Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Anuradhapura

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 402 #9 of 225·#4 in party

Attendance 3/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

402 speeches

18 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified that 70,000 metric tons of rice are being imported through a tender procedure. He noted that the import window remains open until the 20th, allowing any party to bring rice into the market between the 4th and the 20th. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Agriculture Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe called on Members to follow proper procedure when raising a Point of Order by identifying the relevant Standing Order and specifying the issue. He also admonished Members not to misuse the process or make false statements. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the record now shows the individual in question did not sit alone during an investigation. He demanded that the person disclose who else was present with him. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe referred to ongoing investigations dating back to 2010 concerning an examination issue. He suggested that if the individual did not sit the exam alone, another person may have written the paper, noting that marks were obtained in the Commercial Law examination. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Justice & Human Rights Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe reiterated allegations concerning Hon. Namal Rajapaksa’s Law College final-year examination in 2010, stating that a complainant, Mr. Tushara Jayaratne, is expected to pursue formal proceedings and provide evidence regarding the arrangements under which the exam was taken. He also clarified remarks about a rejected postgraduate application to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, saying the alleged threat was made by the Vice Chancellor, not by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa. He called for investigations into both matters, noting that complainants and Hon. Namal Rajapaksa could give evidence. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to concerns about imported rice, stating that Customs conducts container-by-container checks at three points and compliant consignments can be cleared within about four hours. He said three of 75 containers from one private importer were found to contain weevils and were ordered to be re-exported, emphasizing that only rice fit for human consumption would be allowed into the market. He also referred to a Consumer Affairs Authority case involving 2,000 MT of unfit rice in Anuradhapura that had been repackaged for human consumption and was ordered to be diverted for animal feed. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Public FinanceAgriculture Read →
18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government had restructured STC with a new Chairman and Board and opened tenders to import rice, including a 20,800 MT tender closing the next day and an initial 5,200 MT consignment expected on the 19th. He stated that Cabinet had approved importing 70,000 MT, while import restrictions were relaxed from the 6th to the 20th to allow private importers, with about 12,000 MT released from port by the previous day. He said local millers holding around 300,000 MT had released stocks slowly, but following discussions led by the President they had agreed to supply Sathosa about 300 MT per day and increase market releases to address the shortage. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the supplementary allocation presented by the Prime Minister as Minister of Education is intended to help children from Aswesuma-recipient families purchase educational materials, with consideration for other hardship cases as well. He argued that the measure responds to wider shortages in schools, including lack of teachers, facilities and administrators, and said no child should be treated unfairly. He also raised allegations concerning Namal Rajapaksa’s Law College examination and later university application, calling for an investigation and justice in relation to alleged misuse of political influence. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) EducationCorruption & Governance ReformCost of Living Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe tabled a written answer stating that, as of 25 October 2024 and based on a 5 November 2024 report, the Consumer Affairs Authority had inspected rice mills in 20 districts and collected data on stocks of Nadu, Samba, Keeri Samba and other paddy varieties, with details provided in annexes and a CD. He further stated that Gazettes No. 2414/02 and 2414/04 of 9 December 2024 fixed the Maximum Retail Price for rice, and that raids were continuing against outlets selling above the MRP. Oral Questions: Paddy Stocks, Fuel Price Revisions, and Teacher Scarcity (Q.11, Q.12, Q.10/2024) Cost of Living Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that alleged fraud should be addressed through the country’s legal process rather than extrajudicial action. He assured Parliament that a fair investigation would be conducted and that criminals, thieves, and fraudsters would be punished according to law. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Justice & Human Rights Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary The CID has completed investigations and a case is before court with charges filed and accused persons named. Wasantha Samarasinghe said there appear to be political links to the accused and stated that, if the investigation is not properly conducted, steps will be taken to ensure it is, while emphasizing that punishment is a matter for the courts. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe asked for an opportunity to respond after two supplementary questions had been posed. The intervention was procedural, indicating he intended to answer the questions if allowed to continue. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that Sathosa had conducted an inquiry into the alleged fraud and that a related criminal case was before the Welisara Court, limiting what could be disclosed in Parliament due to sub judice considerations. He said the available information indicated irregular pricing instructions, including sales at Rs. 135 despite a Sathosa price of Rs. 355, and argued that such actions would have required political direction, calling for action against the responsible political authority. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said a case related to the matter is before the Welisara Court, with accused persons named and a report annexed to the official answer. He stated that further legal action would be taken on the advice of the Attorney General, and that investigations would proceed if the filings indicate political involvement. He also noted that the incident occurred in 2021, before the National People’s Power government. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe intervened procedurally to urge that parliamentary time not be wasted on irrelevant narration. He requested that any supplementary question be asked directly and remain relevant to the matter under discussion. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe instructed the Member to keep the supplementary question relevant to the matter under discussion. He said any question on rice should be raised separately, at which point he would provide an answer. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe urged that, if the member wished to raise supplementary questions, he should be asked to do so. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe made a brief remark suggesting that the addressee would “end up in Burma anyway.” No specific policy proposal, legislative issue, or substantive argument was presented in the statement. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Foreign Affairs Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary The remark indicates that a relevant file has been provided or made available, likely in response to a procedural or document-related matter. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is presented in the excerpt. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the number of relevant files had increased from 400 to 760 and said he could provide details on all of them if a separate question was submitted. He also indicated that a file existed concerning the questioner’s resignation from Parliament and invited the Member to proceed with a supplementary question. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →