Sitting of Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1733893521018713 ·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 Papers Papers: Regulation by Minister of Education (Gazette No. 2411/59) 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Performance Report of Legal Aid Commission Department 2023 2 speeches
- 3 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media 48 speeches
- 4 Debate Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate 95 speeches
- 5 Procedural Motion on the Government's Policy Statement - Agreed Unanimously 1 speeches
- 6 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) 59 speeches
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake formally moved the adjournment of Parliament. The motion “That Parliament do now adjourn” was proposed for consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen moved an Adjournment Motion on the impact of the “Bengal” cyclone and floods, stating that more than 475,000 people in 24 districts were affected, with deaths, crop losses, property damage, damaged roads and tanks, and livestock losses. He urged the Government to provide compensation for loss of life, crop and property damage, and livelihood losses, citing severe damage in Mannar District including 68,334 affected persons and thousands of hectares of agricultural land. He alleged negligence by police and disaster management officials in the deaths of Nintavur madrasa students near the Karaithivu bridge, and called for legal action against officials who failed to warn, rescue, or respond properly.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha seconded the Adjournment Motion on recent adverse weather, emphasizing severe impacts on farmers, fisherfolk, households, irrigation systems, and the wider economy across multiple provinces. He questioned the adequacy of the proposed Rs. 40,000 per acre compensation for damaged paddy lands, sought clarification on support for farmers unable to replant and for non-farmer households with damaged houses, and urged faster funding and authority for District Secretaries to deliver relief. He called for stronger disaster management coordination among agencies, urgent remedial irrigation works including in the Heda Oya basin, and expedited installation of the Japan-assisted Doppler radar system at Puttalam to improve early warnings ahead of possible further weather events.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra outlined the impact of the recent cyclone-related disaster, giving district-level figures for deaths, displaced families, damaged houses, roads and welfare camps, particularly in Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families. He said the Government, security forces and police acted quickly despite some shortcomings, and argued that many flood-related problems stem from long-standing failures such as poor drainage maintenance, blocked waterways, unsafe bridges, encroachments, minor tank issues and politically influenced sand mining. He stated that the Government intends to pursue longer-term disaster-management reforms, including updating the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, using technical expertise and new technology, securing funding, and involving non-state organizations and communities in preparedness and response.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
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.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary K. Ilankumaran used his maiden speech to report on recent flood impacts in the Northern Province, stating that 51,171 families and 171,536 persons were affected across Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, with two deaths recorded. He said advance warnings and coordinated clearing of drainage channels helped reduce casualties, while 82 relief camps were established and food, essentials, medical support and mosquito nets were provided. He requested continued relief for damage to fishing boats, nets, crops and houses, and acknowledged assistance from ministers, local authorities, fellow MPs and diaspora networks.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem addressed the Adjournment Debate on damage caused by recent torrential rains and thanked voters for electing SLMC candidates, noting the party’s expectation of obtaining a National List seat through the SJB. He also referred to the Government’s tabling of liquor licences issued under the previous administration and raised objections to a proposed liquor outlet in Panwila, Kandy, citing its proximity to schools and religious institutions. He tabled letters from Buddhist, Christian and Muslim religious representatives opposing the outlet and urged authorities to prevent its establishment.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake requested that Rauff Hakeem provide the relevant letters concerning bar permits. He stated that the permits had been issued legally, but due to public opposition, the matter would be referred to the relevant minister for appropriate action within the law.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem urged the Government to convene and operationalize the National Council for Disaster Management established under the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, noting its statutory membership includes the President, relevant ministers and secretaries, and five Opposition MPs including the Leader of the Opposition. Referring to the Nintavur Arabic School incident on the Maavadipalli–Kaarthivu road in which six students died, he raised concerns over inconsistencies in procedures and compensation. He called for disaster death compensation to be increased from the current Rs. 250,000 to at least Rs. 1 million, in line with payments for human-elephant conflict deaths.
- The Hon. Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence
AI summary A Cabinet Paper has been submitted to raise compensation for deaths caused by human-elephant conflict, crocodile attacks and other calamities from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1 million. The Deputy Minister confirmed this in response to a point raised by another Member.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns over recurrent flooding in Ampara and Kalmunai/Kalkudah, including an alleged incident where the Valathapitty tank bund was cut and worsened village flooding, and called for a proper inquiry. He urged improved drainage planning, consultation with affected communities, completion of unfinished gabion wall, dredging, and channel-widening works, and construction of flood protection embankments along vulnerable rivers. He also requested revival of the World Bank/ADB-funded Climate Resilience Improvement Project to finance drainage and flood-resilience infrastructure, and asked that crop insurance be extended urgently to vegetable and fruit farmers in both up-country and low-country areas.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Upali Samarasingha expressed condolences for disaster victims and described the recent flooding impact in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and especially Mannar, arguing that recurring floods had been worsened by past construction in drainage paths, railway embankment issues and lack of advance preparedness. He said NPP representatives coordinated security forces, district officials and ministers to assist displaced people, including securing Rs. 37 million for immediate food and essentials and mobilizing civil society and local businesses. He called for people-centred cooperation across parties and communities to develop stronger pre-disaster mechanisms and disaster-response policy, while criticizing political point-scoring during the Adjournment debate.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said the Vanni District, particularly Mannar and Mullaitivu, suffered serious flood damage due to inadequate drainage, raised roads obstructing water flow, and poorly planned projects such as the Mannar wind power development. He urged the Government to prioritize drainage infrastructure, rehabilitate breached and vulnerable small tanks, and address immediate risks to villages. He requested relief for affected paddy, pulse and vegetable farmers through loan grace periods or waivers, and compensation for fisherfolk who were unable to go to sea, while acknowledging recent ministerial attention and funding for the affected districts.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa reported extensive cyclone and flood damage in Ampara District, including 11 deaths, 46,766 affected families, major crop losses, damaged houses, irrigation works, roads, bridges, and fisheries assets. He said the Government would move beyond short-term disaster responses by preparing plans, regulations and preventive measures to manage recurring floods, while acknowledging that flooding cannot be eliminated entirely. He called for expedited and improved assessment procedures for agricultural losses, warning that delays by officials are unacceptable, and cited estimated compensation and reconstruction needs running into several billions of rupees.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam alleged that the World Bank-funded Strategic Cities Development Project in Jaffna was implemented without local institutional participation, adequate technical data, or qualified oversight, and urged the Government and Prime Minister to investigate possible corruption and negligence linked to recent severe flooding. He also said flooding in Batticaloa was worsened by the uncoordinated simultaneous opening of tank sluice gates. He further appealed for funds to construct breakwaters, deepen channels, and improve coastal protection for Northern fisherfolk whose boats were damaged after the cyclone, while asking that alleged corruption under the previous fisheries minister be examined.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister expressed condolences for those affected by the recent cyclone and floods in Sri Lanka and India, and said emergency responses were carried out by the Disaster Management Centre, public officials, armed forces, and volunteers with unusual coordination and commitment. He detailed relief and transport arrangements in flood-prone parts of Matara, including efforts to ensure A/L candidates reached examination centres, and thanked named officials and defence personnel involved. He provided figures on disaster relief allocations and spending, noted emergency assistance from China, and stated that any allegations of wrongdoing should be raised, while mentioning a CID referral regarding alleged irregularities in Ampara relief distribution during the 2023–2024 floods.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran thanked voters in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya and highlighted severe recent disaster impacts in the North and East, including flooding, deaths, crop losses, livestock losses and damage to fishing livelihoods. He requested relief for affected farmers, livestock rearers and fisherfolk based on official statistics, while acknowledging district-level assessments and emergency work by officials and MPs. He also called for a new project in the next Budget to replace the damaged Vattuvakal Bridge in Mullivaikkal East, noting its wartime damage, monsoon risks and use by around 40,000 people.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne emphasized that disaster management should prioritize preparedness, including convening the National Council for Disaster Management and undertaking pre-emptive rehabilitation of vulnerable irrigation infrastructure. He said the Government had decided to raise death compensation for natural disasters from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1,000,000, while the existing Rs. 40,000 per acre crop-loss compensation rate is inadequate and should be revised. He distinguished natural disaster compensation from losses caused by policy or administrative failures, citing Udawalawa water releases, unpaid potato and onion seed purchases, unpaid crop insurance claims, and farmer pension arrears. He also proposed reforms to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, insurance coverage for all cultivated plots, low-interest collateral-free farmer loans, and noted that fertilizer payments for the current paddy season would be made shortly.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman raised the impact of recent extreme weather in Nuwara Eliya, stating that 1,495 people had been affected, with many unable to return to unsafe estate line rooms after rain and landslides. He argued that repeated disaster-related displacement in the plantation sector reflects a systemic problem and called for land rights and permanent housing solutions, including the possible allocation of unoccupied houses in Dunsinane estate to affected families. He urged the Government, the Ministry of Estate Infrastructure, plantation companies, and the new Deputy Minister responsible for plantations to intervene, prevent families from being sent back to high-risk areas, and deliver relief and long-term resettlement solutions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa described the impact of recent Northeast monsoon flooding in Ampara, including damage to roads, culverts, bridges, drainage, houses, agricultural infrastructure and fisheries, and noted that eight people died, including six madrasa students. He said NPP MPs had visited affected areas, coordinated with district and divisional officials, and assured residents that compensation and assistance would be expedited. He also criticized past development failures, citing the unusable Oluvil harbour, and called for future disaster mitigation while thanking local welfare groups, fishermen, swimmers and the tri-forces for relief efforts.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said Cyclone “Fengal” and rains since 21 November had affected 141,151 families, mostly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with 18 deaths and around 20 injuries reported. He outlined government actions including formalizing disaster management responsibilities by Gazette, presidential directives for immediate relief, ministerial visits to Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee, increased relief allocations, and deployment of security forces and officials. He argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen disaster preparedness, citing climate change, monsoon patterns, unplanned development and environmental degradation as factors increasing recurring flood and landslide risks.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that Hon. (Senior Professor) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Nanayakkara presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the Adjournment Debate on the disaster situation was properly obtained at the Opposition’s request and acknowledged the presence of Members from the worst-affected Northern and Eastern Provinces. He criticized the absence of many MPs from larger Opposition parties, questioning their commitment to addressing a national calamity affecting areas such as the Vanni district.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna objected to the allocation of speaking time, noting that some Members present throughout the debate were given only two to five minutes while others who had not attended the debate were allocated more than ten minutes. He requested the Chair to consider this concern.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kader Masthan
AI summary Hon. Kader Masthan said the Vanni District and much of the country had suffered serious hardship from the recent floods, with about 470,000 people affected nationwide. He acknowledged the relief work of district MPs, officials, the tri-forces, NGOs and civil organizations in evacuating people, operating shelters and providing food. He urged the Government to amend the relevant disaster-relief circular, arguing that food assistance must also reach people who remain in their homes due to fear of theft or cultural reasons and cannot move to temporary shelters.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged that Government-side speaking time be reduced, then supported a point raised by Hon. Kader Masthan regarding flood relief. He noted that existing circulars make it difficult to provide food assistance to severely affected people who remain in their homes during floods, and requested the Deputy Minister of Defence and relevant social security authorities to consider amending the circular to allow such support.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised disaster impacts in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, citing large-scale displacement, damage to paddy cultivation, livestock deaths, road damage, unrepaired tanks, and losses to agriculture, livestock and fisheries. He requested adequate compensation based on damage assessments, immediate provision of seed paddy, urgent rehabilitation of about 157 tanks, repair of agricultural and local roads and drainage, and support for fisherfolk and livestock farmers. He also proposed relocating repeatedly flood-affected settlements to higher ground with housing schemes, while noting that previous governments, including during his own tenure, had not resolved these issues due to constraints.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB
AI summary Krishnan Kalaichelvi thanked voters in Nuwara Eliya for electing five National People’s Power MPs and used her maiden speech to focus on disaster impacts in the district, particularly among estate Tamil communities. She said recent monsoon rains affected about 1,500 people from 480 families, damaged estate housing and agricultural livelihoods, and prompted NPP MPs, the District Development Committee Chairman and officials to inspect affected areas and coordinate relief. She attributed recurring disaster risks to past governments’ irregular construction, poor drainage and disregard of NBRO landslide warnings, and pledged that the Government would pursue scientific solutions for housing and related facilities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna thanked the Government for emergency allocations for dry rations and cooked food in Jaffna and Kilinochchi following heavy rains, citing information from the respective Government Agents and his visits to affected areas. He urged greater recognition of the Tamil diaspora’s role in supporting households in the North and said diaspora members were willing to return and invest in Sri Lanka. He pledged cooperation with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Government on national measures, while criticizing the previous chemical fertilizer policy and those now proposing agricultural compensation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said he was prepared to support the national government’s constructive initiatives, including on an independent basis, while noting his electoral support in Chavakachcheri, Jaffna. He highlighted flooding in the pediatric ward of Jaffna Teaching Hospital after recent rains and called for efficient future construction in Jaffna, offering his cooperation without seeking any return.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla, making his maiden speech, argued that Badulla’s current disaster impacts reflect long-term failures in governance affecting education, health, agriculture, the environment, and disaster preparedness. He said 103 families and 3,844 people had been affected, with one death, eight hospitalizations, and about 104 acres of farmland destroyed, and criticized the lack of Opposition presence to address these issues. He called for urgent reforms to reservoir management, including lowering water levels ahead of heavy rains, insurance or protection for downstream communities, sirens, warning signs, evacuation guidance, and early warning systems, citing the midnight opening of the Ulhitiya-Rathkinda spill gates in the Mahaweli “C” area. He also thanked Mahaweli Authority, Divisional Secretariat, and relief officials for their response efforts while urging MPs to work directly with affected communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir described repeated flood damage in the Ampara District, noting that rehabilitation work worth about Rs. 300 million following the 2023 opening of the Senanayake Samudra floodgates had been damaged again by recent floods. He requested government attention to restore irrigation and agricultural infrastructure, warning that only about one month of irrigation water remained before harvest. He also thanked community organizations involved in rescue and recovery efforts in Mavadippalli, Karaitivu, Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai, and called for relief for residents of Navithanveli, which he said had been entirely submerged and left people unable to work.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran raised concerns about severe rain and flood impacts in Ampara District, particularly the 10-day interruption of drinking water supply in Karaitivu and slow repairs by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. He urged the Prime Minister, relevant Minister, and disaster management authorities to restore water supply immediately, warning of possible public protests if the issue continues. He also called for urgent relief for flood-damaged paddy fields in Alayadivembu, Thirukkovil, Karaitivu and Navithanveli, and requested the construction of proper drainage canals in Alayadivembu to prevent recurring flood damage.
- The Hon. Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence
AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera said emergency water supplies for Ampara were already being provided by bowsers and would be supplemented by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. Responding to the Adjournment Debate on disaster management, he said recent floods in five districts exposed gaps in the implementation, digitization and coordination of the disaster management framework under the 2005 Act, despite early warnings and action by district officials, Police, Tri-Forces and other agencies. He said the Government would convene the National Council for Disaster Management, review the national framework, propose amendments and Cabinet measures, and better integrate national and local disaster response mechanisms. He also announced Cabinet-approved increases in compensation to Rs. 1 million for disaster-related deaths and up to Rs. 2.5 million for property damage, while noting that the absence of elected local authority representatives had reduced response efficiency.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence said the absence of local authority representatives resulted from the postponement of Local Government Elections. He stated that the Government would address this issue and establish a special operational framework to reduce loss of life, livestock, and property in future disasters.