Sitting of Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1735286612086554 ·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 Parliament Opening and Affirmation of Hon. Mohamed Nizam Kariapper 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports of Government Institutions 4 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) 93 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide details on Government-owned farms, including their number, names and addresses, and annual profits or losses from 2015 to date. He also requested information on future measures concerning these farms in line with Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund, and asked for reasons if the information could not be provided.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, provided details on State-owned farms under the Department of Agriculture, Mahaweli Authority, and National Livestock Development Board, numbering 29, 17, and 32 respectively. He stated that farm names, locations, functions, extents, and year-wise profit or loss data from 2015 have been tabled in annexes placed in the Library. He said there is no specific agreement to privatize these farms, and that government policy is to improve and develop them, with possible domestic stakeholder involvement under government oversight but no decision to hand them to foreign companies.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary The Hon. Hesha Withanage requested specific figures for two farms as examples, seeking detailed data to support discussion or scrutiny of the matter before Parliament. The intervention was a procedural request for illustrative farm-level information rather than a broader policy argument.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock stated that complete details relating to all 78 farms had been provided in the annexes.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Requests the relevant data for the Ambalantota farm, without providing further context or argument in the recorded speech.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary For Ambalantota, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock provided financial figures indicating a profit of Rs. 8,296,547 in 2022 and a loss of Rs. 1,633,648 in 2021. He stated that the financial values from 2015 onwards are included in an annex.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Asked for clarification on whether the entity in Hambantota, located in the former Agriculture Minister’s district, made a profit or loss in 2023. The question sought a specific financial outcome for the previous year.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary For 2023, a loss of Rs. 3,091,574 was recorded in the relevant annex, as stated in the context of Agriculture and Livestock matters.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Hesha Withanage asked whether, in light of recurring losses and previous Government proposals linked to the IMF programme, the Government intends to privatize any of the farms in question. He sought an assurance to the country that none of those farms would be privatized.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the previous Government attempted to lease significant NLDB assets, including land, milk collection centres and dairy factories, to entities linked to the Amul model on low terms, an initiative opposed by farmers’ organizations, trade unions and civil groups and challenged in the Supreme Court. He stated that the plan has now been abandoned and that NLDB lands will not be transferred to those organizations. He said the Government intends to develop farms profitably for public benefit, with possible local private participation after discussion, and no decision to hand them to foreign companies.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Hesha Withanage sought clarification on whether the assurance was that the relevant assets or operations would not be handed to foreign firms, but could instead be given to local private companies. He asked for a specific guarantee on that distinction.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary Namal Karunaratne stated that the Government has not taken a final decision on plans for idle or overgrown farms, but is considering how to revive them, increase income, and return land to cultivation. He said the Government would intervene directly and, if necessary, work with domestic investors or stakeholders, while safeguarding national interests and not relying on foreign involvement.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary The Hon. Hesha Withanage questioned delays in fertilizer subsidies while cultivation is underway and asked why the minister’s advocacy for farmers is not more evident. He also raised concern that privatization or private actors may again gain influence over rice pricing, asking whether policy is moving in that direction.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister distinguished privatization from involving domestic stakeholders in farm development under Government oversight, stating that no process harmful to national interests would be pursued. He acknowledged delays in fertilizer-related payments, including the Rs. 25,000 per hectare assistance to farmers, and said the causes had been identified and would be rectified. He assured that fertilizer issues would not affect the next season and that the Government would work to improve conditions for farmers.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation to provide details on locomotives imported since 2015, including numbers, expenditure, engine numbers, and countries of manufacture. He also requested information on how many of these locomotives are operational or not, reasons for any non-deployment, and measures to address allegations of major fraud in the importation process.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary The Minister provided details on 44 locomotives purchased between 2019 and 2022 at a total FOB cost of USD 115,111,596, including units from India and China across Classes 513, 514 and M11. He stated that all locomotives had been deployed, with 12 temporarily withdrawn for minor repairs. He further said the prescribed procurement process through Technical Evaluation and Procurement Committees had been followed, no fraud had been reported, and any credible future information on irregularities would be investigated.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the discrepancy between the written response on train services and reported operational problems across provinces. He cited curtailed services, broken engines, repair capacity gaps, delays and cancellations due to engine shortages, and asked how these realities are reconciled with the government’s answer.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said Sri Lanka Railways is in a serious state due to chronic underfunding, past waste and fraud, and a shortage of locomotives, with only 44 available against an estimated need of 70–75 for reliable operations. He also identified shortages of technical officers and engineers, partly linked to policies encouraging public servants to migrate, as a major cause of service deterioration. He stated that proposals have been submitted to Cabinet to recruit essential staff and said the Government is seeking to halt the decline in the railway service.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned an apparent inconsistency regarding locomotive availability and train delays. He said the written answer implied there was sufficient engine capacity, while the oral clarification indicated a need for about 72 locomotives, and urged that the House not be misled or diverted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe raised a Point of Order under Standing Order 33, emphasizing that both main and supplementary questions must follow the prescribed rules. He stated that Members should confine their questions to the relevant scope.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised a point of order stating that, although Standing Orders govern proceedings, parliamentary practice permits reasonable latitude for supplementary questions connected to the main question. He argued that the Member’s supplementary question was therefore within the permissible scope.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that he had already provided full answers and further clarification, and invited any legitimate supplementary question. He cautioned that if the process was misused, he would rely on the Standing Orders to decline further answers.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri stated that it was up to the Chair to decide whether the Minister should answer the matter raised. He then indicated that he would proceed with his second supplementary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Clarified that Standing Order 86 applies to debates and restricts multiple speeches by a Member within a debate, but does not apply to Question Time. He instructed Members to rely on the relevant Standing Orders governing Questions instead of invoking SO 86.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri clarified that his exchange was with the Leader of the House regarding the question that had been asked. He indicated that proceedings should continue on that basis.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe requested the Leader of the Opposition to ensure that Opposition Members are properly guided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake objected to the manner of proceedings, stating that Parliament should not be treated like a “Montessori or a madhouse.” He refused to answer a second supplementary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri sought permission to ask a second supplementary question, noting that it could be refused after being posed. The intervention was procedural and did not raise a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government for refusing to answer questions and said it should not use its electoral mandate to intimidate the Opposition. He stated that his constituents in Badulla had elected him to question the Government on its promises, but he declined to ask a supplementary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam requested that the current matter be concluded before he posed his question. He noted that on the previous day he had to ask his question multiple times, indicating concern about the handling of his opportunity to raise it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake indicated that the matter raised had been concluded and there was no further issue to address.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation about delays in constructing several bridges in the Batticaloa District, including the Mandur–Kurumanweli, Ambilanthurai–Kurukkal Madam, Thigilivettei–Sandiweli, and Punnakkuda–Kaluwankeni bridges. He sought confirmation of the Ministry’s awareness of the lack of progress, reasons for the delays, and the steps planned to proceed with construction or reconstruction of these bridges connecting key divisional areas.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake replied that the proposed bridges and related road works raised in the question fall under the Provincial Road Development Authority of the Eastern Provincial Council, not the Road Development Authority or his Ministry. He nevertheless provided estimated details, noting existing ferry use at Mandur and indicative bridge costs of about Rs. 9 billion, Rs. 10 billion, and Rs. 2 billion for the identified crossings. He added that a 2012 feasibility study on Batticaloa Lagoon crossings had mapped the proposed locations and prioritized two bridges based on funding and public need, and tabled the relevant map in the Library.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam argued that leaving proposed bridge projects to the Provincial Council would make implementation unlikely due to inadequate funding and limited revenue capacity. Referring to earlier JICA feasibility studies, RDA estimates, and previous discussions with the President on bridges including Vattuvakkal and Kalu Bridge, he requested that the Batticaloa bridges be taken over by the Road Development Authority and included in the next Budget.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake responded to a proposal for the Vattuvakkal Bridge, asking that it also be raised with the President and at the District Coordinating Committee. He said the matter could be considered at the next Budget, subject to the country’s fiscal constraints and Treasury allocation, while noting that such projects are not legally within his ministry’s purview.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam asked whether the Central Government would allocate funds to provincial authorities to operate ferry services free of charge until bridges are built. He said fees are currently charged only in Batticaloa, placing a burden on poor residents and raising safety concerns, particularly where flooding at places such as Kiran Bridge forces people to use boats.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that matters concerning the Batticaloa District should be brought before the District Coordinating Committee chaired by Minister Arun Hemachandra, where the relevant Member is also present. He said the Government would examine whether relief could be provided, taking into account the prevailing financial situation.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara raised concerns over rising rice prices and questioned the effectiveness of government imports in stabilizing the market. He argued that the Rs. 65 tax on imported rice keeps import prices aligned with domestic prices, while paddy prices have risen above Rs. 9,000 per 50 kg bag. He asked whether the Government would maintain prices when the next harvest enters the market to ensure farmers receive a fair price.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Namal Karunaratne stated that previous government paddy procurement and rice sales involved significant subsidies and losses, citing purchases at Rs. 120 per 8 kg equivalent with additional costs and sales at Rs. 80 per kg, as well as earlier sales below purchase cost. He said the last Yala season saw no government procurement and existing stocks were sold, leaving the new government, at the start of the Maha season, without state stocks while small and medium millers also lacked reserves.
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara complained that his question had not been answered directly. He asked the Government to state whether it would ensure a fair price for paddy in the coming season and what price the Paddy Marketing Board would offer.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Namal Karunaratne said early paddy harvesting would begin by the end of next month, with other varieties following through February, and that arrangements were being made for government paddy purchasing. He stated that production costs per kilogram would be calculated to set a guaranteed price giving farmers a fair margin, while also establishing controlled rice prices to protect consumers.
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara urged the Government to ensure fairness to both consumers and farmers in paddy purchasing, including action if a 50 kg bag exceeds Rs. 9,000. He asked how much paddy the Paddy Marketing Board plans to buy and whether funds will be available without delay from the Treasury. He also raised the practical issue of high moisture levels after machine harvesting, noting farmers lack facilities to dry paddy to 14 per cent, and requested a mechanism to address drying and prevent distress sales.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Namal Karunaratne said the Government intends to purchase over 300,000 metric tons of paddy despite limited state drying, milling, and storage capacity. He noted that existing government warehouses can hold about 326,000 metric tons but many of the 353 facilities require repairs, and paddy must be dried to 14 per cent moisture. He said the Government will use private-sector dryers and support while also enabling small, medium, and large millers to purchase paddy, creating three purchasing channels.
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara sought clarification on previously asked questions regarding agricultural preparations, noting that fertilizer distribution had been completed and harvesting was about a month away. He asked what concrete and practical measures were currently being implemented in advance of the harvest.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne raised a procedural point that only two supplementary questions are permitted, noting that a third supplementary had been asked.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary The Hon. Namal Karunaratne stated that the Government is prepared to proceed with purchasing paddy, despite what he described as inaction by previous administrations. He indicated that the process must begin from the current starting point and would move forward regardless.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary The Member noted that there were 10 Oral Questions on the Order Paper and emphasized the need to limit supplementary questions to two in order to manage parliamentary time. He suggested that Members seeking further clarification on the matter could raise their concerns separately with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara’s intervention was a brief procedural request asking the Speaker to provide him with the microphone. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or debate point was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to the Chair allowing an additional supplementary question after the Deputy Minister had already answered the main question and two supplementaries. He argued that such practice could disrupt proceedings and noted that the Government’s Ministers had only recently assumed office, implying they should be given reasonable time before being pressed for results.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri interjected during the debate, criticizing the opposing side for having had 76 years to address the issues being discussed. His brief remark framed the current criticisms or demands in the context of long-standing political responsibility.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake noted that, despite references to 76 years, Hon. Namal Karunaratne had been in office for less than a month. He implied that criticisms or expectations should be considered in light of the short time since assuming the position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake rejected criticism over fertilizer distribution, stating that the Government could only have distributed fertilizer if it had already been available and loaded when it assumed office. He urged Members to keep Question Time procedural, with Ministers answering questions and only two supplementary questions allowed, and asked that proceedings move on without further political exchanges.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka briefly rose on a Point of Order. No substantive issue or argument is included in the provided speech text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka noted that the House had spent considerable time on Questions and cited Standing Order 33(2), emphasizing that the Speaker has authority to determine the time allowed for asking and answering supplementary questions. He argued that no other party should decide that matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri urged the Speaker to safeguard the authority of the Chair and not allow it to be usurped by others. The remark was procedural in nature and did not advance a substantive policy or legislative proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged the Speaker to enforce Standing Orders governing oral questions, citing Standing Order 35 on the one-hour limit and the restriction of two oral questions per Member, as well as Standing Order 139 on the Speaker’s authority where rules are unclear. He supported the Chief Opposition Whip’s position that only two supplementary questions should be allowed, and cautioned against extending or misusing the Questions period beyond the Standing Orders.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development for details on rice imports approved at the current Government’s first Cabinet meeting. He sought the imported quantity, consumer sale price, data on public and private paddy and rice stocks, and an explanation of the benefit of importing rice despite providing fertilizer subsidies to paddy farmers.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development
AI summary The Minister stated that Cabinet approvals on 25 November and 2 December 2024 authorized rice imports by Lanka Sathosa, the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation and the private sector, with imports beginning after the market was opened on 4 December. He reported that by 17 December about 12,000 metric tonnes had been cleared, and that maximum retail prices had been gazetted at Rs. 210 per kg for kekulu, Rs. 220 for nadu and Rs. 230 for samba. He also cited Consumer Affairs Authority data showing about 300,000 metric tonnes of rice stocks in 416 mills across 20 districts by 5 November, and said imports were intended to address shortages, stabilize prices and support food security through Sathosa, co-operatives, supermarkets and limited private-sector participation.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that, given the current shortage of rice before the harvest, priority should be given to consumers while also recognizing farmers’ difficulties. He urged the Trade Minister not to rely solely on state entities such as the STC for imports, citing past delays, and said experienced private importers should have been used earlier. He asked the Government to ensure imported rice reaches consumers at controlled prices, while noting that farmers still lack confidence in support schemes and often sell to moneylenders.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government regarding the failure of the State Trading Corporation to import rice as expected. He noted that the rice had still not arrived and sought clarification on the delay.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government had restructured STC with a new Chairman and Board and opened tenders to import rice, including a 20,800 MT tender closing the next day and an initial 5,200 MT consignment expected on the 19th. He stated that Cabinet had approved importing 70,000 MT, while import restrictions were relaxed from the 6th to the 20th to allow private importers, with about 12,000 MT released from port by the previous day. He said local millers holding around 300,000 MT had released stocks slowly, but following discussions led by the President they had agreed to supply Sathosa about 300 MT per day and increase market releases to address the shortage.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about the safety and quality of imported rice, noting that some containers had reportedly been sent back after checks by the Health Ministry’s Food Control Administration Unit. He urged the authorities to urgently verify whether the rice is fit for consumption and its age, and said that in an emergency the Government should prioritize importing rice for public consumption over collecting the 15 per cent tax.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to concerns about imported rice, stating that Customs conducts container-by-container checks at three points and compliant consignments can be cleared within about four hours. He said three of 75 containers from one private importer were found to contain weevils and were ordered to be re-exported, emphasizing that only rice fit for human consumption would be allowed into the market. He also referred to a Consumer Affairs Authority case involving 2,000 MT of unfit rice in Anuradhapura that had been repackaged for human consumption and was ordered to be diverted for animal feed.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning provided a written reply detailing FDI inflows from 2015 to the first half of 2024 and tabled the complete figures. He outlined measures to attract investment, including anti-corruption action, merit-based project selection, faster investor visas, digital facilitation, incentives under existing laws, investor aftercare, skills matching, and sectoral promotion. He also listed planned actions, including automation of approvals, implementation of 74 investment projects worth an estimated USD 608 million, establishment of new Export Processing Zones from 2025, upgrading zones to green standards, and prioritising sectors such as maritime tourism, green hydrogen, higher education, ICT and nanotechnology.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha emphasized the importance of bilateral agreements for foreign direct investment and welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s engagement with Indian business leaders. He questioned whether the Government would retract its earlier opposition to closer economic integration with India, including ETCA, energy interconnections, pipeline links, use of the Indian Rupee, and wider land, sea, and air connectivity, given the President’s recent endorsement of policies previously advanced by Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma rejected claims of merely endorsing prior arrangements, stating that earlier credit arrangements have developed into productive bilateral cooperation. He said the Government is strengthening international ties while correcting past agreements that compromised sovereignty, and argued that investor confidence reflects recognition of the President’s mandate-driven approach.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had a mandate to continue policies previously pursued by Ranil Wickremesinghe, specifically regarding links with India in areas such as power grids, aviation, and related infrastructure. He contrasted this with the President’s earlier criticism of Wickremesinghe’s mandate for such initiatives.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma asked that the Joint Statement be read, noting that it specifies the focus sectors and modalities. He stated that questions on the matter should be grounded in facts.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Vijitha Herath – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has a public mandate and that the Government’s policy is to generate electricity domestically and export any surplus through BIMSTEC regional cooperation. He stated that no agreements have been signed with India beyond ongoing discussions on power projects referenced in the Joint Statement, and denied that the Government had entered into any agreement compromising national interests.