Sitting of Monday, 24 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1741236032093385 ·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 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Report of Industrial Technology Institute 1 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 1 - 445/2025 (Defence) 5 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 3 - 447/2025 (Forest Conservation) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 4 - 449/2025 (Housing) 3 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 5 - 453/2025 (Plantation and Community Infrastructure) 3 speeches
- 9 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Prime Minister Response on Colombo Port and Digital Economy 21 speeches
- 10 Procedural Procedural: Committee on High Posts and Security Concerns 8 speeches
- 11 Debate Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day 82 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the broad direction of President Anura Dissanayake’s inaugural Budget, linking it to past UNP-led economic reforms and the 2023–2024 stabilization under Ranil Wickremesinghe. He endorsed continuing the IMF-backed recovery path while arguing that Sri Lanka should not accept every IMF condition without tailoring policies through local expertise and maintaining fiscal discipline. He called for prioritizing capital investment, primary surpluses, cost-benefit evaluation of projects, economic diversification, trade facilitation, and digitization, warning that recurrent expenditure and rising debt must be managed carefully.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that governance should be directed through state institutions rather than party offices, called for restoring public trust, and referred to his proposal to abolish MPs’ pensions as part of that effort. He questioned the feasibility of achieving the Budget’s revenue and primary surplus targets, and urged a policy shift on vehicle imports, citing high taxes, low LC openings, and reported difficulties with Japanese banks accepting Sri Lankan LCs. He also criticized continued Treasury support for SriLankan Airlines, noting large recent debt-service allocations and outstanding liabilities, and proposed a public-private partnership or privatized management model while retaining strategic oversight if necessary.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that he had been allotted 28 minutes to speak. No substantive policy issue, question, or proposal was raised in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a procedural concern that an interruption was disrupting his speech. No substantive policy argument or proposal was made in the quoted remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake welcomed measures on taxation, digitalization, public-private partnerships, SME loan settlement, port development, credit guarantees and SOE reforms, but questioned why no allocation was made for tourism. He queried the adequacy and location in the Budget of the Rs. 5 billion support for paddy purchasing, arguing it was small relative to the Maha harvest’s value. He also asked which sectors would receive priority capital to achieve export and FDI targets, and raised concerns that high domestic interest rates would undermine investment competitiveness compared with other countries.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake requested an additional four minutes to continue his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that investment and tourism in underdeveloped regions are being constrained by administrative delays and approval bottlenecks. He cautioned that abolishing SVAT should be accompanied by timely VAT refunds, otherwise delayed Inland Revenue refunds would deter investors. He also called for faster BOI and Port City approvals and urged officials to enable initiatives such as night visits to Sigiriya to increase tourism revenue, citing the President’s own concerns about lengthy approvals across multiple institutions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake requested two additional minutes to conclude his remarks. No substantive policy point or proposal is contained in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake called for an end to delays in container clearance, arguing that this is necessary to attract investment. He said the Budget covers many areas but has yet to produce tangible impact, and noted that migrant workers have not received meaningful support. He urged the Government to work with the private sector on a rapid, actionable economic plan focused on future growth.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning corrected the record on the Budget deficit, stating that it is Rs. 2,200 billion rather than the Rs. 2,900 billion cited by another Member.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka defended the NPP Government’s first Budget as a foundation for social and economic transformation, arguing that increased capital expenditure, regional development funding, and planned reductions in recurrent spending are intended to expand production and services while maintaining fiscal discipline. He highlighted social protection allocations, public sector salary increases, tax relief for professionals, and clarified that revised pay and allowance calculations would increase rather than reduce benefits, inviting unions to discuss the figures with the Treasury. He rejected claims that the Budget was externally dictated, stating it provides fair relief within the IMF programme, and emphasized major education allocations aimed at improving school access, quality, and human capital development.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that the 2025 Budget largely continues the economic programme associated with Ranil Wickremesinghe rather than presenting a distinct policy shift under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He reviewed post-independence economic policy, citing both achievements in agriculture, free trade zones and apparel, and missed opportunities from nationalization, weak export diversification, opposition to private higher education and trade agreements, and past political instability. He questioned whether the Budget advances meaningful devolution for the North and East beyond the Thirteenth Amendment and called for substantial allocations to eliminate plantation line rooms and provide proper housing for the Malayagam community.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to allocate funds to eliminate plantation “line rooms” rather than merely rebrand estate housing programmes, saying this was necessary to improve living conditions and dignity in the upcountry. He questioned the Budget’s approach to SriLankan Airlines, asking the Government to clarify whether it would retain or privatize the airline and to provide adequate funding if it remains state-run. He also called for corrective action for under-employed and unemployed graduates, including suitable placements and recruitment commitments, and raised concerns that salary changes for doctors, nurses and allied health staff could reduce take-home pay despite pension-related adjustments.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as grounded in the National People’s Power manifesto and intended to recover from the economic collapse, debt default, low revenue, depleted reserves, corruption and institutional failures inherited from previous administrations. He rejected Opposition claims that the Budget follows “Ranil’s” or neoliberal policies, arguing that critics fear its implementation and lack a substantive alternative. He highlighted the Budget’s commitment to “democratizing the economy” by ensuring fair competition, equal opportunity and preventing excessive concentration of market power, contrasting this with past conflicts of interest and misuse of ministerial authority for private business gain.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka criticised the Government’s inaugural Budget as a reversal of the JVP-NPP’s pre-election positions, arguing that it now accepts the IMF path, private participation, foreign universities, land use for investors, and digital identity despite earlier opposition. He questioned the adequacy of allocations for religious education and highlighted what he said were unfulfilled promises on VAT reductions, public servant benefits, teachers’ salaries, agricultural inputs, school supplies, and Agrahara insurance. He also challenged the structure of the proposed public sector salary increases and said the Budget gives more detail on expenditure than on revenue and debt management.
- The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB
AI summary The speech defended the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget by arguing that it inherited a damaged economy, high debt, weakened public services, and corruption from previous administrations. It cited past borrowing, alleged tax and procurement scandals, and relief to politically connected businesses as reasons for the crisis, while presenting Budget 2025 as a recovery plan focused on production, village-level investment, Clean Sri Lanka, human development, and digitization. The Member highlighted claims of reduced expenditure by the President, Prime Minister and Ministers, and outlined allocations for small tea growers, nurseries, replanting, mechanization, solar projects, and support to the gem industry. He also linked current underworld crime concerns to criminals allegedly nurtured by former regimes.
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the 2025 Budget as the first foundational step in a longer development programme, arguing that it responds to structural causes of the 2022 crisis and looks forward rather than dwelling on past failures. He contrasted it with the 1977 Budget and said both periods involved strong mandates for change, but criticized previous governments for contributing to corruption, failed policy, and the growth of underworld elements. He dismissed Opposition claims that the Budget omits key items, saying later stages of the programme would address them, and also criticized MPs focusing on lost insurance benefits and perks rather than policy.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan argued that the Government should acknowledge policy shifts such as support for the open economy and projects in Trincomalee and Hambantota without selectively blaming past governments. He scrutinized the Budget allocation for hill country plantation communities, stating that much of the cited Rs. 7,522 million comes from prior Indian Government commitments, with only about Rs. 3,422 million from Sri Lankan funds, and asked for clarification on promised technical training allocations. He urged hill country Government MPs to focus on forward-looking action rather than blaming past representatives, and highlighted earlier efforts by the Tamil Progressive Alliance to secure Indian-funded housing and create new Pradeshiya Sabhas in Nuwara Eliya.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan said Ministers had highlighted salary increases for various groups but had neglected estate workers, whom he described as the lowest-income earners. He argued that the promised Rs. 1,700 daily wage for plantation workers would not be achieved through statements alone and proposed reforming the plantation system into a cooperative model in which workers become partners. He also rejected criticism of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s record on hill country communities and asked the Government to state its land and housing policy for estate workers, including the extent of land to be allocated and whether housing would be individual units or apartments.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan objected to references to the late Ranasinghe Premadasa and demands that his son apologise, calling such remarks inappropriate. He urged the Government to move beyond rhetoric and state concrete policies for hill country people, specifically asking for its land and housing plans, whether housing would be apartments or individual houses, and how much land would be allocated.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla defended the Government’s 2025 maiden Budget as a response to long-standing failures in education, health, public services, agriculture, industry, governance and environmental management under previous administrations. Citing conditions in remote schools and hospitals in Mahiyanganaya, he argued that the Budget should prioritize rebuilding basic services and addressing inequalities faced by rural communities. He said the Government would support farmers through water, land, seed and a guaranteed paddy price margin of Rs. 120 per kilo, while securing rice stocks and promoting sustainable agriculture. He also referred to past efforts to protect land in Wellassa and stated that the Government would develop such land for the benefit of local people rather than follow previous privatization policies.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla argued that the government had ended parliamentary privileges and elitist practices, citing the removal of vehicle permits and MPs’ pensions, changes to cafeteria pricing, and the redirection of Presidential Fund benefits to ordinary people. He contrasted this with past abuses, commissions, and political victimisation, including an incident involving his family in 2009, and stated that the government would work to rebuild the country.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath defended the National People’s Power Government’s first Budget, arguing that it sets a production-oriented economic direction after decades of policy failure and is aligned with the Government’s “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” mandate. He highlighted proposals on export expansion, investment facilitation, MSME revival, reduced public expenditure, salary increases for public servants and Pirivena teachers, support for pensioners, farmers and plantation communities, and a Rs. 619 billion allocation for education-related programmes. He criticized the Opposition for offering little constructive critique and accused previous UNP, SLFP and coalition governments of fostering underworld activity, while stating that the Government would control such activity through legal means.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage defended the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget as aligned with its “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” mandate and based on increasing production, broad public participation in production, and equitable distribution of growth. He highlighted allocations for agriculture, irrigation, fertilizer support, coconut expansion in the North, tourism development, and provincial and district development to reduce regional disparities. He also emphasized expanded investment in education, higher education scholarships, public health including medicine procurement and removal of VAT on medicine-related inputs, and over Rs. 700 billion for social welfare and protection.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB
AI summary Dr. Upali Pannilage requested the Deputy Chairperson of Committees to grant him one additional minute to continue his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake requested that the member speaking be granted an additional two minutes by the Deputy Chairperson of Committees.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB
AI summary Dr. Upali Pannilage stated that the Government has increased several social protection payments, including Aswasuma benefits, disability allowances, and, from April, the kidney patients’ allowance. He said social protection is a core Government policy and described the Budget as strengthening public services and initiating structural transformation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved that Hon. Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees vacated the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Manoj Rajapaksha defended the 2025 Budget, arguing that it was prepared in the context of a collapsed economy and state and was based on making citizens active participants, stakeholders, and beneficiaries in economic recovery. He rejected Opposition criticism as lacking substantive alternatives and said the Budget combines short-term and long-term measures within the Government’s broader economic plan. He highlighted allocations for priority areas, including about Rs. 483 billion for transport bottlenecks and funding for education, stating these address pressing public needs, especially in remote areas.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen said the Government has a moral responsibility to deliver on its election promises to the diverse communities that supported it. He requested that the Rs. 10 million allocated for each MP’s area be implemented with the input of all 225 MPs, and urged stronger programmes for farmers despite increased Budget allocations to education, agriculture and health. He thanked the Government for allocating Rs. 1,000 million for the Vattuvakal Bridge in Mullaitivu and called for rehabilitation of the Mannar–Puttalam road, including repair of three damaged bridges, to improve North-South connectivity and reduce travel distance.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake asked whether a ferry service between Mannar and Puttalam would be viable.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen stated that while the matter under discussion may be viable, the associated road infrastructure is also very important. He emphasized the need to give attention to road access or development as part of the proposal.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake notes that there is public interest in restarting a ferry service from Mannar, indicating a request or proposal to restore maritime connectivity from that area. The available excerpt is incomplete, so the destination, policy context, and any specific government response or demand cannot be determined.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen briefly referred to the Mannar to Kalpitiya area, likely in the context of a matter affecting that coastal stretch or route. No further substantive details, proposal, or demand are provided in the supplied excerpt.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported the preceding suggestion and added that a Mannar–Puttalam road is also needed. He argued that this route would be 100 kilometres shorter than existing alternatives.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that he would request the Secretary of the Road Development Authority to prepare a report.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to complete and fund delayed infrastructure and public service projects in the North, East, Puttalam, and Mannar, including the Silavathurai cultural hall, hospital upgrades, roads, canals, bridges, and resettlement facilities for displaced communities. He called for restoration of withdrawn allocations for IDP areas, urgent rehabilitation of flood-prone bridges and waterways such as Mavadipalli Bridge and Senanayake Samudraya, and faster implementation of Indian-funded projects for Mannar Hospital and aquaculture development. He also requested reopening closed Sathosa outlets, practical support for SMEs, protection of Mannar’s tourism potential from mineral sand extraction, revival of connectivity with Rameswaram, and action on Forest Department land designation issues affecting local communities.
- The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB
AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage defended the Government’s Budget as a new policy direction focused on economic stability, reform, and reducing state waste, rejecting Opposition claims that it continues previous policies. He cited the President’s earlier statement on the fragility of the economy and argued that the Budget prioritizes rural and low-income communities rather than political allies. He highlighted allocations of Rs. 604 billion for health and Rs. 619 billion for education, saying these address shortages in rural hospitals and schools and support a healthier, better-educated population.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB
AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi used the Budget Second Reading debate to highlight Nuwara Eliya District’s contribution to the national economy through tea, dairy, vegetables, potatoes and spices, while arguing that its people continue to face severe deprivation. He cited shortages and deficiencies in education, health, housing and roads, including teacher vacancies, limited advanced-level science facilities, under-equipped hospitals, line-room housing and thousands of poor roads. He said the Budget should mark a shift toward sharing the benefits of production with these communities through “economic democracy” and addressing long-standing neglect.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha supported the Budget as reflecting a participatory economic model and highlighted allocations affecting Ratnapura, including Rs. 250 million to begin restoring and extending the Kelani Valley railway to Ratnapura, with later phases to Kahawatta, Ambilipitiya and Sooriyawewa, while assuring fair treatment and compensation for affected residents. He also cited provisions for children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, children in care institutions, Malaiyagam Tamil housing, livelihoods and schools, and Rs. 100 million for the restoration of the Jaffna Library as measures aimed at welfare and reconciliation. Responding to Opposition criticism, he argued that the Budget contains substantive allocations and referred to proposed public servant salary increases, particularly for teachers, while contrasting them with past treatment of public sector workers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi argued that the 2025 Budget largely continues the existing IMF-aligned economic programme and does not fully reflect the “system change” mandate received by the Government after the 2022 crisis. He rejected the view that Sri Lanka’s problems stem from a “76-year curse,” citing post-independence gains in education, health, irrigation, hydropower, exports and industrialization, and instead attributed the 2022 crisis mainly to policy failures from around 2004 and the immediate decisions of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He said earlier reform efforts on the public service, CEB, CPC, revenue administration and State-owned enterprises were blocked, and urged the Government, with its two-thirds majority, to present a clear economic and development model through the Budget.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as a people-centric programme focused on roads, agriculture, rural livelihoods, poverty reduction, digitalization, SMEs, health, education, and targeted support for plantation communities, kidney patients, persons with disabilities, and children in care. He rejected Opposition criticism of public sector salary measures, stating that proposed teacher salary revisions exceed requested parity levels and include an 8 per cent rise in annual increments across the public service. He also challenged Opposition claims on democracy by referring to past incidents of political violence, and said the Government would implement the Budget under its “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” agenda.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Budget as a programme for economic, social and political transformation, highlighting the increase to public sector basic salaries as a measure that could improve access to bank loans and reduce reliance on high-interest private lending and microfinance, particularly among women. She cited allocations for women and children, including increased preschool breakfast payments, Rs. 5,000 million for Thriposha, and Rs. 250 million for an early childhood development centre for autism and related disorders. She also called for need-based development and improved public transport, raising concerns about encroachment on railway lands in Nawalapitiya, and welcomed the proposal for a unifying Sri Lankan Day.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila defended the Government’s inaugural Budget, arguing that it has stabilized the economy and disproved Opposition claims about instability and threats to religion or tradition. He highlighted Budget measures to strengthen agriculture, including improving coconut yields, expanding maize cultivation, reducing imports of crops such as potatoes and onions by around 2027, developing dairy production, and increasing cooperative-sector capacity for produce marketing and paddy purchasing. He also stated that forthcoming public servant salary increases and continued Government delivery would undermine Opposition criticism, while reaffirming a commitment to hold those responsible for past crimes accountable.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said the Budget’s allocations for the North and East, including for the Jaffna Library, local roads, resettlement, Vattuvagal bridge, health and industrial development, were disproportionately small compared with total capital expenditure and amounted to token assistance. He argued that lasting progress requires addressing Sinhala-Tamil communication gaps, ending communal politics, protecting all religious sites, and repealing the PTA to encourage diaspora investment. He also called for meaningful development such as revival of the KKS cement factory and implementation of commitments affecting the North, including issues linked to the 13th Amendment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe moved that Hon. Aravinda Senarath take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana formally seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to, after which Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara left the Chair and Hon. Aravinda Senarath took the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Upali Samarasingha argued that the Government’s inaugural Budget is reform-oriented and sets clear five-year targets, unlike past Budgets that he said mainly extended existing allocations. He highlighted allocations for public transport, education, health, universities, prisons, probationary care, persons with disabilities and drug rehabilitation, saying these aim to improve services, welfare and reintegration. He also stated that the Government intends to reduce the Budget gap without imposing a heavy tax burden or selling national assets, while criticizing the low Opposition attendance during the Budget Debate.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB
AI summary Upali Samarasingha outlined Budget allocations for Northern development, including funding for rural roads and bridges, the Mullaitivu Vadduvakal Bridge, resettlement of displaced persons in the North and East, improvements to the Jaffna Library, coconut cultivation, and restoration of tanks in Vavuniya. He stated that these were substantial allocations and that the Government would act fairly within its limits.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe defended the Budget as an “economic democracy” programme intended to broaden economic participation across regions and social groups while remaining within the IMF framework and preparing for debt servicing from 2028. He rejected claims that the North was neglected, citing allocations for bridges, roads, tourism infrastructure and Rs. 100 million for the Jaffna Library. He said the Budget combines market mechanisms with regulation, state intervention and public-sector participation, targets 5 per cent growth, and includes public-sector salary and increment increases without imposing new taxes on the general public. He attributed current fiscal constraints to past debt-funded projects and said the Government would focus on tax collection from evaders while rebuilding the economy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected the Opposition’s claim that Ministers are arrogant, stating that many Government Members had left their professions and businesses to serve the country. He said the Government, with 159 Members, was committed to rebuilding the economy and presented the Budget as the first step in that effort.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary The member said the Opposition would support constructive government action while scrutinizing errors, warning against arrogance after the Government’s large electoral mandate. He questioned whether the President’s promise to “lift the country” within six months would be measured from the presidential or parliamentary victory, and said the Opposition would allow that period without obstruction. He cited concerns over rice import reversals, Sathosa tender issues, and possible repetition of past corrupt practices. He also urged the Sports Minister to act on alleged corruption in Sri Lanka Cricket, noting prior COPE concerns and saying promised action within 14 days had not materialized.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe defended the 2025 Budget as aligned with the NPP Government’s “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” programme, arguing it responds to the economic collapse inherited in 2022 and citing bond restructuring, credit rating upgrades, tourism growth, and resumed Japanese projects as signs of restored confidence. He said the Budget prioritizes production, SMEs, fair distribution, essential services, and selective regulation, while rejecting past practices of borrowing, asset sales, tax concessions, and election-oriented handouts. He highlighted major allocations for social protection, health, education, agriculture modernization, public service digitization, and support for vulnerable groups, linking these to poverty and vulnerability data from the 2023 UNDP survey.
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities 32 speeches
- 13 Adjournment Adjournment 1 speeches