Sitting of Monday, 17 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1740119376022420 ·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 and Papers Presented 13 speeches
- 2 Procedural Parliamentary Structure and Committees 48 speeches
- 3 Papers Papers Presented by Prime Minister 1 speeches
- 4 Debate Appropriation Bill, 2025: Second Reading - Debate Adjourned 10 speeches
- 5 Debate Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading 63 speeches
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Minister moved the second reading of the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, explaining that it seeks to cancel the nominations accepted for the postponed 2023 local authority elections and call fresh nominations. He said the postponement had violated fundamental rights, as determined by the Supreme Court, and that fresh nominations were needed to protect the franchise and candidacy rights of those who became eligible in 2023–2024. He stated that the Bill reflects an all-party understanding reached in November 2024 and urged Parliament to pass it to restore elected representation in local authorities.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said his party supports the Bill to cancel previous local government nominations and allow new nominations, noting that the 2023 election was postponed despite court action seeking its conduct. He requested that deposits paid by more than 80,000 earlier candidates be refunded before new nominations are called, and urged that the Election Commission independently determine a practical election timetable without political direction. He also raised concerns about clashes with the Budget debate, examinations and the New Year period, and called for electoral reforms including electronic voting, stronger youth and women’s representation, neutral election administration, and changes to defects in the local government electoral system.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill to cancel the 2023 local government nominations and call fresh nominations, citing party leaders’ consensus after the new Parliament met and practical changes in parties, candidates and public mandate since the postponed poll. He referred to the Supreme Court’s findings on the 2023 election postponement, including the violation of fundamental rights and the Court’s determination that this Bill requires a two-thirds majority, while stressing that the election must be held expeditiously. He argued that statutory timelines allow polling around late April after the Budget, supported refunding candidate deposits, and noted proposed 25% youth nomination allocation and strengthened women’s representation.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih]
AI summary The Deputy Speaker recognized Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan and allotted him seven minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan supported the inclusion of youth representation alongside the women’s quota in the Local Authorities Elections framework, but raised concerns about instability under the existing 60:40 mixed electoral system. He urged consideration of a 70:30 ward-to-proportional ratio, questioned why the 5 per cent threshold used in other elections is not applied to local government seat allocation, and asked whether these changes could be included by amendment. He also cautioned against holding elections too hastily given examinations, the Budget debate, Easter observances, and Ramadan, and requested a practical election date that would not disrupt these activities.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill as necessary to hold the long-postponed elections for 340 local authorities and restore elected representation for local service delivery. He said the Bill would cancel old nominations, permit new nominations, provide for deposit refunds, and expand opportunities for youth and women candidates, including a 25 per cent youth representation requirement. He linked timely elections to implementing Government priorities such as rural poverty reduction, digitalization, Clean Sri Lanka, waste management and local infrastructure, while criticizing alleged efforts to delay the polls and calling on the Opposition to state clearly whether it supports holding them promptly.
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported the Bill to cancel the 2023 local government nominations and call fresh nominations, arguing that holding a 2025 poll on old nominations would be impractical given the 2024 electoral register, while noting its need for a special majority in light of the Supreme Court judgment requiring the election. He urged the Government to use the Bill’s three-month implementation window to amend the local government electoral framework, particularly to improve women’s effective representation by revisiting nomination thresholds. He also called for rationalizing the enlarged number of local authority members, citing the cost to the Treasury.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake questioned the Minister regarding a court case related to the Delimitation Report, asking whether the Minister had appeared as a lawyer in that matter. He also pressed the Minister to clarify whether he had opposed the same Delimitation Report that he had tabled, highlighting the apparent inconsistency and repeatedly seeking a direct answer.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha clarified that, in relation to Provincial Council elections, he had only tabled an independent Delimitation Commission report and had not presented and opposed his own Bill. He acknowledged shortcomings in the current electoral framework, including female representation, ward numbers, and population-based delimitation, and urged the Government to use the 90-day period provided in the Bill to introduce necessary amendments. He asked the Government to consider Opposition views and relevant timing factors such as examinations and the Sinhala New Year while proceeding with election-related reforms.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary Muneer Mulaffer argued that the 2023 Local Government Election was postponed for political advantage despite public demand for change and legal challenges seeking to hold it. He said past governments had used local elections to consolidate power, while the present Government was committed to restoring democratic rights and holding the poll after Ramadan, despite concerns about religious observances and examinations. He acknowledged that electoral laws may need refinement but said such reforms should proceed alongside, not in place of, the delayed election.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa requested an early response to his letter seeking a Special Committee to investigate USAID and NGO transactions, arguing that Parliament and the public should know about such activities. He opposed any postponement of the Local Authority Elections, while urging the Government and Election Commission to ensure campaigning does not disrupt the O/L examinations affecting around 400,000 to 450,000 students. He alleged recent intimidation of media, activists, protesters and political opponents, including arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and incidents in Matale, Akuressa and Agunukolapelessa, and called on the Government to ensure a free, peaceful election without repression.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, arguing that it is required to proceed with the postponed 2023 Local Government Elections in line with Supreme Court rulings. He said the previous administration unlawfully obstructed the poll by withholding funds and pressuring officials, leading to findings that constitutional rights under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(a) were violated. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government was delaying or pressuring the Election Commission, stating that the Bill was brought promptly and that the Commission must conduct the election while respecting other legally required polls.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka questioned the Government on the postponement of local government elections, recalling that the Treasury Secretary had cited lack of funds and alleging that JVP MPs supported the postponement despite a Supreme Court judgment. He also alleged an improper appointment of a current local election candidate, Tiron Silavansa, as Secretary to the Kalawana Pradeshiya Sabha, arguing that neither the Provincial Commissioner nor the Minister had legal authority to do so. He asked how many similar appointments had been made and called for the alleged illegal appointments to be corrected.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan urged the Minister of Public Security to investigate a reported assault on a Tamil youth at the Udulgama/Homadola Division of Watawala Plantations, alleging that dogs were set on the victim and calling for police action against those responsible. He linked the incident to wider concerns about abuses and racism affecting Malaiyagam communities in plantation areas, including in the South, and asked the Government to prevent recurrence. He then argued that holding local government elections during the Budget Debate would deny Opposition Members a level playing field, as they must attend Parliament while also campaigning, and requested fair campaign conditions rather than postponement.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake cited a 25 November 2024 Party Leaders’ Meeting decision that all party leaders agreed Local Authorities Elections should be held with fresh nominations. He argued that the election could be conducted after the Budget Debate concludes on 21 March, subject to the Election Commission’s timetable, and rejected suggestions to delay elections for political advantage. He also stated that his side does not use State property or State media for campaigning.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan clarified that he had not accused the addressed party of resorting to post-election violence. He requested that his party also be given adequate time to campaign, arguing that decisions made at a party leaders’ meeting did not represent all parties because not everyone was present.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake read out a list of Members, including government and opposition representatives, in reference to an event or attendance matter dated 25 November. He added that the person addressed was not in Parliament that week, implying they would otherwise have attended.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan called for fair conditions for the upcoming local council election campaign expected by end-April, stating that the Opposition would present its position to the country. He said the Government was strong and free to contest to win, but emphasized that the Opposition must also be given a fair opportunity, noting that it no longer has COPE.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake participated in the Government debate on 17 February 2025. No further substantive remarks, policy positions, questions, or proposals are provided in the supplied text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan argued that while the Budget belongs to the Government, the Budget Debate is a parliamentary responsibility requiring Opposition participation. He asked that scheduling be handled fairly so Members can attend debates while also carrying out field responsibilities, clarifying that his concern was not about religious festivals, exams or New Year.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament that, following Hon. Mano Ganesan’s query, he had checked the incident of 5 February, for which a complaint was lodged on 13 February. He said three members of the same family were arrested, produced in court under case B/21924/25, and the matter was settled between the parties through counsel without a remand request. He added that any further action regarding the alleged assault would need to be pursued by the complainant.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan referred to an alleged inhuman incident and suggested the complainant may have agreed to a settlement out of fear. He told the Minister he would provide video evidence, asserting that it would substantiate the seriousness of the incident.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill while emphasizing that local government elections are central to popular sovereignty, decentralization, and citizens’ daily needs under the Constitution. She cited Supreme Court jurisprudence, including the 2023 decision on election postponement, to argue that delays to elections infringe fundamental rights and cannot be justified by exams, the Budget Debate, New Year, or economic difficulties. She acknowledged concerns about a level playing field, especially campaign finance barriers for women and youth, but argued that these require reform rather than postponement, and called for the election to be held swiftly.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara denied claims that the Opposition sought to postpone the Local Authorities election, arguing that Clause 3 of the Government’s Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill itself permits the Election Commission to call nominations within three months of the Act coming into force. He requested that election scheduling take account of the Budget Debate ending on 21 March, noting practical difficulties for smaller Opposition parties in campaigning while participating in parliamentary proceedings. He also urged the Government and Election Commission to ensure refunds of nomination deposits already paid by parties and independents, citing significant financial burdens and ongoing discussions with the Treasury.
- Hon. Attorney-at-Law Dayasiri Jayasekara
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara urged that pending electoral law amendments proposed by the Election Commission in 2021 be expedited rather than deferred to a new Constitution. He outlined practical gaps in local authority election law, including procedures for filling vacancies after death, resignation, rejection of nominations, or disqualification of group leaders, and unclear rules when women’s quota requirements are affected by rejected nominations. He also proposed increasing the women’s nomination quota from 10 to 20 percent, noted difficulties in implementing the 25 percent women’s representation requirement, and called for attention to youth representation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, citing the court order requiring the local government elections to proceed and rejecting claims of legal or practical grounds for postponement. He argued that local authorities are essential to grassroots administration and daily public services, and that their dysfunction has harmed village-level governance. He criticized past delays to elections and referenced historical anti-democratic actions, including the 1981 District Development Council election violence and burning of the Jaffna Library, as warnings against undermining democratic rights. He stated that the Government would take necessary steps to hold the elections, strengthen democracy, and return responsibility to locally elected representatives.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam stated that the Opposition supports the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill but urged the Government and Election Commission not to call for nominations before 21 March, when the Budget Debate concludes. He argued that, as the sole MP and General Secretary of his party, he would be unable both to participate in the Budget Debate and to sign nomination papers across electorates, effectively limiting his parliamentary representation. He noted that the Bill allows up to three months to call nominations and requested only a short delay within that period, asking the Government and Opposition to jointly convey this practical concern to the Election Commission.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that the postponement of the 2023 local authority elections undermined democracy and disrupted services delivered through local councils, particularly in plantation areas. He said reforms since 2018 had enabled local bodies to serve estate communities, including improving roads, water supply and opportunities for plantation women’s political participation, but these gains were denied by the delay. He rejected proposed reasons for further postponement, cited the Supreme Court decision, and urged that local elections be held immediately. He also briefly welcomed the Government’s maiden Budget, noting salary increases for teachers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna welcomed some Budget measures for Jaffna but said the Northern Province lacked specific health and development proposals, requesting intervention on unsafe hospital waste disposal in Aariyalai–Kombayan Manal and raising concerns about administration at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. He urged safer official transport for MPs after Hon. Ilankumar’s accident, more attention to doctors’ retention, compensation for those affected by the Teyitti Vihara issue, and action to protect northern fishermen from South Indian trawler incursions. He also asked for more time to submit DCC project proposals, urged that new viharas be built only on State land rather than public common lands, and called for Palaly Airport to be upgraded to international status.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, arguing that local government elections must be held promptly to restore services handled by local authorities. He criticized the previous postponement of the 2023 elections, alleging that funds were withheld, the Election Commission was pressured, and attempts were made to challenge judicial intervention through Parliament. He said the Government is acting in line with the Supreme Court’s direction to hold the elections expeditiously, while addressing the technical issue of rejecting outdated nominations and allowing new candidates, including youth and women, to contest.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe urged support for the Special Provisions Bill to facilitate the holding of local government elections following the election of a new President and Government and a subsequent Supreme Court judgment. He argued that elected local authorities are necessary to implement the Government’s first Budget development and welfare proposals, and called on the Opposition to cooperate in completing the election process.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi moved that Hon. Prof. Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson left the Chair and Prof. Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi argued that the issue before Parliament should be not only the timing of local government elections but also the defects of the current ward-based electoral system. He said the system creates practical problems for chairmen and members, weakens leadership development, and can produce unfair or unrepresentative outcomes through ward results and proportional lists. He urged the Government, given its two-thirds majority, to hold elections promptly while reforming the system by restoring the former proportional preference model with youth and women’s quotas and stronger campaign finance rules.
Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi urged the Government to promptly restore the previous law with youth and women quotas, arguing that its strong public mandate enables swift action. He stated that enacting this reform would be a significant service to the country.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, stating that local authority elections must be held to restore bodies closest to the people. He recalled the subdivision of large Pradeshiya Sabhas in Nuwara Eliya District during the “good governance” period and argued that such changes improved service delivery, particularly in plantation areas. He suggested, on practical grounds, that the election be held after the Budget Debate and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and called for further subdivision of overpopulated Grama Niladhari divisions in Nuwara Eliya after the election.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary The Minister briefly proposed postponing the matter until after the election, indicating that the issue should be taken up later rather than during the current proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan requested ministerial intervention to improve facilities at the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital’s Gynaecology and Obstetrics ward, noting that there is only one toilet for 10 beds in an old building. He said patients had raised the issue with him and urged that it be addressed promptly, while acknowledging past shortcomings.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister argued that the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill is needed because the 2023 local government elections were unlawfully postponed, leaving communities without elected local representatives and prompting Supreme Court findings on violations of fundamental rights. He said the Bill would enable fresh nominations because the earlier nominations closed in January 2023 and new voters were added in 2024, thereby protecting both the right to vote and the right to contest. While acknowledging concerns about the size and structure of local authorities, he said such reforms should not delay elections and affirmed that the Government would hold the polls at the earliest date determined by the Election Commission.
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported holding the delayed local authority elections and welcomed increased representation for women and youth, while urging that this representation be matched with real powers. Citing increased membership and allowance costs after 2018, he requested the Minister to conduct the election on the basis of the 2022 committee recommendation to reduce councillors to about 4,714, which he said would save about Rs. 750 million annually and improve stability. He also called for greater powers and resources for local bodies, noting examples from India and Toronto and pointing to service limitations such as waste collection in Trincomalee.
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara supported holding the long-delayed local government elections and said the Bill annulling previous nominations and calling fresh nominations should require a two-thirds majority. He criticized the current local government electoral system as distorted, arguing it weakens grassroots political advancement, creates unstable councils, and enables clientelism and internal conflicts. While welcoming women’s representation, he said implementation of quotas had sometimes sidelined active candidates and called for further amendments, noting many local government candidates would prefer a return to the old system.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary The Minister argued that the Opposition was seeking to delay the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill process because it was unprepared to face local government elections, contrasting this with past postponements under previous administrations, including the 2015 Government and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He said the 2023 local government election had been obstructed despite nominations being called, particularly through the non-release of funds for election-related work such as postal ballot printing. He rejected Opposition claims that Budget sittings, nominations, or election deposits created practical difficulties, stating that committee representation and parliamentary attendance were matters for the Opposition to manage. He also criticized Opposition parties’ arguments about lack of funds for deposits, alleging inconsistency between their political and financial conduct.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna challenged the Government over the forthcoming local authority elections, asserting that his side would contest strongly and predicting the Government would not win. He framed the election as the test of that claim.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa supported holding the local authority election and said it should proceed. He claimed the Opposition’s united statements reflected concern about the outcome, asserting that the National People’s Power expected a strong victory.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper clarified the Opposition’s position on the Supreme Court Determination concerning the Local Authorities Elections legislation, arguing that the Court required a two-thirds majority not because Parliament contradicted a prior judgment, but because the Bill sought to apply youth nomination requirements retrospectively to nominations already accepted, creating an Article 12(1) issue. He stated that Act No. 30 of 2023 was prospective and alleged that the previous administration had used the youth candidate issue to obstruct the postponed local authorities elections. He also noted that if the Bill were certified that day with the agreement of Members, the earliest possible date for holding the elections would be around 11 April.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper stated that he had tabled four amendments to the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, which he said should be considered at Committee Stage and are consistent with Article 78 of the Constitution. He requested that the Minister in charge of Local Government, with the advice of the Attorney-General, incorporate the amendments.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Bill already addresses concerns raised about refunding election deposits by providing for repayment to the person who made the deposit upon production of the receipt. He emphasized that Parliament is only introducing amendments to enable fresh nominations, while the Election Commission is responsible for fixing the election date. He argued that without the Bill, local government elections would have to proceed on 2023 nominations, creating serious issues, and said all party leaders had agreed on the need for fresh nominations. He urged Opposition support for passing the Bill, describing the vote as historic because a single party held more than a two-thirds majority.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 6 Debate Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Third Reading and Division 7 speeches
- 7 Adjournment Adjournment 2 speeches