Sitting of Wednesday, 5 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1739175806099814 ·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: Parliament Meeting and Presidential Message 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Auditor-General's Reports - Printing Order 1 speeches
- 3 Procedural Procedural: Provincial Councils Elections (Special Provisions) Bill - Supreme Court Determination Status 13 speeches
- 4 Papers Papers: Tabling of Reports and Orders 11 speeches
- 5 Petitions Petitions: Three Petitions Presented 3 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: President's Fund Distribution (Q.288/2024) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Coconut Production Decline (Q.290/2024) 10 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Coconut Oil Import Policy (Q.291/2024) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Export Growth and Economic Competitiveness (Q.292/2024) 11 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Sri Lanka Electricity Act Amendments (Q.293/2024) 7 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: People's Bank - Corporate Governance and Operations (Q.294/2024) 9 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: UDA Housing Units and Deed Distribution (Q.295/2024) 13 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: COVID-19 Health Guidelines (Q.249/2024) 2 speeches
- 14 Procedural Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion 26 speeches
- 15 Procedural Procedural: Sitting Time Amendment Motion 1 speeches
- 16 Procedural Procedural: Committee Composition and Debate Commencement 5 speeches
- 17 Debate Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act 47 speeches
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order under Standing Order 92(2), stating that he had been allotted time to speak on an alleged breach of his parliamentary privileges but was prevented from doing so due to verbal interventions by Government Members. He asked the Chair where he could present his issue if his allocated time was disrupted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a procedural concern, asking the Deputy Speaker how he could obtain time to speak in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, speaking during a debate on import and export regulations, called for the release of 55 acres of land in Keppapulavu and Pulakkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu, still held by the military, stating that 54 displaced families remain unable to return to ancestral livelihood lands used for paddy, coconut and fishing-related sustenance. He linked land displacement to current economic hardship, including high coconut prices, and requested the responsible Ministry to ensure the return of these lands. He also raised concerns about continuing threats to media freedom, citing past killings, disappearances and attacks on journalists and media institutions, and demanded renewed investigations into the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda following recent allegations. He further condemned recent attacks and threats against journalists in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, calling for justice and punishment of perpetrators.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the foreign exchange and import-export regulations, arguing that import controls should be based on reserves, food security, national and environmental security, and human capital needs. He said the Government had increased foreign reserves to USD 6.1 billion and justified the phased resumption of vehicle imports for tourism, public transport and goods transport. He criticized previous administrations over alleged corruption, import policies affecting farmers, and misuse of privileges, and requested an investigation into a Ginigathhena incident involving deaths and alleged foreign employment fraud linked to a former Minister. He concluded by calling for unity across communities to rebuild the economy.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa questioned several Government positions, arguing that policy announcements on tourism regulations, paddy pricing, vehicle imports, unemployment, and coconut shortages lacked consistency or timely implementation. He criticized the delayed paddy price decision, saying many farmers had already sold part of the Maha harvest below the announced Rs. 120 price, and asked whether campaign promises on cheaper vehicles would be honoured. He demanded that the Government disclose details of the reported release of 323 containers, clarify statements on Provincial Council Elections, and state its position on USAID-funded programmes in Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Raised a point of order challenging a claim that USAID had acted politically in Sri Lanka. He noted that USAID had long supported the judiciary and development activities, and argued that after President Trump took office programmes were subject to review rather than being stopped, asking the member to state the basis for the allegation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked the Government to state its position on an issue he distinguished from a separate inquiry and three-month suspension in another context. He sought a direct clarification of the Government’s stance rather than discussion of the external case.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that no investigation has been conducted in Sri Lanka against USAID or similar institutions. He challenged critics to produce evidence if they have any allegations.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa briefly stated that the Government’s policy appeared to be to follow another party’s policy. The intervention was a short remark made in response to the ongoing debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the recent container congestion at Customs had been resolved through coordinated action, with inspections conducted according to risk-based criteria, and rejected allegations linking specific containers to illicit goods or the Western Province Governor. He explained measures to ease port space constraints and defended phased vehicle import relaxation based on improved reserves while protecting domestic assembly and foreign exchange. He also justified noise restrictions on tourism-related events as compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, outlined guaranteed paddy prices for the Maha season, and said the Government would prioritize rule of law, market regulation, and economic recovery.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman challenged the Minister’s account of cooperation with Customs unions, citing a Customs Officers’ Association letter alleging that 323 containers were released despite risk-management concerns, including 86 marked for mandatory Red Channel examination. He then questioned the handling of the 50 MW Mannar wind power tender, alleging that procurement decisions after appeals and Cabinet consideration improperly favoured Hayleys Fentons despite earlier technical and bid-bond objections. He demanded transparency on the Cabinet approval of 6 January 2025, argued that the project should have been re-tendered if the process was flawed, and cautioned officials against changing tender documents under political pressure.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody clarified that the procurement in question was not initiated by his side and noted that Cabinet Papers are submitted by Ministers, not Secretaries. He stated that after the financial bids were opened, the lowest price formed the basis for the CANC’s award decision and that the CEB had issued the notification. He rejected allegations of impropriety, saying any claims should be supported with evidence and pursued through the courts.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that official documents, including the PC report, CANC report, and Cabinet Paper, indicated that Hayleys Fentons had been rejected, yet Cabinet approval was subsequently granted to Dhammika Perera. He contended that if the Government intended to change the award, the proper procedure would have been to call for a fresh tender.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the reasons for rejection by the TEC/PC had been considered by both the Procurement Appeal Board and the CANC. He urged that reports not be quoted selectively, and called for all relevant documents to be read together to understand why the bid was initially rejected and why that decision was later reversed.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman alleged that a tender previously rejected for a major bid bond deviation and again found non-responsive on appeal was later recommended for award by a Cabinet-appointed committee. He claimed the reversal resulted from political appointments and pressure under both the former and current Governments.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe argued that part of the account regarding a tender decision was being omitted. He said the Power and Energy Minister had explained that, after an appeal to the relevant Appeal Board and Cabinet consideration of the Cabinet Paper, awarding the tender to the company saved more than Rs. 2 billion, and questioned why that fact was not being stated.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman briefly interjected to state that the matter being discussed was not the relevant issue. No substantive proposal, question, or policy position was presented in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Asked why the relevant point or information was not being stated in the debate, seeking clarification from those addressing the matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman stated that his concern was not the amount involved but the procedure being followed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe disputed another member’s characterization of a tender award process, stating that the Minister had already explained the relevant procedure. He asserted that the opposing claim was incorrect.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman stated that the numerical figure under discussion was not material to his point. No specific policy proposal, legislative reference, or demand was made in the recorded excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe challenged another Member’s assertion by questioning whether only that Member’s statement was correct. He asked what the Minister was saying in response, seeking clarification on the Minister’s position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman briefly stated that he was addressing a procedural matter. No specific proposal, question, or substantive policy issue was raised in the quoted remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe challenged a claim made in the debate, questioning whether the Minister’s position was being rejected and accusing the other member of misleading the House. He insisted that members should not make false statements in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman briefly remarked that something had been given or supplied at a higher price. The excerpt is too fragmentary to determine the subject, context, or any specific proposal or demand.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the item or service in question was not provided at a higher price. The remark appears to respond to a query or allegation concerning pricing, without further details provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Nanda Bandara said the Government was debating regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act as part of efforts to rebuild the economy, strengthen foreign reserves, reduce import expenditure and expand export income. He argued that the NPP Government had stabilized reserves and introduced a transparent framework to resume vehicle imports after a five-year halt, balancing public transport, private needs and economic requirements. He also emphasized the need to modernize rail and public transport to support production and tourism, attributing improved conditions to political stability and reduced corruption.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara stated that the economy and society were stabilizing within a few months of the ongoing process, and that recent claims had been validated as people received relief. He said the Government would continue to proceed strongly.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB
AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando used her maiden speech to state that the Government’s electoral victory reflected support for policy-based politics and a rejection of corruption, linking it to post-bankruptcy economic recovery after Independence Day. She defended the Government against Opposition criticisms, cited improved foreign relations, tourism, foreign exchange inflows and reserves, and said the forthcoming Budget would support stabilization, production, public transport reform and wider public benefit. She also highlighted plans in Ja-Ela to protect and develop the Muthurajawela ecosystem as a tourism and employment zone, and called for durable solutions for residents in flood-prone low-lying areas.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana supported regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to rice and vehicle imports, arguing that they are necessary while Sri Lanka rebuilds reserves after bankruptcy. He said vehicle imports would be phased, prioritizing tourism, public transport, buses accessible to persons with disabilities, and later goods, commercial, and private vehicles, while avoiding pressure on foreign exchange and fuel imports. He framed the measures within a broader government mandate to restore economic stability and achieve wider economic, social, and cultural freedom.
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the Government’s lack of action on promised constitutional reforms to reduce presidential powers and strengthen Parliament, despite its large majority. He criticized Ministers’ public statements on issues such as food shortages, agriculture and public welfare, alleging that they mislead the public rather than address problems, including delayed compensation for flood-affected farmers and late announcement of paddy prices. He urged the Government to stop blaming the Opposition, implement anti-corruption action fairly, and take credible steps to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the Easter Sunday attacks.
- The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017, saying it was part of a continuing six-monthly review process and was needed to facilitate foreign investment, including mergers and acquisitions, while safeguarding dollar reserves. He argued that recent vehicle import policy changes were phased to support public transport, commercial transport and private needs, and attributed high vehicle prices to rupee depreciation, past VAT increases and earlier import restrictions, noting that the luxury tax threshold had been raised from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million. He also rejected Opposition allegations regarding foreign assembly positions and vehicle price promises, and said the Government was ending preferential practices in rice imports, taxi operations and land allocation for investment projects.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the vehicle import regulations, explaining that imports are being reopened in limited categories after restrictions imposed during the foreign exchange crisis and debt default. She argued that controls and taxes are necessary to protect reserves, avoid rupee depreciation, and prevent renewed shortages of essentials as Sri Lanka resumes foreign debt servicing after restructuring. She also stated that the Government is prioritizing improvements to public transport and denied media reports that vehicles would be imported for MPs.
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that Sri Lanka cannot rebuild or expand exports through import restrictions, high import taxes, or protectionist policies, because consumers and key export sectors depend heavily on imported goods and inputs. He said quality standards and enforcement should replace punitive duties, and cited the fertilizer restrictions under Gotabaya Rajapaksa as an example of how import controls damaged production. He identified high energy costs, restrictive land policies, and rigid labour laws as major barriers to investment and export growth, calling for reforms including lower energy costs, expanded wind and solar power in the North and East, and greater openness to market-based trade policy.
- The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported the regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, framing them as part of the Government’s effort to strengthen the economy and increase reserves. He criticised the Opposition’s interventions as obstructive and linked past governance to indebtedness, poverty and political repression, including references to the 1988/89 period. He said his political movement would continue its programme to build a prosperous country and invited the Opposition to join that effort.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the foreign exchange, vehicle import, and rice import regulations were part of a cautious approach following economic stabilization after a period of depleted reserves and import constraints. He argued that vehicle imports must be phased to avoid exchange rate, inflation, credit, and interest rate pressures, while prioritizing public transport and tourism-related needs. He linked the measures to broader policies on fiscal relief, support for farmers, fishers, SMEs, domestic value addition, customs capacity improvements, and efforts to reduce costs such as electricity and energy.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. Harini Amarasuriya moved for approval of regulations issued by the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act. The regulations, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2415/35 of 18 December 2024 and presented to Parliament on 21 January 2025, had received Cabinet approval and were agreed to by the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Harini Amarasuriya moved for approval of regulations made by the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2416/11 of 24 December 2024 and presented to Parliament on 21 January 2025. She noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Moved that Parliament adjourn.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
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