Sitting of Tuesday, 3 December 2024
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1733459564028450 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening of Parliament and Affirmation 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Supplementary Estimates and Notifications 1 speeches
- 3 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order and Standing Orders Clarifications (Vote on Account, Ministry Advisory Committees, Party Leaders' Agreement) 71 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order (Party Leaders Definition, Provincial Council System) 7 speeches
- 5 Procedural Procedural: Committee on Selection Meeting Announcement 1 speeches
- 6 Debate Debate: President's Policy Statement 11 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural: Party Leaders' Meeting Announcement and Chair Change 1 speeches
- 8 Debate Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) 83 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan used his first address in the Tenth Parliament to greet the presiding officers and fellow Members. Referring to Japan’s recovery after the atomic bombings of World War II and noting that the parliamentary complex was gifted by Japan, he expressed confidence and hope for Sri Lanka’s future.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan welcomed the NPP’s democratic mandate and expressed willingness to cooperate on change, while drawing parallels between the JVP’s history of struggle and the Tamil people’s long struggle for rights. He criticized the President’s Throne Speech for omitting the national question and argued that the war and related borrowing contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s debt crisis. He urged the Government, with its large parliamentary majority, to address the Tamil political question by learning from past failed or unimplemented agreements, including the Bandaranaike–Chelvanayakam Pact, Dudley–Chelvanayakam Pact, Indo–Lanka Accord, and previous peace talks.
Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra said the NPP-led Government had received a mandate to change longstanding political practices and pursue reforms across government. He identified foreign affairs and foreign employment as sectors affected by past irregularities, including diplomatic appointments, consular work, and malpractice, and said reforms would be led under Minister Vijitha Herath to make them people-oriented services. He also said the Government would uphold the rule of law, reject extremism, and protect national unity and public security, while seeking public and Opposition support for broader reforms.
- The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana congratulated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the new Government on its mandate following the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, while thanking voters in Kalutara for re-electing him. He said the Government had received broad public confidence and must now meet expectations for prosperity, equality, and “one law for all,” particularly through its forthcoming programme and Budget. He stated that the Opposition should act constructively by supporting measures beneficial to the country and opposing those it believes harmful, while cautioning that governing under current conditions and public scrutiny would be difficult.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB
AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage, in his maiden speech, thanked the Matara District electorate for supporting the National People’s Power and electing six NPP Members, saying voters had rejected the previous political order. He endorsed President Anura Dissanayake’s policy statement as the Government’s roadmap and highlighted rural poverty and past governance failures in Matara. He argued that the Government must prioritize village-level programmes and support the rural production economy to deliver justice and improve living conditions.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
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.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe thanked voters for the NPP’s electoral mandate and said the Government would enforce or introduce laws if necessary to counter racism, religious extremism, and unlawful commemorations. He called on the public service to support the Government’s reform agenda, pledging depoliticization, a National Salary Structure, and action on salary anomalies, promotions, transfers, and service issues affecting teachers, principals, teacher instructors, and school development officers. As Deputy Minister of Labour, he said wage determinations in the private, plantation, and semi-government sectors would be reviewed to ensure fair wages and better employer-employee relations. He also defended the Government’s handling of a recent protest at the Education Ministry, saying the new Cabinet needed time to engage, and highlighted initiatives on digitization, “Clean Sri Lanka,” and rural poverty eradication.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Government’s stated commitment to racial harmony and said constitutional reforms, including any changes related to the 13th Amendment, should address both North-East issues and the long-standing concerns of the Up-Country Tamil community while maintaining a prudent relationship with India. He urged the Government to manage economic reforms, including any IMF-related measures, in a way that protects public confidence and allows stability over its term. He requested compensation for farmers affected by recent disasters in Nuwara Eliya and other districts, proper housing for estate families currently in temporary line rooms, and action to resolve legal obstacles to recruiting 2,500 graduate teacher assistants for Up-Country schools.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara - Deputy Chairperson of Committees JJB
AI summary Hon. Hemali Weerasekara highlighted women’s social, economic and political inequalities, arguing that past policies weakened welfare services and that women’s representation remains low despite their majority share of the electorate. She described the NPP’s “Women, Together as One” mobilization programme and called for policies to raise women’s representation in political structures to at least 50 percent. She proposed labour law reforms, socializing care work, expanding women’s entrepreneurship through credit, training and village-level industrial initiatives, and strengthening legal and institutional protections against violence in line with international commitments.
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan thanked voters in Vanni District, party supporters, and political colleagues for electing him to the Tenth Parliament, while also recalling the late Most Rev. Rayappu Joseph as an influence. He stated that three points in the President’s policy statement had drawn his attention, beginning with the President’s recognition of issues facing the farming community.
Agriculture Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi emphasized the Government’s policy theme of “Raising the Cultural Human Being” within “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” arguing that economic development must be matched by socio-cultural development to build a compassionate citizenry. He said the mandate received across the country, including the North and East, showed a rejection of religious extremism, chauvinism, and divisive politics, and called for nurturing a Sri Lankan national identity alongside global citizenship. He also urged renewed attention to education, culture, and language policy as tools to prevent sectarian conflict and promote a more inclusive civic culture.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara moved that Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir thanked his party and constituents in Digamadulla and then focused on the deaths of eight people, including six students from Kashiful Uloom Arabic College, during floods at Mavadippalli on 26 November. He questioned the preparedness and response of officials despite prior weather warnings, noted delays in Navy rescue efforts, and called for accountability beyond the college staff currently in custody. He urged the Government to compensate the victims’ families and prioritize rehabilitation of the Mavadippalli and Kittangip bridges, citing repeated loss of life and transport risks. He also asked that Islamic religious affairs be considered in national programmes, that deserving people excluded from the Aswesuma welfare scheme be included, and that politicized police OIC appointments be addressed as part of restoring civil administration.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer congratulated returning and newly elected Members and thanked voters, particularly in Gampaha District, noting the significance of his election as the district’s first Muslim male MP since Independence. Referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s policy statement, he argued that the national mandate reflected a desire for unity, reconciliation, and a prosperous country across regional, ethnic, and religious lines. He called on both Government and Opposition to reject ethnic chauvinism and extremist religious agitation, stating that such politics had caused severe human and economic damage and should not be used again to gain power.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri thanked voters in Badulla and said the Opposition would support parliamentary reform and proper procedure while cautioning against omissions or alterations that could undermine public intent in law-making. He urged the Government to turn the President’s Address into practical outcomes, engage professionals through dialogue, and address rising prices and shortages of essentials such as rice and coconuts. He questioned the credibility of relying on imports and an interim budget that shows expenditure without revenue, warning that promises on tax reductions and economic relief must be grounded in realistic plans.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya responded to Opposition concerns about a protest outside the Ministry of Education, stating that Cabinet had approved her proposal to address the grievances of development officers. She said she had held several discussions with their representatives and that the Government was acting to resolve problems caused by past ad hoc recruitment practices. She denied that the Police had been deployed to suppress the protest, saying they responded to developments at the site, and asserted that the Government had a plan to address both this issue and related systemic problems.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri raised a point of order under Standing Order 88, responding to the Prime Minister’s clarification about a protest-related incident. He suggested that if a Cabinet proposal was being presented at the time, informing the protesters in advance might have prevented escalation, and asked whether the Prime Minister accepted that this omission contributed to the situation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that both the Deputy Minister and the Ministry Secretary were present and had invited the protestors for discussions, but the invitation was refused. She noted that the protestors had already been informed the issue would be taken up at Cabinet, yet they still declined to engage.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama thanked voters in Gampaha for the National People’s Power mandate and framed the 2024 presidential and parliamentary results as a peaceful democratic rejection of corrupt and hereditary politics. He argued that the mandate requires delivering justice for victims of past killings and implementing the NPP programme “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” defining prosperity as social, cultural, intellectual, and moral development as well as economic improvement. He criticized previous administrations for failures such as examination delays, paper shortages, electricity bill printing issues, and temporary identity card measures, and pledged that NPP MPs would not betray the public mandate.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj moved that Hon. Imran Maharoof take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi vacated the Chair and Hon. Imran Maharoof assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna congratulated the new Government and thanked Gampaha voters, while arguing that the JVP had long influenced past governments despite portraying the current mandate as a major break from the past. He criticized the Government’s response to recent floods, saying political direction to officials was inadequate and urging urgent compensation and relief for affected farmers. He also questioned unresolved rice shortages, continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the failure to deliver promised reductions in fuel prices, calling on the Government to implement its election commitments.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake thanked the people of Matale and endorsed the policy statement as a practical programme focused on ending rural poverty. He highlighted rural deprivation in health, nutrition, education, housing and access to national wealth, especially in the hill country, and said the Government would pursue food security, quality education, mental health support and new rural economic opportunities. He also proposed involving industrialists, entrepreneurs and businesses to revive rural industries, particularly agro-industry, while stating that issues affecting development officers and public servants would be addressed responsibly.
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal thanked the NPP/JVP leadership and the people of Puttalam, noting that his election marked the first parliamentary representation for Puttalam through a national party in 35 years under the proportional representation system. He argued that the NPP’s electoral success, including victories across most districts and in the North, reflected public support for a national programme transcending ethnic, religious, linguistic and regional divisions. Referring to the President’s Address, he said politics based on provincial, ethnic or religious lines had fostered suspicion and chauvinism, and called for unity under a common Sri Lankan identity. He linked national disunity and past divisive politics to Sri Lanka’s post-Independence economic decline, asserting that the NPP Government has a mandate for national renewal.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella SJB
AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella thanked the voters of Kandy for electing her as a first-time MP and said she would continue the public service of her father, Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, with particular emphasis on women’s issues. She welcomed the increased number of women in the 10th Parliament and noted women’s representation in senior offices, while observing that Sri Lanka remains low in global rankings for female parliamentary representation. Referring to the President’s statement on the IMF programme, she recalled the NPP’s earlier opposition to the agreement and urged the Government, in its forthcoming Budget, to provide relief to families, especially mothers struggling to feed their children nutritiously.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath thanked voters in Polonnaruwa and argued that current rice and agricultural problems stem from the long-term decline of agriculture after the 1977 open economy and the weakening of institutions such as the Paddy Marketing Board. He cited unused paddy storage capacity and decayed state-supported mills in Polonnaruwa, saying the Government cannot resolve supply issues within weeks of taking office and that those now criticizing helped create the conditions for private domination of the rice sector. He also addressed a recent protest at the Education Ministry, stating that officials offered dialogue, Cabinet action was being pursued, and Police acted lawfully after violence occurred. He said the Government aims over five years to strengthen national unity, uplift the rural economy, and address these issues.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa supported the Government’s policy statement, arguing that the NPP received a mandate to change the political culture and economic direction after 76 years of governance. He said poverty levels, including the number of families receiving Aswesuma assistance and claims that 41 per cent of the population earns less than two US dollars a day, show the need for short-, medium- and long-term reforms. He called for an end to corruption and misuse of public assets, and said investigations and punishment were needed for illicitly acquired wealth while welcoming constructive criticism and proposals.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB
AI summary Wasantha Piyathissa argued that national prosperity depends on national unity, citing the Government’s policy theme, “National Unity, a Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” He said opponents had spread fear during the election campaign, particularly among Muslim communities, but that subsequent electoral support for the NPP in areas such as Kalmunai and Sammanthurai showed growing trust among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa argued that communal and religiously based politics are no longer necessary in the East, saying communities no longer need ethnocentric parties claiming to protect them. He responded to concerns about recent floods, stating that NPP members helped clean and sanitize affected schools and homes, while Government officials were convened to plan further action. He attributed delays to institutional weaknesses, rigid procedures, and resource shortages, expressed regret for public inconvenience, and said the Government is working to improve response mechanisms.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said the Government’s pledge to build a prosperous country must be backed by a clear roadmap, particularly as Sri Lanka proceeds with IMF reviews and faces debt repayments from 2027 to 2043. He urged the Government to use its strong mandate to address public problems without delay and to consider Opposition views constructively. Referring to the President’s commitment to justice for victims, he called for investigations and disclosure of the truth regarding the killings of Vijaya Kumaratunga, Rohana Wijeweera, and victims of 1989 violence in his village, including justice for their families.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government’s “Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life” policy aims to address debt, poverty, and multidimensional deprivation through education, health, rural development, and community empowerment. He argued that Sri Lanka must reduce rural and estate poverty by raising agricultural productivity, particularly paddy yields, while using temporary rice imports only to stabilize supply after disruptions such as floods. He outlined plans to improve exports, including doubling tea foreign exchange earnings through value addition and productivity, and said the new Ministry would focus on empowerment rather than welfare alone. He also announced proposed increases in allowances for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and patients with chronic illnesses in the next Budget.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti defended the new Government’s early performance, arguing that criticism about inexperience is premature given that it has held only a few Cabinet meetings and has already responded effectively to recent floods. He said the President’s policy vision centres on a national production economy, wider public participation, equitable distribution of benefits, export expansion, tourism growth, digitalization, and the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. As Industry Minister, he criticized past policies that left many state industrial institutions inactive or marked for sale, and argued that state-owned industry should be revived as a strong competitive pillar alongside the private sector.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage thanked the Ratnapura District electorate and called for genuine change in parliamentary culture, including ending political interference in institutions and law enforcement. He urged an investigation into the police handling of protests outside Isurupaya, defended the right to protest, and asked the Government to examine an alleged assault case in Ratnapura involving a JVP local government candidate without political interference. He also pressed the Government to honour pledges on abolishing MPs’ pensions and to clarify its position on official accommodation for MPs, while requesting action to maintain decorum in Parliament, including preventing TikTok filming inside the Chamber.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was recorded in the quoted intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna alleged that he was assaulted by a person named Sujith at the Opposition Leader’s Office when he visited to check his allotted speaking time as a new Member of Parliament. He questioned how Members could safely engage outside Parliament if such incidents occur within the parliamentary premises.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that, during a dispute over seating arrangements, a person named Sujith struck him. He emphasized that as a doctor he would not physically retaliate or raise his hand against anyone.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha alleged that an Independent Group Member from Jaffna had behaved inappropriately and used foul language in the Opposition Leader’s office in front of the Opposition Leader’s Secretary. He stated that a complaint had been made to the Speaker and requested the Chair to conduct an inquiry, arguing that Members who cannot behave properly should not sit on the Opposition benches.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha begins by stating that he believes there are matters within Parliament that require attention, but the provided excerpt is incomplete and does not include the substance of his argument, proposals, or questions. No specific legislation, policy, or demand can be identified from the available text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera made a brief procedural remark to the Deputy Chairperson, stating that the members value their allotted time. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera briefly rose to address the Deputy Chairperson, but no substantive remarks, arguments, proposals, or questions are recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera rejected an allegation that he had assaulted another Member, stating that no such incident occurred. He instead alleged that the other Member had threatened him.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Expressing disappointment at disruptions during the debate on the President’s programme, the member said Parliament should focus on rebuilding the country rather than isolated incidents. He argued that the Government’s mandate reflects a collective public call for national reconstruction and responsible conduct by all MPs. He highlighted the NPP’s emphasis on human development and integrated reform of health, education, and social systems, noting concerns over high out-of-pocket health spending and pledging disciplined rebuilding of these sectors.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a complaint about an incident in the Leader of the Opposition’s office regarding his speaking time allocation. He said he had not been informed of his allotted time, questioned who was deciding the order of speakers, and alleged that a person named Sujith assaulted him during the exchange.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj said the new parliamentary mandate reflected a shift toward policy-based politics and noted the increased representation of women in Parliament. She outlined government priorities to protect and uplift women and children, including better safeguards for women workers at home and abroad, enforcement against violence, improved safe public infrastructure such as sanitary toilets, and stronger systems beyond legislation. She also highlighted concerns over substandard pediatric medicines and unsafe food, pledging action on medicine quality and food standards, and framed the election result as a rejection of communalism in favour of a shared Sri Lankan identity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe thanked voters and party leaders for his election to Parliament and highlighted the severe impact of recent floods in Ampara District, citing damage to over 46,000 families, homes, roads, bridges and about 85,000 acres of paddy land. He urged the Government to provide greater compensation and relief to affected farmers, noting that previous flood compensation remained unpaid and that Rs. 40,000 per acre was insufficient. He also called for an investigation into the deaths of madrasa students and civilians in a tractor accident during flood evacuations, questioning who authorized unsafe transport through floodwaters. He further demanded urgent infrastructure action, particularly construction of a proper bridge at Mavadippalli, where he said repeated drownings had occurred.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe requested the full 20 minutes allotted to him, stating that he intended to speak about matters concerning his district rather than politics.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe raised concerns about unpaid arrears of Rs. 13.8 million, stating that this prevented flood-affected people in parts of Ampara District from obtaining dry rations on credit, and requested payment of the arrears and relief for Akkaraipattu, Addalaichenai, Lahugala and Pottuvil. He also discussed national politics, arguing that past leaders failed to resolve the ethnic question despite different mandates, and urged the current Government, which came to power promising change, to act beyond old political divisions and address longstanding issues.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe urged the Government to move beyond old political traditions and meet the high expectations of voters following the recent election. He objected to remarks made by Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa concerning Hon. Rauff Hakeem, asserting the right of his leader to engage politically in the Eastern Province and citing the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress’s role in keeping Muslim politics within the democratic process. He appealed for clarification and called for setting aside divisive issues in order to support national rebuilding.
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB
AI summary Wasantha Piyathissa clarified that he had not expressed the view attributed to him by another Member. He stated that the public had rejected the previous political culture and ethics and were aligning with a new political culture and policy, with changing political behaviour and preferences in those areas.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath thanked voters for the National People’s Power’s mandate and defended the President’s Policy Statement as setting out the Government’s vision, while criticizing the Opposition for politicizing the occasion. He said current shortages, including rice shortages in parts of Hambantota and nearby districts, stem from previous governments’ economic policies and asked the public to allow the new Government time to implement relief measures. He rejected allegations of media suppression, stating the Government supports democratic expression but would enforce the law against media activity that incites racism, religious hatred or extremism. He also affirmed the Government’s commitment to development, strengthening the rural economy, and fulfilling the mandate given by voters.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka described the 10th Parliament as carrying public expectations for political and social change across ethnic, religious, and regional lines, citing electoral outcomes in Matara as evidence of voters rejecting divisive politics. He said the Government and National People’s Power would oppose attempts to inflame ethnic or religious tensions and would not use repressive laws against democratic voices of progressive parties, professional bodies, trade unions, civil organizations, or individuals. He called for cooperation despite ideological differences and portrayed the new parliamentary group as motivated by public service rather than privileges.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha thanked voters in Kurunegala and Bingiriya and said the new government, despite arising from a working-class political movement, had failed to acknowledge Rohana Wijeweera in the President’s Throne Speech. He questioned whether the Government’s call for parliamentary discipline was consistent with its removal of powers from the University of Ruhuna Vice Chancellor, who he said had acted against ragging and indiscipline. He also challenged the Government to clarify its position on the IMF programme and possible public service reductions, arguing that it had sought a mandate on promises to resist or change IMF conditions but was now continuing the previous agreement unchanged.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Moved to adjourn the debate on the President’s Policy Statement, presented on 21 November 2024, and to continue it on 4 December 2024. The House agreed to the motion, and the debate was accordingly adjourned until that date.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural