Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P.
Profession: Attorney-at-Law
Speeches 748 #2 of 225·#1 in party
Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 548 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Oral question
Activity by sitting
115 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
748 speeches- 8 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Government’s local government election results show a significant loss of public support, citing declines in vote share and limits on the National People’s Power’s ability to control local authorities. He alleged that the Government used state power, promises, and inducements during the campaign, and further claimed attempts were being made to secure control of councils by offering money to independent or opposition members. He also raised procedural objections about allocation of speaking time in Parliament and questioned the protocol, authorization, and security implications of the President’s return from Vietnam on a private jet. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Corruption & Governance ReformPublic FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 10 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the 1987–1990 violence must be examined in full, acknowledging killings by the JVP, the UNP-led state and other actors rather than presenting any side as heroic. He cited political repression, constitutional changes, Black July, university violence, election rigging, assassinations, robberies, destruction of public property and alleged atrocities as part of the escalation. He questioned the justification for armed struggle and damage to national assets, while urging Parliament to close the chapter and move forward without selectively relitigating the past. Debate: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Batalanda Torture Chambers Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
- 9 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara urged the Government and private sector to prioritize energy storage and the expansion of renewable energy. He warned that delays or restrictions on renewables would increase dependence on fuel and coal, raising costs and creating future energy crises. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar EnvironmentPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
- 9 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara seconded the motion and argued that government actions and CEB decisions risk undermining the stated target of 70 per cent renewable energy and the promised addition of 2,000 MW. He called for accountability and recovery of losses over the 9 February 2025 islandwide blackout, citing ignored warnings, estimated losses of Rs. 8,463 million, and legal precedents under the public trust doctrine. He criticized a CEB circular restricting Net Plus Plus rooftop solar connections and reports of solar shutdown instructions, saying these would stifle rooftop generation. He urged a clear plan for storage, including utility-scale batteries or pumped storage, and questioned moves toward LNG and coal projects while renewable integration and financing remain unresolved. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar EnvironmentJustice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →
- 9 April 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a concern about VAT treatment for producers using inputs such as rice polish and maize. He asked the Minister how such producers can claim input VAT when there is no apparent mechanism or place for them to recover it. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Public Finance Read →
- 9 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a question of privilege over the Government’s failure to submit to Parliament agreements reportedly signed with India and China, including a recent defence agreement with India. He argued that such agreements, particularly those affecting national security or the economy, require parliamentary scrutiny and, where applicable, approval under constitutional provisions such as Article 157. He requested that all agreements and related documents, including exchange of letters, be tabled immediately and that Parliament and relevant committees be briefed before implementation. Ministerial Statement and Privilege Question; Procedural Motions Justice & Human RightsParliamentary ProcedureForeign Affairs Read →
- 9 April 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that he would conclude his remarks quickly. Ministerial Statement and Privilege Question; Procedural Motions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a point of order under Standing Order 92(1)(a), asking whether concluded international instruments would be presented to Parliament. He referred to past concerns over agreements, including with China, and questioned what action would be taken under Article 157 of the Constitution, which may require a two-thirds majority for certain international treaties and agreements. Procedural: Points of Order on Trade Agreements and Privilege Matter Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara responded to remarks made in his absence by Deputy Minister Watagala, who had accused him of making false statements. He tabled a CD recording of the Deputy Minister’s statement concerning Deshabandu and Sewwandi and a reported threat of arrest, requesting that its contents be included in Hansard while noting he would not otherwise publicize it. The material was placed in the Library. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that Opposition Members had not received formal letters regarding decentralized provisions and said they would submit proposals once notified. He asked that the Finance Ministry, Coordinating Committee, or District Secretary communicate the required procedure formally, noting that earlier proposals were requested even from Opposition MPs and routed through officials. He also called for decentralized funds to be distributed fairly to all Members of Parliament. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Public FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that a recording exists of a television statement in which the person referred to said authorities knew the whereabouts of the IGP and Ms. Sewwandi and would arrest them at the appropriate time. He said he would submit and table the recording. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged irregularities in the issuance and transfer of liquor licences, including a licence granted to an allegedly unregistered company, alterations of beneficiary names, and licences issued to politically connected individuals and companies. He tabled a list of licences and asked the Government to investigate cases where multiple licences were issued to the same entities, including an alleged beneficiary under 21 years of age, and to cancel licences issued contrary to law. He also argued that tax and licensing leakages in the liquor sector were depriving the Government of substantial revenue, and requested action by the relevant Ministers and authorities. He additionally referred to concerns raised by a Deputy Solicitor General about attending court due to security issues, linking it to wider concerns about the rule of law. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara objected that Government Members had used part of his allotted speaking time and requested that it not be deducted. He asked Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka to grant him an additional four minutes. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in plans to divest SriLankan Catering and ground handling, noting their annual revenue of about USD 100 million while public funds are allocated for airline debt servicing. He warned of a staffing crisis in ground handling and load control due to low salaries and urged pay increases to prevent operational collapse. He also questioned the Government’s position on liquor licences, citing court orders and official correspondence restricting new licences, while pointing to a subsequent Excise Department letter seeking objections for a new RB-4 licence in Ukuwela. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Law & OrderPublic Finance Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving the Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, alleging a connection to a group interested in acquiring the airline. He questioned the circumstances around the appointment and implied the need for scrutiny of the privatization or acquisition process. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara asked for equal speaking time and raised a concern regarding the privatization of SriLankan Airlines. He questioned whether a conflict of interest exists if the airline’s Chairman is linked to Hayleys, a group reportedly interested in acquiring SriLankan, and noted the Chairman’s connections with individuals in the Government. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara objected to interruptions during his allotted speaking time. He asked that, if he was not to be given time to speak, this be stated clearly rather than disrupting his remarks. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara rejected allegations linking him to Perpetual Treasuries, said his COPE questionnaire responses denied receiving money, and challenged critics to pursue legal action if evidence exists. He alleged government misstatements over promised graduate employment, asked for clarity on recruitment, and proposed listing portions of EPF, ETF, Bank of Ceylon, and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation holdings to deepen the Colombo Stock Exchange. He also called for equitable allocation of decentralized funds to Opposition MPs and sought urgent action and updated information on grounded SriLankan Airlines aircraft, citing global aircraft parts and engine-related constraints. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Corruption & Governance ReformPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara objected to the proceedings, noting that only one Opposition Leader was present and questioning why he was not being allowed to speak. He requested that the member be given at least a minute to address the House. Question by Private Notice: Power Generation Policy Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 March 2025 AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara requested that the Leader of the Opposition be given a brief opportunity to speak. Question by Private Notice: Power Generation Policy Parliamentary Procedure Read →