Sitting of Tuesday, 7 January 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1736487038022510 ·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: Announcements and Parliamentary Staff Introductions 21 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Tabling of Annual Reports and Regulations 5 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Report: Public Finance Committee on Mid-Year Fiscal Position 3 speeches
- 4 Opening Opening Statement: Leader of the Opposition 1 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Government Hospitals in Puttalam District Vacancies (Q.132/2024) 9 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Maharagama Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (Q.233/2024) 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Bandaragama Central Secondary School Development (Continuation of earlier question) 5 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Landslide Risk Districts and Disaster Compensation (Q.235/2024) 5 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Software System for Management of Medicine Stocks (Q.236/2024) 7 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) 7 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) 7 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) 5 speeches
- 14 Oral question Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) 20 speeches
- 15 Procedural Procedural: Amendment to Sitting Hours and Adjournment Motion 3 speeches
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 100 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika moved an Adjournment Motion on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, arguing that Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic collapse resulted from decades of poor political and economic decision-making, governance failures and corruption, rather than unavoidable circumstances. He cited the report’s mid-2024 indicators, including improved growth, higher revenue and a reduced deficit, as evidence of early macroeconomic stabilization, while stressing that the social costs of the crisis included unemployment, poverty, migration, medicine shortages and school dropouts. He called for Government and Opposition support for long-term, inclusive economic planning to ensure sustainable growth and a dignified life for citizens.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Member seconded the Adjournment Motion on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report submitted under the State Finance Management Act. She noted that the report reflects the fiscal position as at mid-2024 and shows signs of stabilization and growth after the economic collapse, attributing this to the work of the Finance Ministry and other state agencies.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary By mid-2024 Sri Lanka had achieved macroeconomic stabilization and improved investor confidence, aided by completion of external debt restructuring, but the recovery was financed heavily through increased VAT and personal income tax burdens on ordinary people. Attention was drawn to reduced spending on education, health, and transport, including cuts to school welfare, textbooks, and health services, which increased unpaid care work and costs borne especially by women. Citing a December 2024 Human Rights Commission report on labour outsourcing, the remarks noted that many women moved into less-protected “manpower” work due to crisis pressures and lack of childcare. The Government was urged to direct the benefits of recovery toward social welfare, reintegration of affected groups, SMEs, workers, women, and lower-income households.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva only notes to the Deputy Speaker that he has 18 minutes to speak. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is made in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly objected to an interruption or request directed at him, stating that the matter should be handled by the other side. He also noted that he had not disturbed the House earlier.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested that the half-hour normally allotted for lunch be used to continue the debate, citing time lost to Questions and other proceedings. He sought the Deputy Speaker’s consent and indicated this could proceed with the Prime Minister’s agreement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya responded to the Leader of the Opposition regarding parliamentary scheduling, stating that the lunch half-hour is generally preserved to avoid difficulties for staff.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition requested a procedural accommodation for that day only, citing the importance of the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Dr. Harini Amarasuriya acknowledged the importance of the debate but raised concerns that cancelling the lunch break would place difficulties on parliamentary staff. She requested that speakers be accommodated within the available time and asked other Members to do the same.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition asked for the Chair’s consent for a procedural allowance limited to that day’s sitting.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya sought clarification on the scheduling decision, stating that the Committee on Parliamentary Business had agreed not to cancel the lunch break. She asked the Deputy Speaker to confirm whether that understanding was correct.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested an exception to the scheduled proceedings, noting that the understanding was for all matters between 9.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. to be concluded within that time. He said the Announcements had taken more than 15 minutes, affecting the agreed schedule.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya proposed, subject to Government agreement, that Parliament forgo the lunch break for the day due to the lengthy list of Announcements. She noted that such arrangements should not become routine, as they impose difficulties on parliamentary staff.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition offered a brief expression of thanks. No substantive policy position, proposal, question, or demand was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva seeks clarification from the Chair on the speaking time available to him, asking whether he has 18 minutes and may speak until 12.15 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva asked for clarification on the time at which he was required to conclude his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva noted that, since the scheduled lunch half-hour had been allocated for the debate, he would be able to use his full 18 minutes of speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva said the Opposition supports economic stabilization but argued that the Government failed to recognize working people during the domestic debt optimization affecting EPF members and domestic savers. He proposed adding a clawback mechanism to domestic debt arrangements, similar to provisions in external and bilateral restructuring, so domestic creditors could benefit if economic conditions improve. He also challenged the Motion’s criticism of the post-1977 open economy, arguing that past growth figures and the Government’s own forecasting methods indicate the collapse was due more to policy errors, governance failures, fiscal indiscipline and credibility shocks than openness itself.
- Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha clarified that his earlier reference was to the model currently in use under the existing situation, not to a model endorsed or followed by him. He asked that his statement not be misinterpreted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva clarified that his intervention was not a point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha clarified that a prior remark referred to the model currently being followed, not to a model proposed or supported by him. He requested that his statement not be misinterpreted after his name was mentioned in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva objected to interruptions during his allotted speaking time and insisted on maintaining parliamentary decorum. He stated that he was not yielding the floor and that the Minister should wait until he had finished speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya called for parliamentary decorum to be observed by both sides of the House. She noted that a Minister whose name is mentioned may raise a point of order, but objected to aggressive interventions and urged consistent application of procedural conduct.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva objected to the intervention being treated as a point of order, stating that parliamentary decorum requires adherence to established procedure. He said the member was merely attempting to explain his position rather than raising a valid procedural point.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned how the Government can use forecasting models based on past policy when it has described previous economic policy as destructive, and asked for a clear new work programme to sustain growth and achieve the stated USD 120 billion GDP target by 2030. He challenged the Government’s tax policy changes, noting that promises to raise the personal tax-free threshold to Rs. 2.4 million had been revised and that the increase in withholding tax from 5 per cent to 10 per cent was not in the policy statement. He argued that abolishing tax files could weaken collection from secondary incomes, and referred to his party’s proposals on modest income tax, refund interest, and VAT banding. He also called for the Budget to reflect Government promises to zero-rate VAT on school supplies, food, baby formula, pharmaceuticals and other essential items.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara accused another party or member of making an unprecedented falsehood. No specific policy, legislation, or substantive argument is developed in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva stated that the Opposition is prepared to cooperate with the Government but insisted that it must fulfil the commitments it made. He questioned whether the public had been misled for electoral gain and framed this as a matter of accountability for government promises.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that if farmers or vulnerable individuals were misled by promises or narratives presented to them, it raises ethical and moral concerns. He emphasized that data represents real household experiences and that political narratives presented to the public must be implemented rather than merely used for persuasion.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB
AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi said the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report shows some positive economic indicators, while attributing the crisis to past borrowing, weak production sectors, inadequate social protection and corruption that led to IMF-related constraints. He argued that the NPP Government has a mandate to pursue macroeconomic stabilization alongside social protection, citing measures such as fertilizer support, enhanced Aswasuma benefits, VAT reductions on dairy products, fuel subsidies for fishers, school allowances for low-income children and allowances for pensioners. He said the forthcoming Budget would implement the Government’s programme over five years, with attention to exchange-rate stability, investor confidence, remittances, stalled projects and improved relations with countries including India and China.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Agreed to the 30-minute lunch break for the day in response to a request made that morning, while noting that the Committee on Parliamentary Business had previously decided not to take such breaks. Urged that this exception should not become a regular practice.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned whether continuing the existing IMF programme without a new debt sustainability analysis reflected the public mandate, and demanded relief measures including the promised fertilizer subsidy increase, electricity tariff reductions, fuel relief, and redress for EPF/ETF losses after domestic debt restructuring. He urged stronger support for MSMEs beyond the Parate moratorium, criticized the unresolved passport shortage and changes to the 1990 Suwaseriya board, and argued that economic “stability” must be assessed against poverty, unemployment, malnutrition, and business closures. He also called on the Government not to deport Rohingya refugees who arrived in Mullaitivu, citing non-refoulement and urging consultation with UNHCR. He said national recovery should involve Government, Opposition, civil society, business, donors, and international institutions while protecting sovereignty.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif attributed Sri Lanka’s current economic hardships to past governments, corruption, and divisive politics, and urged all parties to support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s development efforts. He called for national unity across ethnic and religious lines and highlighted Government relief measures, including Rs. 6,000 for school stationery for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families. Speaking as a Kandy District representative, he requested priority development for Gampola, citing the lack of public toilets and parking facilities.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe raised a point of order. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was presented in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe objected to the Opposition’s conduct after requesting that Parliament proceed without a lunch break, noting that many Opposition members nevertheless left for lunch. He highlighted the impact on parliamentary staff, who would be unable to take a break if proceedings continued, and raised this as a procedural concern.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe objected to the conduct of proceedings after a request had been made to continue without a lunch break. He said the Government had agreed out of courtesy to the Opposition Leader, but Members, including the Opposition Leader, were leaving for lunch, making the arrangement unfair and undermining the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa rose to address the Deputy Speaker, but no substantive remarks or arguments are included in the provided excerpt. No policy position, proposal, question, or demand can be identified from the text supplied.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about unresolved education-sector issues, including unpaid salary arrears for teachers, stating that two-thirds of the dues remain unpaid. He said further discussions were needed with the relevant Minister on matters affecting non-academic staff, teachers, principals, advisors, educationists, and administrators, and rejected the suggestion that members had merely gone for lunch.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake referred to a Committee on Parliamentary Business decision to suspend sittings for a lunch break irrespective of the debate schedule. He said this was necessary not only for MPs but also for parliamentary staff, including Hansard staff and interpreters, and argued that sittings should continue through lunch only in special circumstances decided by the Chair or after reconsideration by Party Leaders.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Opposition Member Harshana Rajakaruna stated that the matter was raised because Members of the Opposition had concerns requiring attention. The provided excerpt is incomplete, so no further details on the specific issue, proposal, or demand can be determined.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that if Parliament agrees to continue sittings without a lunch break, Members should remain in the Chamber and participate rather than leaving after proposing an extended debate. Referring to a previous six-hour flood debate where attendance was low, he said meaningful debate requires the presence of MPs and officials, and noted that the Government side still had 16 minutes of speaking time to use.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif called for cross-party support for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s long-term economic programme, arguing that all former governing parties share responsibility for the country’s current difficulties and should unite to rebuild it. He highlighted local infrastructure and livelihood issues in Kandy District, including the lack of public toilets and parking in Gampola, agricultural and fertilizer-related problems, and recurring flooding in Akkaraipattu. He also referred to Government welfare measures, including Rs. 6,000 per child for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families, an increased Rs. 3,000 allowance, and raising the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000, while stating the aim of making Sri Lanka prosperous by 2028–2029.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position showed mixed economic indicators and argued that Sri Lanka needs a stronger economic policy, better investment planning, and improved management of scarce resources. He criticized the continued importation of rice despite agricultural potential and urged greater use of technology, land, marine resources, and reported seabed mineral deposits identified under the International Seabed Authority process. He also raised the impact of human-elephant conflict on farmers in Ampara, calling for more Wildlife Department staff and properly maintained elephant fences in specified affected villages.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon discussed the mid-year fiscal report under the State Finance Management Act, noting improved 2024 indicators such as higher revenue, a reduced budget deficit, positive growth, increased reserves, and progress under the IMF programme. He said much of the revenue increase came from higher taxation, including PAYE and VAT changes, which created hardship and contributed to professional migration, but argued that tax thresholds and the wider tax mix are being adjusted. He emphasized plans to reduce public debt, improve the balance of payments, attract investment, strengthen state-owned enterprise management, and asked the Opposition to support the Government’s economic stabilization efforts.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha welcomed the change in government and said the President had a historic opportunity to build an inclusive national vision, while urging the Government to accept constructive criticism and pursue economic stability pragmatically, including through engagement with the IMF. He called for privatizing SriLankan Airlines, reforming investment promotion beyond BOI, Port City and Strategic Development Projects mechanisms, and creating incentives to direct FDI to lagging regions. He also urged reconsideration of taxes on cement and building materials, raised the need for confidence-building with northern and Muslim communities, sought remorse over the COVID-19 mandatory cremation policy, and referred to Sri Lanka’s refugee policy in relation to Rohingya asylum seekers.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath discussed the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report presented under the State Finance Management Act, outlining its coverage of revenue, expenditure, state enterprises, foreign financing and debt. She argued that the previous Government’s stabilization was achieved largely through tax burdens on ordinary people, particularly affecting women and low-income households, while corruption, waste and poor policy choices contributed to the economic crisis. She stated that the National People’s Power Government is managing expenditure more responsibly within IMF and debt constraints, citing the increased tax-free threshold, expanded Aswasuma benefits, rising tourism, remittances, investor interest and improved ratings as signs of stabilization. She called for support for the Clean Sri Lanka and nation-building programmes.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Report, arguing that increased revenues from taxes, electricity, fuel and water charges had not improved living conditions, nutrition, education or incomes. He questioned why CEB’s reported Rs. 139 billion surplus was not used to reduce electricity tariffs for low-consumption households and said election promises on reducing fuel prices and electricity bills had not been implemented. He also alleged that the Government had departed from pledges on the PAYE tax threshold and senior citizens’ fixed-deposit interest and withholding tax, placing additional pressure on workers and retirees.
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government for failing to fulfil election pledges on rice prices, essential goods, tax reductions, utility bills, and senior citizens’ deposits, arguing that controlled prices and import decisions contradicted earlier promises. He questioned the Government’s debt and reserve management, stating that only part of sovereign bond principal is under standstill and asking what new revenue streams or investments had been secured to maintain debt sustainability. While saying the Opposition would not sabotage the Government and would support beneficial measures, he urged the Government to admit past campaign claims were false and to use the forthcoming Budget to provide relief, reduce taxes and bills, and implement its promises.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy said the Government was elected with a mandate for change and must stabilise the economy after the crisis caused by conflict, COVID-19, corruption, misgovernance and the 2022 suspension of external debt servicing. He outlined progress under the IMF programme, debt restructuring, the December 2024 bond exchange, SME relief measures, education-related allowances and increased elderly allowances, while noting that fiscal conditions had improved but remained challenging. He raised constituency concerns in the North and Jaffna, including hardships faced by fishing families, drug abuse, illicit liquor, damaged roads, weak public services, flooding, lack of banking, transport and telecommunications, rural school decline, illegal resource extraction, and inadequate agricultural storage and drying facilities.
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna argued that the NPP cannot absolve itself of responsibility for Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy, noting that many of its Members supported the election of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose ad hoc decisions he identified as a principal cause. He said current economic “progress” has come through higher fuel prices, electricity tariffs, taxes and living costs, and accused the Government of continuing the same policies followed under Ranil Wickremesinghe. He questioned the increase of Withholding Tax on fixed deposit interest from 5 to 10 per cent and the failure to remove VAT on specified education, agriculture and food items, and demanded that the Government honour campaign promises to reduce fuel prices, abolish the fuel pricing formula, cut electricity bills by one-third, and provide immediate cost-of-living relief.
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that the Government’s mandate reflects public support for a new political direction and urged the Opposition to scrutinize accountability and performance rather than private lives. Referring to the Mid-Year Fiscal Position, he said state enterprise performance should be assessed against liabilities and debt service, citing plans to accelerate operations at the Colombo Port East Terminal and address airport capacity constraints to support foreign exchange earnings and tourism. He also outlined Government measures on fertilizer support, SME and debt moratorium relief, Aswesuma expansion, school supply assistance, tax threshold changes, and efforts to retain or attract professionals, presenting these as part of data-driven planning aligned with IMF benchmarks.
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan argued that repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act is necessary to build confidence among diaspora investors and support economic recovery. He requested Budget allocations for a proposed Vavuniya University campus in Mannar, urged the release of civilian lands held by the military, Forest Department and Department of Archaeology in the North and East, and called for action on Indian trawler incursions affecting fisheries. He also asked the Government to correct exclusions from relief schemes for families with one public servant spouse, and urged the Foreign Ministry to facilitate the return of Sri Lankan refugees from Indian camps, including through the proposed Kankesanthurai-Tuticorin ferry.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that the Government had failed to control the rice market, particularly red raw rice, which he said was unavailable in some markets and being sold above the controlled price. Citing Central Bank price data, he argued that prices rose after the new Government took office and claimed consumers were overcharged by billions of rupees in December. He further alleged irregularities in rice imports through Sathosa, saying imported rice was sold above the controlled price, and called on the Public Security Minister to investigate where the alleged commissions and excess earnings went.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to allegations about rice imports and pricing, saying previous election-period distribution of red raw rice had distorted the market and caused supply issues. He said Cabinet had approved importing 70,000 MT through Sathosa and the State Trading Corporation, outlined the status of Sathosa and STC tenders, and stated that 116,000 MT had been imported by 6 January with further consignments arriving. He asked D.V. Chanaka to table the report underlying claims of excess costs and said imported rice was being distributed through Sathosa and cooperatives at Rs. 220 per kilo.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that if sufficient evidence exists regarding the matter being discussed, a formal complaint should be lodged.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that complaints are being pursued not for political retaliation but to address wrongdoing and protect the public interest. He emphasized efforts to provide essential goods at affordable prices, citing salmon at Rs. 380 and eggs at Rs. 32, and said the objective is to dismantle market “mafias” and prevent past exploitative practices.
- The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah expressed support for economic rebuilding during the debate on the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position while highlighting infrastructure gaps affecting tourism development in the Eastern Province. He requested urgent measures for Arugam Bay, including gazetting it as a tourism zone, providing beach-cleaning equipment, repairing the seaplane landing dock, and establishing fire services to enable hotel development. He also called for terminal upgrades and ICAO certification for Batticaloa International Airport, a Passport Office in Batticaloa, and gazetting Trincomalee Harbour as a tourist harbour with suitable terminal facilities.
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana spoke during the adjournment debate on the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position, arguing that the recent electoral mandate reflected heightened public scrutiny and rejection of former parties associated with corruption and economic collapse. He said the Government must respond to public expectations, while criticizing the Opposition’s frequent use of points of order as an attempt to obstruct the new mandate and return to past political practices.
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana argued that opposition parties and aligned media were attempting to undermine the new Government by spreading claims of inexperience and disinformation shortly after the President’s election and the Government’s formation. He said the Government had maintained confidence despite warnings about the IMF and markets, citing the rise of the All Share Index as evidence of improved political stability. He emphasized that economic recovery must translate into improved human development and highlighted planned initiatives under “Clean Sri Lanka,” state digitalization, and rural poverty eradication, including basic infrastructure needs in the Colombo District such as facilities in Battaramulla.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government’s performance after taking office, arguing that it had failed to deliver promised relief on rice, essential goods, electricity prices and taxation. He alleged continued rice shortages and benefits to large millers despite import measures, and contrasted current policies with positions taken by Government figures when in Opposition, including on the IMF programme and PAYE tax. He also raised concerns about the CID inquiry involving Parliament staff over a medal issue and accused the Government of pressuring the media for recalling its previous pledges.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper noted the 2024 mid-year recovery indicators but argued that growth remains fragile, citing weak agricultural performance, a widening trade deficit, reliance on tourism and remittances, rising tax burdens, higher VAT and excise duties, and the failure to pass on lower global oil prices. He criticized the Government for continuing policies it had previously opposed, including rice import taxes and IMF-aligned fiscal measures, while presenting earlier fiscal outcomes as its own achievements. He called for urgent infrastructure investment, particularly completion of the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway through possible Chinese grant assistance, and raised concerns over reduced rural road funding and damaged bridges in the East. He also linked human rights to economic standing, urging adherence to non-refoulement obligations for Rohingya refugees and warning against treating refugees as victims of human trafficking.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake, speaking on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 under the State Finance Management Act, argued that Sri Lanka’s crisis resulted from poor economic management, excessive high-interest borrowing, weak policy continuity, and IMF-driven fiscal adjustments that increased taxation and reduced welfare. He cited social impacts including food insecurity, child malnutrition, declining births, and professional migration, while crediting public finance officials for improvements in the primary balance. He said the Government intends to exceed growth targets by 2030 through tax relief for professionals, stronger social protection including Aswasuma-related benefits, support for schoolchildren, fertilizer and dairy sector relief, VAT relief on milk products, and extended Parate law moratoria for MSMEs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary B. Ariyawansha argued that welfare and relief programmes must be better targeted to poor households, citing cases in Godakawela where wage labourers were excluded from Aswasuma while wealthier households received benefits. He proposed that future Aswasuma selection be conducted transparently at GN division level by a committee of six state officers ranking households for graded payments of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000. He also requested an increase in the Rs. 110 per-child school meal allocation, action on high retail kekulu rice prices and shortages in Sabaragamuwa and the South, and lawful, traditional procedures for appointing the Basnayake Nilame of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya following protests.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed, in his maiden speech, highlighted post-war land, agricultural, and public health issues in the Vanni District, particularly alleging that Forest Department demarcations have prevented displaced owners from accessing private lands. He called for the Pampaimadu garbage dump in Vavuniya, which he said affects nearby residents, university students, farmers, and groundwater, to be relocated and secured, and urged rehabilitation of 235 unrestored village tanks to support cultivation. He also requested that local government elections avoid clashing with G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations and Ramadan, and asked for additional Sathosa outlets in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar to address high prices and limited relief access.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) L. M. Abeywickrama JJB
AI summary Prof. Abeywickrama said the positive fiscal indicators in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 mask serious weaknesses in production sectors, especially agriculture, where growth and GDP contribution have declined due to inconsistent and politically driven policies. He cited the abrupt organic fertilizer shift, input restrictions, the Nilwala salt-barrier project, weakened extension services, and wildlife damage to home gardens as factors undermining farm livelihoods and food production. He called for a data- and science-based, step-by-step agricultural strategy under the Government’s “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” programme, with greater diversification beyond narrow staple-focused policies.
- The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Responding to an Opposition allegation that the Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya had been politicized, the Deputy Minister said the previous office-holder’s term had ended and a temporary custodian was appointed by the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs through due process. He stated that an election timetable had been set under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, with the date published and open to all eligible contestants. He also clarified that rituals were only temporarily halted due to a nearby funeral and had since resumed, and maintained that appointments were being made lawfully rather than politically.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns about illegal Indian trawling in northern waters, particularly during the prawn season, and said it was damaging the livelihoods of fishermen in Mullaitivu and Jaffna. He questioned the effectiveness of naval protection of maritime boundaries, cited fishermen’s concerns about enforcement, and urged fisheries authorities to protect northern fishermen without discrimination, including by empowering local fishermen if necessary. He also paid tribute to the late journalist and writer Na. Yogendranathan and congratulated Mullaitivu student athlete Jeyakanth Vidhusan for his performance at the South Asian Junior Athletics meet.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of rice imports, alleging that a Rs. 65 per kg import tax kept prices high and benefited large millers while burdening consumers and small traders. He called for clarification and prompt payment of fertilizer support, questioning whether farmers were receiving the previously approved Rs. 25,000 per hectare or only Rs. 15,000. He demanded a clear mechanism for paddy purchasing ahead of the harvest, including a fair controlled price around Rs. 130 per kg, and warned of farmer mobilization if the Government failed to act.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister concluded the adjournment debate on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024, noting that it was presented under Section 50 of the State Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, to inform the public and guide future economic policy. He said the Government’s approach is to expand production, stabilize the macroeconomic framework, protect vulnerable groups, and move towards a modern, productive economy. He rejected Opposition criticisms as not directly engaging with the policy content of the Report and framed the Report as a baseline for sustainable, people-centred growth.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha argued that past economic policies produced unequal outcomes, with gains captured by a minority while economic downturns and debt burdens were borne by the wider public. Citing per capita GDP figures and the Gini coefficient in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, he said headline fiscal or growth indicators masked worsening inequality and widespread poverty. He rejected the view that IMF engagement alone could restore or develop the economy, stating that while fiscal stabilization and debt restructuring may be necessary, the Government would pursue a broader policy approach based on domestic and global economic conditions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 17 Oral question Oral Question: Proposed Domestic Airport in Digana Area (Q. unspecified) 2 speeches