Sitting of Friday, 7 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1739786070060795 ·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 Announcements: Privilege Question on Non-Allocation of Speaking Time 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Ministerial Reports and Annual Reports 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Tabled 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions 99 speeches
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi raised a question to the Minister of Energy regarding employees engaged by the Ceylon Electricity Board on casual or contract basis. The query sought information on the status, numbers, and employment conditions of such workers, likely in relation to regularization, service continuity, or policy measures affecting them.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy provided data on Ceylon Electricity Board staffing, stating that the CEB has 22,135 permanent employees, 150 casual employees, 95 contract employees, 26 NVQ-qualified trainees, and 56 workers deployed through Sri Lanka Energies. He reported that salary, allowance and bonus payments are recorded annually, and that tasks such as line installation, pit digging and disconnections have been outsourced, with contractor payments rising from Rs. 1,643 million in 2015 to Rs. 4,370 million in 2024. He stated that there are no excess employees against the approved cadre and justified outsourcing as more economical for labour-intensive, urgent or short-term work, particularly where using technical staff would exceed the Public Utilities Commission-approved disconnection charge.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi questioned the Ceylon Electricity Board’s reliance on outsourcing despite its large salary expenditure, noting that core functions such as line stringing and service connections are contracted out. He alleged long-standing management and integrity problems within the CEB, including issues in Jaffna where diesel generation continues despite the viability of solar power. He asked whether the Minister would continue outsourcing as policy or undertake reforms.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister acknowledged shortcomings, mismanagement and politicization in the energy sector and said reforms are being studied with attention to energy security, public interest and industrial productivity. He stated that the Government will not disrupt existing services arbitrarily but will pursue gradual reforms, including addressing overstaffing caused by past political recruitments while managing current staff responsibly. He said that within about six months the reform process is expected to resolve many issues, prioritize least-cost energy and control cost drivers, including salaries.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Called for clarification on whether large-scale solar power projects, including in Hambantota, have been halted and, if so, for what reasons. He argued that delays to solar projects weaken efforts to reduce electricity tariffs and could contribute to future supply shortages.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy said energy projects have not been arbitrarily halted, but some are delayed because previous approval processes ignored grid capacity, land, environmental constraints, and wildlife considerations, with some permits allegedly traded. He said Cabinet approval has been sought to regularize existing issues and introduce a transparent, structured process while engaging current permit holders to correct deficiencies. He noted that solar power remains important but must be supported by firm generation, and said the Ministry expects progress within two to three months, including clearing unwarranted approvals based on national need.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Digital Economy, the Minister requested one week to provide an answer to the question. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a question to the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing regarding the provision of drinking water facilities in the Porativu Pattu and Manmunai Pattu Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Batticaloa. He sought information on the status of water supply arrangements and any planned measures to address drinking water needs in these areas.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka stated that drinking water coverage varies across the named areas, with Kakkachchiwattai about 60 per cent covered, Vilanthottam under 40 per cent, and no facilities in Tharmapuram–Kirankulam. He outlined planned measures including an additional transmission main from the Vadayantalawa storage tank, a new storage tank and pump house at Vellaveli under the Mandur Water Supply Scheme, and distribution extensions for higher-elevation areas. He added that a 2.5 km pipeline extension for Tharmapuram–Kirankulam has been included in the 2025 CEDE budget, and that the National Community Water Supply Department will not initiate separate projects where NWS&DB coverage applies.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned delays in providing drinking water, arguing that interim pipeline interconnections are needed before the dry season rather than waiting for new tanks and capacity upgrades. He asked how many kilometres of pipeline are currently available and can be laid immediately, citing reports that pipes previously sent from Ambanthottai to Batticaloa were returned. He also raised concerns over imported hydrated lime used for water purification, asking whether reported chromium levels above permissible limits were accurate, whether the stock had been distributed, why testing was done privately, and whether drinking water was currently safe.