Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney at Law, M.P.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)· Puttalam

Profession: ---

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 50 #95 of 225·#30 in party

Attendance 3/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

50 speeches

6 May 2026 AI summary Chithral Fernando linked the insolvency debate to broader concerns about alleged mismanagement of public funds, citing the SJB’s Supreme Court fundamental rights case and the recent USD 2.5 million cross-border payment incident. He questioned why Parliament was not promptly informed despite reported Central Bank warnings and conflicting official explanations, arguing that Parliament’s control over public finance and COPF’s mandate over public debt and debt service required disclosure. He also raised concerns about the impact on public confidence in digital banking and called on the Government to acknowledge any mistakes and provide transparent information. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
10 April 2026 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando argued that the no-confidence motion was intended to challenge alleged wrongdoing in coal procurement, not merely to test parliamentary numbers. He said the Government had moved from denying problems to admitting the coal was substandard, and demanded answers on why an allegedly unregistered bidder was allowed, why procurement criteria were relaxed, and whether the Auditor-General’s findings would be accepted. He alleged failures involving an invalid load port report, inaction after early warnings on substandard coal, and improper tender procedures that increased costs from about USD 98 to USD 142 per metric ton. He also questioned reported meetings with a supplier during the tender process and suggested these matters indicated possible collusion or fraud. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. Chithral Fernando presented its report on regulations under the Strategic Development Projects Act, rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, and the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill. He explained that the Committee initially withheld approval of the Strategic Development Projects regulation due to concerns over tax holidays for Categories A and B and the absence of clear definitions for “strategic” and “Strategic Development Plan.” He stated that after further explanations from the Ministry of Finance, the Committee approved the regulation subject to remaining concerns being addressed in future reviews. Papers: Auditor-General's Report and Ministry Annual Reports Tabling Parliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Read →
17 March 2026 AI summary The Member supported increasing remuneration and pension benefits for CIABOC officers, including higher salaries for senior officials, but questioned whether the Commission was acting independently or being used to target the Opposition while ignoring allegations against the Government. He raised specific concerns about the handling of complaints relating to “Container 323,” Parliament officials, and energy procurement, including coal quality issues at Norochcholai, alleged tender irregularities, increased diesel use, and possible health impacts. He urged CIABOC to investigate these matters promptly and impartially, and also objected to Parliament being adjourned during a fuel crisis while district development meetings were scheduled on sitting days. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions EnvironmentPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
20 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised a point of Order under Standing Order 91(c), challenging the Minister’s statement that turbines were unaffected by coal quality. Citing a letter tabled by Hon. Ajith P. Perera referring to increased operational costs from low-grade coal and turbine blade repair due to overheating, he asked whether the Minister accepted the contents of that letter and requested a direct answer. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the Bill abolishing MPs’ pensions as rushed and lacking an informed review of the rationale for pensions, arguing that pensions should remain available at least through a grandfather clause for those already retired or in the system. He contrasted the Government’s criticism of Rs. 34 million in monthly former MPs’ pensions with what he described as larger sums channelled from elected representatives’ salaries to party funds, and accused the Government of selectively invoking its mandate while delaying commitments on the IMF agreement, Development Officers, constitutional reform, the Executive Presidency, and Provincial Council elections. He also raised concerns over the killing of a lawyer near Akuregoda, objecting to official claims linking the victim to the underworld before proof, and asked the Government to table details of alleged underworld figures said to have sought surrender. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →
6 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando welcomed the principle of a fishermen’s pension but disputed claims that the 2025 Government initiated it for the first time, citing earlier schemes and past advocacy by the Opposition. He argued that the proposed contribution and benefit structure gives inadequate returns, questioned non-refundable contributions and Board discretion on refunds, and asked that Government funds—such as savings from abolishing MPs’ pensions—be used to strengthen the scheme. He also raised concerns about unpaid fisheries insurance claims under “Sayura” and asked what diplomatic action had been taken after the Seychelles Coast Guard allegedly set fire to the “Ishani Duwa” trawler and detained its crew. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
5 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando argued that post-disaster coordination in Puttalam, particularly Wennappuwa and Naththandiya, was inadequate, noting that the local Disaster Committee had not met and Opposition MPs were not consulted. He criticized the absence of Ministers and MPs in affected areas, the lack of data for relief distribution, failures in communication and telecom resilience, and insufficient media coordination through an official information centre. He cited the death of Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya and tabled a White House paper on Hurricane Katrina, urging the Government to learn lessons and take disaster management more seriously. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Public FinanceLaw & OrderInfrastructure Read →
26 November 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando proposed digitizing Parliament alongside the digital economy agenda, arguing that Hansards, Gazettes, and other parliamentary documents should be distributed electronically to reduce waste. He sought clarification on the Fisheries Ministry’s Rs. 100 million allocation for satellite-based oceanographic information, urging the Government to seek Indian ISRO support for systems such as NavIC and GAGAN to improve fisher safety, rescue coordination, and identification of fishing grounds. He also asked the Fisheries Minister whether a requested report on banning winches in stake-net fishing had been submitted, and called for a grace period while alternatives are developed. He further raised concerns over an alleged illegal rice import linked to a private entity using the name “United Nations Human Rights Organization,” calling for enforcement of licensing laws, release of the full audio recording, and clear answers regarding the relevant container and impact on local paddy farmers. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day AgricultureForeign AffairsInfrastructure Read →
24 November 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando raised concerns about irregularities in a bidding process involving six bids, alleging that some bidders may have conflicts of interest. He urged the Minister not to treat the matter lightly and to address the potential conflict in the procurement process. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
24 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised concerns over SriLankan Airlines’ reported Rs. 7.59 billion loss despite a Rs. 20 billion allocation, the absence of a CEO for eight months, and alleged conflicts of interest involving Board members linked to Hayleys. He urged action on union allegations of malpractice and inefficiency, and proposed expanding profitable areas such as Ground Handling and SriLankan Catering before considering privatization. He also called for improved pay, promotions, and examinations for Sub-Station Masters, noting low allowances and outdated service conditions. He further sought clarification on Colombo traffic congestion plans, including whether the Government will pursue LRT or BRT under the CoMTrans-related planning framework and referenced a 2018 LRT feasibility report. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Public FinanceEmploymentCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
17 November 2025 AI summary Correcting a procedural point and recalling the violence in Parliament on 16 November 2018, the Member urged that such events not recur. He questioned reductions in capital allocations for justice infrastructure, seeking clarification on planned court complexes, and asked about legal spending and the status of cases relating to the X-Press Pearl disaster, including government-to-government engagement with Singapore. He also requested details on expenditure for police officers sent to the UK, called for disbursement or interim relief to families of the disappeared using funds allocated in the 2025 Budget, and urged expediting the process to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Justice & Human RightsLaw & OrderPublic Finance Read →
17 November 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando raised a point of order under Standing Order 91(h), objecting to a Member being called “hypocritical” as an improper allegation. He also stated that characterizing the vote as being about estate wages was incorrect and requested a correction. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
15 November 2025 AI summary The Hon. Chithral Fernando called for the Prime Minister to make a statement on remarks concerning the verbal subjugation of women. He linked the issue to her planned participation in a global women leaders’ forum and urged those promoting women’s emancipation to address the matter publicly in Aratchikattuwa with the relevant Chairman present. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Women & Children Read →
15 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the increase in the President’s expenditure head, arguing that it contradicted earlier pledges to cut presidential expenses and calling for clarity on whether spending has been centralized under the President at the expense of the Prime Minister’s Office. He said the Opposition did not object to necessary security for the President or Prime Minister, but questioned the Government’s change in position from its earlier statements on reducing such arrangements. He also demanded transparency from the Presidential Media Division under the RTI Act, including details of staff, appointments, salaries, allowances, vehicles and fuel, and warned against using broadband vouchers or the Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” programme for partisan activity. He further objected to disparaging remarks about Aswesuma beneficiaries and noted concerns about targeting errors in the welfare scheme. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando questioned the Government’s rationale for a large financial or policy addition, comparing it to measures taken under Basil Rajapaksa’s “Divi Neguma” programme. He requested an explanation from Government economists and urged that international practice be considered before proceeding. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando questioned the Government’s record on law reform, noting that several Bills listed in the previous Budget had not been enacted and arguing that new legislative commitments should not be presented as assured. He also criticised the addition of Rs. 20 billion to the “Prajashakthi” programme after the Appropriation Bill, stating that such a large increase exceeded accepted budgetary practice and raised concerns about possible political use at village level. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Condemning the terrorist attack near Delhi’s Red Fort, Chithral Fernando criticized the Budget Speech as lengthy but inconsistent with fiscal documents. He questioned increased allocations to the Presidency, alleged reductions affecting CIABOC, Provincial Council elections, health spending, and youth agriculture loan programmes, and cited mid-year fiscal and committee figures to argue that claims of SOE efficiency, anti-corruption empowerment, election preparedness, medical supply improvements, and youth support were not supported by actual allocations or implementation. He accepted improved revenue collection but argued that the Government’s broader budget rhetoric should align with reported expenditure and performance data. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformHealthcare Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Asked why the Member is not taking their parliamentary salary. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Public Finance Read →
24 September 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando welcomed the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill to prevent corporal punishment of children, arguing that it aligns with both international trends and Sri Lanka’s own historical traditions. He emphasized that poverty, overcrowded schools, drug abuse, and social distress contribute to teachers using corporal punishment, and warned that banning it without supporting teachers may not be effective. Citing international research, including examples from Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and South Africa, he argued that legal bans often fail without implementation measures, and tabled the research paper for the House and Library. He urged the Government to consider teacher training and education as part of a constructive approach before or alongside legislation. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading EducationJustice & Human RightsWomen & Children Read →