Sitting of Thursday, 9 January 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1738229262040729 ·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 and Announcements 6 speeches
- 2 Oral question Oral Questions 86 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy provided current electricity tariff details as at 20 November 2024, including domestic block tariffs, optional time-of-use rates, and general purpose tariff categories. He stated that no tariff revisions had been made since 21 October 2024, that the Government would accept decisions of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and that there was no intention to dissolve the Commission. He explained that Ceylon Electricity Board tariff proposals are made to cover forecast costs for the relevant period, with rates varying according to factors such as exchange rates, fuel and coal prices, and rainfall.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Government’s delay in implementing promised electricity tariff reductions, noting earlier public assurances of substantial bill reductions. He referred to repeated extensions granted to the CEB by the PUCSL, the rejection of proposed reductions, and indications that only a minimal reduction may be possible, despite high hydro generation. He asked why relief has been postponed until June and highlighted the impact of high electricity costs on small industries.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody clarified that the Government’s commitment is to reduce electricity bills, not supply, through a phased three-year plan rather than immediate cuts. He said the CEB faces about Rs. 332 billion in debt and legacy issues including high-cost power purchase agreements, making ad hoc tariff reductions impractical. He stated that while calculations indicated a possible 37 per cent tariff increase, the Government avoided major increases and aims to reduce bills by around 35 per cent by stabilizing costs and moving toward a least-cost regional benchmark.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Government’s delay in reducing electricity tariffs, citing the President’s commitment to reduce tariffs by more than 30 per cent “in the near future.” He argued that tariff revisions in October, December, and subsequent concession opportunities had been missed, while the PUCSL had identified errors in pricing inputs from the Ministry and CEB. He further disputed claims of losses, referring to a reported Rs. 167 billion surplus in 2024, Treasury assumption of debts, and high hydro generation, and asked when relief would be provided to consumers.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy rejected claims that the Treasury had absorbed Ceylon Electricity Board debts, stating that the CEB still carries about Rs. 332 billion in debt and that none has been taken over by the Government. He also disputed the reported Rs. 167 billion profit figure, saying the latest proposal refers to about Rs. 41 billion, and requested that any relevant PUCSL document supporting the contrary claims be tabled.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly clarified to the Chair that the matter being referred to was not a second supplementary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake requested that the rule limiting supplementary questions to two be observed and that no more than two supplementaries be permitted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested a clarification from the Chair. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in the recorded intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked the Minister of Energy to provide details on private power plants currently operating in Sri Lanka, including their names, owners’ names and addresses, and annual payments made to each owner from 2015 to date. He further questioned whether the Minister is aware that the agreements with these private power plant owners are unfavourable, and if so, what measures will be taken to address the issue.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody stated that 343 private power plants are currently in operation, including Yugadanavi and Sobadanavi, and that ownership, energy purchase, and payment details from 2015 onwards have been placed in the Library as annexes. He explained that smaller renewable energy plants operate under standardized power purchase agreements with payments only for energy supplied, while larger renewable projects have more detailed agreements including provisions such as deemed energy payments and minimum supply obligations. He added that LNG plant agreements were secured through competitive bidding, are not unfavourable to the CEB, and include dual-fuel capability due to the current lack of LNG availability.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Asked for an update on the 100 MW Siyambalanduwa solar project, noting that although the award has been made, land clearance and inter-agency support remain pending. He questioned whether the Government is expediting the project and ensuring support from the CEB and relevant agencies so construction can begin as planned.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy stated that the Government intends to expedite a legacy project currently at the implementation stage. He said the developer has requested land vesting acceptable to banks as security in order to facilitate financing, not merely as a land handover. A Cabinet Paper has been submitted, and further action will follow after receiving observations from the Ministry of Finance.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns that transmission constraints, including delayed transmission lines and grid substation upgrades, are hindering electricity evacuation. He asked whether priority is being given to the delayed Jaffna–New Habarana transmission line and related substation works, and questioned whether the Minister in charge of the CEB was acting under the directions of Ranjan Jayalal.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lanka does not yet have sufficient transmission network flexibility in some areas, which constrains renewable energy integration and power evacuation. He said several transmission lines are under construction, priority is being given to regions without such constraints, and support is being sought from non-state and foreign development partners to meet the 70 per cent renewable energy target by 2030. He also noted that end-user tariffs reflect import content, VAT, operation and maintenance costs, staffing shortages and engineer outflows, in addition to solar procurement prices, and said these issues are being addressed.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody stated that the relevant institution is being strengthened to ensure sustainability and that any necessary price revisions will be carried out in a structured manner rather than on an ad hoc basis. He also said the concerns raised during the discussion would be addressed.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order stating that, for the third time, he had not been allocated speaking time and that the matter was being referred to a committee. He also objected to not being included as a Party Leader in the Parliamentary Business Committee, noting requests for greater Opposition representation, and asked the Speaker to allow him to speak rather than leaving the matter to the Leader of the Opposition.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Chithral Fernando formally raised a parliamentary question. No substantive policy position, proposal, or argument was included in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration stated that information sought on court proceedings and internal procedures falls under the independent Judicial Service Commission, which has requested three weeks to provide inputs. He said the remaining information lies with the Ministry and requested two weeks to provide comprehensive answers to both parts of the question, after which the question was ordered to stand down.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Labour to provide year-by-year data on public and private sector labour force trends, Government employment numbers by permanent and casual categories, salary and emolument costs, and pension payments over the past five to ten years. He also requested projections for the next five to ten years on labour force trends, planned Government recruitment, pension expenditure, and the number of pensioners, or an explanation if such information cannot be provided.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe, responding on behalf of the Minister of Labour, provided labour force and public employment statistics, citing the 2023 Labour Force Survey figure of 8.4 million in the labour force, 8.0 million employed, and about 3 million informal sector workers. He set out selected annual figures for formal government and private sector employment, permanent and casual public servants, salary and emolument costs, and pension expenditure up to 2024. He stated that no government institution has prepared a formal 10-year labour force forecast, and that recruitment, pension cost and retiree projections depend on ongoing fiscal, administrative and policy decisions, with detailed projections to be provided once finalized.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said labour force projections indicate Sri Lanka’s workforce may remain around 8 million until 2035 before declining, while noting the source’s data limitations, and stated that the Government will focus on raising female labour force participation from its current low level. He explained that public service recruitment was suspended in 2022 under National Budget Circular 03/2022 but essential vacancies are now filled with Cabinet approval based on a committee process. He also stated that 2025 pension expenditure is projected at Rs. 393.07 billion for 737,352 pensioners, around 1.5 percent of GDP, but long-term retirement and pension projections are difficult due to variable retirement patterns, deaths, armed forces service rules, and future policy changes. The Government intends to improve pension and workforce-related data through digitalization of public administration.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned how the Government intends to address unemployment and fulfil promised salary increases within IMF-agreed expenditure limits. He noted that public service salaries and pensions amount to 6 percent of GDP, or about one-third of the permitted total expenditure of 20 percent of GDP, and asked the Deputy Minister to explain the structured plan for managing these fiscal constraints.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary At the upcoming Budget, the Government will provide a significant salary increase for public servants in response to current living conditions. The Deputy Minister stated that the increase has already been announced, will be visible when the Budget is presented next month, and is not affected by the IMF agreement.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly interjects during debate, stating that the other side has already accepted a point being discussed. The remark appears procedural or argumentative in nature, challenging the need for further dispute on that matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe contrasted the current Government’s position on PAYE tax with the previous administration’s response to professionals’ demands for relief. He stated that the PAYE tax threshold will be raised to Rs. 150,000 and that there is no objection from the IMF to this change or to salary increases.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Asked whether the Government would provide the stated salary increase.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that salaries would be increased in the Budget scheduled to be presented the following February.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Asked whether the amount to be paid would be Rs. 25,000, seeking clarification on the payment figure under discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the Government had not promised a Rs. 25,000 figure and that the amount would be finalized later. He argued that the previous Cabinet decision by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 4 September, immediately before postal voting, was intended to influence public servants’ votes and was not a genuine policy proposal.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that Ranil Wickremesinghe had served as President for more than two and a half years since July 2022 but had not increased salaries during that period.
Cost of Living Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to a question on whether public sector salaries would be increased by Rs. 25,000. He stated that the Rs. 25,000 increase was a proposal made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and that the Government does not accept that proposal.
Employment Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that he had asked only one supplementary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake indicated that he would proceed to ask his second supplementary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Asked for the current unemployment rate as a second supplementary question.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe noted that official data indicates unemployment is 8.4 per cent of an approximately 8 million-strong labour force. He said there are inconsistencies in labour-related data across the Labour Ministry and other ministries, and that recent discussions with ministry divisions had identified problems with the available figures.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that his request was limited to obtaining unemployment data.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara asked the Minister of Energy for details on power stations added to the National Grid since 2019, including their names, expected and current generation capacity, and which of them are renewable energy plants. He also requested separate generation figures for each renewable station. He further sought information on planned National Grid expansion and renewable energy expansion over the next two years, or reasons if no such plans exist.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - State Minister JJB
AI summary The State Minister provided data on electricity generation capacity added since 2019, including three CEB-owned plants, 13 private thermal plants, and 110 renewable plants totaling 1,872 MW, with generation performance details tabled in annexes. He outlined planned additions under the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan 2025–2044 for the next two years, including hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and combined-cycle capacity, as well as 1,138 planned renewable plants. He also stated that preliminary work has begun on a 100 MW/100 MWh battery storage system and renewable energy control centre at Kolonnawa, and that a committee is preparing a 2025–2030 grid integration plan for renewable projects.
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara asked whether solar energy projects awarded through Expressions of Interest under previous governments involved inconsistent tariffs and possible political favoritism or undue influence. He requested the Minister’s plan to establish a stable and fair tariff structure for solar power.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - State Minister JJB
AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that 49 electricity-sector proposals were received under the EOI process, but that route was later invalidated by amendments to the Electricity Act under the previous administration. He said many proposals involved irregularities and high tariffs, and that Cabinet had approved a committee to regularize the process by recommending unit prices, capacities and related terms for approval. He added that the Government would expedite implementation while addressing the difficulties faced by investors.
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Asked what plans the Government has to reduce electricity tariffs by addressing technical line losses in the power distribution system and replacing expensive diesel-based generation with LNG power. Emphasized these as two key measures for lowering electricity costs.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - State Minister JJB
AI summary Kumara Jayakody said electricity line losses of about 9 percent in some areas are being reviewed with the aim of reducing them below 7 percent. He stated that LNG-based generation is being pursued as an interim measure, including reviving suspended procurements and expediting LNG infrastructure and gas supply for plants currently running on costlier liquid fuels. He added that diesel use would be minimized, but transmission constraints sometimes require purchases from diesel plants until network upgrades are completed.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism for details on Sri Lankan workers sent to Korea, including the number of visas issued, the basis for sending workers under the E8 visa category, and how many workers had been sent. She also sought clarification on whether any of them were in distress and what action would be taken, and asked whether workers are sent only under E8 visas or under other visa categories as well.
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lankan workers for Korea are formally sent under E9 and E7 visa categories, while the Government has not recognized any E8 visa mechanism and the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency has no registration, monitoring, or intervention capacity for persons who may have gone under E8 visas. He said an April 2024 MoU signed by the then Labour Minister concerning E8 visas was unlawful because it lacked proper Cabinet approval and was not routed through the established foreign employment process. He further alleged the MoU was irregularly held at the Labour Ministry and contained drafting errors suggesting it was copied from a Korea–Pakistan agreement.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem queried the Government regarding a visit to Finland, asking for clarification or details about it. The intervention appears to seek information in the context of parliamentary questioning rather than advancing a substantive policy argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB
AI summary Vijitha Herath briefly queried whether the individuals under discussion had also travelled to Finland. The remark appears to seek clarification on travel details in the context of the ongoing debate.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayathissa briefly stated that it is not known “with whom,” indicating uncertainty about the parties or persons involved in the matter under discussion. No specific proposal, demand, or policy position was elaborated in the available excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB
AI summary Vijitha Herath argued that an MoU signed by former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara with Wando County for E8 visa employment was legally defective, citing repeated references to “Pakistan” instead of Sri Lanka in key clauses on worker death, repatriation, and embassy consultation. He said the agreement could not lawfully support sending Sri Lankan workers abroad and left the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency without a legal basis to assist them. He stated that the E8 visa route under this MoU would not continue, while special measures and relief mechanisms would be provided for youth affected by the process.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Asked whether the Government will establish a proper mechanism to regularize Korean employment, citing recent issues involving former Ministers and connected parties allegedly collecting large sums from rural youth by promising jobs in Korea. Emphasized that Korean employment is a sensitive issue for rural youth and sought safeguards for future recruitment.
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath stated that the Government is working to increase legal foreign employment opportunities for youth in Korea under the E9 and E7 categories, with plans to send larger numbers. He noted that many applicants have been defrauded by agents charging Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 1.2 million, and said relief mechanisms would be formulated for affected victims while expanding lawful employment pathways to other countries.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra raised a supplementary question about institutions and agents collecting money by claiming to arrange Korean or other foreign employment. She asked whether such jobs are provided under Government auspices and, if not, what action would be taken against the entities and individuals involved.
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary The Minister said authorities have received reports of fraudulent agents taking money by falsely promising employment in Korea, and that legal action has been taken in some cases, including arrests. He urged the public not to fall victim to such scams and said the Government would intervene lawfully and take necessary action when information is received.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the economic crisis had caused doctors and other trained health professionals to leave Sri Lanka, negatively affecting the health service. He requested detailed category-wise figures on current staff, future staffing requirements, premature departures from 2022 to November 2024, and personnel currently in training, including specialist training. He also asked what steps the Ministry would take to recruit the needed professionals expeditiously, or the reasons if no action is planned.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Minister of Health and Mass Media stated that he was providing the answer to a question before the House. No substantive policy details, proposals, or issues were included in the provided excerpt.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hector Appuhamy rose on a Point of Order to request a brief clarification from the Speaker regarding the previous question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayathissa stated that health professionals have gone abroad for employment, education and other reasons, but said continuous recruitment, training and human resource management are being used to maintain services and fill vacancies. He noted that doctors’ retirement age has been extended to 63, and that detailed cadre data on current staff, future needs, pre-retirement departures and those in training had been tabled in an annex. He outlined measures including deploying returning specialists, recruiting medical officers after house officer training, recruiting the 2019 nursing intake in early 2025, filling supplementary and paramedical posts, and proceeding with approved minor and junior grade recruitments, while acknowledging deployment challenges from past recruitment patterns.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised concerns about the recent emigration of doctors and specialists, noting that many more qualified doctors remain in Sri Lanka after passing migration-related exams. He asked what measures are being taken to retain medical professionals and address staffing shortages in the health system, citing a shortage of about 665 nurses at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya despite some nurses having completed training.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Minister acknowledged serious health-sector staffing shortages at all levels, attributing them to both insufficient personnel and distribution problems. He stated that staff are being redeployed to critical locations and that nursing cohorts will be recruited in the first quarter to help address hospital-level shortages.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Asked what actions the Government has taken or intends to take regarding reports of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and related media coverage in Sri Lanka that has caused public concern. The question sought clarification on public health preparedness and communication measures.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government, President, and Epidemiology Unit were closely monitoring HMPV and would promptly inform the public and take precautions if any case was detected. He clarified that media reports claiming a current first case had misrepresented a reference to an earlier occurrence, noting that one suspected case had tested negative and 20 testing sites had been designated. He urged media and social media to report scientifically and responsibly on health issues that could affect public welfare and the economy.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem briefly intervened to raise a question before the House. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or argument was set out in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the available Ministry reply was not adequate because the question referred to Chapter 7 of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, which had subsequently been revised as Chapter 8. He requested two weeks to provide a comprehensive and accurate response.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem questioned the change in COVID-19 death-disposal guidelines issued by the Ministry in March 2020, noting that the original guidance allowed both cremation and burial but was altered after the second death, involving a Muslim person. He asked the Minister to identify the officials responsible for the revised circular and said Parliament should be informed for accountability.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa stated that the prepared reply did not address the question raised. He undertook to amend the response and provide a detailed answer within two weeks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem stated that the RTI Commission had summoned the Acting Chief Epidemiologist on 2 January regarding requested information, but the official said it was unavailable. He noted that the hearing was postponed to 20 January and requested that Dr. Hasitha Tissera be instructed to provide the information.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Government supports disclosing the requested information and will facilitate its provision as soon as possible. The question was ordered to stand down.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Kins Nelson) SJB
AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide details on State-owned radio stations, including their number, names, staffing levels, and annual profit or loss figures from 2015 onward. The question also sought information on measures taken to prevent losses, and, if such information could not be provided, the reasons for non-disclosure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Minister tabled a response identifying SLBC and ITN-operated Lak Handa and Wasantham FM as state-owned radio stations, with employee numbers and profit/loss data since 2015 placed in the Library. He stated that SLBC recorded losses from 2015 to 2023 and that a special expert committee has been appointed to recommend measures to make it self-financing. He also noted that strategic short-, medium- and long-term plans are being prepared to sustain profitability and increase revenue for Lak Handa and Wasantham FM.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Under Standing Order 31, Harsha de Silva raised a point of order alleging a discrepancy between the Minister of Energy’s statement that the CEB had no large profit and figures in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 showing CEB profits of Rs. 119 billion by 30 June and Rs. 139 billion by October. He argued that either the Minister or the House had been misled, tabled procedural references on misleading Parliament, and requested correction of any error or treatment as a privilege matter if deliberate, with the relevant material recorded in Hansard.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Requested that the matter be inquired into and reported, with the relevant document placed in the Library.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 3 Papers Bills Presented and Orders 8 speeches
- 4 Debate Special Commodity Levy Act: Orders and Related Motions 57 speeches
- 5 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices 72 speeches