Hon. D. V. Chanaka, M.P.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)· Hambantota

Profession: Parliamentarian

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 119 #40 of 225·#1 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

119 speeches

6 February 2025 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka responded to a reference made to him by citing SLSI specifications on imported lime, stating that the maximum permitted chromium level is 10 mg/kg. He presented lab reports indicating chromium levels of 14 mg/kg in lime imported into Sri Lanka and argued that this exceeds the standard and reaches a carcinogenic level. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Public FinanceEnvironment Read →
6 February 2025 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that 27 containers of imported hydrated lime for water treatment had chromium levels of 14 mg/kg, exceeding the permitted 10 mg/kg standard, despite required pre-shipment and local testing protocols. He said the material had been sent to the Ratmalana, Galle, and Ambatale water treatment plants and claimed the National Water Supply and Drainage Board had sought to relax the relevant standard instead of re-exporting the shipment. He tabled laboratory reports and called on Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to investigate, re-export the containers, and disclose who benefited from the transaction. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Public FinanceHealthcareCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
23 January 2025 AI summary D.V. Chanaka rejected allegations that he had lied about security personnel occupying Shravasti, stating that he verified that the Prime Minister’s security unit was present there that morning. He also maintained that ministerial perks had increased compared with the previous government, citing advisers, overtime and staff numbers, and invited any Minister or State Minister to a public debate on the matter. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka stated that he wished to respond because the Hon. Prime Minister had mentioned his name. The intervention was procedural and did not include a substantive policy argument or proposal. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned a new circular on ministerial facilities, comparing it with previous provisions and alleging that vehicle allocations, phone entitlements, overtime limits, and fuel allowances for Ministers and State Ministers had increased despite pledges to reduce perks. He stated that 49 officeholders would now have 414 vehicles compared with 426 for 58 officeholders previously, and tabled both circulars signed by the Presidential Secretary while asking why State Ministers require three vehicles. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka challenged claims that Mahinda Rajapaksa was using multiple state buildings, asking the Government to identify them and disputing the suggestion that the Shravasti building was being used for Rajapaksa’s security. He said if the Government’s claim of Rs. 4.5 million rent for Rajapaksa’s residence is accurate, it should issue a formal invoice rather than make public statements. He also shifted attention to a new presidential circular, alleging it increases vehicles and related facilities for Ministers and State Ministers. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
7 January 2025 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that the Government had failed to control the rice market, particularly red raw rice, which he said was unavailable in some markets and being sold above the controlled price. Citing Central Bank price data, he argued that prices rose after the new Government took office and claimed consumers were overcharged by billions of rupees in December. He further alleged irregularities in rice imports through Sathosa, saying imported rice was sold above the controlled price, and called on the Public Security Minister to investigate where the alleged commissions and excess earnings went. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformCost of Living Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary D.V. Chanaka objected on a Standing Order point and rejected allegations made in the debate, arguing that reducing military security for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa would not save the stated Rs. 60 million because the personnel would continue to be paid and return to camps. He described the withdrawal of security as political revenge and warned of public backlash. He also criticized the Government’s handling of Development Officers who had protested at the Ministry of Education, alleging tear gas, arrests, and continued detentions, and requested that the issue be resolved and “repression” stopped. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Security & DefenceCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary D.V. Chanaka said the Opposition would hold the Government to the promises in its “A Prosperous Country and a Beautiful Life” manifesto rather than allow them to be forgotten. He credited the previous administration and officials, including Basil Rajapaksa, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Shehan Semasinghe, the Central Bank Governor and Treasury officials, for initiating and implementing the IMF programme. He argued that politicians who previously opposed the IMF and criticized measures such as electricity tariffs and fuel pricing are now following the same path, and cited past claims that electricity tariffs could have been reduced further. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the basis for providing equal security protection to former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mahinda Rajapaksa. He asked whether their assessed threat levels were the same, framing the issue as one of security assessment rather than politics. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Justice & Human RightsSecurity & Defence Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned whether ordinary police personnel could adequately protect former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He cautioned the Minister against actions that he said could align with or enable LTTE diaspora agendas. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary D.V. Chanaka questioned the withdrawal of security protection, arguing that it would not achieve the claimed Rs. 300 million saving. He contrasted the limited provision of 60 police officers for the former leader credited with ending the war with the security reportedly provided to underworld figures, and challenged the Minister on the fairness and rationale of the decision. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Security & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
17 December 2024 AI summary Supported the Supplementary Estimate, noting that the Opposition backs allocations for children’s education relief while suggesting greater funding would be preferable. Raised concern over media reports that tri-forces protection for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa may be withdrawn and reduced to police protection, questioning the rationale and claimed Rs. 300 million cost saving, especially in comparison with STF resources used for prisoner transport. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Public FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Government’s plan to release ten million coconuts over two weeks, noting that daily national demand is about four million and warning that shortages and queues may continue while prices remain around Rs. 240 per coconut. He argued that the rice and coconut supply issues should have been addressed promptly after the Government was formed and urged the newly appointed Minister to provide an effective solution to prevent consumer hardship. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Government’s plan to purchase rice at Rs. 220 per kilo from mills that had bought paddy at Rs. 90 per kilo, and said imports should be allowed if there is a genuine shortage. He highlighted shortages in his district, stating that shops limit rice sales to one kilo and that coconuts and coconut milk powder are unavailable, including at Keells despite the Prime Minister’s visit. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) AgricultureCost of Living Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary D.V. Chanaka criticised the Government for not implementing pledges made in opposition, including raising the PAYE tax-free threshold, reducing VAT, removing VAT on essential medicines and school supplies, and granting a Rs. 25,000 salary increase. He argued that the Government now has the presidency, a parliamentary majority, and claimed savings from reduced waste and corruption, and should therefore use those funds for salary increases and compensation for crop damage. He also questioned the Trade Minister on the response to the “market mafia” and the decision to import rice, referring to the stated figure of 70,000 metric tons. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Public FinanceEmploymentCost of Living Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary D. V. Chanaka responded to remarks by the Government Chief Whip about his group’s level of support, arguing that their support had increased while cautioning the government about political decline. He also raised concerns about crop damage and paddy cultivation costs, noting that the minimum cost of cultivating an acre is about Rs. 90,000 and urging the Agriculture Minister to take action. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) AgricultureParliamentary Procedure Read →
4 December 2024 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka raised concerns about the Government’s response to recent flood damage, including loss of life, destruction of crops and property, and the absence of clear livelihood restoration measures. He argued that the proposed Rs. 40,000 per acre compensation for damaged paddy fields is inadequate compared with farmers’ incurred costs and requested at least Rs. 100,000 per acre, including for partially damaged lands. He questioned why the Government could not provide greater relief if claimed savings from reduced corruption and expenditure were being realized, and urged immediate delivery of fertilizer support and compensation to affected farmers. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Public FinanceAgricultureCost of Living Read →
3 December 2024 AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the credibility of the President’s Throne Speech, citing changes between campaign positions and subsequent government statements on fuel prices, electricity tariffs, IMF negotiations, and rice imports. He asked whether officials had misled the President on rice stocks or whether the Government’s position had changed, and raised concerns about alleged media intimidation and arrests of social media activists. He also urged the Government not to neglect law enforcement in the name of communal harmony, referring to intelligence warnings before the Easter attacks, and requested fair speaking time for his party’s Members while wishing the Government success. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Law & OrderParliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →