Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney at Law, M.P.
Profession: Attorney-at-Law and Notary Public.
Speeches 12 #206 of 225·#144 in party
Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Justice & Human Rights 6 speeches
Last spoke 6 May 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
10 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
12 speeches- 6 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill at its Second Reading, arguing that existing insolvency laws are inadequate in light of the sharp rise in non-performing loans and the impact of the economic crisis. He said the Bill would shift the legal framework from creditor-focused enforcement toward business rescue, restructuring, orderly liquidation, job protection, and improved creditor recoveries. He highlighted standstill provisions and relief from pressures such as parate enforcement as measures to help debtors and entrepreneurs re-enter economic activity, while linking the reform to restoring investor confidence and economic recovery. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading EmploymentPublic FinanceJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 9 April 2026 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara presented five petitions from residents of Bibila and related areas. The petitions were ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, describing drug trafficking and abuse as a national crisis affecting many sectors of society and a large proportion of the prison population, especially youth. He argued that past political and official protection enabled drug networks, and cited Government enforcement data from 2025 and the “Country Together” operation, including raids, arrests, seizures, and persons identified for rehabilitation. He said the proposed amendment would strengthen action against drug production, possession, and trafficking in Sri Lanka’s maritime zones, and called for cross-party support for the reforms. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
- 14 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had restored macroeconomic stability, advanced debt restructuring, improved fiscal indicators, and regained investor confidence during 2025. He cited increases in exports, remittances, tourism receipts, revenue and grants, and the primary balance, and said the Budget prioritizes inclusive growth, public-private partnerships, value-added industrialization, export diversification, debt sustainability, poverty reduction, and digitalization. He also highlighted proposed recruitment and regularization in the public service, resumption of pensions, planned debt servicing, and provisions for governance and anti-corruption reforms. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformEmployment Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara asked whether, in light of past challenges to the rule of law by public representatives, there had been any abuse of the law in the specific instance under discussion. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary Sarath Kumara asked whether an investigation is being conducted into reports that two Local Authority Chairpersons continued to receive salaries from both their government posts and local authorities while allegedly not performing their official duties due to serving full-time as Chairpersons. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to clarify the legal status of public servants contesting and holding office in local authorities. He sought details on leave or resignation requirements, whether elected mayors or chairpersons may continue their government employment while in office, and the applicable legal provisions. He specifically questioned the cases of the Madulla and Siyambalanduwa Pradeshiya Sabha chairpersons elected in 2018, asking whether they lawfully received both their chairperson salaries and government salaries and what action was taken if such payments were improper. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the Companies (Amendment) Bill, stating that it implements FATF Recommendation 24 by requiring disclosure of companies’ ultimate beneficial owners to improve transparency and prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. He highlighted provisions requiring company secretaries to confirm beneficial ownership within two months and report to the Registrar of Companies within six months. He argued that the amendments would reduce the space for criminally motivated investments and invited Opposition Members to support efforts to strengthen the rule of law. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979, arguing that they would strengthen the rule of law and improve the efficiency of criminal proceedings. He highlighted provisions allowing courts to excuse the personal presence of accused persons in specified circumstances, use remote participation to address security, public order, health or rehabilitation concerns, and permit witnesses and experts to provide evidence or reports electronically. He said these measures would help reduce delays caused by shortages of specialists such as Judicial Medical Officers and Government Analysts, while also referencing past alleged abuses of legal process and criticizing the Opposition’s engagement in the debate. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 25 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara defended the 2025 Budget as a credible and socially responsive programme aimed at justice, equality and economic transformation, contrasting it with previous budgets he said had not materialized. He highlighted allocations for health, education, transport, agriculture, security, public administration and Rs. 749 billion for social protection, alongside salary and stipend increases and measures for farmers, estate workers, fisherfolk, students, public servants and private-sector workers. He said the Budget would be financed through projected revenue of Rs. 4,990 billion and domestic and foreign borrowing against expenditure of Rs. 8,835 billion, and emphasized digitization, infrastructure rehabilitation and research funding while criticizing alleged misuse of youth funds under the previous administration. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) EducationPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 7 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the private member’s motion to establish a clear procedure for appointing Labour Welfare Officers, citing Sections 21 and 22 of Act No. 21 of 1985 as having allowed ministerial discretion and politically influenced appointments. He argued that past failures to follow criteria within the Foreign Employment Bureau damaged Sri Lanka’s reputation and harmed migrant workers. He called for faithful implementation of appointment procedures, effective state regulation of foreign employment, accountability for officers who neglected duties, and the use of ILO and IOM guidelines to standardize practice. Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers EmploymentCorruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 5 February 2025 AI summary The speech supported parliamentary approval of an Order under the Foreign Exchange Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, describing them as temporary measures to protect reserves and support economic stabilization. It outlined limits on outward investments, targets to increase foreign reserves, and a phased relaxation of vehicle import restrictions with registration deadlines, penalties, and licence sanctions. It also explained recent rice import relaxations in response to shortages and said the Government is improving data systems and using these measures to normalize the economy, support tourism, revenue, production, and public transport. Procedural: Committee Composition and Debate Commencement InfrastructurePublic FinanceAgriculture Read →