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
- 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
- The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media
AI summary Moved the adjournment of Parliament. The Presiding Member then put the question before the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi moved an Adjournment Motion calling for urgent reforms to Sri Lanka Cricket amid concerns over poor international performance, audit findings of fraud and corruption, and the pending SLC election. He argued that the 2024 sports regulations enabling extended office terms were not approved by Parliament under the Sports Law and urged the Minister to suspend them, act on the Chitrasiri Committee proposals, and establish a transparent administrative framework. He also raised concerns over recent SLC constitutional changes affecting voting rights and warned that, without intervention, the same allegedly corrupt administration could regain control.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper seconded the Adjournment Motion on Sri Lanka Cricket, linking recent on-field disappointments, including losses to Australia and the Women’s Under-19 team’s failure to reach the semi-finals, to public concerns about corruption in cricket administration. He argued that delays in implementing earlier anti-corruption measures have allowed the same group to attempt to regain control through the forthcoming SLC election, and urged that the matter be treated seriously.
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi argued that Sri Lanka Cricket lacks an integrated development pathway from village and school levels to the national team, creating inequities for players from less-resourced areas and those without connections. Citing the 2023 Audit Report and Special Gazette No. 2310/26 under the Sports Law, he raised concerns over allowances paid to an MP holding cricket administrative positions and the absence of proper annual planning. He called for removing corrupt elements from cricket administration and implementing a national sports policy based on equitable access, infrastructure, professionalism, and cooperation among public, private, and NGO sectors.
- The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha said Sri Lanka Cricket is an important national brand and expressed support for constructive parliamentary proposals to revive sport regardless of party lines. He argued that, in addition to addressing corruption, SLC must correct planning failures, particularly by supporting school cricket. He highlighted the high costs borne by host schools in Division 3 matches, which cause rural and poorer students to withdraw, and called for a programme to remove these barriers and strengthen the U13 to U19 player pathway.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
AI summary The Minister supported Hon. Hesha Withanage’s motion and said the Ministry is addressing issues across 74 registered sports federations, including disputes, litigation, suspensions, and allegations of corruption. He stated that decisions on Sri Lanka Cricket would be made within the law, relevant regulations, ethics, and international sporting requirements, not under external influence. He said the Government is studying the 3 May 2024 Gazette, the Chitrasiri Report, and the Sports Law together, and will announce a course of action within two to three weeks.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →