Sitting of Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1740219460090985 ·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 Parliament Opening and Speaker's Certificate 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Annual Reports and Ministerial Consultative Committee Referrals 3 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question No. 1 (98/2024): Sale of Petroleum by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation 8 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question No. 4 (247/2024): Teacher Attachments and Transfers 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question No. 2 (112/2024): Bingiriya Export Processing Zone 3 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question No. 3 (133/2024): Justice and National Integration Matter 3 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question No. 4 (247/2024): COVID-19 Clinical Practice Guidelines 2 speeches
- 9 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Recent Islandwide Power Outage 13 speeches
- 10 Debate Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget 75 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva commented on the first Budget presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Minister of Finance, acknowledging the Government’s large parliamentary majority and its ability to pass the Budget. He argued that the JVP-led Government has not been able to deliver on its promises to the public and therefore cannot meet the demands he has raised in relation to the Budget.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva warned against government arrogance and intolerance of criticism, citing past incidents and the experience under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, while urging the current Government to listen to constructive Opposition input during the Budget debate. He argued that rebuilding the country is a collective parliamentary responsibility and expressed hope that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would be open to persuasion, referencing a past discussion on sovereign bond restructuring. Opening the 2025 Budget debate for the Opposition, he questioned whether the Budget reflected the Government’s own political-economic programme or continuity with the Treasury-led framework of the previous administration, contrasting it with Dr. N.M. Perera’s ideologically clear 1970 Budget.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva requested the Chief Government Whip to grant him an additional 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka informed the Chair that an additional 10 minutes would be granted to the member speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva acknowledged positive Budget measures such as expenditure cuts, anti-corruption funding, digitalization and improved targeted welfare, but questioned whether the Government had a coherent growth and investment strategy within IMF fiscal constraints. He called for relief to EPF members affected by domestic debt restructuring, citing alleged unfairness compared with relief for foreign investors, and suggested using a parliamentary motion to address it during the Budget process. He warned that debt sustainability would require sustained high growth, criticized continued funding for SriLankan Airlines and proposed electricity sector amendments that may deter private investment, and urged transparent, procedure-based decision-making on projects such as Adani. He argued that the Government must clearly state whether it is pursuing a social market, export-led economic model and align legislation and policy accordingly.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva criticized the Government’s proposed salary or allowance increase, noting that while his party’s Blueprint had proposed Rs. 57,500 the previous year, the Government had added only Rs. 300. His remarks were cut short when the Chair informed him that his allotted time had expired.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva concluded his remarks by warning that excessive pride can lead to downfall, urging Members to reflect on that lesson. He then thanked the House for the time allotted before the Speaker called the next Member to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister sought permission to make a brief clarification after his name was mentioned by another Member. The Speaker granted permission for him to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected a claim that he had described the ARDL autoregressive model as the Government’s economic model, stating that it is a statistical tool rather than an economic model. He argued that older production-function and macroeconomic models cited in debate are being overtaken by behavioural, complexity and AI-based approaches, and said the Government’s economic model should be assessed over its five-year term before being defined or labelled.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised a point of order, stating that another member had attacked him after being given the microphone, and requested 30 seconds to respond. The Speaker directed the House to proceed with the Budget debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary The Leader of the House asked Members to allow the Government’s allotted time to proceed after others had already spoken. He requested that the House move on to the Budget debate and called on Deputy Minister Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe to speak next.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Government’s first Budget presented by President Anura Dissanayake as a historic and transformative plan for the next five years. He argued that it seeks to rebuild productive capacity, reduce rural poverty, and reverse decades of corruption, economic decline, and rising poverty. He dismissed Opposition criticism as politically motivated and said sections of the public, media, and analysts had responded positively to the Budget.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said the Budget provides the largest recent public-sector salary increase, with basic salaries raised for the first time since 2016 and the existing Rs. 7,500 in allowances absorbed into the new salary structure while the Rs. 17,800 cost-of-living allowance remains. He gave examples for PL-1 employees, Grama Niladharis, doctors, Development Officers, management service officers and teachers, stating that increases will begin from April and be phased over three years, with annual increments also rising by 80 per cent. He rejected claims of miscalculation or misinformation about the figures and said further explanations, including on doctors’ overtime concerns, would be provided.
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan criticised the Budget’s expenditure structure, arguing that recurrent spending is too high and capital investment too low for economic recovery, and formally objected to the Rs. 442 billion defence allocation in the absence of war, particularly given unresolved resettlement, land return, and military presence issues in Tamil areas. He questioned how the Government’s stated vision of a united and prosperous Sri Lanka would protect the identities, dignity, language rights, and political rights of Tamil, Sinhala, Up-country Tamil, and Muslim communities. He said appeals to the diaspora, especially the Tamil diaspora, must be accompanied by credible engagement with the Tamil political question, including recognition of Tamils as a national people. Citing Singapore and historical discussions of federalism, including S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike’s 1926 writings, he urged reflection on constitutional and political arrangements to ensure unity and trust.
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan argued that Sri Lanka has a longstanding unresolved ethnic question, citing the Banda–Chelva Pact, the Dudley–Chelva Pact, the Sinhala Only Act, and S.J.V. Chelvanayakam’s call for federal power-sharing with safeguards for Tamil-speaking people. He said Tamil demands for equal citizenship, language, land, and identity have historically been met with repression, and urged the Government to recognize the Tamil nation and pursue a durable political solution. He also invited cooperation from Tamils and the diaspora, stating that reconciliation, economic recovery, and national progress depend on an arrangement in which both communities can live with dignity.
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan said his party does not oppose the Budget’s development objectives, noting that a government Bill had passed unanimously the previous day with 187 votes. He urged the Government to use the current political moment to bring forward a federal-based solution to the ethnic issue, asserting that it would receive support in Parliament and among the Sinhala public.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma defended the Budget against Opposition criticism, arguing that past administrations were responsible for high-cost commercial borrowing and the country’s debt crisis. He said the Budget is designed around growth facilitation, policy continuity, local value addition, and support for SMEs, enabling businesses to plan and expand production. He cited multiple SME-related policy measures, including export development, tariff policy reform, Free Trade Agreements, use of underutilized State lands, one-stop-shop implementation, insolvency law reform, certification support, and improved SME financing through a development bank and banking mechanisms. He also listed Budget allocations for innovation, youth entrepreneurship, agriculture, dairy, coconut, trade promotion, freshwater industries, and an SME line of credit.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma outlined Budget allocations across key sectors, including transport, water, housing, regional development, food security, environmental protection, entrepreneurship, energy, and other public services. He stated that these allocations, such as Rs. 73.9 billion for railways, Rs. 254 billion for food security, and Rs. 190 billion for quality-of-life facilities, are intended to support the Government’s economic programme to rebuild the country.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticised the Budget as making politically attractive promises without adequate allocations, questioning how 30,000 public service jobs could be funded with Rs. 10,000 million if salaries are to reach about Rs. 60,000. He argued that the Mahapola and student stipends, dry-ration parcel value, and preschool teacher allowance increases are insufficient, and warned that limited parcel distribution could create local disputes ahead of elections. He also said district development allocations are inadequate, especially for Badulla, and raised concerns about the fairness of allocating Rs. 6,000 million to the North while other provinces share Rs. 9,000 million, though he stated he did not oppose assistance to the North.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the Budget’s wage proposals, rejecting Opposition claims that the increases are minimal and describing them as the largest wage increase in Budget history. He said the private sector minimum basic wage would be raised from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000 from 1 April and to Rs. 30,000 from 1 January through amendments to the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act, increasing related benefits such as EPF, ETF, gratuity, bonuses and overtime. He also said plantation sector wages had been negotiated to a daily minimum of Rs. 1,350 with additional productivity incentives, while efforts continue to raise monthly incomes closer to Rs. 40,000. Responding to concerns about funding 30,000 recruitments, he stated recruitment would be phased through examinations and interviews and that allocations would be sufficient for an estimated 15,000 recruits over six months.
- 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 defended the Budget’s public sector wage reforms, stating that they preserve a 1:4 wage progression while addressing long-standing salary anomalies and pension-related issues. He said Rs. 325 billion would be allocated over three years, raising the minimum basic salary to Rs. 40,000 and increasing wages across grades, with phased implementation due to fiscal constraints. He rejected claims that overtime and allowances for doctors, nurses, and university academics were being reduced, arguing that revised calculations and higher basic salaries would increase earnings, and invited further proposals on medical trainees’ hours during the Health Ministry debate.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dinindu Saman
AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman supported the Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s first “people’s Budget,” arguing that it allocates relief and development despite inheriting a bankrupt economy and liabilities such as SriLankan Airlines debt. He highlighted major allocations for health and education, including Rs. 604 billion for health, Rs. 619 billion for education, increased Mahapola and vocational training stipends, school infrastructure, nutrition, teacher development, sports schools, and support for poorer districts such as Badulla. He also said the Budget aims to eradicate poverty through education and economic strengthening of welfare-recipient families, provides a fair wage structure for public servants, and includes funds to address the human–elephant conflict.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary K. Kader Masthan said the Budget contains measures intended to benefit the public, including allocations for upcountry communities to improve livelihoods and living standards. He also welcomed increased education funding, noting that in the war-affected North some children still study without proper classrooms, and referred to earlier allocations and ongoing construction work to improve school facilities.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to complete halted development works in the Vanni and Northern Province, including 38 incomplete school buildings, unfinished roads and bridges, and resettlement-related infrastructure, and requested that Northern resettlement funding be increased from Rs. 1,500 million to Rs. 5,000 million. He called for a time-bound resettlement plan for about 17,000 families, changes to Forest and Wildlife Department restrictions affecting land allocation, housing for war-affected communities, elephant fences and compensation for elephant damage. He also requested the establishment and funding of a Medical Faculty at the University of Vavuniya, welcomed allocations for roads, digital payments, children, education and sports, and urged the rehabilitation and opening of the Puttalam-Mannar road via Eluwankulam to improve connectivity and tourism.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to open the Eluwankulam–Mannar road, stating that it would shorten the route to Jaffna by about 82 kilometres and reduce fuel use and vehicle wear. He suggested that earlier pressure had prevented the road’s opening and asked the current Government and President to ensure it is made accessible.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration moved that Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Ariyarathne presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Budget prioritizes social protection and relief for vulnerable groups by reallocating resources away from privileges and waste, including Rs. 232 billion for Aswesuma and increased allowances for kidney patients and elderly persons. He highlighted child-focused measures, including Rs. 500 million to improve care institutions, Rs. 250 million for child-friendly transport for legal proceedings, Rs. 1 billion for a Rs. 5,000 monthly allowance for children in residential care and orphans, and improved school access. He also stated that the Government would strengthen anti-corruption institutions, expand mental health and counselling support for youth and parents, and increase funding for prisoner skills development to support reintegration.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna welcomed the NPP Government’s allocation of significant funds to the Northern Province. He also expressed appreciation for the President’s and Prime Minister’s visits to the North, describing them as historically noteworthy.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage supported the NPP’s inaugural Budget, arguing it responds to the economic crisis inherited from previous governments and implements the “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” manifesto within current IMF constraints. She highlighted allocations for women’s empowerment and combating gender-based violence, support for marginalized children, and increased funding for health and education. She also cited reductions in Presidential expenditure, the removal of concessionary vehicle permits, and changes to public employment practices as evidence of fiscal discipline and reform, while inviting cross-party support for the Government’s rebuilding programme.
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. Hizbullah supported the 2025 Budget’s welfare and development allocations but argued that salary increases for public and private sector workers were insufficient and too heavily staggered. He said the Eastern Province had been neglected compared with specific allocations for the Northern Province, and requested capital funding for flood-damaged infrastructure, schools, roads, bridges, South Eastern University flood protection, and teacher recruitment. He called for rehabilitation of Oluvil Port as a fisheries harbour, expansion of Valaichchenai fisheries harbour, revival of the Valaichchenai Paper Mill with investment, and implementation of irrigation and tank-integration plans to address flooding and improve agriculture. He also welcomed the Justice Minister’s proposal to transport children separately from adult prisoners and noted unresolved administrative issues in some newly created local authorities in the North and East.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
AI summary The Minister stated that the 2025 Budget allocates Rs. 11.4 billion to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources. He assured that additional attention would be given to fisheries development across the entire Eastern Province, not limited to Valaichchenai.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe – Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Budget implements the NPP’s economic programme within current IMF constraints while laying the basis for faster growth from 2029 through a production-oriented economy involving the state, private sector, and cooperatives. He outlined measures including Ease of Doing Business and legal reforms, digital economy funding, lower production costs, investment in industrial land, ports and infrastructure, SME and skills support, development finance, R&D commercialization, trade promotion, and an export target of US$19 billion. He argued that the Budget departs from the previous economic model and is intended to initiate broader development-focused reforms between 2026 and 2028.
