Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney at Law, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Colombo

Profession: Attorney-at-Law

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 16 #192 of 225·#130 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

16 speeches

4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta asked the Prime Minister about the President’s recent visit to India for an Artificial Intelligence Summit held at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister. He sought details on the significance of the participation, the foreign leaders and notable figures met by the President, and the benefits or opportunities arising for Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Artificial Intelligence Summit 2026 Foreign Affairs Read →
19 February 2026 AI summary The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Judicature Act and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance amendments, saying they would strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal authority to interdict narcotics production and trafficking in its maritime zones and adjacent high seas. He argued that drug trafficking is a complex transnational problem linked to global trade routes, organized crime, political influence and weakened investigative institutions, and cannot be solved by Sri Lanka in isolation. He also called for scientific rehabilitation, psychological counselling, public awareness, stricter enforcement, and independent investigative bodies while noting that some countries are examining decriminalization as part of wider drug policy. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Foreign AffairsSecurity & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
3 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta rejected Opposition allegations regarding CIABOC complaints, judicial transfers, and claimed injustices to Buddhism, arguing that such claims were made without evidence and that investigations should proceed independently and equally. He cited ongoing inquiries involving Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the “Siriliya” account, the Airbus deal, and other figures as examples of the law being applied irrespective of status. Addressing the telecommunications regulations before the House, he said they would empower the TRC to oversee infrastructure sharing among licensed operators, approve agreements, resolve disputes, prevent anti-competitive practices, and enforce compliance, with the aim of improving coverage, service quality, competition, and consumer costs. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →
18 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of Mr. G.H. Janaka Kumara of Kirulapone, Colombo 6. No further details of the petition’s subject matter were provided. Petitions: G.H. Janaka Kumara and W.T.B.S.J. Seneviratne Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Justice sector Budget allocations, arguing that they address delays in the justice system through improved court infrastructure, increased staffing, digitization, and legal reforms. He cited allocations for court renovations, 2,871 new recruitments, audio-visual technology for courts, amendments to criminal and civil procedure, and recent laws including the Proceeds of Crime Act and the removal of presidential immunities. He also highlighted prison reforms, including biometric systems, modernization funding, community-based corrections, possible alternatives to remand incarceration, and Rs. 100 million for the Watareka open prison in Homagama. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Public FinanceJustice & Human RightsInfrastructure Read →
17 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta briefly thanked the Deputy Chairperson and made no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy arguments. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it reflects fiscal discipline and restored macroeconomic stability, citing improved revenue, reduced deficit figures, and growth in exports, remittances, tourism earnings and grants. He criticized the Opposition for lacking substantive analysis and urged policy-based debate. He highlighted Budget proposals for tourism development, including the Hamilton Canal–Negombo lagoon zone, Uva tourism clusters, upgrading state bungalows, tourism workforce training, and airport improvements, as well as measures to expand digital payments and explore data-centre revenue opportunities. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Public FinanceInfrastructureEmployment Read →
23 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Government’s “Ratama Ekata” programme to curb organized crime and drug trafficking, arguing that crime, drugs and politics have long been interconnected and require a national response beyond partisan blame. He said recent murders, including the Midigama “Kajja” and Weligama Chairman cases, should be investigated impartially, while noting Government measures such as the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 5 of 2025, proposed stronger laws and specialized courts, international cooperation, new detection equipment, and operations by the Navy, STF and Police. He urged public participation through confidential hotlines, asked the media not to glorify criminals, and called on both Government and Opposition to support the programme. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Law & OrderSecurity & DefenceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta rejected the adjournment motion, arguing that the Opposition figures sponsoring it had previously supported or enabled measures such as the 18th and 20th Amendments that weakened independent commissions. He stated that the National Police Commission’s delegation of powers by Gazette was constitutionally permissible and did not amount to curtailing its authority. He further argued that the current Government is supporting an independent and effective Police service while acting against organized crime, drug networks, and political wrongdoing. Adjournment: Motion on Independence of National Police Commission (SO 19(2)) Parliamentary ProcedureLaw & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Susanta Dodawatta argued that the Motion contained factual and legal inaccuracies regarding the Law College entrance examination. He stated that no formal defect had been notified in the Law of Contract paper, that there is no legal provision for re-scrutiny in this type of competitive examination, and that the Gazette does not require admission of exactly 201 candidates. He further noted that candidates from foreign or non-UGC-recognized LLB programmes can attend lectures, receive model papers, and re-sit without limitation, and said the available results did not demonstrate unfairness. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination EducationJustice & Human Rights Read →
9 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta argued that the Government has already begun reducing or rationalizing parliamentary and ministerial privileges in line with the National People’s Power manifesto. He cited the abolition of duplicate fuel allowances for Ministers who are also MPs, changes to meal subsidies through the House Committee, and limits on vehicles for Ministers and State Ministers to two, adding that further reductions requiring legislation would be brought before Parliament. Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State Parliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Read →
1 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta argued that public confidence in the Police and Judiciary has improved under the NPP Government due to the absence of political interference and greater institutional independence. He referred to past politicization of police appointments, criticism of judges by former ministers, and specific court proceedings to contrast with the current situation. He noted that the Government is addressing issues in the Attorney-General’s Department, including vacancies and possible provincial prosecutorial offices, and concluded that a special Select Committee is unnecessary at this time. Adjournment Debate: Select Committee on Administration of Justice Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
1 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Votes of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, citing Budget allocations for court digitization, infrastructure, judicial education, and Law Commission work to improve legal development. He highlighted remand prison congestion, particularly in drug-related cases after bail jurisdiction was moved to the Court of Appeal, and said proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure would allow broader use of online testimony and speed up handling of court exhibits. He also raised concerns about past misuse of the ICCPR Act and political interference in the judiciary, arguing that reforms, stronger oversight by the Judicial Service Commission, vacancy filling, and judicial training are intended to build an independent and efficient justice system. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Public FinanceJustice & Human Rights Read →
20 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta said liquor bar licences had historically been issued through political patronage, including as inducements for MPs, and alleged that the previous government granted many licences shortly before an election for political advantage. He said licences should be assessed against local need, economic conditions, and social and cultural factors, and that the current government is investigating whether recent licences met required recommendations and regulations. He stated that the National People’s Power government would not issue licences as bribes or favours and would pursue legal action or cancellation where investigations find breaches. Adjournment: Liquor Shop Permits and Licensing Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
19 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the NPP’s inaugural Budget, describing proposals such as health-sector digitalization as long-term measures to modernize public services. He highlighted the proposed “Sri Lanka Day” as a national cultural festival intended to promote unity among communities, attract diaspora tourism, and support local arts, crafts, and traditional industries. He also backed an additional Rs. 100 million for skills development of convicted prisoners, arguing that rehabilitation and employability are needed to reduce recidivism. Referring to a recent triple homicide raised by the Opposition, he said the deceased had previously named alleged threats in YouTube interviews and urged Members to view them. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Public FinanceEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionHealthcare Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Supplementary Estimate to provide school stationery allowances, saying it addressed an immediate need among underprivileged children while reflecting deeper failures in the education system. He argued that past policy had left education poorly aligned with skills and employment, citing unemployment, qualification mismatches and the number of three-wheeler drivers as evidence. He contrasted the previous National Education Policy Framework with the Government’s stated aim to take greater responsibility for education costs, reduce burdens on families, and expand vocational education after Grade 9. He also linked education reform to producing ethical citizens and strengthening the productive economy. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Public FinanceEmploymentEducation Read →