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
- 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
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake formally moved the adjournment of Parliament. The Presiding Member then proposed the question on the adjournment motion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media about the operations of Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd., noting its role in addressing malnutrition and supporting employment. He sought details on its products and target groups, the current production status, difficulties in sourcing local raw materials and inter-ministerial responses, and the Government’s plans to restore the institution to support nutrition for children and pregnant mothers.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa said Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd. is being revived as a nationally important institution and confirmed that production of Thriposha, Suposha and Calorie Bar continues at normal levels. He detailed the target beneficiaries for free Thriposha distribution, including pregnant and lactating mothers and malnourished children, and noted that maize and soya supply and quality constraints have affected production. He said the company is profit-making, with Rs. 555 million post-tax profit in 2023, and outlined plans with the Agriculture Ministry to support farmers through buy-back arrangements while also testing rice-based alternatives with FAO support. He stated that the Government intends to maintain free nutritional products for target groups and expand commercial products while ensuring nutritional standards.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage raised concerns about difficulties faced by traditional gem miners in Ratnapura, asking whether earlier facilities had been withdrawn and whether large-scale miners or political interference were obstructing their livelihoods. He questioned what action the Government would take to remove these obstacles, noting that Police are now reportedly charging miners under the Mines and Minerals Act, leading to higher fines and possible suspended imprisonment instead of lower penalties under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act. He urged relief for small-scale miners while maintaining the law, and proposed internationally recognized certification for even low-value gems to reduce smuggling and increase national revenue.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said facilities for miners had not been withdrawn and that the Government was working to remove political interference in the gem mining sector, particularly affecting traditional miners. He proposed a special presidential investigation into alleged corruption, improper licensing practices, land takeovers and the displacement of traditional miners. He outlined planned measures including a sector advisory committee, mine safety manual, expanded compensation and insurance schemes, public complaint mechanisms, and weekly ministry public days. He also said the Government would strengthen gem valuation and export oversight, address weaknesses in the NGJA legal unit, and discuss VAT relief for value-added gem processing with the Finance Ministry.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage raised concern over the impact of Rs. 50,000 fines on ordinary river miners, stating that they face hardship and lack alternative livelihoods. He requested the Minister to provide relief or address the issue for affected miners.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that although the issue was not specifically included in the question, he would discuss it with the Minister of Public Security and the Police. He indicated that appropriate steps would be taken following those discussions.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural