Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
Profession: Business Management Consultant
Speeches 89 #54 of 225·#25 in party
Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Public Finance 58 speeches
Last spoke 10 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
89 speeches- 24 October 2025 AI summary The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe informed the House that he had submitted a letter to the Speaker in writing and stated that he had the letter with him. Personal Explanation and Privilege Matter: Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 24 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe denied an allegation made in his absence by Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam regarding an improper warehouse transaction, stating it was false and had been repeated in the media. He said the allegation breached his parliamentary privilege and requested a fair inquiry. Personal Explanation and Privilege Matter: Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 24 October 2025 AI summary Under Standing Order 27(8), the Deputy Minister raised a breach of privilege, responding to an allegation made by Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam during his absence from the House. He denied having the alleged discussion at the Kingsbury Hotel or receiving any related letter, and urged that Parliament not be used to amplify unverified claims. He stated that he refers approaches from interested parties to the proper institutions and reiterated his commitment to transparency and anti-corruption politics. Personal Explanation and Privilege Matter: Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary Allegations of irregularities should be referred for legal action where warranted, noting that anti-corruption authorities have a large backlog and that files are being compiled for investigation. On Sevanagala Sugar, the Government intends to retain it as a state enterprise while considering public-private partnerships for idle land and underutilized assets to strengthen the sugar business. Farmers’ and employees’ security and production capacity would be safeguarded as part of the Ministry’s broader plan to address operational constraints. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) AgricultureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe said institutions under his Ministry have been asked to identify and prioritize unresolved issues, with newly appointed chairpersons made accountable through management agreements and KPIs. He cited progress on a long-pending Rs. 6 billion compensation matter involving BCC Lanka and the Legal Affairs Department, and said audit reports are guiding efforts to address legacy issues and clear institutional balance sheets. He noted that some matters require collective decisions with other ministries and the Treasury, and said those discussions are being pursued expeditiously. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government is aware of the longstanding “past liabilities” owed in relation to fuel storage tanks and pipeline facilities at Kankesanthurai, with Rs. 244.45 million payable as at 31 July 2025. He stated that although six rounds of inter-ministerial and institutional discussions have been held since 2016, payment by CPSTL for the 2010-2015 period was withheld due to a land ownership issue over about six acres. He said the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation constructed the tanks and pipeline, CPSTL should pay for their use, and a meeting held on 24 September 2025 was aimed at determining a resolution pathway, with no intention to forgo recovery of the dues. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Public Finance Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected Opposition criticism on SME support, arguing that the crisis reflects long-standing weaknesses in banking instruments, collateral-based lending, and limited Central Bank capacity, while stating that the Government has issued circulars and coordinated banks through the Industry Ministry to assist affected businesses. He supported the Supplementary Estimate as a reallocation of Rs. 36 billion in unspent funds to reduce debt and interest costs, not as additional expenditure. He said transport and logistics reform is essential for economic growth and investment competitiveness, citing Sri Lanka’s weak World Bank Logistics Performance Index ranking compared with regional peers, and called for alignment of ports, buses, roads, and freight systems to support production and productivity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) InfrastructurePublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Industry Ministry’s role is focused on production, while consumer protection and environmental regulation fall to the CAA and the Environment Ministry. He acknowledged weaknesses in enforcement and said the Government is tightening regulation of products, markets, manufacturers, and imports, noting concerns about the quality of some imported goods. He also outlined proposals to reduce packaging through alternative materials, selective bans, changes in consumer behaviour, and mechanisms for producers to bear recycling costs. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) EnvironmentPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that 158 plastic and polythene manufacturing factories are registered under the Industrial Promotion Act, while CEA data records 780 licensed polymer-based product manufacturers as of 30 June 2025. He said separate national production data are not yet compiled, but a JICA-supported CEA system to track plastic imports, environmental releases and recycling volumes is planned for operation in 2026. He outlined existing CEA bans and controls on various polythene and single-use plastic products, and said inter-agency work is under way to strengthen standards for plastic water bottles, food containers and infant milk bottles, including controls on BPA and phthalates. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Environment Read →
- 19 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe criticized former governments and economic advisers for failing to implement proposals contained in the 2016 Budget, arguing that many pledged reforms remained undelivered. He listed areas such as industrial policy, tax administration technology, debt management, SOE reform, digital identity, anti-dumping legislation, land banking, tourism branding, SME finance, labour law changes, and commercial dispute resolution as examples of past failures. He said the present government is now implementing several of these measures, including GovPay, public debt management reforms, anti-dumping provisions, women’s employment-related labour reforms, SOE KPIs, and forthcoming initiatives on industrial policy, land banking, tourism branding, and MICE development. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 19 August 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the economy is strengthening, citing domestic and international data and assessments by institutions including the IMF. He criticized what he described as repeated false alarms and unfounded claims about the economy being raised before the House. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Public Finance Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that the country is moving in the right direction and urged against fearmongering that could hinder progress. He called for Opposition support to help advance Sri Lanka’s growth. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Public Finance Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe argued that the Government has moved Sri Lanka from stabilization toward growth, citing improved fiscal performance, external stability, export growth, manufacturing expansion, private credit growth, and rising investor interest under the IMF programme. He rejected Opposition claims about the NPP’s economic management and said current appointments and policies reflect rule of law, meritocracy, digitization, better governance, and efforts to expand market access while improving domestic competitiveness. He stated that social indicators such as poverty, employment, and real wages will take longer to improve, and called on the Opposition to support legal reforms, changes in political culture, and accountability for misuse of public funds rather than making statements that could deter investors. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country EmploymentAgriculturePublic Finance Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that “The Blue Brigade” is not involved. No further context, policy issue, or proposal was provided in the quoted statement. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary A comprehensive plan is being prepared for a new value-addition process involving both the Government and private sector. The Ministry is examining the re-utilization of the warehouse and related resources, and stated that legal action will be taken if any misuse is found. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Eppawala rock phosphate was described as a national resource that cannot be used directly for short-term crops, requiring processing into Single Super Phosphate. The Government has obtained Cabinet approval in principle, addressed legal issues with Attorney-General guidance, and submitted a Cabinet Paper to call Expressions of Interest from the private sector for production. The stated objective is to reduce fertilizer imports and ensure public benefit from the deposit. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Public FinanceAgriculture Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that Lanka Phosphate Limited’s former Chairman and Board had allocated phosphate exports to three companies outside the procurement process, with 29,000 metric tons allocated out of a planned 30,000 metric tons. He said D.M. Traders exceeded its 10,000 metric ton quota by obtaining 24,357 metric tons, while exports also exceeded the stipulated 28% P2O5 grade limit. He informed Parliament that the Ministry of Industry is conducting a special audit and inquiry, and that the financial loss has not yet been calculated. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Lanka Phosphate Limited is stated to have sold phosphate for export to three companies without following a formal procurement procedure. The remarks frame this as part of alleged past frauds and indicate that the parliamentary question is intended to raise those irregularities. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Quantities of phosphate were allocated over the past two years to D.M. Traders, Disaru International Engineering Company (Pvt) Limited, and Ichiban (Pvt) Limited. The member declined to comment further on the export sale methodology, citing the pending Supreme Court fundamental rights case SC/FR 301/2023 challenging that process. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Public Finance Read →
- 23 July 2025 AI summary Lanka Phosphate Limited had not directly exported rock phosphate, but 29,882.05 metric tons of Eppawala rock phosphate were sold in 2023 and 2024 to three local companies for export purposes. The response, given on behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, identified the companies as D.M. Traders, Disaru International Engineering Company (Pvt) Limited, and Ichiban (Pvt) Limited. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Agriculture Read →