Sitting of Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1740397565032971 ·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 Speaker's Announcements: Opposition Representation in Parliamentary Committees 11 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Ministry Statements 9 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented by Members 7 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question No. 152/2024: Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question No. 179/2024: CEB Payment of Loans and Staff Emoluments 8 speeches
- 6 Procedural Procedural: Question No. 3 Deferred 1 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Questions: Holuwagoda Development Project and Sports Facilities 9 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question (Second Round): Flood Control in Kolonnawa DS Division 3 speeches
- 9 Oral question Question by Private Notice (Standing Order 27(2)): Data on Poverty, Aswesuma Programme and Law and Order 13 speeches
- 10 Debate Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading 90 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim criticised the Budget presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arguing that it continues Ranil Wickremesinghe’s IMF-aligned economic programme through debt restructuring, cost-reflective pricing, tax increases, public-private partnerships, privatization and private-sector land release. He accused the JVP of abandoning its past socialist and anti-IMF positions, misleading voters who expected a “system change”, and betraying those who supported or sacrificed for its earlier Marxist politics. He also contended that the JVP had contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic setbacks by opposing foreign investment, free trade zones and education reforms, while stating that the SJB acknowledged past faults and had formed to correct them.
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised a point of order concerning reductions to doctors’ overtime payments, stating that the “80/1” extra duty payment had been reduced to “120/1.” He linked this to wider concerns over doctors’ remuneration and benefits, including the absence of vehicle permits, transport allowances, or drivers, and recalled that lowering the retirement age during a previous Health Minister’s tenure contributed to a reported exodus of nearly 2,000 doctors. He urged the Government and the Minister of Health to safeguard doctors and address these employment conditions.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana stated that he was speaking on behalf of doctors across the country and emphasized the need to protect and safeguard them.
Healthcare Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna thanked the Government for allocating Rs. 100 million to the Jaffna Library and, in response to remarks by Hon. Kabir Hashim, apologized on behalf of the people of the Northern Province if the LTTE was responsible for the bombing of Sri Dalada Maligawa. He referred to longstanding discrimination against Tamils since 1983 as the context for past armed conflict, but urged both Government and Opposition parties to stop invoking ethnic issues and focus on moving forward as one country.
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim briefly intervened to note that his name had been mentioned and that an issue had been raised concerning him. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was recorded in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim questioned whether the Member’s apology was being offered on behalf of the JVP or on behalf of the Tamil people. The remark sought clarification on the political or communal capacity in which the apology was being made.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna referred to the LTTE bombing of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and apologized on behalf of the people of the Northern Province. He stated that the LTTE cadres involved came from the Northern Province, amid an interruption.
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim briefly requested one minute of speaking time. No substantive policy, legislative, or procedural argument was made in the quoted remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim acknowledged another Member’s apology and called on the JVP to apologize for its alleged role in bombing the Sri Dalada Maligawa. He stated that such an apology had not yet been made and was what he expected from them.
- The Hon. Chief Government Whip (Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa)
AI summary The Chief Government Whip responded to a question by Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana on health-sector remuneration, acknowledging the extra-duty work of doctors and health support staff. He stated that the Budget increases the basic salaries of doctors and all public servants, and that extra-duty payments will be calculated on the full revised basic salary despite the increment being granted in three stages. He said April 2025 salaries would be significantly higher than March 2025, citing an increase of over Rs. 26,000 for a preliminary grade medical officer after internship, and added that the State Minister of Health and Media would provide further details.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena defended the 2025 Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s first effort to address hardship through targeted welfare, poverty alleviation, agriculture, employment and tourism support, while acknowledging fiscal and administrative constraints. He cited planned expenditure of Rs. 8,835 billion, expected revenue of Rs. 4,990 billion, school supply and footwear grants for low-income children, and post-climate damage repairs in areas such as Anuradhapura. He argued the Government would follow principles of meritocracy, pragmatism and honesty, reject corruption, and strengthen public sector basic salaries while raising the PAYE/APIT tax-free threshold from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000. He also detailed salary increases for categories including university academics and medical officers, presenting them as fair adjustments based on analysis rather than agitation.