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
- 3 Papers Bills Presented and Orders 8 speeches
- 4 Debate Special Commodity Levy Act: Orders and Related Motions 57 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister explained that a regulation under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act, published in Gazette No. 2400/25, was being presented for parliamentary approval within the required four-month period. He said the regulation includes a Rs. 1 per kilogram cess reduction on imported clinker, conditional on a Rs. 2 per kilogram reduction in cement retail prices, with the aim of lowering a 50 kg bag by about Rs. 100 and supporting the construction sector. He also noted concerns over a pilot proposal to permit the export of one million metric tons of black stone blocks, stating that domestic construction needs must be considered and that no export applications had yet been received. He further referred to Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, describing the SCL framework as intended to protect farmers and consumers from VAT and other tax burdens.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the continued use of Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, stating that six-monthly revisions are necessary in current economic conditions to balance farmer and consumer interests despite past abuses associated with the levy. He tabled a Sathosa report on 38 SCL-related consumer items, arguing that prices of 25 items had fallen between January 2024 and January 2025, with an average reduction of about 19 per cent, including decreases in big onions, chickpeas, dried chillies, green gram, cowpea, potatoes and sprats. He acknowledged ongoing rice supply concerns but said separate action was being taken by the Trade Minister, and noted that the Government had been in office for only 49 days.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake briefly sought the Minister’s permission to interrupt during the proceedings. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was presented in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister intervened briefly to address or call upon an Honourable Member during the proceedings. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was presented in this speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake cautioned that shifting to an ad valorem duty structure could effectively freeze import duties and disadvantage locally produced coconut, palm, and other edible oils. He asked that the issue be addressed, noting that domestic producers continue to face VAT and other levies while imports may benefit from the duty structure, potentially hampering local production.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister accepted the Member’s concern about the Special Commodity Levy, stating that it is intended to offset some VAT effects but had previously been misused through arbitrary duty changes, citing the sugar duty case. He said the Ministry would consider the issue at the appropriate time. On edible oils, he noted that VAT applies to coconut oil and proposed importing copra pieces for local processing instead of refined RBD oil, citing concerns over consumer protection, health risks, and misleading labelling of imported coconut oil products.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly stated that the issue under discussion was comparable to the situation regarding palm oil. No specific proposal, question, or policy position was elaborated in the excerpt.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said longstanding issues in the coconut sector, including tree felling and estate conversion, cannot be resolved immediately because new trees take time to mature. He stated that the Government would import copra and provide it to local mills for domestic processing as an interim measure.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a Point of Order regarding copra imports, noting that he had previously proposed importing copra. He stated that when a state entity handled the process, crude oil was imported instead and created problems, and argued that allowing private companies to import would ensure better-quality copra.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Government has decided to import the relevant commodity and distribute it to mills. The remark indicates a direct state intervention in supply to support milling operations.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister briefly requested additional speaking time, stating that the Government Chief Organizer had informed him that no others would speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti rejected claims that the Government is continuing Ranil Wickremesinghe’s policies, arguing that in its first 100 days Ministers had not undertaken costly foreign trips or faced concrete allegations of corruption. He said programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka were being implemented without corruption and invited Members to raise any allegations through COPE. He clarified that a kabook export item in a Gazette had been carried over from earlier Cabinet decisions and would be corrected, and stated that Sathosa had reduced prices on 20 of 38 selected items, including an 8 per cent reduction over the previous four months.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera noted that his allotted speaking time had been reduced from 12 minutes to four minutes and said he would keep his remarks brief. He referenced Minister Handunnetti’s statement that 49 days had passed but did not develop a substantive argument in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake objected to being informed at the last moment that his allotted speaking time had been reduced from 12 minutes to four minutes. He requested a justification for the reduction, stating that it unfairly penalized him as a speaker.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake objected to holding the speaker responsible for delays or overruns, stating that the issue was one of time management. He argued that the burden for managing time should not fall on the individual speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva objected to a reduction in his speaking time, stating that it was unfair to cut an allotted twelve minutes down to four minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that the Chair is responsible for coordinating with parliamentary staff on time management. He suggested that any lost time should either be accommodated or managed within the overall time limits.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly observed that all Members, including the Chief Government Whip, operate under constraints. No specific legislative issue, proposal, or demand was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary Nalinda Jayathissa stated that his side was willing to manage a one-hour debate, but noted that time reductions would affect all parties and that two of their speakers had already been omitted. He said that if the debate was limited to one hour, time would have to be reduced from the Adjournment Debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that while he accepts the proposal in principle, reducing the allocation or figure from 12 to 4 represents a two-thirds cut and is unfair.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake explained that the allotted one hour for the proceedings could not be managed as planned due to competing needs. He said some Members had given up earlier speaking slots, but extending the sitting beyond 5.30 p.m. would create additional costs and staff constraints, so speaking times were reduced for practical reasons.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Deputy Speaker to allow a slight extension of speaking time for two members of his side, noting that they were each scheduled to speak for 12 minutes and should not be disadvantaged.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake requested that the Opposition shorten the Adjournment Debate slightly so the sitting need not be extended. He said the Government side could reduce its participation to one remaining speaker if necessary to ensure proceedings conclude by 5.30 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka objected that proceeding in a manner that prevents prepared speakers from being heard would be unfair to them. His intervention appears to concern the orderly conduct of the debate and allocation of speaking opportunities.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that proceedings could not continue unless an accommodative approach was adopted. The remark indicated a procedural concern about the need for cooperation or flexibility to move forward.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requests that the allotted time be extended by a few minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake noted that extending sittings beyond 5.30 p.m. creates additional costs and logistical difficulties for Parliament and Members. He emphasized the need for better time management in parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka suggested reducing the duration of the lunch break in order to allocate more time for parliamentary business.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake questioned whether reducing the time allocated for the Adjournment Debate by 10 to 15 minutes would cause any procedural or practical issue. The intervention appears to support adjusting debate time to accommodate parliamentary business.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka objected to reducing Members’ speaking time in the debate, arguing that while time management is a shared concern, it should not be addressed by unfairly cutting allotted speeches.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated briefly that Members of Parliament and Ministers are also affected, indicating that the issue under discussion impacts both legislators and members of the Government.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member briefly interjected, stating that the situation under discussion was created by those being addressed. No specific proposal, demand, or policy detail was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake proposed that the parliamentary proceedings be concluded by 5.30 p.m., seeking agreement from the House on the day’s schedule.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera urged the Government, composed of many first-time MPs, to shift from oppositional rhetoric to governing and to be candid with the public about which election promises can realistically be delivered. He argued that national confidence requires a clear plan rather than slogans, citing the “Clean Sri Lanka” agenda and criticizing attention to minor issues while larger pledges remain unmet. He also responded to allegations regarding Antigen Test kits by referring to figures in Hansard, and called for consistent standards when criticizing media ownership or conduct.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Minister referred to Section 9 of the Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002, and presented the Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Order, citing survey and poverty data to contextualize the economic impact on households. He stated that two welfare benefit categories due to expire on 31 December 2024 were extended to 31 March 2025, while monthly payments for the Poor and Extreme Poor categories were increased from January 2025. He said the Government’s five-year programme prioritizes poverty eradication through cash transfers, empowerment of two million vulnerable and extremely poor families, and integrated rural development including community-based microfinance and savings initiatives.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to move beyond criticism of past administrations and act on current public needs, including fair prices for essential commodities, unresolved flood damage and farmer compensation in Mannar, and an alternative site for waste dumping near Salambakulam in Vavuniya. He requested reviews of the gazetting of 18,900 hectares in Mannar under wildlife and forest conservation, the stalled EU-funded drainage project, delayed teacher training certificates from Kopay, and pay anomalies affecting university library assistants under UGC Circulars 975 and 985. He also raised concerns about Myanmar/Rohingya refugees rescued off Mullaitivu, calling for access for MPs and NGOs, provision of basic supplies, UNHCR involvement, third-country resettlement where possible, and no forced return in violation of international law.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Leader of the House JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the matter raised by Hon. Harsha de Silva under Standing Order 31 was important but did not fall within the scope of that provision, which applies to matters under specific ministerial responsibility. He also said the Prime Minister had addressed Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen’s concerns on humanitarian and international law grounds, and that the Navy had acted properly in response to a recent boat arrival. He noted that UNHCR is not operating in Sri Lanka as it had previously and urged Members to work within the Government’s stated position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha rejected the view that government should be run on a private business profit-and-loss model, arguing that policy must prioritize public welfare, domestic production, and anti-corruption safeguards. He said the Orders under the Export Development Act and Special Commodity Levy Act are intended to correct market distortions, protect local producers and small farmers, and stabilize prices, including through limited rice imports during emergencies. He also stated that Aswesuma benefit extensions are being made while correcting selection issues and linking welfare to economic empowerment, and that the Colombo West International Terminal Order supports Sri Lanka’s trading hub and investment strategy.
- Question put, and agreed to.
AI summary Parliament agreed to the question put regarding an Order under the Special Commodity Levy Act. No substantive debate or specific policy arguments were recorded in the provided extract.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Leader of the House JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, moved for parliamentary approval of an Order under Section 2 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007. The Order, originally made by the then Minister of Finance and published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2384/31 of 17 May 2024, had Cabinet approval and was agreed to by the House.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Leader of the House JJB
AI summary Moved approval of an Order under Sections 2 and 5 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2395/32 of 31 July 2024 and presented to Parliament on 7 January 2025. He stated that he was moving it on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, with Cabinet approval already granted; the motion was agreed to.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary A motion was moved on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to approve an Order under Section 2 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007. The Order, imposed by the Minister of Finance and published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2404/19 of 02.10.2024, had received Cabinet approval and was agreed to by the House.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the approval of an Order made under Sections 2 and 5 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007. The Order, issued by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Policy Implementation, Planning and Tourism and published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2406/02 of 14 October 2024, had Cabinet approval and was agreed to by the House.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, for parliamentary approval of an Order under Section 2 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007. The Order, issued by the Minister of Finance and published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2408/15 of 1 November 2024, had Cabinet approval and was agreed to by the House.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Moved approval of an Order under Section 2 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/38 of 30 November 2024 and presented to Parliament on 7 January 2025. He stated that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to by the House.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Moved approval of the “Aswesuma” Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme under Section 9 of the Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002, as published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2415/66 of 21 December 2024 and presented to Parliament on 7 January 2025. He stated that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Moved approval of an Order under Section 3(4) of the Strategic Development Projects Act relating to Colombo West International Terminal (Pvt) Ltd., originally gazetted on 10 September 2024 and presented on 17 December 2024. He stated that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to by the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- 5 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices 72 speeches