Sitting of Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1739261035021938 ·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: Announcements and Joint Annual General Meeting 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports Tabled (Sri Lanka Institute of Policy Studies, Ministry of Health, Department of Coast Conservation) 3 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Wild Elephant Detention Centre in Lunugamwehera (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines Profit/Loss and Customs Operations (Q.2/2025) 11 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Housing Scheme Non-Completion in Vavunativu (Q.3/2025) 8 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Lands Owned by Land Reform Commission - Fraudulent Acquisition (Q.4/2025) 9 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Kinniya CEB Consumer Service Centre - Power Disconnections (Q.5/2025) 7 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat Status (Q.6/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Cess Levied on Finished Tea - Income Earned in 2024 (Q.8/2025) 7 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Lands Released from Land Reform Commission to Dharmayathana Protection Council (Q.7/2025) 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Rivers in Sri Lanka and Pollution Measures (Q.9/2025) 2 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Police Mounted Unit - Horses Information Tabled 1 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question by Private Notice: Issues Faced by Youth Migrated to Russia (Standing Order 27(2)) 4 speeches
- 14 Procedural Procedural: Privilege Question on Ceylon Electricity Board - Referred to Committee on Ethics and Privileges 5 speeches
- 15 Procedural Procedural: Motion on Sittings - Point of Order Raised 4 speeches
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) 72 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha welcomed the PUCSL decision to reduce electricity tariffs and urged that the resulting relief be passed on to households, industries and consumers through lower prices. She defended the Clean Sri Lanka Programme as an organized effort to improve environmental conditions, civic conduct and social ethics, citing pollution, inadequate public facilities, unsafe public transport for women, poor food practices and weak tourist amenities. She said consultations with local institutions and community groups had identified needs such as public toilets, drinking water points, clean food outlets and accessibility for persons with disabilities, and called for short-, medium- and long-term action leading to value-based social change.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih] (in the Chair)
AI summary The Deputy Speaker, Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, took the Chair at 11.17 a.m. and called the House to order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar welcomed the Clean Sri Lanka programme if it addresses substantive failures, but urged it to investigate alleged fiscal fraud, citing reports of around Rs. 5 billion in unpaid VAT and levies on imported crude coconut oil refined and sold locally after the VAT exemption ended on 1 January 2024. He referred to correspondence involving the Fiscal Policy Department, Inland Revenue Department, and Sena Mills Refineries, and asked that tax enforcement be applied as seriously as other clean-up efforts. He also argued that following the Public Utilities Commission’s 20 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs, water tariffs should be reduced because they had previously been increased in response to electricity price hikes. On Meethotamulla, he accepted that relocation may be necessary for UDA development land but criticised the manner of evictions, water disconnections, and unaffordable rehousing terms, requesting UDA housing in Kolonnawa with a lower initial payment and instalment scheme for affected low-income families.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said that the issue raised by Hon. Marikkar had been referred to the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs. He undertook to provide a detailed response the following day on whether tax evasion had occurred and on matters relating to the companies mentioned.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary S.M. Marikkar cited newspaper reports alleging that approximately Rs. 700 million in taxes were evaded during October–December after the current President took office. He asked the Minister to respond the following day and urged the Government to address financial fraud and tax evasion as part of its broader clean-up efforts.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe informed the House that the Director General of Customs would provide, within an hour, details on imports by five companies, including quantities refined and exported under SVAT eligibility, quantities sold locally, and any identified fraud. He stated that he would update Parliament later that evening.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Anton Jayakody defended the Clean Sri Lanka Programme as a broad national initiative covering social, environmental and ethical reform, not merely waste management. He argued it should address past development failures such as Uma Oya, Oluvil Port, coastal erosion and neglected irrigation infrastructure, while supporting agriculture through tank rehabilitation, improved fertilizer use and future domestic fertilizer production. He also linked the programme to “clean politics,” calling for reforms in governance, policing, regulatory institutions and public administration to build a productive economy and better living conditions.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition raised a series of sectoral grievances, urging Government action on rising shootings and drug-related crime, passport issuance delays, alleged tax losses from coconut oil imports, port container congestion, and the restoration of a 15 per cent interest scheme for senior citizens. He also called for consultations on vehicle and safari jeep regulations, employment solutions for unemployed graduates, pathways for Development Officers into teaching, expedited recruitment to the Sri Lanka Teacher Educators’ Service, and new student nurse intake gazettes. He further requested expanded B.Ed. technology education opportunities, remedies for Grama Niladhari service issues, and implementation of the Government’s pledged one-third electricity tariff reduction, noting that the PUCSL had approved only a 20 per cent cut.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa said that calls for a new political culture and programme must be matched by concrete solutions and State responsibility. He stated that his side would support positive and progressive measures benefiting the country and people, while warning that unfulfilled promises would obstruct the goal of a prosperous Sri Lanka.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dinindu Saman
AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman said the Clean Sri Lanka programme should address deterioration in culture, politics, the economy and ecosystems through long-term national policies and public participation. He argued that the Government had begun changing what he described as a degraded political culture, including by reducing misuse of public resources, and linked the programme to economic revival, sports governance, road safety, disaster prevention and environmental restoration. He cited annual road deaths, disaster displacement and relief costs, and degradation of river basins as areas requiring planned, community-based action, noting that related initiatives had begun in Badulla District.
- Hon. Dinidu Saman
AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman said surveys, reserve demarcations, and protection plans had been completed for district water sources, and proposed that water protection plans for all sources be implemented under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He argued that Clean Sri Lanka would support environmental protection and poverty eradication, while accusing Opposition members of opposing it for political reasons and of previously misusing public funds during election-related activities. He rejected allegations of waste in the programme and called for a new political culture that avoids such practices.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam expressed support for the Clean Sri Lanka national programme as a needed initiative for sustainable social, political, economic and behavioural change across all communities. He emphasized that such change must begin with public representatives and take time to develop. He requested that programme materials, including the Clean Sri Lanka presentation and names of government schemes such as “Aswesuma,” be provided in Tamil, citing the 16th Amendment and the status of Tamil as an administrative language in the North and East.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that time used to address a language-related issue could be deducted from the Government’s allocation rather than the Member’s time. He said the Clean Sri Lanka website is available in both Tamil and Sinhala, expressed regret over the reported omission of Tamil in a PowerPoint presentation, and asked for details on who prepared it and where it was presented.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam stated that he could share a presentation he had received, which he believed to be an official Government presentation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake objected that a presentation was made only in Sinhala and English, describing it as discriminatory toward Tamil people. He asked which government institution was responsible for preparing the presentation.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Please provide the text of the speech to be summarized.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged that Government programmes such as “Urumaya” include Tamil translations and called for the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to function in a manner that promotes religious harmony and equal respect for all faiths. He supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme’s social, environmental and ethical pillars, proposing practical actions on dengue control, road safety, school canteen enforcement, pharmacist availability, waste disposal, illegal construction, deforestation, grazing land issues and unsafe gravel extraction. He also raised concerns about Tamil language barriers among officials, displaced persons being prevented from accessing land, unused public vehicles and underutilized public infrastructure, arguing that anti-corruption and efficient public asset use should begin at grassroots level.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a broad initiative focused on improving productivity across government, industry, schools and state-owned enterprises, rather than a limited enforcement exercise. He said the National Productivity Secretariat, now under his Ministry, will relaunch the National Productivity Awards and drive measures to reduce waste and improve efficiency in industrial zones and public institutions. He announced plans to support the Valachchenai Paper Mill by aggregating waste paper from state institutions, schools and households through collection centres, following a Cabinet submission. He urged Opposition MPs and the public to support the programme, arguing that higher productivity is essential for Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global market.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme in principle, describing it as a national effort for ethical conduct, environmental cleanliness and social responsibility, but said it had been poorly communicated, citing police action against three-wheelers and buses as an example. He urged the Government to ensure the programme is equitable, addresses poverty, loan sharks and access to concessional credit, and reforms under-resourced institutions including the courts, Police and Attorney General’s Department. He also called for an investor-friendly approach, anti-corruption measures, and bipartisan participation, arguing that the Government should involve the Opposition and bureaucracy to turn the programme into practical national change.
- The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB
AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda defended the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as a broad initiative to improve environmental conditions, public services, ethics, living standards and economic recovery, rejecting Opposition claims that it is limited to garbage collection or beach cleaning. He cited poor conditions at Homagama bus stand and railway station, delayed local government services, and an unfinished road project as examples of problems the programme aims to address. He said the Government, elected with a large mandate, would implement the programme gradually with public participation and presidential oversight.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary While expressing conditional support for the Clean Sri Lanka programme if its stated aims are genuine, the Member criticized the Government for unclear and contradictory communication, citing confusion over implementation dates and police actions, and requested a comprehensive explanation of the programme at the end of the debate. He questioned inconsistencies between election pledges and current positions on the fuel levy and electricity tariffs, and urged clarification on whether further tariff reductions and renewable energy expansion would be pursued. He alleged obstruction within the Ceylon Electricity Board and related energy interests against solar, wind and other renewable projects, calling for scrutiny of coal procurement and warning that reversing renewable initiatives could raise costs and cause power shortages. He also referred to previous COPE concerns over Sri Lanka Cricket and questioned whether promised institutional reforms were being pursued.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that allegations and issues concerning Sri Lanka Cricket and other sports are being examined comprehensively, with fraud to be exposed and legal measures prepared where necessary. He said inspections had revealed misuse of public funds, including facilities claimed to exist but found neglected, and asserted that the Government would act independently without favouring vested interests or engaging in commissions.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi urged the Minister to intervene in the Sri Lanka Cricket election process, warning that allowing it to proceed would enable alleged manipulation by the existing administration. Citing fraud identified by the Auditor General, he called for the Minister or the President to use available powers to halt the process and cautioned against being influenced by those running the institution.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB
AI summary Hon. Sellaththamby Thilaganathan argued that the Vanni District’s resources, including forests and river sand, were exploited after 2009 under the guise of development, while key livelihoods such as agriculture, livestock and fishing were neglected. He called for grazing land to be allocated for livestock farmers, highlighted low milk producer prices, inadequate veterinary services in Mullaitivu, and the decline of animal husbandry’s contribution to national production. He also raised concerns about exam paper errors, the military occupation of the Co-operative Training School in Vavuniya, the continued closure of the Vavuniya Economic Centre, and the absence of Mahaweli water for the Vanni region, stating that the Government would address these issues.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda expressed support for the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that past Governments had also contributed to public cleanliness and urban improvement, citing Colombo’s transformation under former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and measures against public smoking, posters and betel stains. He urged the Government to build consensus, reduce blame over past administrations, and use Parliament itself as an example of “clean” conduct, including reconsidering parliamentary privilege for statements made without legal consequence. He said the Opposition was ready to contribute proposals, but criticized the Government for allegedly targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and warned against allowing such actions to create wider public resentment.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra said an inquiry into a recent irregularity found that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment’s software systems were outdated and insecure, with sensitive data handled in editable MS Excel files. He said the Ministry had obtained expert advice from the University of Moratuwa and decided to comprehensively overhaul the SLBFE software system. He urged the Opposition to cooperate rather than make what he described as baseless criticisms, arguing that the Government is laying the institutional foundation for reform. He also referred to concerns raised by a foreign employment delegation that previous governments had sent unsuitable workers despite available vacancies.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra argued that the Clean Sri Lanka programme should be understood as a broad reform agenda covering politics, the environment, public attitudes, governance, and digitalization, not only physical cleanliness. He said the Government had a mandate to address economic, social, and political crises and to transform institutions after long-term decline. Referring to his portfolios of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, he highlighted past problems including political appointments, weak diplomatic representation, and corruption allegations, and said a transparent software framework would be introduced at the Foreign Employment Bureau. He requested support for these reforms, or at least that they not be obstructed.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the legal scope and implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that the Gazette establishing the Task Force frames it primarily as an environmental initiative and does not include anti-corruption, rule of law, or public sector efficiency objectives. He asked the Government to clarify the programme’s timeline, organizational structure, expert involvement, and legal authority, noting that these had not been publicly set out. He also raised concerns about financing, stating that any collection of funds must comply with Financial Regulations and be supported by a properly established institution and fund.
- The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a broad policy framework based on social upliftment, environmental protection and ethical development, rather than a narrow initiative as he said the Opposition portrayed it. He linked the programme to the NPP’s electoral mandate and cited crime, harassment and disability-related concerns to argue for a more humane and respectful society. He also said the Government had begun changing political culture by ending nepotism in ministerial staff, diplomatic and other appointments, and pledged to fulfil the public’s expectations.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan said the Opposition’s role is to seek clarification from the Government and expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s response to his question on the Clean Sri Lanka programme, while stating support for the programme as a concept that should include social and attitudinal change. He called for plantation workers’ daily wages to be raised to Rs. 2,000, particularly if public sector salaries are increased in the Budget. He also disputed claims that there are no Tamil political prisoners, urging releases through presidential pardons, withdrawal of detention orders, or withdrawal of cases, and asked the Government to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act as previously pledged.
- The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva said the Clean Sri Lanka programme should address social, environmental and ethical reform, with particular attention to restoring dignity and equal opportunity for vulnerable groups. Citing a reported incident in Dambulla where a disabled passenger with a ticket was unable to board buses, he called for public transport operators to uphold their obligations and for wider attitudinal change. He referred to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28 of 1996, and argued that legal access must be supported by enabling environments in education, employment, healthcare and public infrastructure. He proposed that the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force include a representative with disabilities and adopt universal design principles under the principle of “nothing about us without us.”
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri said the Opposition’s criticism of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme was intended to ensure it was implemented properly, not to obstruct the Government. He called for practical, sustainable systems, citing his experience as Bandarawela Mayor with waste segregation, composting, collection schedules and public participation, and said the Opposition would support such measures. He also urged the Government to hold local government elections, act on promises to recover stolen assets and prosecute corruption, and avoid publicity exercises and smear campaigns.
- The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a central initiative to rebuild the country through both environmental improvement and “spiritual purification.” He argued that environmental degradation, corruption, drugs, gambling and social misconduct require a change in public values as well as physical beautification. He linked the programme to tourism and development goals, citing coastal clean-up activities in Galle and plans to extend similar work through 500 vocational education institutions, while calling for Sri Lanka’s social capital and volunteerism to be directed toward national progress.
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to clearly explain the Clean Sri Lanka programme and to use its mandate to implement substantive reforms rather than engage in political blame. He called for attention to India-Sri Lanka connectivity, including the previously discussed bridge project, and argued it could support tourism and development in the North and East. He also raised several local concerns, including incomplete housing projects in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu, resettlement support for Muslims expelled from Jaffna, development of Puttalam Hospital, waste dumping in Vavuniya, alleged discriminatory conduct by a public officer in Mundal–Kalpitiya, and protests against new liquor stores.
- The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB
AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a timely initiative to address economic, social and cultural problems, while stressing the need for clearer communication and grassroots popularization through all institutions. He criticized Opposition responses as lacking constructive engagement and said the Government had a five-year mandate for systemic change. Citing waste management, preschool, tourism-area cleanliness and local development initiatives implemented in Tissamaharama, he argued that the Government has relevant experience and will proceed with necessary policy decisions to build an orderly and prosperous country.
- The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G. G. Ponnambalam commented on the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme, noting that its website presents the initiative under social, environmental and ethical categories, with the first two focused mainly on apolitical issues such as the environment and physical cleanliness. He argued that the ethical component, which refers to building trust in systems through integrity, suggests a broader mandate but is too briefly developed, and called for a more comprehensive public presentation of the programme.
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam said the Government’s mandate for ethical political change requires consistency between its pledges and actions, particularly on repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He criticised continued and alleged misuse of the PTA in the North and East, including arrests during Tamil memorialization and questioning of schoolteachers over a sports event performance, and asked for immediate corrective action. He also called on the Prime Minister, as Education Minister, to resolve the Jaffna Central College principal appointment issue that she had previously raised in Opposition.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs stated that he would look into the matter raised by the Member and report back to the House. He clarified that the matter referred to was the incident in Paranthan.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara responded to concerns raised by Hon. Ponnambalam on the Prevention of Terrorism Act, stating that a Cabinet Paper is being prepared to appoint a committee to abolish the PTA. He said he expected to confirm Cabinet approval by the next parliamentary sitting and reiterated the Government’s intention to introduce an Anti-Terrorism Act in line with international standards.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage argued that the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative should be understood as a broad programme of political, social, ethical, environmental and institutional reform, not merely waste removal or drain cleaning. She attributed current crises in governance, public services, education, health, the economy and the environment to past political failures, citing the lack of clean water in parts of Matale as an example. She said the Government would pursue efficient public transport, systematic waste management and education reforms to build environmentally and socially responsible citizens, and called on educators, public servants, citizens and the Opposition to support the programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi formally proposed that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during proceedings. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi questioned the lack of programme details in the Prime Minister’s statement on the Clean Sri Lanka programme and asked how it would address political activity by school principals and teachers. He cited allegations involving nine principals in Hambantota during the Presidential Election and a specific case at Ambalangoda Theraputta National School, requesting an inquiry, legal action if warranted, and a report to Parliament. He proposed implementing Clean Sri Lanka through the 339 Divisional Secretariat divisions and 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions using local state officers for structured delivery.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the issue involving principals had been raised several times and that inquiries were already underway. He added that alleged politicization of schools should be examined more broadly, including remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition to Grade 1 students.
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged the Government to use the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to address broader governance issues rather than limit it to activities such as drain cleaning or removing bus stickers. He defended his personal and family record in Hambantota and Tangalle local government service, rejecting allegations made against him in his absence and calling on the Government to focus on governing after being elected.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Dilip Wedaarachchi asserted that he and his family are honest public servants and rejected any implication that they are thieves. The statement was brief and did not raise a specific legislative issue, proposal, or demand.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara defended the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a continuing national movement rather than a short-term campaign, saying it would be implemented through coordinated policy, public officials, professionals, and grassroots volunteers. He rejected Opposition claims that the programme was being misrepresented or used for partisan purposes, and argued that public trust and voluntary participation would distinguish it from past slogan-driven or corrupt governance initiatives. He said ministries and district and divisional coordinating structures were already being aligned for implementation, and that the Government would proceed lawfully, constitutionally, and transparently.
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticised the initial implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, saying it alienated three-wheeler drivers and private bus owners while failing to address larger issues such as the rice “mafia,” delays in solar approvals at the Ceylon Electricity Board, and passport appointment backlogs. He questioned allegations that over 300 containers had been released by Customs without proper inspection and raised concerns about possible contraband. He also urged the Government to disclose the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks, arguing that Clean Sri Lanka should prioritise such major accountability issues over action against small transport operators.
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah expressed support for the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme but urged the Government to provide clearer guidance to the public and public officers and to implement it through local authorities at grassroots level. He proposed training officials, strengthening local bodies to clean drains, plant trees and beautify villages, and changing mindsets across the public service, including the police and security sectors. He also highlighted repeated flooding in the Eastern Province and damage caused by the opening of Senanayake Samudraya sluice gates, requesting compensation for affected farmers in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said Clean Sri Lanka should be understood as a broad mandate-driven reform programme, not reduced to isolated enforcement actions. He reported that passport queues had been eliminated through an online appointment system and emergency fast-tracking process, pending further action after a related Court of Appeal matter. He said Police and STF operations were proceeding without political interference, citing recent seizures of drugs and illegal firearms, and argued that the Government was depoliticizing law enforcement and judicial appointments. He also stated that the PTA would be repealed through a Cabinet subcommittee process and that court-ordered removals in Kolonnawa would be handled with measures to provide affected families and traders with permanent solutions.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana welcomed the “Clean Sri Lanka” concept but argued that it must go beyond cosmetic public-order measures to address corruption, stolen assets, cost-of-living issues, VAT on health and education, and support for fisheries. He called for a systemic approach to public transport safety, citing bus accident and fatality figures, and urged action on permit transfers, service quality, accessibility, and harassment of women passengers. He also demanded sustained waste-management and dengue-control systems in areas such as Negombo and Wattala, and raised concerns over the alleged rapid release of 323 Customs containers through the Green Channel without proper inspection, calling it a national security and revenue issue.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister clarified that the release of 323 containers was handled under established Customs procedures intended to reduce congestion, with duties levied, and was not a simple Green Channel release. He said trade union concerns were discussed under the President’s leadership, clearance operations were allowed to continue, and an inquiry would be conducted if concerns remained. He also noted that similar committee-based procedures had been used previously, including the release of 584 containers on 25 July 2024, and said the relevant Customs report would be tabled.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana sought clarification from the Minister regarding 323 containers that a union claimed had been scanned and released. He asked whether the Government had identified their contents, would recall them if necessary, verify duties, ensure proper inspections, and outlined what action would be taken.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Applicable Customs duties were charged, according to Customs. An investigation is underway following complaints that have been lodged.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a mandate-driven national effort focused on integrity, public service, road safety, social dignity and institutional reform, rejecting opposition claims that it is merely a shramadana project or copied from abroad. He criticized the SJB for alleged political engagement with Ranil Wickremesinghe and association with the Rajapaksa legacy while claiming to support Clean Sri Lanka, and cited the resignation of the former Speaker over certification concerns as an example of responding to public moral expectations. He outlined transport-related measures, including action on road accident blackspots, engagement with the World Bank and private sector, and an investigation into the Ghandara bus accident. He also said Tamil-language Clean Sri Lanka materials would be tabled and made available, and acknowledged the need to improve Tamil signage in institutions.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake referred to a 8 January 2025 Hansard answer by the Prime Minister on the Clean Sri Lanka programme and tabled the relevant extract, stating that its organizational structure and initial awareness phase had already been explained. He said implementation would expand countrywide from 1 February, with village-level public participation and invitations for Opposition MPs to support activities in their electorates, stressing that the programme would evolve through public input rather than a fixed manual. He also linked the programme to political ethics, citing coastal clean-up efforts and the Government’s stance that Ministers and MPs should avoid using bungalows or luxury vehicles at public expense.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake alleged that members of the former COPE process, whom he called the “footnote gang,” protected former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in relation to the 2015 Central Bank bond issue and named several former MPs in that regard. He argued that such conduct must be addressed as part of the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme and urged the Opposition to offer substantive criticism rather than personal or minor attacks. He also said the Government was prepared to allocate two days in March for a further debate on the programme.