Sitting of Thursday, 6 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1739271735020022 ·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 Papers Papers Presented 5 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions 6 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Bachelor of Laws Degree Awards (Q.1/2024) 10 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.3/2024) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Price Control of Rice 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Sri Lanka National Hospital Procurement (Q.7/2024) 9 speeches
- 8 Procedural Procedural Matters and Points of Order 39 speeches
- 9 Oral question Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) 40 speeches
- 10 Opening Ministerial Statement: Wind Power Plant Tender Process in Mannar 10 speeches
- 11 Procedural Notice of Motions and Procedural Orders 8 speeches
- 12 Debate Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) 98 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co‑operative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe moved for parliamentary approval of regulations made under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, as published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2407/04 of 22 October 2024 and presented on 21 January 2025. He noted that Cabinet approval had been intimated, after which the question was proposed and the debate was opened for Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB
AI summary The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya supported Regulations under the Intellectual Property Act to establish a stronger geographical indication regime as part of the Government’s production-oriented economic programme. He argued that GI protection would help Sri Lankan products such as tea, cinnamon, pepper, blue sapphires and Ruhuna buffalo curd gain recognition, premium prices and export competitiveness by legally linking quality and origin. He contrasted Sri Lanka’s limited progress with countries such as China, Germany, Georgia and India, and said the Government’s policy aims to use GIs to expand rural producer incomes and export opportunities.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary The Member spoke in support of regulations on geographical indications, urging the Government to go beyond registration procedures and actively protect Sri Lankan product reputations and enforce intellectual property rights. He called for rebuilding national brands in tea, spices, rubber, coconut products, garments, fisheries and tuna, including through value addition, cultivation support and the use of embassies to secure markets. He also raised concerns about bribery and administrative rackets, safety issues from wind turbines in Kalpitiya, and urged urgent action to rescue Sri Lankans reportedly being abused by criminal groups in Myanmar.
- The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon supported the overdue regulations on geographical indications, stating that GIs protect products whose qualities are linked to specific regions and can benefit all compliant producers through legal protection, higher prices, consumer trust, and export promotion. He argued that Sri Lanka should strengthen GI protection for products such as Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Pepper, Ceylon Cashew, Ceylon King Coconut, and regional goods like Southern buffalo curd to prevent misuse, support rural producers, and promote tourism. He said the Government would promote a production economy, provide facilities to producers, and advance exports.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath raised North and East livelihood issues in the context of the IP Regulations, urging faster paddy procurement at controlled prices, temporary deployment of officers, increased storage capacity, and resolution of unavailable storage facilities including the Alayadivembu store. He requested flood mitigation and infrastructure measures, including rehabilitation of Kiran Bridge and priority for the Kithul–Rugam linkage, and called for stronger action against illegal fishing plus a new fishery harbour at Kaluwankeni. He also proposed reviving the Batticaloa paper mill, promoting cashew, coconut and agro-industry projects, addressing long-pending housing titles in Eravur, preventing police intimidation at civilian memorials, and developing a local economic model to reduce youth migration.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri rejected Opposition allegations that the NPP promotes hostility, arguing that its recent presidential and general election victories were achieved without post-election violence. He said the Government’s actions were directed at corruption and the recovery of wealth allegedly stolen from the people, not political revenge, and criticized Opposition parties for uniting only when legal action is taken against corruption. Referring to the GI debate, he claimed past governance had tainted public institutions and local identities with corruption and abuse, and pledged that the NPP’s parliamentary majority would act with integrity in line with the public mandate.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem
AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem supported the debate on regulations under the Intellectual Property Act relating to Geographical Indications and urged legal action against those involved in theft, robbery, or fraud. He raised concerns over declining cashew production in Batticaloa due to disease, proposing sapling distribution and Cashew Corporation plans to restore production as an export earner, while also requesting machinery and equipment to support palmyrah and cashew-related livelihoods. He further asked the Government to return land taken from Aligarh National School by the Eravur Police Station and suggested releasing nearby Coconut Cultivation Board land to address space constraints faced by the police station and Magistrate’s Court.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act to establish registration of Geographical Indications, explaining their role in protecting products whose qualities or reputation are linked to a specific place. She said the 2022 amendment enables domestic and foreign GI registration in Sri Lanka, which could raise producer incomes, improve export value, protect against counterfeits, and benefit consumers. She emphasized that GI applications must be collective through associations, and identified potential Sri Lankan products such as Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, cashew, pepper, Ambalangoda masks, and Ratnapura gems.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake spoke during the debate on regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, briefly linking the issue of rights to the need to protect Sri Lanka’s claim over Katchatheevu. He rejected allegations raised against him by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, challenged the Government to file any pending cases promptly, and referred to his acquittal in a previous matter. He also defended his record at Lanka Phosphate, claiming improved profits, export sales, and resolution of litigation, and disputed claims about problems at the Uma Oya project, stating it is supplying power and water benefits.
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister responded to allegations by stating he was prepared to answer and asserted that complaints involving the Hon. Member, including alleged fraud linked to fundraising for school bags and other matters, were before the Bribery Commission and would be pursued. He referred to a past letter of demand seeking Rs. 500 million, saying he had replied inviting legal action and that no case had been filed. He also stated that an alleged fraud relating to Eppawala phosphate stocks was under CID investigation, with part of the remarks expunged by order of the Chair.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake objected to interruptions and requested the Chair to allow him to continue speaking, saying he was responding to remarks made on the 21st. He challenged allegations against him, referring to files allegedly taken to the Bribery Commission through named individuals, and stated that if there are accusations, cases should be filed rather than merely discussed.
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister responded to remarks about the Uma Oya project, accusing the other member of failing to assist affected constituents while he pursued Supreme Court action to obtain relief including housing grants, water supply, and crop compensation. He alleged that the member had supported the project at Provincial Council level and later sought help to stop protests, and he rejected claims about sinkholes as false. He proposed holding a separate televised debate on the issue.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s conduct after receiving a large parliamentary majority, referring to public discontent over cost-of-living issues and remarks made by the President in Kankesanthurai. He objected to actions or rhetoric concerning former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence, challenged the Government to proceed with any legal cases, and alleged unequal treatment of officials. He also complained that he had been unfairly interrupted in the debate while Ministers who made false statements were being protected.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna supported the 2024 regulations under the Intellectual Property Act to enable domestic registration of Geographical Indications, arguing that Sri Lanka had lacked an operative registration framework despite the concept being included in law in 2003 and amended in 2022. He said the regulations would allow products such as Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon to be registered locally and better protected and marketed internationally. He urged the Government to identify and register further potential GIs, including sapphires, pepper, cashew, natural salt from Panama, and curd from Digamadulla, linking the measure to export promotion, rural production, and economic development.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that 27 containers of imported hydrated lime for water treatment had chromium levels of 14 mg/kg, exceeding the permitted 10 mg/kg standard, despite required pre-shipment and local testing protocols. He said the material had been sent to the Ratmalana, Galle, and Ambatale water treatment plants and claimed the National Water Supply and Drainage Board had sought to relax the relevant standard instead of re-exporting the shipment. He tabled laboratory reports and called on Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to investigate, re-export the containers, and disclose who benefited from the transaction.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that allegations had been raised by another Member with purported evidence. He undertook to inquire into the matter and provide a response before the debate concluded.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar supported amendments to the Intellectual Property Act aimed at strengthening legal ownership and protection for Sri Lankan products, including through geographical indications and related mechanisms. He argued that protections should extend beyond well-known products such as Ceylon Tea to palmyrah-based products, noting their production across 11 districts, the existence of hundreds of related products, and projected revenue potential. He proposed that ownership of protected palmyrah products be vested in palmyrah development associations rather than individuals, and said the Government had begun efforts to revive a sector damaged over previous decades.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan urged the new government to address long-standing grievances of Indian-origin estate workers, citing historical statelessness, lagging education and employment, and current cost-of-living pressures. He called for the promised daily wage increase to Rs. 2,000, land rights with 10 perches per family, and individual housing rather than high-rise schemes in hill-country areas prone to landslides. Referring to the April 2024 parliamentary debate on hill-country issues and the government’s mandate, he asked the relevant plantation and community infrastructure ministers to implement solutions within a reasonable timeframe, and also requested relief for farmers in estate areas, including yam cultivators.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported the operationalization of geographical indication regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, arguing that long-delayed implementation had deprived Sri Lankan exporters and producers of higher-value market opportunities. He cited international and local examples, including Colombian coffee and Sri Lankan cinnamon, gems, crafts, masks and palm products, and said GI protection could improve prices and export prospects. He also defended the Government’s positions on land and labour reforms as aimed at fair production and income distribution, and said vehicle imports would be managed cautiously to protect foreign reserves, inflation stability and export competitiveness.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns about a power sector tender, alleging that a bidder whose techno-commercial proposal had been rejected for an unacceptable bid bond was improperly reconsidered and advanced despite the Procurement Committee’s decision. He questioned why the matter was not referred to the National Procurement Commission before appointing a Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee, and argued that tender procedures appeared to have been bent to favour Hayleys/Dhammika Perera. He urged the Government to cancel the tender, negotiate with the compliant lowest bidder if pricing was an issue, and said future LNG power arrangements, including any deal with Adani, would be closely scrutinized for rates and procedural integrity.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa rejected Opposition allegations of corruption against the government, stating that its actions were intended to ease burdens on the public. Referring to the day’s Geographical Indications regulations, he said the government was advancing long-delayed work to promote Sri Lankan products such as tea, cinnamon, pepper, minerals, and palmyrah products in global markets.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayathissa alleged misuse of state resources by politically powerful individuals, citing bar permits allegedly issued through proxies, President’s Fund payments taken by politicians, and compensation paid in 2022 for property damage. He said he would later disclose names linked to bar permits and questioned how large sums were obtained from funds intended for ordinary citizens. He read out a list of politicians and compensation amounts, arguing that these payments exceeded what ordinary disaster victims typically receive.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa listed compensation payments allegedly made from public funds to 43 politicians and former officials for property damage during the Aragalaya period, stating that the total exceeded Rs. 1.224 billion. He argued that these payments reflected abuse of power and contrasted them with the difficulties ordinary citizens face in obtaining disaster or crop-damage compensation. He said the Government would continue exposing such practices, recover justice for public money, and redirect funds toward services such as health, education and transport.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper briefly remarked that he had lost speaking time and had intended to address the subject in more depth. Referring to points made by Nalinda Jayathissa, he suggested, in a humorous aside, that those matters might be added to geographical indications as a special indicator for Sri Lankan Parliamentarians.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe made a brief interjection, stating that “only Sri Lanka would need that.” The remark appears to respond to a preceding point in the debate, but no further policy position, proposal, or question is stated in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act to register geographical indications, describing them as broadly commendable and important for protecting and marketing Sri Lanka’s region-specific products. He urged the Minister of Trade to consult experts and ensure accurate understanding of geographical indications, distinguishing them from trademarks and noting their basis in international intellectual property frameworks such as WIPO and TRIPS. He cited examples such as Ceylon Tea, king coconut, Maruthamunai handloom sarongs, regional curd, dodol, thalaguli and cashew to argue that Sri Lanka should better protect and promote products linked to particular places and traditions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC queries the time allocated to him for his speech, asking whether he had 13 minutes. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter is raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper urged that, before implementing the relevant registration regulations, small-scale and regional producers be consulted and made aware of their importance, particularly for products associated with specific areas such as Jaffna, Valvettithurai, Maruthamunai and Valaichchenai. He requested a special initial programme, including simple and affordable legal aid for registration, noting that costs such as travel to Colombo and fees of over Rs. 45,000 would be burdensome for local entrepreneurs. He also raised concerns that the application process lacks a mechanism to verify whether registered products are genuinely sourced from the claimed region, warning that this could enable misuse, adulteration and false regional branding.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, arguing that geographical indications and stronger quality standards could protect brands such as “Ceylon Tea” and prevent damage caused by low-quality exports. He cited recent foreign exchange earnings to show the relative decline of traditional exports such as tea, rubber, and coconut, and said higher-value, standards-based production could improve agricultural incomes and export revenue. He linked the regulations to the Government’s policy focus on a production economy, agriculture, modern technology, and value addition, and called on producers to act honestly in implementing the new framework.
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Asoka Sapumal Ranwala’s intervention consists only of addressing the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, with no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy arguments recorded in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala clarified technical aspects of lime used in water purification, explaining that limestone is processed into calcium hydroxide and that heavy metals are not normally present in either the raw material or production process. He stated that specifications for calcium hydroxide generally do not require heavy metal testing, but acknowledged that contamination could occur through other sources or irregular imports. He said reports cited by Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleging heavy metals in lime were serious and should be investigated.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka responded to a reference made to him by citing SLSI specifications on imported lime, stating that the maximum permitted chromium level is 10 mg/kg. He presented lab reports indicating chromium levels of 14 mg/kg in lime imported into Sri Lanka and argued that this exceeds the standard and reaches a carcinogenic level.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka pressed for a response from Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe regarding a report alleging carcinogens and harmful heavy metals in the country’s tap water. He urged that the matter not be treated lightly, stressing the public health risk and indicating he would wait for the Minister’s answer.
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Lime is not inherently a carcinogenic or heavy-metal-bearing substance and is used in water purification. Any elevated heavy metal content would result from contamination during the production chain rather than from lime’s natural composition or its use as a chemical reagent.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary No substantive speech content is provided beyond the form of address to the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, so there are no policy points, proposals, questions, or arguments to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that the military continues to act with a wartime, anti-Tamil mindset, citing the construction of the Thissa Viharaya in Thyiddi on land he said was confirmed at District Coordinating Committee meetings to be privately owned and built without legal process. He demanded that the Government uphold the rule of law and address the alleged illegality, calling it a test of its commitment not to pursue discriminatory policies. He also raised concerns over reported plans to acquire more land to extend the Palaly Airport runway, arguing that sufficient land exists within the current High Security Zone and that any proposal should be discussed with Jaffna MPs and affected residents.
Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam said staff in the two LRC offices serving the North and East face unfair transfers requiring travel of around 450 kilometres because there are no other offices in those districts. He argued that this practice reflects discriminatory policies of previous governments and called on the Government to end it immediately to establish its credibility.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga supported the approval of regulations under the Intellectual Property Act for registering geographical indications, stating that GIs protect authenticity, prevent unauthorized use, and increase product value. He noted that while Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon are already recognized, products such as Ceylon Pepper, King Coconut, pineapple, palmyrah, kithul, Jaffna mango, crafts, and textiles could also be registered through associations or cooperatives. He argued that GI registration would support the Government’s production economy agenda and cited international examples and price increases to encourage regions to pursue registrations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed raised several development and administrative issues affecting Vavuniya District during the debate on intellectual property. He welcomed the guaranteed price and procurement scheme for paddy but requested local procurement sub-offices in areas such as Chettikulam and Nedunkerny to avoid farmers incurring transport losses. He urged the release of cultivable lands and tank areas held by the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Departments, the provision of land permits and titles to residents, and faster approvals for tank rehabilitation. He also called for traffic signals near major schools in Vavuniya town and proper village and university signboards to improve safety and access.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB
AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, to register geographical indications, arguing that Sri Lanka should use them to protect and promote products with distinctive geographic and cultural origins. He said such protections, including under frameworks like WTO TRIPS, would help prevent misuse and strengthen the production economy. Citing Ceylon Tea, cinnamon, and mee kiri as examples, he pledged that the Government would develop Sri Lanka’s unique resources into internationally recognized products.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government’s credibility while debating trade-related regulations intended to protect domestic industry, arguing that its current actions contradict positions taken while in Opposition, including on oil tanks, foreign relations, bar licences, and the Arjuna Mahendran issue. He said the Opposition would support lawful measures to recover improperly paid compensation and other funds for the State, but demanded consistent action rather than rhetoric. He also raised concerns about a contract allegedly awarded despite an invalid bond and unfinished prior work, and criticized Government MPs for accepting parliamentary insurance benefits while publicly condemning the use of public funds.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
AI summary No substantive speech content was provided beyond the opening address to the Presiding Member, so there are no policy points, proposals, questions, or arguments to summarize.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage briefly asks Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri to identify which Members of Parliament obtained the insurance cover being discussed. The intervention seeks clarification within the debate rather than advancing a substantive policy position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri stated that the relevant list of names was available at the Table Office and could be obtained there. He told the Minister that, to his knowledge, the Minister’s name was also on the list and suggested that he had also received the item in question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
AI summary The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, briefly challenges a preceding statement by asking whether it was made with prior knowledge. No substantive policy position, proposal, or legislative issue is raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri stated that he made his remark knowingly, without providing further explanation or substantive policy argument in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri briefly interjected to challenge another member’s claim, asking whether that member had been in a queue. The remark appears to reference prior shortages or queue-related issues in the debate context.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage challenged an unspecified claim or allegation made in the debate, calling on the relevant party to provide proof. No further policy position, proposal, or legislative matter is stated in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake defended the NPP Government against Opposition criticism, saying it had passed important laws within two months in office and would maintain order and dignity in Parliament. Addressing the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, he argued that the framework is important for protecting creative works by artists, scholars and authors, and for strengthening Sri Lankan brands in global trade. He cited Ceylon Tea, cashew, coconut, palmyrah and kithul products as examples of goods that could be developed, branded and protected through intellectual property measures.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya supports the new regulations under the IP Act as measures connected to upholding the rule of law. He recalled the 2009 assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and related attacks, stating that investigations under the 2015 Yahapalana Government, led by senior CID officers, uncovered evidence allegedly linking members of an unofficial State-backed armed group and police officers to the crimes and to the suppression of evidence. He argued that sufficient evidence had emerged to prosecute serious offences, including destruction or disappearance of evidence connected to a homicide and links to the abduction and intimidation of Wickrematunge’s driver.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that sufficient evidence exists for the Attorney General’s Department to indict two or three individuals in the High Court in relation to the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. He alleged that attempts were made from 2020 to 2024 to suppress evidence, but said honest police officers preserved it, citing Shani Abeysekara, Ravi Seneviratne, and IP Sugathapala. He urged the Government to act through due process, use Sugathapala as a key witness where appropriate, and deliver justice to uphold public confidence in the rule of law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act for registering geographical indications, arguing that they would make an existing law operational and help protect and promote Sri Lankan products domestically and internationally. He rejected Opposition criticisms and said past governments had damaged Sri Lanka’s reputation, while the current government would not neglect pending legal issues relating to past killings. Referring to Polonnaruwa, he said rice brands, farming communities, national parks, reservoirs and heritage sites should be developed into nationally and internationally recognized assets without dispossessing existing businesses. He also linked intellectual property to retaining and attracting Sri Lankan expertise, stating that legal frameworks would be used to strengthen the country’s development and global image.
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed the Government’s announcement of a guaranteed price for paddy and its plan to procure from farmers, noting that this responds to a long-standing demand. He urged the Government to also consider compensation for losses faced by producers of black gram, vegetables, and other minor grains, arguing that support for these farmers would strengthen agricultural production.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan urged government support for the palmyrah-based cottage industry in the North and Vanni, including export facilitation for food and craft products and reconsideration of restrictions affecting the use of mature palmyrah trees. He called for stronger action to control monkeys and elephants that damage farmers’ livelihoods, questioned the practicality of a proposed monkey census, and suggested export or other population-control measures. He also proposed importing foreign fruit seeds for domestic cultivation and export, demanded enforcement of controlled prices across all retailers rather than only SATHOSA, and said allegations circulating about him on Facebook should be reported to the Police or authorities for legal action.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Minister supported regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, to register geographical indications, noting their role in preventing misuse, protecting reputation, and increasing economic value. He argued that Sri Lanka had delayed too long in implementing such regulations and cited historical examples of the global value of Sri Lankan gems, cinnamon, and spices. He proposed extending geographical indication protection beyond Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon to products such as Anamaduwa cashew, regional rice, betel, flowers, chilies, Kalpitiya fruits, pottery, brassware, cane products, and white coconut oil, saying recognition and standardization could create international markets for producer communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna responded to earlier remarks on coconut prices, arguing that profitability conditions have changed since earlier periods of very low land lease costs. He stated that the Government is seeking to restore Sri Lanka’s international reputation after a period marked by heavy borrowing and extrajudicial killings, and defended the use of locally produced cashews at the Independence ceremony. He concluded by quoting the Dhammapada on the value of learning and wisdom.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the NPP Government and the Fisheries Minister, alleging intimidation, political targeting, and protection of the military from accountability for wartime killings. He raised concerns about nearly 3,000 unemployed graduates in Jaffna, issues affecting pavement vendors and bus routes, and questioned what elected representatives from Jaffna had done for the district. He also alleged that his phone was tracked and that his arrest was planned to prevent him from attending District Coordinating Committee meetings, stating that he would respond further in coming weeks.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.G. Wijerathna JJB
AI summary Hon. R.G. Wijerathna supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, to register geographical indications, arguing that they would protect producers and exporters, improve product quality, raise prices for standardized goods, and support a production-based economy. He said the proposed registration of agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, and other products could help revive rural industries, strengthen livelihoods, and reduce rural poverty if accompanied by infrastructure, funding, and removal of legal barriers. He also cited an alleged misuse of Pradeshiya Sabha land at Rikillagaskada as an example of local-level obstruction and said corrective legal steps had begun under the present Government.
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran welcomed the debate on regulations under the Intellectual Property Act but focused on agricultural policy, urging the Government to announce guaranteed paddy prices and distribute fertilizer earlier so farmers, particularly in the North and East, can benefit before harvest. He argued that the current paddy prices of Rs. 120, 125 and 130 are insufficient given cultivation costs and requested an increase to Rs. 140. He also asked the relevant Minister to intervene to return two paddy stores in Aalaiyadivembu, formerly managed by the Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, alleging they are being retained by the Army without proper cooperative or departmental approval.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government had set a support price for paddy and was procuring through SATHOSA and the Paddy Marketing Board to prevent a price drop during harvesting, while also examining storage-related issues. He rejected claims that the NPP Government had newly increased MPs’ medical insurance and addressed allegations relating to the Lasantha Wickrematunge case, Eppawala Phosphate Company, imported lime for water purification, and the CEB WindForce wind farm tender, stating that legal or procedural processes were being followed. On the main business, he said the geographical indications regulations under the Intellectual Property Act were needed to meet WTO/TRIPS obligations and protect Sri Lankan producers by enabling registration and better market value for local products.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper sought clarification from the Minister on an application form that appeared to permit individual applications despite the Minister’s statement that applications must be made by groups of producers in a given area. He asked the Minister to confirm the correct eligibility and verification process.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister clarified that applications or eligibility under the matter being considered must be by a group of producers, such as an association, rather than by individuals. He added that any necessary corrections to the relevant form would be made, after which the question was put and agreed to.
Agriculture Full speech →
- 13 Adjournment Adjournment and Questions at Adjournment 8 speeches