Hon. Dilith Jayaweera, M.P.

Sarvajana Balaya (SB)· National List

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 66 #75 of 225·#1 in party

Attendance 3/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

66 speeches

30 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticised the 2026 Fiscal Strategy Statement under the State Financial Management Act, arguing that it lacks a clear fiscal strategy, innovative thinking, and a roadmap for wealth creation alongside fiscal discipline. He called for stronger policies to attract FDI, clearer incentives and processes for investors, and a rehabilitation framework for viable local enterprises facing debt recovery. He also questioned current tourism policy, urging the use of digital ID and digital platforms to collect reliable data on tourist spending and net economic inflows. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Public FinanceEmploymentForeign Affairs Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera raised concerns that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy response to the Israel–Iran conflict lacks clarity, noting its implications for Muslim communities, migrant workers, and economic ties with both countries. He criticized recent diplomatic appointments, saying most were non-career despite earlier pledges to rely on career diplomats, and questioned the propriety of appointing a retired Chief Justice as an ambassador. He also argued that the President’s visit to Germany, without meeting the Chancellor, reflected poorly on Sri Lanka’s foreign relations. Domestically, he denied allegations of a deal with the NPP over the Dodangoda Pradeshiya Sabha and accused the Government of using inducements and secret-ballot processes to influence local authority outcomes. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Corruption & Governance ReformForeign AffairsParliamentary Procedure Read →
4 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), sought details from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism on measures to strengthen tourism as a source of foreign exchange. He asked about ministerial capacity and consultations, Tourism Development Levy collections, investment in destination branding, per-tourist spending by country, the impact of low-spending tourists on subsidized public services, and whether corrective measures are planned. He also highlighted that star-class hotel room rates remain below pre-Easter attack levels and called for an immediate Ministry-level stakeholder discussion on the sector. Question by Private Notice: Colombo–Kankesanthurai Train Service and Tourism Promotion Public FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticised the Government for allegedly engaging in traditional political bargaining to form local authorities despite its large mandate and promises to change political culture. He urged electoral reforms to prevent money-based competition and crossovers, and called for a more serious economic and governance approach rather than what he described as symbolic austerity. He also raised concerns about treatment of war veterans, the President’s messaging on national reconciliation, and investor confidence, citing the planned closure of a NEXT apparel factory in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Public FinanceCost of LivingCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
8 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera said the local election results showed a significant public message, noting that Sarvajana Bala received nearly 40 percent of the vote in contested local bodies and that the NPP had lost support compared with the general election. He urged the Government to interpret the public mandate honestly, engage in constructive dialogue, and end political mudslinging and online “fake-comment” campaigns. He called for a frank national discussion on the economic crisis, national security, living costs, revenue shortfalls, and the need to create new wealth rather than rely on borrowing or salary increases without revenue growth. Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformCost of Living Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Dilith Jayaweera responded to an apparent insinuation by another Member that his past support for the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government was linked to the issue under discussion. He said he respected the Member’s intentions but rejected any sarcastic or derisive implication, noting that they had previously worked together and that he had been regarded as a reputable businessman at that time. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera requested that any agreements signed by the Government be provided to Members for scrutiny, citing earlier calls for transparency before signing such documents. He also urged the Government to implement a unique digital identification number system, arguing that it is necessary to control and eradicate corruption and that other anti-corruption laws would be ineffective without such a mechanism. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill as a necessary starting point against corruption, but questioned whether it would be applied fairly and in good faith. He urged the Minister of Justice to introduce separate legislation requiring transparent auditing of political parties, including sources of donations and campaign expenditure, arguing that party finances and “fraternal donations” should face the same scrutiny as alleged bribes or racketeer funding. He also called for safeguards against abuse of investigative powers, review of rights and rule-of-law concerns in the Bill, and cautioned against disproportionate use of public property charges. He additionally expressed concern that MPs had not been given advance access to agreements signed with India. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Public FinanceJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
18 March 2025 AI summary Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Budget’s revenue and expenditure assumptions are impractical, citing projected increases in tax revenue, import-related revenue, and the heavy burden of interest payments. He said the Government is continuing an IMF-driven approach rather than adopting a home-grown economic strategy, and urged it to rethink the Budget around an “Entrepreneurial State” model that promotes local production, creativity, and calculated risk-taking. He called for urgent support for MSMEs facing parate execution, warning of job losses and weaker tax collection, and highlighted distress among women affected by microfinance debt. He also criticized current welfare distribution as ineffective and proposed village-level self-sufficiency, people’s councils, capital generation, and support for women entrepreneurs. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Public FinanceEmployment Read →
17 March 2025 AI summary Raising a point of order, Dilith Jayaweera responded to a direct reference to him, clarifying that a short clip had aired on “Derana” while other channels carried longer broadcasts, including a one-hour programme. He argued that the criticism was not directed personally at him but amounted to an attack on the Kelaniya Temple and Buddhist cultural beliefs, and called for what he described as a cultural assault to be stopped. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Parliamentary ProcedureReligion & Culture Read →
17 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera referred to the Easter Sunday attacks, arguing that continued political focus on identifying a “mastermind” could harm interreligious and ethnic relations unless handled with sensitivity and agreement. He said Buddhism’s non-competitive character should be used to build an inclusive nation, while acknowledging past political mistakes. He also welcomed State patronage for Buddhist religious events and urged similar support for other communities, including proposing a large Iftar during Ramazan. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human RightsReligion & Culture Read →
17 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that Sri Lanka’s nationhood should be understood through its Sinhala-Buddhist-rooted civilizational heritage while emphasizing that identity should be based on conduct rather than birth. He said misunderstandings and politicization have damaged interreligious harmony, called for any restrictions on religious or cultural freedoms to be corrected, and cited examples of shared cultural influence among communities. He welcomed the President’s engagement with the Mahanayake Theras and the planned exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, urging similar respectful observances at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. He said the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs should do more than administer grants or publications and should help shape the cultural and civilizational foundation of the country. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionReligion & Culture Read →
12 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera raised concerns over the closure of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka and the complete halt of academic activities for about two months. He asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education for details on student and staff numbers, the reasons for the closure, whether institutional inefficiencies contributed to it, and what steps have been taken to reopen the university. He also questioned alleged irregularities in online semester examinations for the 2022/2023 academic year and requested information on any action taken. Question by Private Notice: Reopening of Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka Education Read →
11 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that delays in implementing a Unique Digital ID have weakened tax collection and the repatriation of export proceeds, and urged the Government to prioritize it immediately rather than over a five-year period under “Clean Sri Lanka” allocations. He criticized taxation of digital entrepreneurs, proposing temporary tax exemptions for selected dollar-earning start-ups to encourage growth. He also objected to remarks allegedly threatening professional institutions involved in construction claims, calling for clarification and an apology while defending the sector’s contribution to foreign earnings. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Justice & Human RightsEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
11 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera requested five minutes of speaking time from the Chief Organizer of the Opposition. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera questioned whether the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Digital Economy match the NPP Government’s policy commitments on research and development. He cited low R&D spending compared with other countries and argued that the Rs. 5 billion allocation is largely recurrent rather than directed to capital formation, innovation, agricultural productivity, or wealth creation. He criticized the Budget as overly shaped by IMF revenue-raising requirements and urged the Government to adopt a more creative strategy to reduce poverty and support the underprivileged. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Public FinanceEducationAgriculture Read →
28 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Budget for not addressing national security and questioned the experience and composition of current defence and intelligence decision-making bodies. He warned against politicization of intelligence appointments, citing the Easter Sunday attacks as a consequence of intelligence failures, and urged the Government to implement its own pledges on a National Security Advisory Council, cyber protection, and surveillance reform. He proposed appointing an apolitical National Security Adviser, establishing a central intelligence agency, and improving inter-agency coordination, training, information-sharing, and intelligence technology infrastructure. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate (Defence & Public Security Heads) Corruption & Governance ReformSecurity & Defence Read →
27 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticised the Budget for lacking a clear national vision and practical measures to uplift rural communities beyond limited cash relief. He argued that despite references to welfare and progressiveness, the Budget did not revive public hopes, support youth aspirations, or provide a direct plan for nearly three million struggling small and medium entrepreneurs. He said expenditure cuts alone were insufficient without capital formation and wealth creation, and called for open discussion on addressing the deficit and debt. He also objected to the reported 15 per cent tax on digital foreign earnings, including platform-based income, saying it undermined young earners who bring dollars into the country. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Public FinanceCost of LivingEmployment Read →
25 February 2025 AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Dilith Jayaweera asked the Minister of Education to clarify the Government’s teacher recruitment policy, minimum qualifications, and district-wise vacancies in National and Provincial schools. He also sought answers on whether successful candidates from the 2019 Dharmacharya/Dharmachari recruitment examination would be appointed, and requested data and policy plans regarding Pirivena and Dhamma school teachers and institutions. He further asked whether the quarterly allowance for Dhamma school teachers would be increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) EducationParliamentary Procedure Read →
20 February 2025 AI summary Dilith Jayaweera raised a Point of Order seeking clarification on figures in the budget documents provided to Members, stating that he could not locate the numbers being referred to. He noted that the figures may appear elsewhere or in the Budget Speech, and clarified that any earlier misreading was unintentional and not meant to mislead the House. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Parliamentary Procedure Read →