- The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama supported the President’s Budget, highlighting allocations for the Karasnagala Integrated Water Supply Project in Gampaha, an inland container terminal at Veyangoda, and tourism development in Attanagalla and surrounding historic sites. He cited welfare and education measures including increased allowances for schoolchildren, preschool meals and teachers, scholarship recipients, sports school students, TVET trainees, and university students. He also referred to policy moves on digital payments, support for persons with autism and special needs, restoration of the Jaffna Public Library collections, and the removal of MPs’ vehicle permits and concessions.
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for an immediate halt to proposed ilmenite mining-related field activities on Mannar Island, citing public opposition, flood vulnerability, private land concerns, and potential law-and-order issues, and urged the Central Environmental Authority and other agencies to stop the planned field visit. He thanked the President for Budget funding to reconstruct the Vattuvagal bridge in Mullaitivu, while stating that further needs remain. He requested urgent health-sector upgrades in Mullaitivu, including staff housing, ambulances and vehicles, cadre review, filling vacancies, and appointment of specialists so the District General Hospital can be recognized for post-intern in-service doctor training.
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Pointing to a recent visit to Mullaitivu Mancholai Hospital with Deputy Minister Upali Samarasinghe and Hon. Dr. Sellathambu Thilakanathan, Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran said deficiencies had been identified, including staff accommodation needs. He stated that, with the District Secretary’s assistance, two housing blocks would be provided temporarily for staff, and that the matter would be raised with the Health Minister to address the hospital’s requirements.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Raised a procedural objection, questioning how a point of order had been allowed and implying that the established procedure for raising such points had not been followed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna objected to an unnamed reference made by Hon. Ravikaran, arguing that interventions should identify the person being referred to. He stated that making such remarks without naming the individual should not be allowed and was improper regardless of who does it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran urged the Government and Health authorities to address urgent health service deficiencies in Mullaitivu District, noting that he had submitted written requests to the Health Minister, the Prime Minister’s Office, and relevant State Ministers. He highlighted the lack of permanent ward buildings at Mullaitivu District General Hospital, delays in an Indian-assisted ward construction project, overcrowding, ageing ambulances, and serious pharmacist vacancies. He also requested specialist and allied health staffing for Puthukudiyiruppu and Mankulam Base Hospitals, an ambulance for Alampil Peripheral Hospital, and a vehicle for the Manal Aru/Weli Oya Medical Officer of Health.
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised the lack of an ambulance at Alampil Peripheral Hospital, noting that patient transfers depend on ambulances from Kokkilai and Sampathnuwara/Weli Oya hospitals located 22 km and 35 km away. He requested the Minister of Health to ensure an ambulance is provided, referring to prior assurances from the Minister and copies of his requests sent to the Prime Minister and the District Development Committee Chair, to improve health services in Mullaitivu District.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa moved that Hon. Imran Maharoof take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne vacated the Chair and Hon. Imran Maharoof assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Budget as a citizen-focused programme that reduces privileges for politicians and directs funds to health, education, transport, rural roads and provincial development. He highlighted allocations for schools, buses and railways, and argued that development should be viewed nationally rather than through constituency-specific claims. He drew attention to grievances of Tamil plantation workers in the Ridigama and Raddagoda areas, including access to schools, buses, public officers, postal services, hospitals and police, and said he had intervened with local officials to extend an SLTB bus service to Panagama Annoor Central College and improve administrative access.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported the 2025 Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s first step toward its “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” programme, arguing that it marks a shift from previous Budgets toward social, economic and political transformation. He highlighted projected revenue of Rs. 4,960 billion, total expenditure of Rs. 7,190 billion, increased allocations for salaries, education and health, including Rs. 185 billion for medicines, and measures to support industry, small investment, agriculture and tourism. He also emphasized national harmony, development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, support for persons with disabilities, autistic children and the elderly, and a “scientific” public sector salary increase that raises basic pay.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj supported the 2025 Budget as a “people-centric” recovery Budget, highlighting Rs. 749 billion for social protection alongside salary increases, education assistance, health and nutrition programmes, transport, and other household-support measures. She cited specific allocations including Rs. 6,000 for 650,000 schoolchildren, Rs. 1.4 billion for sanitary pads, Rs. 12.5 billion for Thriposha and nutrition programmes, and funding for Suwaseriya, medicines, disability support, rehabilitation, and children in care. She also outlined measures for youth leaving care, housing and jobs for vulnerable young women, regional development in the North, East and Hill Country, rehabilitation of the Vattuvagal bridge, technical education, and action to secure the Rs. 1,700 daily wage for plantation workers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the 2025 Budget has neglected the Eastern Province, citing only a brief reference to development through Indian multi-sector grant assistance and no substantive domestic allocations for key needs. He highlighted recent flood damage linked to Gal Oya/Senanayake Samudraya, calling for downstream development, a secondary dam, proper bridge repairs, and smart irrigation planning to address climate change impacts on agriculture. He also said the Budget lacks provisions for Eastern tourism and transport infrastructure, including rail improvements serving destinations such as Nilaveli, Arugam Bay/Pottuvil and Pasikudah.
- 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 A procedural motion was moved proposing that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The House agreed, after which Hon. Imran Maharoof left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the Government’s first Budget, arguing that it is inclusive and centred on security, empowerment and inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities and marginalized groups. He highlighted allocations and measures including Rs. 100 million for a national disability database, an increase in the disability allowance to Rs. 10,000, local production of assistive devices, low-floor buses, care and skill development centres, and improved health and special education services. He said these measures would help integrate persons with disabilities into the economy and society, and called for Opposition support for the Budget.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara supported the National People’s Power Government’s inaugural Budget, arguing that it redirects resources from political privileges to public welfare and development. He highlighted major allocations for health, nutrition and education, including hospital improvements, medicines, school infrastructure, preschool support, teacher training, student assistance and salary increases for teachers, as well as pension adjustments. He rejected Opposition claims that the Budget was IMF-driven or a continuation of the previous Government’s policies, and stated that the Government would use transparent tendering and anti-corruption measures to ensure funds reach communities.
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe welcomed beneficial measures in the Budget and said the Opposition would support positive initiatives while guiding the Government where needed. He urged timely guaranteed prices and irrigation funding for flood-affected farmers in the Eastern Province, especially Ampara, and called for greater education allocations, including development of South Eastern University with proposed Faculties of Medicine and Law. He also stated that the Opposition is ready for elections, called for a new Constitution to address the ethnic question, and raised concern that the Clean Sri Lanka programme has not yet adequately included Tamil or Muslim representation.
- Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe urged the leadership of Parliament to ensure justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of all Members regardless of changes in government or opposition. He argued that unity within Parliament is necessary to promote ethnic unity in the country and called on all sides to work together on matters beneficial to Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the 2025 Citizens’ Budget, arguing that it reflects the NPP’s election mandate and responds to an inherited context of sovereign bankruptcy, weak tax collection, poor fiscal management, and inefficient state-owned enterprises. He said the Budget seeks to raise tax revenue fairly, strengthen public financial management, reduce state expenditure, and establish fiscal discipline through limits on political perks, foreign travel costs, nepotism, and political appointments. He also cited international comments, including by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, as evidence of confidence in the Government’s transparency, governance, and business environment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that the Budget should focus more on credible revenue generation, private-sector-led growth, and reducing the State’s footprint rather than expanding expenditure and promises. He welcomed the Government’s engagement with the IMF, India and the United States, and its apparent shift away from isolationist or socialist policies, but questioned how the spending gap would be funded without new taxes or borrowing. He also said digitalization should be used to rationalize the public service, criticised the proposal to create 30,000 new government jobs as contradictory, and urged the creation of a pension fund mechanism to manage future liabilities from salary and pension changes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. R. M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary Hon. R. M. Jayawardhana defended the NPP Government’s first Budget, stating that it was organized around 12 priority areas including health, education, transport, agriculture, social protection, national security, and public services. He clarified that the proposed Sinhala-Tamil New Year “essentials pack” would be a concessional Lanka Sathosa package worth about Rs. 15,000 sold for Rs. 10,000, not a free handout. He highlighted increases to Mahapola and other student stipends, allocations for SMEs, industrial parks, tourism, agriculture, education, and Eastern Province irrigation, and said the Government was seeking to sustain Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar companies without closures. He concluded that the Budget provided salary and pension improvements and reflected better public financial management.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara defended the 2025 Budget as a “Citizens’ Budget” and a first step in system change, arguing that it redirects state resources from political privileges to public benefit and reflects the mandate of the NPP Government. He highlighted allocations for youth and sports, vocational education, digital initiatives, public sector recruitment, youth entrepreneurship, agriculture, and sports infrastructure, including refurbishment of Sugathadasa Stadium. He said 30,000 public sector recruitments would be conducted through planned examinations and interviews, with graduates prioritized, and stated that the Government would implement the Budget after its passage.
- 11 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Additional Building for Meelad Vidyalaya, Dehiwala 11 speeches
- 12 Procedural Hansard Editorial Notes and Publication Information 3 speeches