called for the responsibilities and commitments referenced in the President’s speech to be fulfilled. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Agriculture Read →