Sitting of Thursday, 5 December 2024
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1734081038099638 ·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 - Speaker's Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Auditor-General's Reports and Special Audit Report 4 speeches
- 3 Papers Papers: Supplementary Estimate No. 14 of 2024 and Vote on Account Resolution 4 speeches
- 4 Debate Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) 56 speeches
- 5 Debate Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) 114 speeches
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development
AI summary The Minister moved the Vote on Account for the first four months of 2025 under Article 150(2) of the Constitution and the State Public Financial Management Act, citing the need to fund public services and ongoing development until the 2025 Appropriation is passed. He set out estimated expenditure of Rs. 2,600 billion, revenue of Rs. 1,600 billion, a primary borrowing limit of Rs. 1,000 billion, and a precautionary borrowing ceiling of Rs. 4,000 billion due to possible timing issues in finalizing debt restructuring. He said the Government’s priorities are macroeconomic, fiscal, external and social stabilization, completion of debt restructuring and IMF engagement, improved revenue administration, a production-oriented economy, and targeted support for farmers, fishers, vulnerable groups and schoolchildren.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim said the Vote on Account must be scrutinized under Parliament’s constitutional control over public finance and argued that the Government had not explained its allocations with sufficient accountability. He questioned the requested expenditure and borrowing authority, including Rs. 1.4 trillion for four months, Rs. 1.7 trillion in further withdrawals, and up to Rs. 4,000 billion in borrowing, saying this contradicted previous pledges to avoid debt. He also demanded that the proposed International Sovereign Bond restructuring agreement be brought to Parliament for debate and a vote before signing, criticizing the macro-linked bond terms and the allocation of Rs. 3,213 million for foreign financial and legal advisers while farmer relief remained capped.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti defended the Vote on Account as a necessary interim measure to keep the State functioning until a full Budget can be prepared, noting that the Government took office on 23 November and that existing appropriations lapse on 31 December. He cited historical precedents for Votes on Account and said Act No. 44 of 2024 now provides a formal legal framework for them. He argued that allocations, including the Rs. 3,000 billion debt-service provision, are contingency ceilings rather than automatic expenditure, and linked the need for such provision to pending debt agreements and existing ISB obligations.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti argued that allocations in the Vote on Account are precautionary and need not be fully spent, citing the Rs. 3,000 billion provision for ISB-related commitments as potentially unnecessary if agreements are finalized by end-2024. He said the Cabinet has directed unutilized funds to be returned to the Treasury and outlined savings from reducing nonessential expenditure, limiting official residences and vehicles, relocating rented offices to government buildings, and using foreign assistance for school uniforms. He also defended continued payments under existing legal and advisory contracts, including restructuring-related advisers, as legacy obligations that could create litigation costs if abruptly terminated.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the President’s policy commitment to reject ethnic and religious extremism and strengthen the rule of law, while arguing that past governments wasted major mandates without resolving national issues, especially the ethnic question. He called for accountability for assassinations, disappearances, journalist killings, and the Easter attacks, including consideration of Asad Moulana’s testimony, and urged enforcement of court orders against illegal settlements in Mayilathamadu and Maathavanai. He welcomed the President’s recognition of the right to memorialize the dead, but expressed concern that the policy statement was silent on a political solution to the national question and did not propose a common ministry to treat all religions equally.
Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. Najith Indika rejected Opposition claims that the NPP had promoted social hatred, arguing instead that fear-based campaign allegations against the NPP constituted such rhetoric. He contrasted the Government’s economic policy with what he described as Ranil Wickremesinghe’s path, citing the closure of the urea plant, rising public debt, privatization of state enterprises, and recent proposals involving the CEB and petroleum sectors. He said the NPP’s mandate was for a different model based on state-led planning, retaining sovereign control over strategic utilities, and mobilizing private and cooperative investment under national plans.
- The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF
AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana requested clarification from the Government Chief Organizer regarding the list of liquor licences issued to wine stores under the previous Government, which had been tabled the previous day. He specifically asked that the names of any public representatives who recommended each licence, including in Kalutara District where more than six new licences were issued, also be tabled so that responsibility can be identified.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Ministry of Finance is conducting an inquiry into the matter. Once the inquiry is completed, the relevant document will be tabled in Parliament for public access.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF
AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana made only a brief expression of thanks. No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or legislative matter was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake thanked UNP and NDF supporters and welcomed the Vote on Account being presented under the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, while calling for higher standards and renewed public confidence in Parliament. He argued that Sri Lanka must continue the IMF-supported debt restructuring path after the 2022 default, maintain fiscal discipline, raise revenue toward 15 percent of GDP, and protect targets such as low inflation, a primary surplus, and stronger foreign reserves by 2028. He said PAYE in its current form is unfair and urged the Government to design Sri Lankan revenue measures rather than mechanically follow IMF prescriptions, while tabling the 2025 Budget revenue proposals by 17 December. He cited improved SOE financial results and past UNP policy achievements to argue for pragmatic, nationally focused economic management.
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that Sri Lanka’s recovery requires an export-led, productivity-driven development strategy supported by consistent national and industrial policy, stronger institutions, skills development, rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and reforms to attract investment. He said the Government would consolidate and strengthen agencies such as the IDB, EDB, NEDA, the Small Enterprises Development Division, and the National Productivity Secretariat, while improving ease of doing business, development finance, logistics, energy reliability, certification processes, and tax rationalisation within the IMF framework. He rejected claims of Rs. 3,000 billion in new borrowing, describing the figure as a debt exchange accounting entry, and set export targets including increasing total exports to about USD 45 billion with sectoral growth in IT, apparel, agriculture, port services, and tourism. He also said the Government would directly engage industries to address costs, technology, credit and licensing constraints, and would improve delivery of SME support after previous concessional loan schemes reached very few firms.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. D. V. Chanaka SLPP
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.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
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.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Acknowledging a rice market shortfall and allegations of hoarding, the Minister said the Government is taking short-term measures to stabilize supply, including permitting up to 70,000 metric tons of rice imports, of which about 50,000 metric tons are expected to arrive. He said Sathosa is releasing 200 metric tons of rice daily at Rs. 220 per kilo, covering about three percent of daily demand, until imports and private stocks enter the market. He also stated that some traders and loan recipients are attempting to manipulate stocks and prices, and said he would present details and pursue longer-term measures to prevent market abuse.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
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.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that coconuts are being made available through Sathosa outlets from that day.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
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.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary Minister K.D. Lal Kantha thanked voters in Kandy for electing a large National People’s Power representation and outlined district priorities including wild animal damage to crops and flood mitigation in Akurana, stating that compensation, legal crop-protection measures, and a special flood project would be pursued. He linked these issues to the Government’s wider “system change” agenda, citing changes to political culture, state ceremonies, vehicle use, and the need for a more efficient public service. Responding to concerns about reducing state employees, he said some institutions have politically recruited excess staff while others, such as Wildlife Conservation and veterinary services, face shortages, and said staffing issues should be addressed transparently. He also said agricultural and irrigation projects must prioritize farmer benefits, while agencies such as the Paddy Marketing Board would be reoriented to improve farmer livelihoods and consumer outcomes.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised district-level concerns including wild animal conflict, requesting reconsideration of firearms permits for farmers, and Akurana flooding, calling for discussion on engineering proposals and coordination committee action. He also urged negotiated handling of the Kalmunai Divisional Secretariat delimitation issue, taking Muslim community concerns and pending litigation into account, and called for lawful elections before appointing trustees to the Nindavur Mosque. On the Vote on Account, he questioned large allocations linked to sovereign debt restructuring and alleged possible insider dealing, comparing it with past bond controversies, and called for investigations into both external debt restructuring and Domestic Debt Optimization, particularly its impact on EPF members and gains by primary dealers. He said he would submit questions to the Finance Minister seeking formal answers.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath supported the Vote on Account as necessary to fund essential services, including public sector salaries and sectoral expenditure, while the new Government prepares the 2025 Budget. He argued that the current economic crisis resulted from past economic policies and mismanagement, and said the National People’s Power Government intends to shift towards a production-focused economy. He highlighted issues in agriculture and markets, including high rice and coconut prices, alleged market manipulation, and crop losses in Hambantota, proposing stronger state intervention such as an expanded Paddy Marketing Board. He stated that the Government would implement recovery plans over the coming months and invited others to support the rebuilding process.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra defended the JJB Government’s decision to continue engagement with the IMF and complete debt restructuring, arguing that it had been stated in the party’s manifesto and was necessary to avoid further economic damage. She said the previous Government was responsible for the debt crisis and that delays in restructuring had cost an additional USD 1.7 billion in interest. She also stated that the President’s expenditure head had reduced personal staff allocations by 64 percent and that the Government’s mandate was to restore economic inclusion for affected workers and SMEs. She further pledged a new Constitution to ensure equality and dignity for all communities and inclusive participation in the State.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar said the Government should enforce its anti-communal stance through the law and questioned whether promised savings from reducing corruption, waste and theft are reflected in the expenditure estimates. He challenged the Government’s proposed borrowing, its position on the IMF and debt restructuring, and asked whether it would address losses to EPF/ETF members from domestic debt restructuring and clarify claims about removing 500,000 public servants. He sought timelines and implementation plans for pledges on fuel taxes, electricity tariff reductions, Trincomalee oil tanks, rice imports and supply, PAYE and VAT relief, and removal of taxes on food, education and health. He also asked for concrete proposals on FDI, grants, and tourism strategy, stating that the Opposition would support sound plans while urging stronger checks and balances.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB
AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas, in his maiden speech, thanked voters in the Matara District and said the National People’s Power’s election victories reflected a shift beyond ethnic and communal political divisions, including in the North, East and Hill Country. He argued that national unity is now a practical basis for development and that reduced internal conflict would enable progress over the coming decade. He urged planned economic expansion, particularly through tourism and foreign exchange generation, citing Sri Lanka’s coastal, climatic, biodiversity, gemstone and cultural assets.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman urged government action on housing for estate residents affected in Dunsinane Estate, stating that consent letters from the Indian High Commission and Elpitiya Plantations had been sent to the Ministry but no response had been received. He argued that plantation worker poverty cannot be solved through repeated daily-wage negotiations, and proposed moving to a regulated alternative such as an outgrower or revenue-sharing model. He also called on the Labour Minister to use the Wages Board if the government intends to raise the basic daily wage, while appealing for bipartisan cooperation on up-country issues.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported the Vote on Account and argued that the NPP Government would pursue its five-year “A Prosperous Country — Beautiful Lives” programme to build a production-based economy rather than continue previous economic approaches. He said current flood compensation rates for damaged paddy land are inadequate and should be revised, while wider agricultural reforms should reduce production costs by lowering taxes on inputs and machinery. He also proposed rehabilitating small tanks, modernizing irrigation, improving water availability for both cultivation seasons, developing village fisheries to support nutrition, and introducing proper land-use planning to prioritize food production and support young farmers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna — Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
AI summary Hon. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna moved that Hon. Aravinda Senarath take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha left the Chair and Hon. Aravinda Senarath assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala acknowledged the Government’s large mandate and said the Opposition would support measures beneficial to the country while opposing actions harmful to the public. He urged the Government to address the high cost of living, including food prices and widespread hardship, and warned that public expectations must be met quickly after the economic crisis. He rejected claims that nothing had been achieved over 76 years, citing progress in free education and health, and called for practical short-, medium- and long-term measures to earn foreign exchange, particularly by improving foreign employment remittances and tourism to help meet debt obligations by 2028.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj thanked voters in Badulla District for electing NPP representatives and said the up-country Tamil community, historically deprived of citizenship, land, housing, and labour rights, had strongly supported the NPP. He rejected demands for a separate North–East state, stating that the NPP supports national unity while addressing the welfare and livelihoods of all communities. He called for land and home ownership for estate workers, reform of the daily-wage system, and restructuring of the plantation sector, citing closed tea factories, the 1992 estate leases, and the long history of line-room housing and labour struggles.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy, speaking on the Vote on Account and the President’s policy statement, rejected attempts to attribute past governments’ actions to the SJB and urged the Government to match its promises with delivery. He said many small-scale fishers had not received announced relief and criticised the Rs. 5 increase in kerosene prices, while also calling for compensation and assessments for repeated crop losses in Kalpitiya. He questioned the cost of debt restructuring advisers and asked that funds instead support fishers, farmers and consumers, urging programmes to reduce living costs ahead of Christmas and the New Year while offering Opposition support for beneficial measures.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka marked his first speech as an MP for Ududumbara, noting the National People’s Power’s electoral gains in Kandy and the return of representation for Ududumbara/Hasalaka after many years. He highlighted severe drinking water shortages and kidney disease concerns in areas including Ududumbara, Teldeniya, Digana, Matale, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Ampara, as well as the human-elephant conflict in Hassalaka, Ududumbara, Mahiyanganaya, and Mahaweli-adjacent districts. He argued that previous governments and long-serving representatives had failed to address these issues, contributing to debt, economic decline, and youth migration, and stated that the NPP Government would prioritize resolving these problems and improving living conditions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof thanked voters in Trincomalee and emphasized his commitment to non-communal politics, urging the new government to move beyond criticism of past administrations and demonstrate the political culture change promised to the public. He called for clarity on government promises, including the claim that major changes would occur within 24 hours of taking office, and specifically requested transparent disclosure of who received liquor bar permits in Trincomalee. He also argued that raising concerns about Muslim representation in Cabinet or Tamil-speaking communities’ access to appropriate administrative appointments is not communalism, but a request for fair and qualified representation.
Parliamentary ProcedureEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana — Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the four-month Vote on Account as necessary to maintain government operations until a full Budget aligned with the Government’s election programme can be prepared. He argued that the new administration inherited severe economic and sectoral problems, including in agriculture, SMEs, fisheries and state enterprises, and said demands for immediate solutions within two weeks of assuming office were unreasonable. He cited recent reductions in many commodity prices, currency and stock market stability, increased remittances, and expenditure controls as early progress, while stating that the Government would not privatize the CEB or pursue layoffs despite overstaffing in entities such as Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories. He also outlined the broader “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as an effort to reform Parliament, public institutions, society and governance practices.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana urged the new Government to respect the role of the Opposition, avoid triumphalism despite its large mandate, and account to Parliament on how it will address corruption, economic recovery, education, health, and public relief in a bankrupt country. He questioned allocations under the Vote on Account, including presidential expenditure, travel, motorcades, and advisers, and said the Government’s current positions on borrowing, rice imports, taxation, and “mafia” claims differed from its earlier rhetoric. He also called for continued justice for Easter Sunday attack victims and warned that suspending Standing Orders in relation to the Vote on Account must comply with the Public Financial Management Act and proper parliamentary procedure.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected claims that presenting a Vote on Account violates public finance law, citing Article 150(2) of the Constitution, sections 23(1) and 23(2) of the relevant Act, the Order Paper, and the Attorney General’s recorded opinion. He argued that the procedure is lawful where an Appropriation Bill has not been presented, and urged Members not to mislead the public through selective statements or social media clips. He called for genuine criticism while warning against creating unnecessary public concern over the State finance process.
- The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that he had not proposed filing cases in India, but referred to constitutional provisions there as an example of citizen action. He argued that the Government’s move to suspend Standing Orders 27(3) and 121 enabled a matter, including a Vote on Account, to be taken up despite normal notice requirements and the absence of a constituted Public Finance Committee. He stated that the Opposition’s concern was raised under the Public Financial Management Act, noting that a Vote on Account is typically used when an Appropriation Bill has not been presented before 31 December.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara thanked voters in Anuradhapura for re-electing him and noted recent political shifts following the Presidential and General Elections. He said public demands for “system change” had repeatedly shaped governments since 2014, including the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, but warned the new Government against repeating the same rhetoric and practices that led previous governments to lose public confidence. He urged the new administration to focus on delivering its stated policy goal of a “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Lives” and said the Opposition wished it success in responding to people’s expectations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara stated that the Opposition would support measures that benefit the country and the public, while opposing harmful actions. He said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would not engage in disruptive tactics or incite protests to damage the economy, and would instead judge government proposals on their merits. He cautioned that previous policy statements and Budgets had presented ambitious promises that were not implemented, and said the Opposition would cooperate if the Government genuinely worked to fulfil its pledges.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara said the Opposition would cooperate with efforts to meet public expectations and support changes where necessary. He questioned the Government’s criticism of past Rajapaksa-era concentration of budgetary control, alleging that the current Budget similarly allocates nearly 60 percent among six Ministers and suggesting power is concentrated within a “Pelawatte brothers’ company” associated with the National People’s Power.
- The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara welcomed the President’s emphasis on a digital economy and the creation of a separate Science and Technology Ministry with qualified experts. He questioned whether the allocated Rs. 1.78 billion for Science and Technology and Rs. 3.78 billion for the Digital Economy were sufficient for the major transformation promised. He noted that similar commitments had been made by previous leaders and urged the Government to translate the current pledges into reality.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Rathna Gamage defended the Vote on Account, stating it is a constitutionally established interim financial measure rather than a Budget, and criticized Opposition Members for allegedly misrepresenting its contents. He rejected claims about allocations for presidential advisers and clarified fisheries relief measures, including diesel subsidies for multi-day vessels and small boats, with monthly settlement arrangements approved through the Fisheries Ministry. He argued that the Vote on Account provides a four-month framework to support the productive economy under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana responded to personal remarks allegedly made against him in his absence, including a claim that he was drinking in the parliamentary canteen. He denied misusing parliamentary facilities or privileges, stating that he and his colleagues do not consume food or drink at Parliament’s expense, take official housing, or spend time idly in the canteen.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana objected to interruptions or disorder during proceedings and requested that he be allowed to speak. His remark indicated frustration with the conduct in the Chamber at that moment.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana responded to an allegation about him drinking tea in the parliamentary canteen, asking whether the accuser also uses the canteen. The intervention was a brief personal reply rather than a substantive policy argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that he referred to the measure as a Vote on Account rather than a Budget. He rejected accusations and disruptions in Parliament, stating that members should raise any allegations directly in the chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake asked for clarification regarding a statement attributed to another member that President Anura Dissanayake had allocated Rs. 320 million for advisers. He indicated that Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage had raised the point and requested the relevant member to clarify the claim.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that he had not accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of misusing funds, but had questioned the purpose of an allocation equal to that provided to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for four months. He noted that the former President’s expenditure included helicopters, bulletproof vehicles, multiple cars, and paid advisers amounting to about Rs. 300 million, and asked what the funds would be used for if the current President was not incurring similar costs.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake asked for clarification on whether the Rs. 320 million allocation for advisers referred to President Anura Dissanayake or former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He urged the member addressed to be specific in identifying which President was being discussed.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana requested the Chief Government Whip to verify the Hansard record. No further substantive issue or policy proposal was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake pressed another participant to state something immediately, indicating urgency or insistence during the exchange. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter is identifiable from the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake pressed for an immediate clarification on whether the President had allocated Rs. 320 million for advisers, questioning why the matter was being deferred to Hansard or video records. He asked that the relevant member be given the microphone, even using his side’s speaking time, to state the answer in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana sought to clarify a point he said had already been stated in his live-streamed remarks. He addressed the Deputy Chairperson of Committees and requested an opportunity to explain further, but the excerpt contains no substantive policy argument, proposal, or question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake requests a direct clarification regarding a claim that a President is allocating Rs. 320 million for advisors. He asks the member to identify which President is being referred to and to answer briefly without lengthy explanation.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that he was referring to a statement by Hon. Kabir Hashim, who had said there was no difference between former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and another party or figure. His remarks were interrupted before the comparison or argument was completed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake pressed the Government to give a direct answer on whether Rs. 320 million allocated for advisors related to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe or President Anura Dissanayake. He urged ministers not to use Opposition time for digressions and to state clearly if they could not answer.
- The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana briefly responded that he had been asked a question and intended to provide an explanation. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake raised a procedural objection, questioning why the language being used in the proceedings was being changed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana objected to being restricted in the language he wished to use during proceedings. He questioned why he could not speak in his preferred language, raising a procedural concern about language rights in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake briefly noted that the matter had been said in Sinhala, apparently referring to language use or translation in the proceedings. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana clarified that his earlier remarks, referring to Hon. Kabir Hashim’s statement, concerned the lack of difference in allocations for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, without attributing specific purposes to either allocation. He asked that the Hansard be checked for the detailed uses of the funds and requested that he be allowed to express his views in Parliament without being challenged on a point he had clarified.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the matter would be referred to the Hansard and made a critical remark about another Member’s conduct during the sitting. The exchange occurred amid interruptions, after which the Chair directed Hon. Rathna Gamage to continue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage supported the Vote on Account, arguing that it gives practical effect to the President’s policy statement by increasing support for the fisheries sector and linking it to a broader plan for a productive economy. He cited Sri Lanka’s maritime resources and past budget allocations, stating that Rs. 5,769 million has been allocated for fisheries for the next four months, benefiting workers and dependent communities. He said the Government aims over five years to raise fish consumption, increase fisheries’ GDP contribution, and improve training and status within the sector. He also defended the Government’s advisory arrangements, contrasting them with previous administrations and naming professionals now involved.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage stated that volunteers, including engineers and other intellectuals, are coming forward to contribute to national development without financial motive. He said the Cabinet combines theoretical and practical expertise to implement the country’s recovery plan.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad thanked voters in Mirigama and Gampaha and said his right-wing movement would use its mandate while urging the new Government to clearly define whether it intends to pursue a genuine left economic path rather than policies he associated with Ranil Wickremesinghe. He questioned the Government’s references to a “76-year curse,” saying recent relief measures suggested funds remained from previous administrations, and called for a clear timeline to implement promised production-based industries, anti-corruption laws, and development measures. He also sought clarity on foreign policy, particularly relations with India, the future of Adani projects, and whether the Government would remain non-aligned or tilt toward China.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad requested an additional two minutes of speaking time from the Deputy Chairperson.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- An Hon. Member
AI summary The Member made a brief remark stating that someone had “studied by heart.” No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or demand was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad criticized the Government for expanding welfare programmes such as “Aswesuma” and child-related assistance while failing to deliver tax relief expected by the middle class. He argued that, despite accusing Sajith Premadasa of welfare populism, the Government had adopted similar welfare measures using public funds, whereas his party leader had used party funds for such assistance.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Oshani Umanga JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Oshani Umanga thanked voters in Horana and Kalutara and framed the election result as a mandate to transform the country through cleaner governance, digitization, improved state productivity, and support for investment and SMEs. She highlighted increased women’s representation in Parliament and public office, including the re-establishment of the Women’s Caucus, and said the Government would prioritize women’s issues and participation in policymaking. She cited welfare and cost-of-living measures such as school supply grants, pension and Aswasuma increases, fertilizer subsidies, and fuel support for fishers, urging legal and financial backing to implement the “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Lives” programme.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K.S. Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Hon. K.S. Kugathasan, in his maiden speech, welcomed the President’s policy statement on transparent, merit-based governance, rule of law, an efficient public service, protection of public assets and action against corruption, while urging that these pledges be implemented in practice. He argued that economic policy should pursue not only growth but equitable development and income distribution, citing Bolivia as an example where growth increased inequality. He proposed strengthening agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry, including through specialized universities similar to the Agricultural University at Coimbatore, to support sectoral development and foreign exchange earnings.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K.S. Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Hon. K.S. Kugathasan highlighted flood-related damage in the Trincomalee District during comments on the Government’s policy statement. He said 23,463 acres of paddy were fully damaged, 10,525 acres partially damaged, 12,994 farming families affected, and 28 irrigation tanks breached fully or partially. He also noted income losses for 23,178 fishing families and flood impacts on 4,250 households, and requested necessary relief for all affected groups.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K.S. Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Hon. K.S. Kugathasan stated that he would table his speech. No substantive arguments, proposals, or questions were presented orally.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Vote on Account, arguing that the President’s expenditure estimates were significantly lower than those of the previous administration and that much of the allocation reflected debt servicing or specific grants such as World Food Programme funding. He cited spending by the National Youth Services Council on “Smart Youth Night” as an example of wasteful expenditure under the former government, contrasting it with neglected repairs to the Council’s auditorium. He stated that the new administration would avoid tender irregularities and politically motivated spending, and would focus Ministry resources on youth and sports development programmes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that strengthening the economy is necessary to create opportunities for youth and athletes. He said the Government’s policies aim to build a progressive culture and economy and support the country’s development.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB
AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka thanked voters in Anuradhapura and highlighted urgent difficulties facing district farmers, stating that the promised Rs. 25,000 fertilizer relief had not been fully paid and calling for proper compensation for flood damage, including consideration of earlier demands for Rs. 100,000 per acre and support for other crops. He argued that debate on the Vote on Account should focus on current responsibilities rather than repeated references to “76 years” of past politics, noting that all parties connected to past governments share responsibility. He also urged the Government to act quickly on its election promises to prosecute corruption and present the cited 400 evidence files, while affirming the Opposition’s role in questioning the Government on behalf of the public.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary The motion sought to adjourn the debate on the Approval to present a Vote on Account and twelve Supplementary Estimates, which had commenced that day, and to resume it on 6 December 2024. The House agreed to the motion, after which Parliament was adjourned until 9.30 a.m. the following day.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural