Sitting of Thursday, 23 January 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1738314169039521 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening and Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Committee report Committee Report: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 4 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question No. 1 – 103/2024: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone Infrastructure Facilities 8 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question No. 3 & 4 – 149/2024 & 176/2024: Bank of Ceylon Financial Status and Performance 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Family Medicine Specialist Training Stream 4 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Educational Reforms and Student Welfare Programmes 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: IMF-related Economic Measures and Vehicle Imports Policy 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Vehicle Assignments to Government Members 13 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Olcott Mawatha Traders and Floating Market 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Fuel Imports (Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene and Crude Oil) 2 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Palpola Interchange on Southern Expressway 2 speeches
- 13 Procedural Chair Change: Deputy Speaker Takes Chair 1 speeches
- 14 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Delay in Issuing Passports 3 speeches
- 15 Procedural Matter of Privilege: Non-Allocation of Time to Speak in Parliament 15 speeches
- 16 Procedural Motion: Sittings of Parliament 1 speeches
- 17 Debate Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures 62 speeches
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Moved parliamentary approval for regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2413/37 of 4 December 2024, with Cabinet approval signified. Also presented for approval a notification under the Strategic Development Projects Act, additional import and export regulations, and an order under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act listed on the Order Paper.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister opened debate on economic stabilization measures, including a Gazette to establish a textile production zone in Eravur with a USD 35 million investment, tax concessions, projected returns of about USD 300 million, and around 490 direct jobs. He compared recent FDI figures with the Government’s reported USD 3.78 billion Hambantota refinery investment, argued that corruption allegations and demands for commissions deter investors, and questioned the outcomes of past foreign travel expenditure by MPs and officials. He also rejected claims linking reduced security for former Presidents to renewed insecurity in the North, citing recent electoral support across regions, and highlighted migration and suicide statistics as evidence of continuing economic and social pressures the Government says it seeks to address.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena briefly thanked the Deputy Speaker and did not raise any substantive issue, proposal, or question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over delays at Sri Lanka Customs, stating that around 3,000 containers were stuck and that demurrage and port-related costs would be passed on to consumers, including for essential goods. He called for an investigation and suspensions over the reported release of 323 containers, particularly those allegedly requiring “red line” checks, and asked who authorized the releases. He also criticized rising rice and coconut prices, urged the Government to gazette a guaranteed paddy price, remove the Rs. 65 per kg levy on imported rice if it was inherited from the previous administration, and resolve contradictions over public servants’ vehicle permits.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayathissa presented Government Valuer assessments and maintenance costs for official residences allocated to former Presidents and a former First Lady, arguing that the State is carrying an unjustifiable financial burden. He cited high property values and monthly rental estimates, including Rs. 4.6 million for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Wijerama Mawatha residence, and detailed recent repair and maintenance expenditure borne by the State. He said some former office-holders had vacated their residences, while others remained, and indicated that the valuation of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s residence would be tabled later. He called for former Presidents to relinquish such residences, stating that the Government intends to change the political culture around post-retirement privileges.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa stated that the Government intends to rebuild the country while providing relief to the public. He also said the Government is ending the public burden of maintaining retired Presidents and their households.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne addressed the import and export regulations on rice, arguing that recent import decisions exposed serious weaknesses in national agricultural data rather than only a short-term supply issue. She attributed recurring rice and paddy sector problems to long-term policy failures affecting farmers, land rights, climate resilience and storage capacity. She cited current government measures including Rs. 50 billion for paddy purchasing, rehabilitation of 209 paddy stores, support for small and medium rice mills, and a halt to filling paddy lands. She also highlighted proposals for a National Agricultural Development Council and a real-time national agriculture data system to support data-driven agricultural policy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne said the Government is addressing complications inherited from previous administrations while beginning to implement its policies. She cited cost-cutting and administrative measures at the Prime Minister’s Office, including reducing the monthly fuel bill, removing a private medical facility, and returning bulletproof vehicles and ambulances. She criticized Opposition members for not acknowledging these steps and concluded by arguing that the Government would continue its programme despite criticism.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam opposed proceeding with the Jay Jay Mills textile factory project at Punnakuda beach without assurances on effluent treatment, sea discharge, and water availability, arguing the site has tourism value and local water supply is already constrained. He requested a proper government assessment of rice stocks, imports, flood damage, and paddy harvests, warning of possible shortages and inadequate compensation to farmers in Batticaloa after repeated flooding. He also alleged ongoing encroachment and clearing of Forest Conservation Department lands and elephant corridor areas in Batticaloa, naming local incidents and asking the Government to halt the clearing and arrest those responsible rather than only investigate.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns over alleged irregularities in transfers and promotions, including the appointment of the Administrative Officer at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, and said a requested inquiry had not been carried out. He also stated that illegal sand mining in Batticaloa continued despite a District Development Committee decision to stop it. He urged the Government to repeal, rather than replace, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and to recognize the issue of political prisoners, while calling for the release of the list of bar permits allegedly recommended by MPs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Requested an inquiry into bar permits and asked that Parliament be informed of the findings, stating that this would help build public trust.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne responded that concerns regarding Eravur, including water supply and effluent treatment, had been raised and explained at the COPF meeting. She said the relevant Member had not attended or conveyed concerns in advance, and urged Members to participate in such meetings or notify the Committee when agenda items affect their districts rather than raising those issues later in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Point of Order, responding to remarks about a COPF meeting and stating that the matter should not be politicized. He said he had previously raised concerns about the project, that opposition to it existed from the outset, and urged the Government to ensure the relevant issues are addressed going forward, particularly in the context of flooding in the district.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the import and export control regulations under debate, linking them to the Government’s response to rice supply issues and the need for proper paddy procurement, storage, and market release mechanisms. She stated that the Army had rehabilitated 30 paddy stores and that the Government intended to refurbish 209 abandoned stores, while criticizing past agricultural policy decisions, including the sudden shift to organic fertilizer. She also argued that recent shortages and media coverage were being politicized, and cited Prime Minister’s Office expenditure and vehicle cost reductions as evidence of Government efficiency and savings.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka challenged claims that Mahinda Rajapaksa was using multiple state buildings, asking the Government to identify them and disputing the suggestion that the Shravasti building was being used for Rajapaksa’s security. He said if the Government’s claim of Rs. 4.5 million rent for Rajapaksa’s residence is accurate, it should issue a formal invoice rather than make public statements. He also shifted attention to a new presidential circular, alleging it increases vehicles and related facilities for Ministers and State Ministers.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned a new circular on ministerial facilities, comparing it with previous provisions and alleging that vehicle allocations, phone entitlements, overtime limits, and fuel allowances for Ministers and State Ministers had increased despite pledges to reduce perks. He stated that 49 officeholders would now have 414 vehicles compared with 426 for 58 officeholders previously, and tabled both circulars signed by the Presidential Secretary while asking why State Ministers require three vehicles.
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal argued that Sri Lanka has failed for decades to harness its natural resources and export potential, citing raw ilmenite exports, salt production, tourism, and traditional exports such as tea, rubber and apparel. He said the NPP Government intends to build an export-led economy, protect public assets, reduce fraud and strengthen good governance. He also addressed the current rice shortage, noting recent imports and damage from heavy rains, and said the Government would procure paddy through the Paddy Marketing Board, rehabilitate storage facilities under “Clean Sri Lanka,” and prevent future shortages.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake supported the Government’s moves on Free Trade Agreements and argued that Sri Lanka must secure reciprocal market access while addressing non-tariff barriers to expand exports beyond its small domestic market. He raised concern over severe delays in cargo clearance at the Port, including containers being held up, vessels turning away, and lorries idled, and called for Port, Customs and related agencies to operate 24/7, implement ASYCUDA and a single-window system, and adopt pre-clearance with post-clearance audits. He said reducing demurrage and easing business costs are essential to export competitiveness and debt recovery. He also supported incentives under the Strategic Development Projects Act, including for the Eravur Project, arguing that investment decisions should consider job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and wider economic returns.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to claims by Hon. D.V. Chanaka regarding a Presidential Secretary’s circular issued on the 21st, stating that ministerial perks had not been increased but reduced. He said ministerial vehicles, fuel allocations, staff numbers, driver overtime, and advisers had all been curtailed, with advisers limited to two compared to over 50 under the former administration. He clarified that the only increase was to equalize State Ministers’ drivers’ overtime with Ministers’ drivers at 180 hours, and accused the previous speaker of misleading the House.
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister
AI summary The Prime Minister responded to Hon. D.V. Chanaka’s claim regarding the Security Unit at Shravasti, stating that the premises had long been used by the Prime Minister’s Security Division before she assumed office. She said the Government was reducing Prime Ministerial security numbers and had instructed the remaining personnel, about 50, to vacate Shravasti by the end of the week, rejecting the allegation as false.
- The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu rejected allegations of political interference by the NPP Government, stating that officials act independently and that any action taken has been limited to advising non-performing officials. He said illegal sand mining had been temporarily halted following a District Development Committee decision and that complaints involving old permits had been referred for legal action. He supported the Eravur textile zone established under the Strategic Development Projects Act Gazette of 30 July 2021, noting its expected employment benefits, export potential, and role in attracting investment. He also proposed upgrading Batticaloa Airport to international status and said environmental safeguards, including water and waste management measures, would be used to prevent harm to local resources.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka stated that he wished to respond because the Hon. Prime Minister had mentioned his name. The intervention was procedural and did not include a substantive policy argument or proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka rejected allegations that he had lied about security personnel occupying Shravasti, stating that he verified that the Prime Minister’s security unit was present there that morning. He also maintained that ministerial perks had increased compared with the previous government, citing advisers, overtime and staff numbers, and invited any Minister or State Minister to a public debate on the matter.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the Government is prepared for debate and defended the new circular on ministerial entitlements. He said vehicle fuel allocations, adviser numbers, and other perks for Ministers and State Ministers had been reduced compared with previous practice, and clarified that the only adjustment was equalizing drivers’ overtime at 180 hours for both Ministers and State Ministers. He urged Members not to misrepresent the circular.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya responded to Hon. D.V. Chanaka’s claim regarding the use of Shravasti for her security detail, stating that the number of personnel had been systematically reduced since the Government took office. She said around 50 personnel remained and had already been ordered to vacate by the end of the week, rejecting the suggestion that government expenditure had been increased or facts distorted.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan spoke on regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, urging the Government to address continuing high prices and act on pledges to eliminate corruption and improve governance. He requested tax-free or reduced-cost import arrangements for dates during Ramadan through the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, citing increased duties and a shortfall after Saudi donations. He also called for the resumption of halted sports and education infrastructure projects in the Vanni, resolution of access issues on the Marichchukaddi road, and amendments to prevent Samurdhi Development Officers from engaging in political activity during elections.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir, speaking during the debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, said flood-related releases from Senanayake Samudraya had damaged more than 25 percent of paddy cultivation in Ampara District, which supplies a significant share of national rice, and warned this could increase the need for rice imports. He requested coordinated planning by the Government Agent and Irrigation Engineers to maintain protective bunds and manage reservoir levels proactively, along with relief for affected farmers. He also called for a fair inquiry into the transfer of senior nursing officer Umar Ali from Nintavur Base Hospital, and urged that any restrictions on imported vehicle beautification items be implemented without unfairly harming legitimate traders.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir requested that restrictions on imported items be implemented in a way that does not unfairly affect lawful traders. He urged the authorities to take appropriate measures to protect legitimate business activity while applying import controls.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB
AI summary Minister Chrishantha Abeysena moved that Hon. Aravinda Senarath take the Chair during the proceedings. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Aravinda Senarath assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka rejected Opposition criticism over rice shortages and prices, arguing that the new Government inherited a bankrupt country and a weakened Paddy Marketing Board with poor data on harvests and stocks. He said food security is a priority of the Government, and that after verifying unreliable official figures it identified a developing shortage requiring about 4,000 metric tons of rice per day. He stated that the Government decided to import rice to prevent shortages, with 167,000 metric tons already brought in and a further 8,000 metric tons arriving.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka attributed Sri Lanka’s economic and agricultural difficulties to past corrupt administrations and noted that, despite over eight million people being involved in farming, agriculture contributed only 7.98 per cent to GDP in 2023. He said the Government is increasing the fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 25,000 with a Rs. 20 billion allocation, restoring Paddy Marketing Board storage and procurement with Rs. 5,000 million, and restarting production using Eppawala phosphate. He stated that these measures are intended to strengthen agriculture, improve food security, and restore Sri Lanka’s position as a major agricultural producer.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme in principle but urged that it be sustained beyond electoral considerations and applied consistently to corruption, official misconduct, and abuses by State institutions. He called for the return of lands in the North and East occupied by the armed forces or taken by departments such as Wildlife, Forest Conservation and Archaeology, and requested guaranteed prices and support for farmers and fishers affected by disasters and low market prices. He also raised concerns over killings and gun violence in Mannar, alleged police and military laxity, the need to repair the Sivapur Bridge in Manthai East, and the lack of prompt police action on harmful social media allegations, citing a Vavuniya school case.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana JJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana supported regulations under import and export control laws, arguing they are necessary to manage essential goods and safeguard food security. He criticized the previous administration for policies and actions he said contributed to rice, fertilizer, and coconut supply problems, including the organic-only fertilizer policy, substandard fertilizer imports, and land-use decisions. He stated that the Government would ensure accurate statistics, protect both farmers and consumers in pricing and supply decisions, and take measures to guarantee food security.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about a severe coconut shortage, citing whitefly damage, reduced fertilizer use, land fragmentation, and inadequate action by sector institutions despite export growth and high potential in value-added products such as coconut milk, oil, coir and cocopeat. He urged the Government to permit carefully controlled imports of coconuts and husks for processing only, in consultation with the National Plant Quarantine Service, and to allow qualified processors to import directly rather than routing consignments through parastatal bodies. He also called for support for cultivation inputs, irrigation and value addition, warning that failure to meet industrial demand could undermine rural employment and foreign exchange earnings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the gazettes before Parliament arose from previous policy decisions and reflected longstanding failures in agriculture, storage, data management, import planning, and administration. He argued that rice imports and food standards issues exposed past neglect, while stressing that new standards must be matched with port, customs, and implementation capacity to avoid disruption to businesses and consumers. On strategic development tax concessions, he said delays and pre-election agreements under the previous Government had affected investor confidence, while the present Government was facilitating existing investments and ensuring environmental safeguards, including an EIA for effluent discharge.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to issues raised in the debate on import and levy regulations, stating that any coconut imports should be limited to raw material for export industries due to reduced local harvests, while protecting jobs and foreign exchange. He said investigations were ongoing into bar permit allocations and defended the Government’s cost-cutting measures on ministerial vehicles, fuel and phone facilities. On rice, he rejected claims that one million metric tons of paddy were being hidden, citing national storage capacities and production figures, and said misinformation would be investigated. He also outlined recent rice import volumes, restrictions on using rice for animal feed, and broader food security pressures involving wheat, coconuts, potatoes and onions.
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan welcomed the Minister’s measures on the rice issue but reported severe flood damage to paddy cultivation, including around 60 percent of fields in Kilinochchi and losses across Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Mannar, Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa. He said wet and damaged paddy could not be stored and that farmers had suffered losses both during flowering and harvesting stages. He urged the Government to provide urgent support and a lifeline for affected farmers ahead of the coming short season.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said heavy rains in the North and East had damaged paddy crops and that the Government had directed pledge loans to small millers, cooperatives and major millers to enable immediate purchases, including wetter paddy with moisture levels up to about 27 per cent. He identified the absence of proper crop insurance as a systemic problem and stated that the Government would compensate verified crop losses despite past misuse of crop insurance funds. He said he would convene cooperative insurance officials the following week to finalize a crop insurance mechanism to protect farmers against cultivation losses.
- 18 Procedural Motions: Strategic Development Projects and Ports Authority Regulations 3 speeches
- 19 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Ensuring Protection for Rohingya Refugees in Sri Lanka 27 speeches