Sitting of Wednesday, 8 January 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1737023464031571 ·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 Message from President 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented 6 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister 26 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act 26 speeches
- 5 Procedural Procedural: Standing Order 27(2) Question and Exemption Motion 4 speeches
- 6 Debate Debate: Orders and Regulations under Foreign Exchange Act, Payment Systems Act, and Casino Business Regulation 18 speeches
- 7 Debate Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) 31 speeches
- 8 Procedural Sitting Suspension for Lunch 1 speeches
- 9 Debate Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) 88 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana rejected Opposition criticism of the Government’s first 100 days, contrasting it with the Central Bank bond scam under the former Yahapalana administration and its alleged financial losses. He clarified that enforcement action on auxiliary fittings in buses and three-wheelers is based on an existing 2024 Motor Traffic circular, not a new Government measure, and said Police have been instructed to allow a grace period before filing cases. He argued that Sri Lanka needs a long-term transformative development strategy, drawing lessons from other countries without copying them, and said the Government would pursue a path between unplanned liberalization and blanket protectionism, including stronger planning for agriculture and domestic industry.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Roshan Akmeemana said the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative seeks to mobilize citizens, particularly youth, for a collective economic and social effort beyond government action alone. He called for national unity and intergenerational sacrifice to support shared development and a common national purpose.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G. G. Ponnambalam raised several issues outside the day’s main topic, urging appointments to the Health Ministry’s Dispenser Service following 2024 interviews, measures to prevent transfers out of the Northern Province, and action to hold overdue Efficiency Bar examinations or grant increments to affected Grade I dispensers. He also called for the restoration of Colombo–Jaffna train services reduced after track repair works, including services from Mount Lavinia via Wellawatte and Bambalapitiya. He further urged the Foreign Minister to secure the repatriation of Sri Lankan citizens reportedly forced into service with the Russian Army.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Nimal Palihena stated that the debate concerns regulations and orders made under Acts already passed by Parliament. He emphasized their implementation and their intended use in supporting the country’s development.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena argued that Sri Lanka’s investment inflows, tax revenue, remittances and foreign exchange management have not delivered the outcomes expected under laws approved since 2005, including those now linked to IMF-related reforms. He said regulations under Acts such as the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, Foreign Exchange Act, Payments and Settlement Systems Act, Ports and Airports Development Levy Act and Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act must be implemented effectively to attract investment, formalize remittances and rebuild reserves. He also called for stronger regulation and taxation of internationally linked activities such as casinos, stating that passing laws alone is insufficient without supervision, revenue collection and corrective amendments.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem linked economic confidence and investment to the effective enforcement of law and order, urging action on delayed prosecutions and incomplete investigations. He called on the Government and Attorney-General’s Department to expedite accountability in the killings and attacks on journalists, including Lasantha Wickrematunge, Upali Tennakoon and Keith Noyahr, and to ensure media safety. He also raised concerns about reported restrictions on an IMF-related university lecture, describing academic freedom as essential, and questioned the refusal of Human Rights Commission officials’ access to Rohingya refugees held at an Air Force camp, citing the Commission’s statutory powers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem urged the Government not to forcibly repatriate the Rohingya group, noting that it included women and children and warning that such action would damage Sri Lanka’s international reputation. He rejected framing the matter as human trafficking, citing known persecution in Myanmar, and called for the group’s security to be ensured through a humane approach.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara responded that investigations into the killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge and other crimes are progressing, with the Government facilitating independent judicial and prosecutorial processes while avoiding comments that could affect arrests. He stated that cases allegedly obstructed under previous administrations are now being pursued diligently. On Rohingya refugees, he said they are being treated humanely and in accordance with the law, with the relevant Minister expected to provide further details.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to concerns raised about 116 Myanmar irregular migrants who entered Sri Lanka, stating that police investigations indicate they paid smugglers for transport and transit, and that investigations are continuing. He said the Government is providing food and essential facilities through the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and will act in accordance with international law and provide humanitarian assistance if they are identified as refugees. He also noted intelligence reports of possible future attempts by up to 100,000 irregular migrants to reach Sri Lanka, and said health checks would be conducted before allowing access to the Human Rights Commission and other institutions.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued against refouling refugees who arrived by boat, noting that payment for passage does not negate their refugee status and referring to violence in their country of origin. He said returning them, particularly families with small children, would be a serious violation, and proposed arranging transfer to a third country through the UNHCR, as done previously by Sri Lankan governments.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary The Hon. Ananda Wijepala stated that the issue of refoulement had not yet been discussed, and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had only reported preliminary exchanges with Myanmar authorities. He said further investigation was needed before decisions were made, taking into account available information, the situation, and the concerns raised.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu outlined proposals to increase Batticaloa’s contribution to national production through sustainable use of natural resources, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, MSMEs and revival of abandoned industries. He called for action against illegal sand mining, deforestation and timber smuggling, and proposed solar power and electric fencing to address human-elephant conflict in border villages. He also urged upgrading Batticaloa Airport, introducing lagoon seaplane services, expanding vocational training, establishing an Ayurvedic hospital linked to tourism, opening Sathosa and Osusala outlets, and attracting diaspora investment to create factories, industrial zones and employment in the conflict-affected district.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. V. S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary V. S. Radhakrishnan argued that attracting foreign investment requires peace, stability, and action against corruption and violent crime, while calling for facilitation of major projects such as Port City. He urged the Government to reduce prices of raw rice and coconuts ahead of Pongal, and to implement the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme in a way that does not harm bus, three-wheeler, or small vendor livelihoods. He requested that Glengow Hospital in Hatton be taken under central government control and upgraded following a recent fatal accident, citing staffing shortages and the possibility of further Indian assistance. He also proposed considering a Sri Lanka–India bridge across the Palk Strait to strengthen bilateral relations, tourism, and economic activity.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to remarks by Hon. V. S. Radhakrishnan, stating that constructive suggestions would be considered but rejecting allegations that the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme would ban cosmetics or impose blanket restrictions on three-wheelers. He emphasized close relations with India and said the Government’s objective is to build a “noble country,” with particular attention to upcountry communities and war-affected Tamils in the North and East as key participants in the programme.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala rejected claims that all decorative bus fittings were being removed, stating that only unlawful fittings linked to road accidents would be targeted. Citing about 12,100 road deaths over four years, he said the initiative would now proceed as a three-month educational and awareness programme with the cooperation of bus and three-wheeler drivers, schoolchildren, the public, the IGP and bus associations to improve road safety.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister criticized Opposition Members for raising unrelated issues and for what he described as contradictory positions on matters such as casino regulation, debt, rice shortages, and past criminal investigations. He cited the Committee on Public Finance recommendation to establish a casino regulatory authority and said the Government would regulate casinos, address tax evasion, and strengthen monitoring. He also stated that investigations into killings, including Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, and the Easter attacks would proceed methodically, while alleging previous administrations failed to account for major allocations to the Paddy Marketing Board and other policy failures.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper objected to the Minister’s use of the word “nasarani,” stating that it was unparliamentary and offensive when applied to all Opposition MPs. He requested that the Minister withdraw the remark, while indicating he did not wish to prolong the matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly intervened to ask the Deputy Chairperson to clarify the meaning of the term “nasarani.”
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Government for failing to fulfil promises to remove VAT from food, health and education items, and accused the JVP/NPP of inconsistency and shared responsibility in past governments and policy positions, including on FTAs and ETCA. He called for protecting university freedoms after the reported cancellation of a Peradeniya student programme critical of the IMF, and warned against political interference in the Attorney-General’s Department through discussions on “special cases.” He also objected to a reported circular restricting Ministers’ and officials’ engagement with foreign envoys, arguing it would hinder local and international cooperation initiatives.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake challenged another Member’s assertion by stating that he had met the Australian High Commissioner that day and that the High Commissioner was still present in the building. He offered to introduce the Member to the High Commissioner and questioned whether the Member had met him.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly addresses Bimal Rathnayake to ask whether he has seen a particular circular. No further details are provided in the excerpt about the circular’s subject, purpose, or related policy context.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake states that he does not need to view something again and reiterates that he has already explained what he did. No specific policy issue, legislative matter, or procedural proposal is raised in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned whether a circular from the Presidential Secretary existed requiring approval for meetings and warned that, from the next day, Ministers might need clearance from Minister Wijitha Herath. He argued that such restrictions would hinder ministerial work and urged the Government not to silence opposition voices or constrain Ministers’ freedom to act.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake briefly responded to a remark about left politics, noting that followers of Champika Ranawaka were discussing Bolshevism on Facebook. He framed it as a learning opportunity, without raising a substantive policy issue or proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly responded to an apparent reference to his university background, stating that he and others had learned the relevant matters well and had not deviated from the proper course. The intervention appears to be a short rebuttal rather than a substantive policy or legislative argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila argued that the National People’s Power cannot be expected to resolve decades of economic and political problems within 100 days, but has already changed political culture by rejecting corruption and patronage. He said the Government is addressing development needs fairly, prioritising agriculture and tourism, and responding to the coconut shortage by supporting fertilizer availability and cultivators after past neglect reduced yields. He invited the Opposition to join the Government’s “people’s agenda” to rebuild the economy and advance national development.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan contrasted Sri Lanka’s post-independence economic standing with its current difficulties, while expressing support for the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. He called for action over an alleged assault of a woman at the Periya Neelavanai Police Station after she attempted to lodge a complaint, and urged accountability for the officers involved. He also requested the Health Minister to regularize and improve the pay of Field Mosquito Control Assistants, address long-serving temporary Road Development Authority staff, and fill pending paramedical appointments in shortage areas such as Batticaloa.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged authorities to ensure that Aptitude Tests are designed in a way that does not disadvantage visually impaired candidates, particularly by avoiding reliance on images and maps. He also raised concern over an incident in Sittandy where two children were critically injured by a temple elephant, calling for appropriate action and caution against treating such elephants as harmless pets.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala responded to an allegation that police had assaulted a woman, requesting the Member to provide the relevant details. He stated that such assaults are not approved and undertook to initiate an investigation as early as the next day if the information is provided.
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran alleged serious misconduct by officers at the Periyanilavanai Police Station, including assault, obscene abuse, and acts amounting to sexual violence against a woman who had gone to lodge a complaint with her brothers. He condemned the incident in the context of the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and urged the Minister to take appropriate action against the officers responsible.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala responded to a complaint raised in Parliament, stating that if an assault had occurred it would be investigated and swift action would be taken by the following day. He urged Members not to link every incident to the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, while assuring that the complaint was not being rejected and that necessary steps would be taken to ensure justice.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Prof. Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera
AI summary Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera said the regulations and orders under four Acts should be considered with attention to regulating activities, maintaining service quality, and safeguarding state revenue. He also rejected repeated Opposition references to the Peradeniya incident, stating that the Prime Minister and Government Members had already explained the incident, the Government’s position, and actions being taken. He argued that the Opposition was raising the matter for media attention and asserted the Government’s familiarity with student movements and related rights.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned a Member’s denial that a programme organized by the Political Science Students’ Union at the University of Peradeniya had been banned. He cited a statement by the former Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka as evidence that the event was stopped and urged that the incident not be denied.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary A Member questioned whether another Member had been present and listening during the morning’s proceedings, stating that the matter had already been raised earlier in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera
AI summary Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera defended the Government’s position on the Peradeniya University Vice-Chancellor incident, stating that the National People’s Power Government would protect student movement rights and freedom of expression. He rejected opposition criticism over rice and coconut prices, arguing that past governments and former Kegalle representatives had left large areas of paddy, estate, coconut, and cinnamon land abandoned. He said the Government’s 2025 plan for Kegalle includes restoring fallow lands, developing estates, improving urban facilities such as the Mawanella bus stand, and addressing living conditions and education needs of estate communities, including Tamil-speaking residents.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the approval of regulations and orders made through six Gazettes, while arguing that decades of post-Independence governance and subordinate legislation had failed to improve living standards, unite the country, or prevent war and economic collapse. He said the 2024 victories of the National People’s Power represented a public mandate to replace the old political culture with reforms under the policy framework “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” He outlined planned priorities including “Clean Sri Lanka,” digitalization, and rural poverty eradication, describing them as efforts to reform state institutions, end corruption and indiscipline, and mobilize public participation in national transformation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Government’s first 100 days, arguing that it had failed to deliver promised VAT reductions on essentials, medicines, fertilizer and school supplies, or to reduce fuel taxes and food prices. He contrasted this with measures taken during the first 100 days of the Good Governance administration, including salary increases, price reductions and independent commissions, and alleged that current parliamentary practices were weakening democratic participation. He questioned delays in fertilizer subsidy payments, reductions in senior citizens’ effective deposit interest, and targeted school assistance, while urging the Government to implement its “Clean Sri Lanka” and anti-corruption commitments, saying the Opposition would support genuine anti-corruption action.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected an allegation that President Anura Dissanayake had chaired an Anti-Corruption Committee, stating that this was false and that he himself had served as Director of the relevant secretariat. He said the Government had not halted investigations into bribery, corruption, fraud, or financial misappropriation, and that the depoliticized Police and CID were working independently. He asked Members to wait about a month to see results and stated that action would be taken against anyone involved.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the claimed independence of recent appointees, alleging that those appointed had campaigned for and supported the Government politically. He expressed doubt that such individuals would perform their duties independently.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the government’s commitment is solely to the public and that it has no political deals with others. He reaffirmed a pledge to take action against bribery, corruption, fraud, and financial misappropriation.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda supported the continuation of food-related regulations and orders prepared by the previous Government where they serve public welfare. She highlighted concerns over food safety, including genetically modified foods, chemical additives, expired products, Thriposha ingredients, milk powder and coconut oil, and linked these to malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and Sri Lanka’s low rankings in food security and healthcare indices. She said the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” objective includes ensuring citizens’ access to toxin-free, quality food through stronger standards for production, imports, distribution and retail.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa responded to a reference made to him by Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, stating that media reports had distorted his remarks at the opening of a donor-funded building at the Kataragama Devalaya. He said there had been no objection from the Basnayake Nilame or the Apeksha Hospital representatives present, and argued that the criticism was instead linked to his earlier disclosure in Parliament of individuals, including former Minister Dharmadasa Banda, who had received money from the President’s Fund.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB
AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported regulations under the Port City Commission Act, arguing that the Colombo Port City and related legal changes should be used under strong government oversight to attract investment, revive construction, improve ease of doing business, and create jobs. He linked the need for such economic measures to youth unemployment, low wages, migration and brain drain, warning that reliance on remittances is unsustainable. He also noted risks including environmental impacts, unequal benefits, tax concessions, money laundering, and effects on local businesses, and called for safeguards to protect sovereignty and national security. He additionally rejected blame on the Government for red raw rice shortages in the South, attributing them to climatic changes and irrigation deficiencies.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about police enforcement affecting private buses and three-wheelers, including removal of bus decorations and Buddha statues, and urged that any safety-related removals be directed through the Motor Traffic Authority. He argued that private bus operators face unequal treatment compared with SLTB buses, high operating costs, and unresolved regulatory issues, including restrictions on ownership transfers under existing regulations and lack of practical EPF/ETF enforcement. He proposed regularizing bus ownership and operations, allowing medically fit drivers over 60 to renew licences annually, and convening authorities and industry representatives to develop practical solutions for the sector.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified, in response to a question raised by Jagath Vithana, that existing gazetted regulations allow medically fit persons aged 23 to 65 to obtain licences for passenger transport, including buses, with the required endorsement. He said the Motor Traffic Commissioner General confirmed that public transport licences are not issued after age 65, though medically fit persons above that age may drive private vehicles, and that age 60 is therefore not a legal barrier to driving public transport.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Jagath Vithana raised concern about a circular issued by the Kalutara regional office stating that people over 60 cannot drive public transport vehicles. He argued that such a restriction, if in effect, is wrong and should be reconsidered.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified that, under the applicable rules, medically fit persons aged 23 to 65 may drive buses, while those over 65 may drive private vehicles if medically fit. He stated that this resolved the issue and requested that his remaining six minutes be allocated to Hon. Thanura Dissanayake.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake said the Government’s mandate is to replace superficial and traditional governance with a new political culture developed through public engagement and consensus-building. He argued that, despite Opposition pressure, the administration has already achieved a political shift and must now pursue a planned economic transformation. He said the economic programme should align with global conditions while strengthening the domestic economy, protecting entrepreneurs, maintaining international relations, and ensuring a smooth transition that delivers benefits to the public.
- Hon. Thalatha Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Thalatha Dissanayake said the Government was proceeding in line with international commitments and an orderly plan to stabilize the economy, rejecting Opposition claims that it had failed to act within “100 days.” She supported regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act introducing 34 new SLS standards and HS codes, particularly to align food standards with global requirements. She also endorsed new regulations for Money or Value Transfer Service providers to bring informal systems such as hawala under recognition and oversight, citing FATF guidance and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the Government’s handling of rice imports, price controls, and fertilizer subsidies, arguing that delayed imports, high duties, poor quality rice, and ineffective market management had worsened consumer prices while farmers had not received promised support. He questioned why key economic officials had been retained and said the Government had reversed its earlier opposition to trade agreements such as the Singapore–Sri Lanka FTA and ETCA, which he said his side had consistently supported. He welcomed the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme in principle but urged it to address appointments and alleged misconduct in public institutions, citing the Merchant Shipping Secretariat and diplomatic appointments, and briefly referred to the Bingiriya incident involving an MP.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake responded to allegations raised by Hon. Nalin Bandara, stating that he would not elaborate because the matter was before court and that the Police and the court process should proceed. He also addressed an issue concerning the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, explaining that an officer had applied for five years’ leave and that a replacement senior administrative officer had been appointed under ministerial authority, not as a political appointment.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha requested one minute to respond, stating that the Leader of the House had mentioned his name.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha clarified that his earlier remarks concerning the Merchant Shipping Secretariat were not directed personally at Minister Bimal Rathnayake, but were a call to appoint a suitably qualified person with relevant expertise. He then began to refer to matters relating to Bingiriya, though the excerpt does not include the continuation of that point.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that his side would not allocate time to the opposing side.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha objected to another member mentioning his name and sought permission to respond through the Chair. He urged the member not to interrupt or act in a policing manner during his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that no speaking time would be allocated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha responded to a reference to his name, stating that the Bingiriya matter is before court and denying that his vehicles or supporters were present at the incident in question. He said that in 2020 several vehicles belonging to his supporters were stoned, but they had not gone there, and added that he had only sought to address an injustice involving the other side’s MP, whom he described as a good person.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake urged that a matter he referred to as the “pumpkin thief” be left for the courts to decide. He asked that the debate proceed and that the Deputy Minister be allowed to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma said the Government was reviewing several pending regulations and orders, including those under import control, foreign exchange, payments systems, casino regulation, levies, and the Colombo Port City framework, to ensure proper procedure and scrutiny through bodies such as the Committee on Public Finance. He argued that previous governments had delayed or mishandled gazettes and public finance measures, contributing to institutional weakness, corruption risks, and economic instability. He stated that the Government was regularizing the May 2024 import-control Gazette, advancing a delayed Foreign Exchange Act order, seeking an impact assessment on regulating money or value transfer services such as hawala, and reviewing a Casino Business regulation that appeared to apply to a single entity.
- 10 Debate Motions: Approval of Regulations under Payment Systems Act, Casino Business Regulation, and Colombo Port City Economic Commission 3 speeches
- 11 Adjournment Adjournment and Adjournment Questions 10 speeches