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
- 5 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices 72 speeches
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad moved an adjournment motion calling for an immediate programme to reduce the cost of living, citing high prices, shortages, failed price controls, higher fees, and reduced senior citizens’ deposit interest. He argued that the Government should move from allegations about past corruption to concrete action, including recovering stolen funds, earning dollars and rupees, and restoring living standards after the economic crisis. He criticized aspects of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and transport-related measures as ad hoc and potentially harmful to small businesses and the middle class, and urged the Government to set clear economic targets on income, GDP, services, and tourism.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad criticized the Government for repeatedly invoking the “76 years” narrative and urged it to act prudently rather than becoming inactive in practical politics. He stated that the Opposition does not seek to oppose for its own sake and that citizens should be able to benefit from Government measures.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella seconded the Adjournment Motion and compared the Government’s first 100 days with earlier “100-day” programmes, citing price reductions under the 2015 Yahapalana Government. She argued that the current administration’s promises to reduce or abolish VAT on essentials such as food, medicine and school supplies have not been implemented, noting that VAT remains at 18 per cent and Special Commodity Levies continue on several goods. She also raised concerns about shortages of essential medicines in state hospitals and the cost burden on patients, and condemned social media defamation targeting two women Members of Parliament.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister cited accident statistics for SLTB and private buses in 2024 and urged Members to use factual data in debate, while requesting that a derogatory term used against the Opposition be expunged from Hansard. He defended the Government against allegations about its past role in government and current investigations, stating that legal processes would be followed and that the Government would not be destabilized by media or Opposition tactics. He argued that the new administration had begun changing political culture despite limited time in office, said inflation had eased, and outlined planned measures including the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, public sector salary increases, expanded Aswesuma benefits, education support for children, and other relief measures in the forthcoming Budget.
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan argued that rising rice prices are partly linked to the loss of cultivated paddy lands in Trincomalee due to acquisitions or restrictions imposed by state agencies, especially the Department of Archaeology. He cited several areas where hundreds or thousands of acres of long-cultivated land, including temple-linked agricultural lands, have been gazetted, boundary-marked, or taken over as archaeological sites, preventing farmers from cultivating. He also said the Defence Ministry, Forest Department, and Port Authority are restricting agricultural land use, and urged the Government to provide redress.
- The Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Jagath Manuwarna said the Government had been in office for about 50 days and could not resolve long-standing poverty and economic problems within that period. He criticized political and media actors for using shortages and poverty for spectacle, and referred to past misinformation and communal allegations, including the case of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen. He clarified that “Clean Sri Lanka” was broader than traffic-law enforcement, noting discussions with bus operators and a three-month grace period to regularize vehicles, and urged police to act calmly while asking the Opposition and public to allow the Government time to address inherited crises.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s conduct during its first 50 days, citing incidents including Bingiriya, the Health Minister’s actions at a cancer hospital event, rice tenders, and the launch of the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He alleged procurement irregularities in the programme’s launch expenditure, including payments for a song, website, and stage participants, and challenged the Government to table documents, saying he would resign if his claims were false. He further argued that the Clean Sri Lanka fund had been routed through the Deputy Treasury Secretary due to legal constraints under the State Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, and urged the Government to implement the programme lawfully while asking the Health Minister to prioritize hospital hygiene.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that establishing the Clean Sri Lanka fund under the Treasury Secretary is appropriate because government funds should be placed under the Treasury. He also asked the Member who cited figures on payments to a singer and others to submit those details either orally or in writing.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake alleged that Rs. 7 million in expenditure, including payments for a singer, recording, a website, and related costs, had been rejected by the President’s Office Accounts Branch due to improper procurement, and said he would table the documents. He urged the Health Minister to make better use of river resources for hospital water and hygiene and to prioritize building new hospitals over publicity-focused activities. He also called for quicker and more substantive responses to parliamentary questions, while referring to the role of 22 MPs who previously crossed over to support the current Government.
- The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara defended the Government’s performance during its first 49 days, citing measures on fertilizer subsidies, paddy purchasing and storage, support for small millers, fisheries fuel relief, Aswesuma benefits, school supply assistance, pensioner support, and tourism targets. He called for an investigation into alleged misuse of the President’s Fund and accused the Opposition of criticizing government measures for electoral reasons. He also invited Opposition support for the Clean Sri Lanka programme and poverty alleviation initiatives while stating that implementation would be strengthened and accelerated.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa urged the Government to implement its election promises within the promised “100 days,” citing unresolved issues over rice, salt, coconuts, taxes, IMF commitments, and investor policy. He criticized alleged attacks on media and social media users, warned against using repression to mask administrative shortcomings, and called for lawful, consistent handling of defamation and terrorism-related complaints. He also raised concerns about politicization of the public service, unclear policy direction, and the implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, asking that vehicle and traffic enforcement be regulated through the Motor Traffic Act without harming related livelihoods.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla rejected Opposition claims that the Government had broken its promises, citing increased allowances for elders and CKD patients, continued foreign investment interest, no seizure of private property, and correction of welfare benefit allocations. He argued that the previous governments left widespread poverty, neglected rural infrastructure and education in areas such as Mahiyanganaya, and failed to rebuild agricultural systems and paddy storage facilities. He stated that current rice supply issues could not be resolved immediately after taking office because the Paddy Marketing Board and its stores had been weakened or repurposed under earlier administrations.
- The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla defended the Government’s early performance, arguing that it should be given time to rebuild the country and agriculture sector after what he described as decades of hardship and neglect. He said Cabinet members, MPs, and party members were working voluntarily, and asserted that the Government would fulfil its promises within five years, including addressing longstanding grievances affecting rural children’s educational opportunities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla said the Government was formed to strengthen industry, tourism, and agriculture, and argued that its members had direct experience of struggles affecting farmers, fishers, workers, and teachers. He rejected Opposition criticism, asserting that the Government understood the causes of public problems and intended to address them within five years. He also criticized past actions against journalists and referred to the impact of the Dr. Shafi controversy, urging media institutions to recognize their role in national affairs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan called for a review of welfare schemes, stating that deserving families in several districts are being excluded while ineligible persons receive benefits. He supported efforts to raise plantation workers’ wages and urged government action to provide land and housing for hill-country Tamils living in line rooms. He also demanded the proper payment of resettlement and damage grants to displaced families in the North and East, citing Kilinochchi figures and asking that applications be processed through local officials. He raised concern over an alleged assault and sexual harassment incident at Periyaneelavanai Police Station and warned against actions or rhetoric affecting Tamil land and settlement issues.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about displaced Tamil families, citing expulsions from Anuradhapura, the hill country, and other areas, and argued that resettlement still requires government approval. He called for Tamils from Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Ampara, and estate communities to be allowed to return to their lands, including the Kanagaratnam community in Trincomalee, describing such resettlement as a democratic requirement.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, responded to a Point of Order concerning an alleged police assault raised by Sivagnanam Shritharan. He stated that he would inquire into the matter and report back to Parliament.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe rejected Opposition claims that the Government was inactive on cost-of-living issues, saying its public-sector pay policy would be announced in the forthcoming Budget and challenging allegations about salary increases in state boards. He said the Government was using the 448-outlet Sathosa network to intervene in essential goods markets, including potatoes, onions, sugar, dhal, rice and canned fish, and cited a reduction of the controlled price of a 425g canned fish tin to Rs. 380 after consultations with local producers. Addressing rice prices and imports, he said Sri Lanka should have sufficient domestic production based on recent output and consumption figures, and argued that the issue lay in market governance rather than an inherent production shortfall.
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad questioned the accuracy of the statistics under discussion, suggesting that there may be errors or shortcomings in the figures presented.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said the shortage of red rice was partly due to distribution to people who did not need it. He pointed to the poultry industry’s use of about 300,000 metric tons of paddy annually and called for government departments to reduce reliance on domestic harvests for poultry feed.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary The Minister outlined additional sources of rice demand, including ornamental fish feed, rice flour milling, beer production, poultry, and fisheries, noting that these uses contributed to perceived market shortages. He said the Government had inspected miller stocks in several provinces and, from 8 December, arranged the daily release of 350 MT of rice through Sathosa to stabilize supply and maintain the controlled price. He also stated that data discrepancies among relevant agencies were being reconciled and that PMB and Sathosa would be integrated for procurement, with guaranteed prices for farmers and fair prices for consumers to prevent future shortages and avoid imports.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the Opposition’s adjournment motion on rising essential prices and shortages, arguing that the Government has not delivered promised reductions in water, electricity and fuel tariffs despite receiving a strong mandate. He compared the current administration’s first 100 days with measures taken by the Yahapalana Government, including salary increases, fuel and electricity price reductions, price controls on essentials, the Right to Information Act and independent commissions. He focused on the rice shortage, questioning the availability of promised stocks, the effectiveness of controlled prices, reliance on Sathosa, and the Government’s decision to import rice despite earlier pledges against doing so.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka questioned the Government’s administrative capacity, arguing that delays in importing rice and completing a tender raise doubts about its ability to handle larger tasks. Responding to interruptions, he stated that he had already explained the tender and import process and noted that 170,000 metric tonnes of rice were currently being brought in.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka questioned whether rice was available to the public at Rs. 230 per kilo and criticized the Government’s handling of food availability within its first 100 days. He also raised concerns about VAT on school supplies and books, arguing that parents and public servants with children were burdened, and criticized welfare and insurance schemes linked to the Rs. 6,000 Aswesuma payment as creating divisions based on income. He referenced earlier policies such as free textbooks under J.R. Jayewardene and free uniforms under Ranasinghe Premadasa as examples of universal support.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka briefly interjected to clarify that the preceding matter or interruption should not be counted against his allocated speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the government has decided to provide a Rs. 6,000 grant to every child in schools with fewer than 300 students. He noted that this policy will apply to more than 6,000 schools.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka questioned whether the Government had implemented promised tax relief, including removing VAT on school supplies, books, and medicines, despite having a two-thirds majority and more than 100 days in office. He argued that the Rs. 4,000 allowance for public servants was inadequate compared to the Rs. 15,000 requested by the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, and criticized the taxation of interest income, including the increase of Withholding Tax from 5% to 10%, as inconsistent with the Government’s stated commitment to senior citizens.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concerns about the treatment of senior citizens, noting that a previous 15% special interest benefit for private-sector EPF holders had been reduced despite promises of an additional 5%, and was now at 7.5%. He also criticized continuing public queues, specifically for rice and passports, as evidence of unresolved service and supply issues.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman stated that queues for obtaining passports were still ongoing. He raised the issue as a continuing public inconvenience requiring government attention.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concerns about small tea holders in his district, stating that green leaf prices have fallen from about Rs. 250 to below Rs. 200 per kilo and that access to suitable subsidized fertilizer remains inadequate. He urged the Minister to ensure a viable price and proper fertilizer supply, and criticized assurances that the rice issue is resolved, arguing that concrete relief is needed for affected people.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody defended the NPP Government’s early economic record, citing negative CCPI inflation in November and December 2024, expanded welfare and subsidy measures, pension and allowance increases, and a raised PAYE tax threshold for professionals. He argued that public confidence and indicators such as the stock market, tourism, and economic stability had improved despite Opposition criticism. On electricity, he said the Government had submitted proposals to the Public Utilities Commission to keep tariffs unchanged during an expected dry period that would raise generation costs, with the State absorbing the burden rather than passing it to consumers. He attributed high tariffs to past corruption, poor planning, and institutional weaknesses, including vacancies at the CEB, and said the Government was implementing corrective measures.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan argued that hill country plantation communities remain among Sri Lanka’s most disadvantaged groups, citing lack of land, housing, education, basic facilities, and findings by FAO, WFP and Red Cross bodies. He urged the government, ahead of the March Budget, to set the basic daily wage of estate workers at Rs. 2,000 and called on plantation trade unions, including the All Ceylon Estate Workers’ Union, to act jointly on this demand. He also proposed imposing a cess on tea exports and using targeted support for value-added exporters to help fund wage increases, while noting that the Sri Lanka Tea Board lacks worker representation despite its mandate referring to plantation community development.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani attributed current rice and commodity issues to long-term economic mismanagement by previous governments, citing high food inflation, malnutrition, school dropouts, and the hardship faced by children, pregnant mothers, and families during the recent crisis. She said the government had taken measures within its first 100 days, including tax reductions on local dairy products, lower import duty on big onions, short-term imports of essential goods, and a Rs. 6,000 education grant for children in schools with fewer than 300 students. She also referred to past attacks on journalists in responding to Opposition comments on media freedom, and stated that the government’s priority under the Clean Sri Lanka programme is poverty reduction and rebuilding living standards.
