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10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Monday, 24 February 2025

10th Parliament· 13 debates· 174 speeches· 53 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1741236032093385 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) 6 speeches
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB

      AI summary Oshani Umanga asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development whether new industrial zones are planned in Sri Lanka and, if so, sought details of those plans. She raised concerns about delays faced by investors in obtaining approvals and preparing lease agreements for industries in such zones, and asked what measures would be taken to reduce delays. She also asked whether a linked, streamlined process involving all relevant institutions could be established, and the expected timeframe for doing so.

      EmploymentPublic FinanceInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary Several new industrial zones and estates are being planned or developed by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Sri Lanka Industrial Development Board, including ongoing infrastructure work in five zones expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and proposed sector-based and regional zones across multiple districts. The Minister said land allocation is intended for at least 50 investors and listed planned sites, including Kankesanthurai and six IDB estates now undergoing preparatory work. He explained that lease agreements are delayed because approvals depend on land-owning agencies and a multi-stage process, but said mobile service sessions will be held to process 176 pending leases after 206 permits have already been issued. An Investor Facilitation Committee has been established to reduce timelines, with targets of allocating land within 22 days and issuing lease permits within 62 days, subject to Cabinet approval and monitoring.

      EmploymentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB

      AI summary Asked the Minister what measures have been taken to address delays in issuing lease permits, noting that investors who waited 15 to 25 years face accumulated rent arrears, difficulty expanding production, and barriers to obtaining bank loans due to lack of lease documentation.

      Land & HousingPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that delays in issuing leases for enterprises in government zones have discouraged investors and created problems such as informal transfers and unclear occupancy. He said mobile services involving relevant agencies will be launched to expedite lease issuance, with a target of completing approvals within 22 days and finalizing leases within 62 days. He also noted that inter-agency clearances should ideally be secured before inviting industries into government zones.

      EmploymentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga asked what measures the Ministry is taking in relation to the Budget allocation of Rs. 1.5 billion for infrastructure development in 32 existing zones and the opening of new zones. She raised concerns about neglected maintenance, loss of opportunities for genuine investors, unauthorized occupation or residence within some zones, and asked about interim sub-leasing and steps to expedite the 15-step process so existing factories can function smoothly.

      Public FinanceInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that industrial zones handed over to Divisional Secretaries lack clear accountability for infrastructure and administration, despite rent collection. He said the Government intends to bring such zones under the Ministry and the Industrial Development Authority, and to prevent unauthorized commercial sub-leasing of State plots unless conducted under Ministry oversight and proper agreements. He added that future regularization through Divisional Secretaries would follow formal procedures.

      InfrastructurePublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →