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

8 May 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration to provide the number of civil cases pending in Sri Lanka’s courts for more than five years and more than ten years, separately. He also requested details of the measures to be taken to prevent delays in the conclusion of cases, or reasons if such information could not be provided. Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) Justice & Human Rights Read →
1 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised concerns over the large court backlog, citing IMF and committee findings that delays, judicial administrative burdens, shortages of judges, and delays in indictments undermine justice and investor confidence. He urged reforms to reduce case delays, strengthen the Attorney-General’s Department through recruitment and training, and address vacancies in the Prisons Department and Rehabilitation Authority. He also highlighted recurring rental costs for justice-sector buildings and judges’ quarters, supported the move to consolidate offices through the “Adhikarana Piyasa” project, and questioned revenue-raising from courthouse canteens. He further requested respect for the legal profession, noting that lawyers must be able to represent and consult suspects while maintaining ethical distinctions from judicial officers. 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. Chithral Fernando criticized the Government’s Reconstruction Budget as continuing the same post-1977 economic policy framework previously opposed by its leaders, citing past Budget speeches by Sunil Handunnetti and Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He accused the Government of inconsistency on issues such as alliances, nationalism, the Adani wind power project, and claims about ending vehicle permits. He urged the Government to resolve the Italian driving licence recognition issue affecting Sri Lankan expatriates, particularly from Wennappuwa, and questioned Budget provisions on diaspora incentives and tourist vehicle permits. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando said criticism of the Clean Sri Lanka programme should be treated as constructive and not as hostility to the country. He argued that while the programme’s name or inspiration is not important, its implementation lacks clarity, particularly regarding timelines, coordination, and the role and remuneration of Task Force members described as volunteers. He called for accountability over any public expenditure, clearer planning, and consistency in Government messaging. He also urged the Government to apply the programme’s stated goal of changing political culture within its own ranks, citing the former Speaker’s issue as an example. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme Corruption & Governance ReformParliamentary ProcedureEnvironment Read →
21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando questioned the Government on the increase in withholding taxes despite relief announced on PAYE. He highlighted delays and lack of awareness among eligible senior citizens seeking refunds under the mechanism limited to Sri Lankan resident citizens aged 60 or above with annual income not exceeding Rs. 1.2 million, and asked whether action would be taken with a clear timeline to address the bottlenecks. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) Public Finance Read →
21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando questioned the Government’s debt management commitments in relation to its policy manifesto “Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life.” He asked whether the Government’s acknowledgment of public pressure under the relevant Agreement amounted to an admission that its promised debt sustainability analysis and manageable debt-service targets were not accurate. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) Public Finance Read →
21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to state when Sri Lanka’s agreement with the IMF was signed and whether the Government recognizes the public pressure arising from its terms. He further asked whether the agreement would be amended to provide relief, what measures would be taken if so, and, if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
9 January 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando formally raised a parliamentary question. No substantive policy position, proposal, or argument was included in the statement. Oral Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 January 2025 AI summary Chithral Fernando raised a supplementary question on the long-delayed construction of a hospital building in Chilaw, noting it had remained incomplete for about 10 years. He asked the Minister to look into the matter, citing inadequate space even for specialists and noting that the issue had been discussed since his time in the Provincial Council. Oral Question: Government Hospitals in Puttalam District Vacancies (Q.132/2024) HealthcareInfrastructure Read →
4 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando thanked voters in Puttalam and those who supported his entry into Parliament, highlighting increased youth participation. He criticized the President’s Throne Speech and Government speakers for focusing on political attacks and references to a “76-year curse” rather than presenting a clear policy direction. He argued that the Government’s broad characterization of opponents as corrupt contradicted its stated commitment to democracy and freedom, while affirming the Opposition’s support for efforts to defeat ethnic and religious extremism. He urged the Government, given its large mandate, to avoid arrogance and work collaboratively for the country’s betterment. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance ReformReligion & Culture Read →