- The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah said the Government should address post-war issues in the Northern Province, including returning private lands in areas such as Valikamam North, reopening restricted roads, releasing long-detained political prisoners, and providing answers on missing persons. He highlighted shortages in health services in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, calling for cadre revisions, filling vacancies, and constructing a proper maternity ward at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, where he said more than 6,000 births occur annually in temporary facilities. He also called for strong action against narcotics and for industrial development to create employment opportunities for youth.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof criticized the Government for continuing to blame past administrations and the Opposition despite holding the Presidency, premiership, Cabinet and a large parliamentary majority. He argued that the Government had not presented a clear roadmap for the promised “system change” and should state what concrete measures it will implement, including on prices, fuel costs, public sector salaries and political culture. He urged the Government to use its majority and new Members to meet public expectations rather than relying on accusations against the Opposition.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe proposed that Hon. Aravinda Senarath take the Chair at that point in the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, formally seconded the motion under consideration. The House then agreed to the question, after which there was a change in the Chair, with Hon. Aravinda Senarath taking over from the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala rejected the Opposition’s Motion on senior citizens’ deposits, taxation and the cost of living, arguing that the Government has been in office for only about 50 days and should be judged against its five-year mandate and stated policy programme. He accused former Ministers and MPs in the Opposition of lacking credibility, citing issues such as alleged misuse of vehicles, the President’s Fund, postponed local elections, and the “Krish” transaction. He said current Police vehicle operations are being conducted under a circular consistent with the Motor Traffic Act and that lawful businesses need not fear them. He also stated that rice imports had been arranged, that shortages should be reported to the Ministry, and that the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill had been presented to enable local elections to be held expeditiously.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath rejected Opposition claims of unmanaged shortages in rice, salt, and coconuts, while acknowledging a scarcity of Nadu rice and alleging that major millers were influencing supply and prices. He defended the Government’s controlled consumer prices for rice, arguing that reducing import duties during harvest would depress farmgate prices, and said the policy aims to balance consumer protection with fair returns for farmers. He also stated that the fertilizer subsidy had been raised from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per hectare, with Rs. 18 billion already paid or allocated, and said comprehensive farmer data would be presented within six months. The Deputy Minister maintained that the Government would address supply and pricing issues methodically and that results would be visible within one to three months.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe urged the Government to respect the role and rights of Opposition Members, maintain a new political culture, and pursue legal action for past wrongdoing while focusing on public delivery. He called for stronger Export Development Board support, subsidies, marketing assistance, and skills development for Eastern Province sectors including cashew, ornamental fish, handloom, palm handicrafts, fisheries, vegetables, aquaculture, and reclaimed agricultural lands under the Gal Oya scheme. He requested that local government elections and the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination not be held during Ramadan, citing the religious obligations of Muslim communities and students. He also raised concerns that the Department of Archaeology had appropriated Muslim-owned lands in Kuchchaveli, asking the relevant Ministry to protect antiquities without creating ethnic tensions.
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana’s recorded intervention consists only of addressing the Presiding Member, with no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy positions included in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Roshan Akmeemana stated that the disputed land in Kuchchaveli belongs to the Department of Archaeology, based on inquiries by District MPs, and not to any community or private party. He asked Hon. Uthumalebbe to withdraw a statement claiming it belonged to Muslims, warning against language that could incite communal tensions, and said the only recent change was the placement of a new Buddha statue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Lasith Bhashana Gamage said the Government’s initial relief was removing what he described as corrupt elite family politics and addressing a bankrupt economy, collapsed production, and social hardship. He cited measures including increasing the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000, assistance to 186,500 fisher families, expanded Aswesuma benefits for vulnerable groups, and a Rs. 6,000 allowance for schoolchildren, beginning with Aswesuma beneficiary families and small schools. He said development and welfare work would continue through District and Divisional Coordinating Committees until local authorities are constituted, while acknowledging implementation issues in Aswesuma and price pressures linked to past decisions. He argued that the Government would manage issues such as rice and salt supply and continue its programme despite Opposition criticism.
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam defended the National People’s Power Government’s early record, arguing that despite criticism over rice and coconut prices, public confidence, rule of law, and inter-communal safety had improved since previous administrations. He said the Government would ensure supplies for festivals, including green rice for Ramadan porridge, and provide a safe environment for Muslims during the fasting month. He also justified police action on unsafe vehicle body spare parts under the Clean Sri Lanka programme and requested special attention to rehabilitate the Kalugahathenna landslide-affected area in Dodangaslanda. He called for Government and Opposition cooperation to address shortages and rebuild the country.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem
AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem highlighted unresolved development and resettlement issues in Batticaloa District, particularly the need for housing, access roads, and basic infrastructure for 56 long-displaced families in Kalliyanchchai and for about 500 families in Ragam and Vadichchal, including elephant fences to address human-elephant conflict. He requested urgent staffing and facilities for Eravur Base Hospital and support for Eravur Ayurveda Hospital, including a generator and vehicle. He also called for multi-ethnic public service appointments across communities and urged the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme to prioritize action against narcotics, ensuring both small and large offenders are brought before the law.
- The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan defended the 50-day-old Government against Opposition criticism, arguing that previous administrations were responsible for the 2022 economic collapse and that the new Government has a mandate to rebuild the country. He referred to the President’s Throne Speech roadmap, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, district and divisional coordination efforts, environmental protection, rural economic upliftment, and action on human-elephant conflict. He called for fair and constructive Opposition engagement while emphasizing the Government’s commitment to corruption-free, rules-based governance, economic democracy, and broad-based recovery.
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala said the Government should stop blaming past administrations and use its large mandate to address current hardships, particularly food insecurity, high rice prices, fuel taxes, electricity bills, public sector salary delays, and retirees’ deposit interest. He urged the Government to fulfil election promises, including reducing living costs and prosecuting corruption cases by correcting technical defects and refiling withdrawn indictments. He also questioned actions against audio equipment in three-wheelers and buses, warned against restoring taxes on essential food items, and called for urgent action on passport appointment delays to support foreign employment, study, remittances, and reserves.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected the Adjournment Motion’s claims that the Government was failing to address shortages, high prices and market distortions, arguing that the NPP had inherited a severely weakened economy requiring gradual and prudent corrective measures. He denied allegations that the Government had promised an immediate 60 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs, stating that tariff reductions must be calibrated to avoid harming production. He said recent price pressures should be assessed through inflation trends, noting that the previous administration had presided over very high food and headline inflation, while the current Government was working to stabilize prices, support production and implement structural reforms.
- Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayasinghe
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayasinghe said inflation had been reduced from the extreme levels of 2022 and 2023 to a disinflationary position, though not deflation, and argued that it must be kept under firm control without destabilising the economy. He highlighted that real wages in the public, formal private, and informal sectors had fallen sharply since 2021, making wage recovery and expanded assistance schemes important, with further wage increases to be considered in the Budget. He also said the Government was monitoring possible artificial shortages and cartel activity, particularly in essential goods such as rice, and would intervene where market behaviour created instability, while rejecting arbitrary price controls.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural