Sitting of Tuesday, 7 January 2025

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Opening: Announcements and Parliamentary Staff Introductions 21 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers: Tabling of Annual Reports and Regulations 5 speeches ▸
3. 3 Committee report Committee Report: Public Finance Committee on Mid-Year Fiscal Position 3 speeches ▸
4. 4 Opening Opening Statement: Leader of the Opposition 1 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Government Hospitals in Puttalam District Vacancies (Q.132/2024) 9 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Maharagama Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (Q.233/2024) 5 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Bandaragama Central Secondary School Development (Continuation of earlier question) 5 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) 7 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Landslide Risk Districts and Disaster Compensation (Q.235/2024) 5 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: Software System for Management of Medicine Stocks (Q.236/2024) 7 speeches ▸
11. 11 Oral question Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) 7 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) 7 speeches ▸
13. 13 Oral question Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) 5 speeches ▸
14. 14 Oral question Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) 20 speeches ▾
    • Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease: Compensation for Farm Owners

      AI summary A question was raised regarding compensation for pig farm owners affected by an epidemic disease that caused pig deaths, seeking details on government action and relief measures. The matter was presented as Oral Answer No. 187/2024, focusing on whether affected farmers would receive compensation and what steps had been taken to address losses from the outbreak.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna) SJB

      AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation whether he is aware of a pig epidemic affecting farms in Sri Lanka, causing deaths, farm closures, and major losses due to the absence of an effective vaccine or medicine. Sought details on whether the Government will provide compensation or relief to affected farm owners, when such support would be provided, and, if not, the reasons for not doing so.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, it was stated that many pig farms have been affected by deaths due to African Swine Fever. The Ministry has held discussions with affected producers and is studying possible compensation or other relief measures, while noting that eligible small and medium-scale producers may obtain loan relief under Central Bank Circular No. 04 of 2024. A further notification will be made after a policy decision is reached.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB

      AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri sought the Speaker’s permission under Standing Order 91(a) to raise a matter in Parliament.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB

      AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri objected to the allocation and ordering of Oral Questions on the Order Paper, arguing that Government MPs had been given more opportunities than Opposition MPs. He said the previous practice of taking questions by order of submission had been changed, undermining parliamentary convention and fairness. He urged the Speaker to ensure an equitable procedure for all Members, noting that the Speaker had opposed similar unfairness while in Opposition.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna

      AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument or proposal was recorded in the provided extract.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a question of parliamentary privilege, stating that he had written to the Speaker on 18 December about not being allocated speaking time and had not received a response by 7 January. He said that despite the Speaker writing to the Leader of the Opposition, he still had not been given time to speak, and requested an answer on the matter.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB

      AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition Members had met the Speaker to discuss several matters, including the issue under consideration. He noted that the matter had also been submitted in writing and said the Opposition expected the Speaker’s guidance and would continue discussions.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a procedural concern about being denied speaking time as a representative of a minority community. He argued that without an opportunity to speak in Parliament, he could not convey the concerns of Tamil voters seeking justice, and questioned how cooperation with the Opposition could proceed under such circumstances.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionParliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB

      AI summary Under Standing Order 91(a), Hon. Mujibur Rahman sought the Speaker’s attention to a matter. No further details of the issue or request are provided in the excerpt.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB

      AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over media reports and complaints about sexual harassment of female staff in Parliament, particularly in the IT Section. He noted that the Secretary-General had taken some steps, including suspending duties and that some individuals had retired, but requested an immediate inquiry and necessary action, emphasizing that such incidents within Parliament also affect Members of Parliament.

      Parliamentary ProcedureWomen & Children Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB

      AI summary Mujibur Rahman informed Parliament that reports had emerged of harassment within the Information Systems and Management Department. He noted that Members had stated the issue exists, indicating concern for parliamentary attention.

      Justice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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15. 15 Procedural Procedural: Amendment to Sitting Hours and Adjournment Motion 3 speeches ▸
16. 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 100 speeches ▸
17. 17 Oral question Oral Question: Proposed Domestic Airport in Digana Area (Q. unspecified) 2 speeches ▸