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha welcomed the Government’s apparent shift toward alignment with India, saying such economic, political and cultural cooperation was acceptable and beneficial. He criticised earlier campaign claims that grid interconnection, pipelines, and other arrangements with India would threaten Sri Lanka’s sovereignty or resources, and called on the Government to retract those statements rather than “spin” them.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide detailed information on COVID-19 Rapid Antigen and PCR testing in Sri Lanka from 2019 to 2022. He sought separate figures for tests conducted by the government and private sector, the NMRA-registered local agents for each test, and the government’s unit and total costs for those tests.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary The Minister provided Ministry of Health data on COVID-19 Rapid Antigen and PCR tests conducted by government and private sector laboratories from 2019 to 2022, including annual and total figures. He also tabled the names of NMRA-registered local agents for the relevant tests, listing six companies in an annex.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized the former Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing practices he described as unscientific and contrary to WHO guidance, including the mandatory cremation policy for COVID-19 victims. He also raised concerns about vaccine procurement, suggesting that delays and procurement choices may have benefited certain companies, and asked the Minister of Health whether Sri Lanka could have obtained vaccines at lower prices through timely orders from established manufacturers.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary Concerns were raised that vaccines had been procured at prices higher than international market rates, with the matter linked to earlier issues in PCR and antigen test procurement. It was stated that the Government, in office for one month, would investigate the procurement process and inform Parliament of any fraud or corruption identified.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem questioned reported irregularities in vaccine procurement and NMRA approvals, referring to the Health Minister’s earlier statement on the President’s Fund and the Speaker’s pledge to act against wrongdoing. He asked whether approvals had been granted exceptionally before orders were placed, while lower-priced suppliers were denied approval and favoured companies were selected, and demanded that the matter be investigated.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa said COVID-19 urgency provisions were used to facilitate procurements from unregistered companies, including entities already issued orders. He referred to public concern over a company from which the Government spent Rs. 2.2 billion on antigen tests without NMRA registration, and stated that a full investigation would be conducted with all information tabled in Parliament.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake answered a question regarding Maga Neguma, confirming that the company owns vehicles and current assets, and tabling annexures with details. He stated that the Cabinet decided on 20 March 2023 to wind up Maga Neguma and its three subsidiaries, and that legal proceedings, including Case No. HC (Civil) 32/2023/CO, are ongoing. He reported litigation expenses of Rs. 13,964,027.30 up to 22 July 2024 and arbitration payments of Rs. 3,015,000 as of 13 September 2024, with supporting annexures tabled.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Dewananda Suraweera questioned why the winding up of the three Maga Neguma entities, decided in March 2023, had not been completed due to ongoing litigation and court-mediated proceedings. He asked why, despite the entities remaining neither closed nor sold, public funds continued to be spent, including an alleged Rs. 2.5 million per day in legal fees.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake explained that Maga Neguma is technically and legally closed, with most employees having retired under a VRS or been compulsorily retired by the previous Government. He said 63 staff were retained to handle pending cases, assets, contractor payments, equipment, and possible transfer matters involving the Road Development Authority. He noted that arbitration costs are about Rs. 3 million per month and said any review would require examining court orders and resolving the matters lawfully after discussions.
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera raised concerns about alleged irregularities at “Maga Neguma,” including repeated contract extensions for 65 officers appointed to wind up the institution and an alleged alteration of a cheque from Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 21 million. He further alleged that private companies were being used to profit through bonds amounting to about Rs. 12 billion, and asked whether an investigation would be conducted.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that if details of the cheque in question are provided, a special investigation will be conducted. He also said an administrative arrangement is being developed to legally allocate equipment to the Road Development Authority and to deploy skilled former staff to other projects when required.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Namal Karunaratne tabled a response outlining planned paddy purchasing arrangements through district secretaries, the Paddy Marketing Board, subsidized loans to small and medium millers, and cooperatives and farmer organizations. The response stated that approximately 300,000 metric tons would be purchased, with minimum prices for the 2024/25 Maha season to be set by adding a 30% profit margin to production costs determined by the Department of Agriculture. The purchasing period was given as 15 January to 30 April 2025.
Agriculture Full speech →
- 4 Procedural Procedural Matters and Points of Order 40 speeches
- 5 Adjournment Adjournment Motion 1 speeches
- 6 Debate Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) 106 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural: Adjournment 2 speeches
- 8 Adjournment Adjournment Questions 9 speeches