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Vellaveli tank and pump house under the Mandur Scheme are intended to supply the entire Divisional Secretariat area, with related distribution extensions under planning, including a 2.5 km extension to Tharmapuram–Kirankulam under CEDE 2025. On the issue of hydrated lime, he said he would make a special statement that day and that the supplementary question would be addressed in it.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam challenged the accuracy of a response, saying his question was specifically about how many kilometres of pipe were available and ready to be laid immediately. He asked that, if the information was not known, this be stated directly rather than claiming it had already been provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised a question to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation regarding the insurance coverages provided by the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board. He sought information on the scope and implementation of these insurance schemes for the agricultural sector.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne, answering for the Minister, outlined the agricultural insurance framework, identifying three main categories: crop, livestock and general insurance, including the National Crop Insurance Scheme for selected crops, loan-linked and voluntary crop insurance, and cover for equipment, health, accidents, warehouses and movable assets. He listed a wide range of covered crops and provided annual compensation figures for crop damage from 2015 to January 2025, with funding for the national scheme coming from the State Budget and the Crop Insurance Levy Fund, while other schemes are premium-funded. He said proposed measures to strengthen the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board include expanding contributory schemes, improving financial stability, digitizing damage assessment and compensation, equipping field officers, using modern loss-monitoring technologies and introducing market-responsive insurance products.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about delayed crop insurance compensation for farmers who paid about Rs. 6,400 per acre in premiums and suffered flood damage. He cited the Nuwara Wewa command area, where compensation for the 2023/24 Maha season remains unpaid despite field inspections conducted a year earlier. He urged the authorities to expedite payments and ensure fairness, noting that indebted farmers are asking at least for their premiums to be returned.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Ministry would intervene if specific farmer details were provided, acknowledging past procedural failures including issues with non-remittance of premiums. He stated that arrears from the previous government had been cleared, all Yala-season compensation paid, Rs. 86 million already disbursed in 2025 for November damages, and remaining Maha payments targeted for completion within the month. He added that flood damage in Ampara and other areas was being assessed for compensation.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary The Hon. Namal Karunaratne indicated that his response had not yet been completed. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy position was presented in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Namal Karunaratne stated that the Government would purchase paddy from farmers at the stipulated fair price and avoid practices he alleged occurred under the previous Government, such as selling state-held paddy as animal feed. He said all purchased paddy would be milled and released as Government-branded rice to consumers at prices below prevailing market rates.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned the basis for the Government’s paddy price calculation, noting that farmers claim a production cost of Rs. 114.50. He asked whether the price was determined using farmers’ actual per-hectare yields and requested clarification on the assumed yield per hectare used to fix the price.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara sought clarification from the Deputy Minister on the methodology used to fix the price in question. He specifically asked what yield per hectare had been assumed in the cost calculation.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Deputy Minister had adequately answered the Member’s question and that two supplementary questions had already been allowed. He objected to further repeated questioning after clear answers had been given, arguing that it was contrary to parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri raised a point of order before the Deputy Speaker. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara criticised Ministers for merely reading prepared answers in Parliament, arguing that the issue raised concerns the public and requires a substantive response. He appealed to the Deputy Speaker for more meaningful ministerial engagement with questions affecting the people.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for details on the Bachelor of Education degree, including how many universities offer it, their names, and annual student enrolment. He also asked whether the Ministry recognizes the degree as a pathway for recruiting more graduates into the Teachers’ Service and what measures are planned to increase enrolment in the programme.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education stated that the relevant Deputy Minister would respond to the question raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri raised a point of Order and requested to be given the microphone.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri invoked Standing Order 92(a) to state that Members should be allowed to present relevant proof when they leave Parliament to carry out official tasks. He argued that the Standing Orders exist to provide such procedural authority and that Members have the right to rely on them when acting outside the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education stated that he was providing the answer to a Question raised by Hon. Kins Nelson. No substantive details of the answer or policy position are included in the provided speech excerpt.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri raised a procedural objection under Standing Order 92(a), asserting that Members may point out when parliamentary business is being exceeded. He cautioned the Deputy Speaker against allowing the Sergeant-at-Arms to assume functions associated with the Speaker and emphasized the need to preserve proper parliamentary authority and procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri objected to the handling of speaking time and parliamentary procedure by the Chair. He argued that, under Standing Order 33(2), a Member has the right to seek clarification after two initial questions and answers, and urged the Deputy Speaker not to delegate the Speaker’s authority to the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the role and conduct expected of a Speaker in Parliament, implying concern about impartiality or procedural responsibility. He raised the issue in the context of parliamentary proceedings, seeking clarity on how the Speaker’s duties should be understood and applied.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara briefly acknowledges the Deputy Speaker and does not present any substantive argument, proposal, question, or policy position in the recorded intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister responded to a point of Order raised under Standing Order 92(a), stating that the provision prohibits Members from crossing the floor of the House. He also cited Standing Order 92(2)(a), noting that a point of Order should be raised in under one minute, whereas the Member had spoken for about half an hour, and requested that the Chair refer to the actual wording of the Standing Orders.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka interjected to indicate that the document or text being read in Parliament was incorrect. The remark was a procedural clarification rather than a substantive contribution to the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri rose to raise a point of Order during the proceedings. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri remarked to the Deputy Speaker that another member was reading from an old book. The intervention was brief and did not raise a substantive policy or legislative point.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake asked Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka to read the relevant provisions on supplementary questions under Standing Orders 92(2)(a), 92(2)(b), or 33. He requested that only the Standing Orders be read, without accompanying speeches or commentary.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri asked the Deputy Speaker to allow him an opportunity to proceed, stating that he had already read the relevant material.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka challenged the Government’s handling of a question on paddy prices, referring to Standing Order 92(2)(a) but emphasizing that the substantive issue was more important than procedure. He said the Deputy Minister, who had stated that Rs. 150 per kilo should be paid for paddy, was evading the question, and urged the Government to provide an answer on what he described as an urgent issue affecting farmers.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri briefly requested the Deputy Speaker’s permission to correct a matter in the proceedings. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or debate point was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri invoked Standing Order 92(2)(a) to assert that any Member may raise a procedural question when a division is not in progress. He argued that the Standing Orders apply equally to Government and Opposition Members, and criticised a Minister for allegedly using procedural rules to conceal an inability to manage parliamentary business.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Four universities currently offer Bachelor of Education degrees: Colombo, Peradeniya, Eastern University and the Open University of Sri Lanka, with specified annual intakes across primary education, general education, drama and theatre, special needs education and natural sciences. Admissions are conducted through UGC-based selection, direct A/L-based entry for Colombo’s Primary Education programme from 2024, and competitive examination for Open University programmes. The Minister stated that B.Ed. programmes will be conducted through Faculties of Education to strengthen competencies in Science, Mathematics, ICT and related subjects, with plans to increase intakes by improving staffing and student facilities such as canteens and hostels.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson asked what action the Government will take regarding graduates who have completed specialized B.Ed. programmes but are unable to use those qualifications for other employment. He noted that some Provincial Governors have given them mostly temporary appointments, while many remain outside service.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister acknowledged that some B.Ed. graduates have not yet been recruited into the Teachers’ Service despite discussions on the issue. He stated that recruitment will be pursued through Provincial Councils as vacancies arise and that swift action will be taken to absorb the remaining qualified graduates.
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the Deputy Minister on the shortage of about 30,000 teachers in government schools and the long-delayed absorption of Development Officers serving as teachers into the Teachers’ Service. Citing provincial figures and noting that around 16,000 such officers remain in schools, he asked when the Government would regularize their appointments, warning that failure to do so would harm students and worsen existing shortages.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary A Cabinet Sub-Committee has been appointed to address the absorption of Development Officers currently engaged in teaching into the Teachers’ Service. The Minister stated that the Committee will also consider diploma-holders and unemployed graduates, and that concrete measures are expected to be reported to the House within two to three weeks with the aim of providing a fair and prompt solution.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for detailed information on the National Savings Bank, including its incorporation date, current leadership, branch and employee numbers, paid-up capital, and compliance with Basel capital adequacy requirements. He also requested financial performance data covering profits, return on investment, administrative costs, lending margins, and balance sheet values, as well as details on any loans over Rs. 1 billion written off, the entities involved, and the legal procedures followed.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning responded to a question on the National Savings Bank, providing details on its establishment, current board, branch network, staffing, paid-up capital, and compliance with Basel capital adequacy requirements. He reported the bank’s profits, return on investment, administration cost ratio, non-performing loan ratio, lending margin, and balance sheet totals over recent years, including provisional 2024 figures. He also stated that no loans exceeding Rs. 1 billion had been written off, so related follow-up questions did not arise.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the interest rate spread at the National Savings Bank, noting that it pays around 3 per cent and 8 per cent on savings deposits while charging 14 to 19 per cent on loans. He asked why a State savings institution with a specific mandate to serve depositors maintains such a large margin between deposit and lending rates.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that National Savings Bank policy is to promote savings while providing better returns to depositors and public-oriented lending. He noted that NSB offers a large volume of low-interest housing loans and other incentive programmes, and said lending rates are expected to decline further from the recent high-interest period to ease borrowers’ burdens while maintaining the bank’s public service role.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought clarification on his earlier supplementary question regarding bank interest-rate spreads, asking why deposits earn about 3 per cent while loans are charged at 14–15 per cent. He argued that no bank should have a 10 percentage point spread and indicated that the previous answer had not addressed this point.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning stated that the spread between lending and deposit interest rates is expected to narrow further as economic stabilization under the current administration continues. He noted that the figures cited were largely historical, with 2024 data provisional, and said the Government aims to encourage savings by maximizing deposit rates while reducing lending rates through the National Savings Bank.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government on its election pledge to provide a 15% interest rate on senior citizens’ deposits. He asked why the National Savings Bank is not paying that rate, noting that current rates are around 3% to 8%, and pressed the Deputy Minister to explain why the promise has not been implemented now that the Government is in office.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning rejected the premise that the Government had promised a 15 per cent rate for senior citizens, stating that the policy statement contained no such commitment. He said measures for senior citizens would be included in the forthcoming Budget, while noting that reductions in essential medicine prices already benefit them, and that related spread issues would be addressed.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake objected that the Deputy Minister’s response did not answer his question on deposit rates, instead referring to lending rates for senior citizens’ medical expenditure. He demanded a proper answer, arguing that the requested information was directly relevant to his parliamentary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that he had already responded to the question and clarified that the percentage cited by the Member had not been specified by the Government. He asked Members to await the Budget for the relevant details.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether the Folk Arts Centre established in Kaikawala, Bentara, has been abandoned and whether it remains usable. He sought information on whether the Centre could be restored through renovation if necessary, and what steps would be taken to resume its administrative functions.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Kaikawala Folk Arts Centre is not administered by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, but is on Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority land leased to the Southern Provincial Council, which built and opened it in 1991. He said related parts of the question were therefore not applicable and noted that a report from the Bentota Divisional Secretary had been placed in the Library. He added that his Ministry is reviewing the administrative status of folk arts and cultural centres, some of which fall under Provincial Councils, with a view to providing information, making necessary changes, and supporting development.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera raised public concerns that Cultural Centres and Folk Arts Centres are perceived as falling under the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, leading to blame when their functions fail. He asked how many such Cultural Centres are operating across Sri Lanka and whether they are currently fulfilling their intended mandate.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister reported that 220 Cultural Centres operate across all nine provinces, with 219 functioning satisfactorily, while the 11 centres in the Northern Province require further development. He said the Ministry has reviewed shortcomings, including inadequate staffing and programmes that depart from cultural objectives, and will introduce standards to ensure the centres better serve Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim cultural and artistic activities.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked what programme the Ministry has to use cultural centres and folk arts centres not merely to preserve past practices, but to contribute to a broader social and cultural transformation. He framed the question as concerning the alignment of these institutions with wider cultural change.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister outlined planned cultural sector programmes under the theme “A noble cultural life and a compassionate citizenry,” noting that inspections had identified incomplete large concrete structures at cultural centres, including an auditorium shell at the Kurunegala Jana Kala Foundation, which the Ministry intends to complete. He said the Budget-aligned proposals include a central Artists’ Residence in Colombo for regional artists, four fully equipped Multi-Cultural Centres including in the North and East, and an International Translation Centre to promote translation among Sinhala, Tamil and English works. He argued these measures are necessary to strengthen arts and culture as part of national development.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem asked the Minister of Defence for details on the Government’s COVID-19 burial programme at Majma Nagar in Batticaloa, including the role of the Armed Forces. He sought information on personnel deployed, allowances paid, vehicles used or rented, fuel costs, and whether relatives of the deceased were charged any fees and in what amounts.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence, answering on behalf of the Minister, stated that only the Sri Lanka Army assisted in the relevant transport and interment operations, with troops used solely for perimeter security and not for handling bodies or burials. He said no additional payments were made to Army personnel and no fees were charged from relatives of the deceased. He provided details of hired, procured, and donated vehicles used for transportation, along with associated fuel quantities and costs, and stated that the remaining parts of the question were not applicable.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem questioned the Government’s handling of the COVID-19 forced cremation policy and the later decision to bury victims in Oddamavadi, arguing that both were based on unscientific premises and affected the religious rights of Muslims and other minorities. Citing operative paragraphs of the 23 March 2021 UN Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, he asked why no inquiry or accountability process had been undertaken despite the resolution’s call for investigations. He also raised concern that officials involved in the disputed decisions had since been appointed to senior health positions.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence acknowledged the supplementary question and said the points raised had been noted. He requested time to refer the matter to the relevant consultative authorities and undertook to respond later.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem posed his second supplementary question. No substantive issue, proposal, or context is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concern over the policy adopted during the relevant period to deny burials, stating that it affected Muslims and Catholics and had attracted international human rights attention. He argued that the decision was unscientific, wasteful of public funds, and involved taking bodies to distant locations, including a proposal to send them to the Maldives.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized the previous administration’s handling of Muslim COVID-19 burial issues, citing an attempt to send Janazahs to the Maldives for burial. He asked whether the Government would conduct an administrative inquiry and take action against officials involved in those decisions who remain in responsible positions.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that the matter raised was sensitive and said he would consult the Minister and other responsible authorities before responding. He assured Parliament that he would provide a response in due course.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified that he was not annoyed by questions raised by Rauff Hakeem and rejected the suggestion as unfair. He stated that he and his party had consistently supported the issue concerned, including the rights of Muslim people, and noted that he accepted Hakeem’s apology.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Ajith P. Perera) SJB
AI summary Asked the Minister of Energy to provide details on Sri Lanka’s solar power integration into the National Grid, including total installed capacity, annual additions, and the launch date of the “Soorya Bala Sangramaya” project. He requested separate figures for solar power added under the Net Plus, Net Metering and Net Accounting schemes, and asked what measures would be taken to further promote solar energy.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody tabled a written answer on solar power capacity and generation, stating that the Ceylon Electricity Board has 1,266 MW and LECO 259 MW of solar capacity, with 1,161 GWh added to the National Grid up to November 2024. The answer said solar schemes began on 6 September 2016 and included capacity additions under Net Plus, Net Metering and Net Accounting. It outlined measures to promote solar power, including competitive procurement of large-scale plants, streamlined approvals, online clearances, grid and transmission upgrades, energy storage development, public awareness, and support for installations in religious places and state institutions, in line with the 2030 target of 70 per cent renewable electricity generation.
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: National Schools in Colombo North 2 speeches
- 6 Papers Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation 26 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural Motions on Standing Order Exemption and Time Amendment 8 speeches
- 8 Debate Private Members' Motion 1: Acquisition of Estate Roads to the Government 25 speeches
- 9 Debate Private Members' Motion 2: Proper Procurement Programme for Co-operatives 15 speeches
- 10 Debate Private Members' Motion 3: Making Arrangements for Maintaining a Rice Reserve 16 speeches
- 11 Debate Private Members' Motion 4: Appointment of Labour Welfare Officers 9 speeches
- 12 Debate Private Members' Motion 5: Abolishing the Pension Scheme of Members of Parliament 20 speeches
- 13 Debate Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions 14 speeches
- 14 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Sri Lanka Cricket Development and Anti-Corruption Measures 6 speeches