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that the 2025 Budget’s aim of “economic democracy” cannot be achieved in the North and East without resolving political marginalization, land issues and long-standing regional inequities linked to the war and poor governance. He highlighted the Northern Province’s low GDP contribution and called for timely fertilizer subsidies, fair market access, disaster compensation, restoration of tanks, release of lands held by the military and State agencies, and allocation of pasture for livestock. He also criticized delays faced by diaspora investors in obtaining land and approvals, urging a genuine one-stop mechanism to facilitate investment in the region.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s maiden Budget against Opposition claims that it follows past IMF or corporate-oriented policies, arguing that its distinction is a shift toward increasing incomes, production, rural industry, entrepreneurship, and public trust in taxation. He cited steps including a planned Rs. 50 billion development fund through State banks, onboarding of 15,000 entrepreneurs, salary and pension increases, private-sector wage measures, digital payment reforms, transport modernization, and support for children leaving institutional care. He said Rs. 99 billion is allocated under economic services and entrepreneurship, including Rs. 38 billion for SME development, and outlined industrial plans such as reviving Valaichchenai Paper City, Paranthan chemicals industry, Kankesanthurai salt works, State paper reuse, and the Northern Coconut Triangle.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Budget as relying on pre-Budget tax increases while adopting policies similar to those previously opposed by the Government, and questioned whether revenue targets under the IMF programme are realistic. He welcomed digitalization initiatives such as the Unique Digital Identity, but urged the Government to operationalize the Data Protection Authority and raised concerns about taxes on digital services, ICT exports, and creator-economy earnings. He questioned the affordability of vehicle imports under current taxes, the viability of a development bank without collateral-lending reforms, the removal of SVAT for exporters, and the Government’s approach to FDI and investor relations. He also contrasted current education allocations with earlier pledges and raised concerns about transport spending priorities.
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Government’s first Budget, arguing that it responds to the public mandate to stabilize the economy, strengthen social welfare, and change prior political and economic practices. He highlighted provisions including allowances for orphans and children in remand homes, salary increases and higher annual increments across public sector grades, and revised remuneration for doctors. He stated that the Budget provides relief to workers, pensioners, plantation communities, and vulnerable groups without new burdens, asset sales, or additional debt, while redirecting reduced wasteful expenditure toward welfare, infrastructure, and the production economy.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed increased Budget allocations for the North, particularly the proposed reconstruction of the historically significant Vattuvaakal Bridge, but urged that funds be distributed across all five northern districts rather than concentrated in Jaffna. He questioned the lack of clarity on the President’s statement that India would develop the East and asked the Government to specify what projects India would undertake and whether reduced allocations reflected electoral considerations in Batticaloa. He called for urgent attention to the Vanni districts’ basic needs, including roads, schools and hospitals, and requested that the President, Ministers, Governor and officials ensure proper allocation and implementation of development funds.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma clarified allocations in response to Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan’s concerns, stating that Rs. 5,000 million has already been provided for Northern Province development. He added that the Appropriation Bill increases monthly allowances for kidney patients and persons with disabilities from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000, and for the elderly from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000, effective April. He said these provisions apply nationally while also giving specific funding attention to the Northern Province.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake defended the 2025 Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s inaugural programme to restore economic stability, expand production in agriculture, industry and services, and ensure wider participation and fair distribution of benefits. He rejected Opposition claims that it is an election, IMF, or anti-private-sector Budget, citing proposals for investment protection, port and logistics development, exporter support, and measures to improve GDP growth, inflation stability, and the current account. He highlighted allocations and initiatives for social protection, health, education, early childhood nutrition, public transport, prisoners, orphans, persons with disabilities, youth employment, and youth mental health.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order referring to an incident that occurred in a courtroom at the Colombo main Court Complex and earlier threats he said he received in Jaffna. He requested that the Minister of Public Security provide security for him, at least during Parliamentary Sessions, given his planned return to Jaffna, and asked that the matter be conveyed to the Speaker.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s first Budget as a people-centred and structured programme, highlighting allocations for neglected groups and the health sector’s record Rs. 604 billion allocation. He said the Government is addressing medicine and equipment shortages, hospital queues, health staff facilities, transfers, allowances, training issues, and professional migration through short-, medium-, and long-term measures, including improved data systems and primary care development. He also stated that public sector salaries and related allowances have been substantially increased after nine years, with tax burdens on professionals reduced, and said the impact would be visible in salaries by early April.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the NPP’s inaugural Budget, describing proposals such as health-sector digitalization as long-term measures to modernize public services. He highlighted the proposed “Sri Lanka Day” as a national cultural festival intended to promote unity among communities, attract diaspora tourism, and support local arts, crafts, and traditional industries. He also backed an additional Rs. 100 million for skills development of convicted prisoners, arguing that rehabilitation and employability are needed to reduce recidivism. Referring to a recent triple homicide raised by the Opposition, he said the deceased had previously named alleged threats in YouTube interviews and urged Members to view them.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that the Budget marks a major shift from the JVP’s past policy positions and largely continues the former Government’s IMF-aligned economic path. He questioned how the Rs. 2,200 billion deficit and non-tax revenue targets would be financed, warning that many proposals may remain unimplemented as in previous years. He said public sector salary and welfare increases are inadequate given rising living costs, and welcomed higher education expansion involving the private sector while criticizing earlier opposition to domestic private education options.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel described the NPP’s inaugural Budget as a “citizens’ Budget” intended to distribute benefits across all regions and communities, with emphasis on youth, children, women, and historically neglected areas such as the plantation sector. She highlighted allocations for maternal and child nutrition, women’s and children’s protection, care homes, child-friendly justice transport, school meals, preschool teachers, scholarships, vocational trainees, sports school nutrition, and drug rehabilitation programmes. She said the Budget also advances commitments to strengthen plantation-area hospitals and improve the living standards of the plantation Tamil community, including allocations for housing, infrastructure, land and house titles, vocational training, and smart classrooms.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi defended the 2025 Budget as aligned with the NPP’s policy of economic democracy, productive growth, and fair distribution, rejecting Opposition claims that it is either insufficiently socialist or neoliberal. He argued that Opposition references to past open-economy policies and comparisons with Adam Smith, Ronnie de Mel, and Deng Xiaoping were historically inaccurate and outdated. He said the Budget sets out its macroeconomic principles and goes beyond fiscal measures by allocating funds for national reconciliation, religious and cultural activities, Northern and Eastern development, the Jaffna Library, and improved living standards for the Malaiyagam Tamil community.
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the 2025 Budget, presenting it as a mandate-based plan to rebuild the country after economic collapse and criticising the Opposition for failing to offer substantive objections. He said the Budget strengthens the State sector, promotes productive national economic activity, reduces wasteful spending, mobilizes tax revenue and labour, and directs benefits to the public. He also argued that the Government is leading by example by cutting perks and improving efficiency and cleanliness in the State apparatus.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of order, addressing the Deputy Chairperson of Committees. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of reference, noting that his name had been mentioned in the debate. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera briefly clarified that he had not referred to any individual by name. The remark appears to have been made in response to an objection or point raised during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan said the Budget contains welcome progressive measures, including welfare expansion, education and health allocations, plantation wage increases, anti-intoxicant goals, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, and funding for the Jaffna Library and Vattuvagal Bridge. He argued, however, that the Eastern Province, particularly Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Digamadulla, has received no specific equitable development allocation despite war damage and recent flood losses. He called for Budgetary attention to stalled bridge projects and lagoon/tank crossings in Batticaloa, including links such as Naripul Estate–Pankudaveli, Thikilivattai–Sandiveli, Kinnaadi–Murukandy and Mandur–Kurumanveli, to address flooding, transport and economic development needs.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma clarified that the Budget includes a specific allocation for development in the Eastern Province, contrary to a claim that no funds were allocated. He stated that foreign assistance from India is recognized as an additional source of support, while wider Budget programmes in sectors such as roads, education, health, and fisheries would also benefit the province.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was presented in the recorded speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu responded to a reference to his name by noting that, although the Budget does not contain allocations specifically earmarked for Batticaloa District, sectoral allocations by the National People’s Power Government are expected to fund projects benefiting the district. He specifically cited allocations for the long-pending Mundeni Aru project and said funds would flow through the relevant ministries and sectors.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath — Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government
AI summary Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as a national plan to rebuild the economy after the September 2024 change of government, arguing that national recovery requires patience, discipline and public sacrifice. He cited examples such as China, Singapore and Cuba to support the need for long-term planning and adjustment, and contrasted the Budget with what he described as previous governments’ politically motivated allocations. He rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims that the Budget was province-specific or IMF-driven, stating that it was intended for the whole country and reflected the Government’s promised “system change.”
- The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage supported the Budget as a historic and fiscally disciplined measure, highlighting increased Mahapola, student, and TVET allowances and allocations for plantation youth vocational training, youth agri-entrepreneurs, and the Clean Sri Lanka programme. Drawing on his own experience in agriculture, he emphasized the need for transparent land and finance procedures, efficient implementation by public officials, and use of decentralized funds in Gampaha for agri-industrial development and flood management. He also welcomed salary increases and planned recruitment in the public service, arguing these should create merit-based opportunities for youth, and called on the Opposition to offer constructive scrutiny rather than focus on issues such as the removal of vehicle permits.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hector Appuhamy formally seconded the motion before the House. The motion was put to the question and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Prof. Sena Nanayakkara presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa — Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment
AI summary Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa defended the Government’s first Budget against claims that it lacked vision or was externally driven, stating that it was prepared by officials, professionals and the new administration to promote clean and people-centred governance. He highlighted public sector salary increases, higher disaster loan limits, export targets of about USD 19 billion, use of underutilized state lands, tourism development, and plans to connect rural producers and youth entrepreneurs to markets. Responding to criticism that the Eastern Province had been neglected, he cited allocations and assistance for provincial development, agriculture, irrigation, youth cooperatives, dairy, fisheries and schemes such as Gal Oya, saying these measures would benefit communities across the East.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe rose to raise a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe sought to respond to comments by Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa regarding claims that more funds had been allocated to the North than to the East. He indicated that members had raised concerns about regional disparities in allocations, but the excerpt ends before he elaborates further.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed welcomed the 2025 Budget allocations for the North and East, particularly in education, health, roads, agriculture, housing and social welfare, and called for timely implementation through a proper framework. He urged development of under-resourced and stalled school projects, including upgrading Al Aqsa Maha Vidyalaya in Vavuniya to a National School, and requested teacher/principal quarters and support for rural education. He also raised unresolved post-war housing problems, arguing that the Rs. 500,000 grant is insufficient, and called for industrial estates to address youth unemployment in northern districts. He further requested stronger support for marine and freshwater fisheries, including boats and nets, while noting concerns over Tamil Nadu fishermen affecting local livelihoods.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara defended the 2025 Budget, rejecting Opposition claims that it continued previous privatization policies, lowered the PAYE threshold to Rs. 50,000, or cut research funding. He cited allocations for R&D, Triposha, estate housing and infrastructure, plantation youth training, orphaned children, disaster compensation, student stipends, and health benefits, with particular reference to projects in Badulla and Haputale. He also stated that elections would not be postponed, criticized communal politics and misinformation, and said the Government was reducing official expenditure through more restrained practices by the President and Ministers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB
AI summary Athula Welandagoda defended the first NPP Government Budget as a national plan aligned with the public mandate and criticized the Opposition for offering distortions rather than substantive alternatives. He argued that past governments lacked coherent planning, contributed to bankruptcy and division, and failed on reconciliation and national development. He highlighted allocations such as Rs. 20 billion for over 1,450 kilometres of elephant fencing and emphasized tourism development, protection of national assets such as Sigiriya, and a target of over 3 million tourists as key components of the Government’s economic strategy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath supported the Government’s Budget, framing it as the start of a broader social transformation following the recent political change and as a response to inherited political, economic and social distress. He stated that major allocations to health and education aim to improve living standards, and highlighted Rs. 7,583 million for the welfare of the Malaiyaha Tamil community, including estate-sector improvements to roads, water and sanitation in areas such as Kalutara.
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath supported the Budget, highlighting allocations for estate schools, housing for plantation workers, vocational training for plantation youth, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, and a proposed Sri Lankan Day national festival. He argued that these measures aim to improve housing, education, formal employment opportunities, and social, environmental and ethical development, while stating that Rs. 5,000 million has been allocated for Clean Sri Lanka and Rs. 300 million for Sri Lankan Day. He rejected Opposition claims that the Budget reflects Ranil Wickremesinghe’s policies, contrasting it with past spending and noting reductions in government privileges such as vehicle permits, vehicle imports and MPs’ insurance.
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary The Hon. Danushka Ranganath stated that the government is implementing multiple welfare-oriented proposals under the theme “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life.” He expressed confidence in the continued progress of the NPP government and concluded his remarks.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem
AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem argued that the 2025 Budget has not adequately addressed the needs of the Eastern Province, despite its war-affected status and contribution to national income. He requested direct budgetary allocations for Eastern development rather than reliance on anticipated Indian funding, citing needs including rural roads, Eravur hospital congestion, the unfinished Aligar National School indoor sports facility, widening of the Eravur–Pottuvil main road, and completion or protection measures related to Oluvil Port and coastal erosion. He also called for funds to protect South Eastern University from flooding caused by waters passing through the Kaliyodai Bridge.
- The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem
AI summary Mohamed Sali Naleem requested that land be provided to Muslim journalists and called for increased Budget allocations and development projects for the Eastern Province. He cited strong Muslim electoral support for the National People’s Power, including over 80,000 votes in Ampara District, as context for the request.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage supported the 2025 Budget as the Government’s first budget, arguing that it advances a production economy with public participation and fair distribution. He highlighted allocations and measures for agriculture, fisheries and food supply, including Rs. 35 billion for paddy cultivation, Rs. 5 billion for paddy procurement, Rs. 78 billion for irrigation, a proposed rail-based harvest transport system, Rs. 500 million for the Northern Coconut Triangle, and an increased fisheries allocation of Rs. 11.4 billion. He also outlined plans for cooperative village-level paddy harvesting, milling and distribution, and cited increases to welfare and education-related allowances such as pre-school meals, scholarships, university bursaries, kidney patient support and elderly assistance.
- The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage said the Budget significantly increases the Environment Ministry allocation to Rs. 16.7 billion, compared with about Rs. 8.6-8.7 billion in the previous two years, to support nature and animal welfare. He contrasted this with a reduction in the President’s Vote from Rs. 6.6 billion to Rs. 2.98 billion, arguing that cuts at the top reflect the Government’s political approach and fiscal priorities. He urged public support for the Budget’s plan to rebuild the country.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy described severe post-war social and economic challenges in the Northern Province, particularly Jaffna and Kilinochchi, including unemployment, poor infrastructure, land issues, weak agriculture and fisheries, and drug-related problems among youth. He attributed these conditions to the civil war and past failures in development planning, while welcoming 2025 Budget allocations for Northern development, including funding for the Vattuvagal Bridge, Jaffna Public Library rehabilitation, rural roads and bridges, digital initiatives, and youth-focused programmes. He urged effective implementation to revive key sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism, Kankesanthurai harbour and cement, Paranthan chemicals, Chunnakam power, and island tourism, noting that past allocations had been returned or diverted.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera
AI summary Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera supported the inaugural Budget of the NPP government, arguing that it seeks to elevate the country and ensure that benefits reach the public. He contrasted it with previous budgets, stating that past systems failed to return benefits to people despite their hard work.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera
AI summary Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera supported the Budget, arguing that it provides relief and addresses long-neglected areas such as workers’ wages, university student allowances, education, health, and support for orphaned and institutionalised children. He highlighted allocations including increased Mahapola payments, over Rs. 615 billion for education, a monthly grant for children in care, plantation-sector development, road development, and restoration of the Jaffna Public Library. He criticised the Opposition for claiming the Budget reflected their own plans while also objecting to it, and accused former ministers of failing to address displacement and housing needs in areas such as Aranayake and Kegalle.
- The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera
AI summary Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera briefly expressed confidence in the Government’s Budget, stating that the public had given the Government a mandate to uplift the country. He said the Budget was aimed at building a “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” and would guide the country forward.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the 2025 Budget for relying heavily on taxation, large borrowing, and optimistic revenue projections, and questioned whether allocations for fisheries, women entrepreneurs, micro-industries, tourism, foreign employment, and poverty reduction were practical or equitably distributed. He raised concerns about vehicle import policy and affordability, arguing that restrictions on older used vehicles would increase prices despite earlier government promises. He also demanded accountability over public security following the shooting of a suspect inside the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court, calling on the relevant ministers to answer or resign. He urged the Government to move beyond blaming the past, present realistic revenue and implementation plans, cooperate with the Opposition on tax evasion and smuggling, and demonstrate measurable results rather than describing the Budget as “historic.”
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget, saying public acceptance was reflected in the absence of protests and highlighting reductions in expenditure under the President’s Vote. He argued that fisheries allocations must follow practical development needs, welcomed the reopening of vehicle imports, and said passport services had improved through online and same-day, 24-hour arrangements. Responding to concerns about a court shooting, he said the suspect had been arrested and investigations were continuing, while also calling for probes into alleged contract killings and witness tampering in major past cases.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala alleged that past political killings were linked to the Rajapaksa family and its associates, and rejected criticism of the NPP Government on national security after only 90 days in office. He stated that investigations into witness killings and other political murders are being conducted independently through the CID and the Attorney-General’s Department without political interference, and said the Government intends to complete them despite the length of criminal trials. The debate was then adjourned at 6.30 p.m. until 20 February 2025.