Sitting of Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1741258607035810 ·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 Presented 4 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 9 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) 16 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Investigations into Damaging Buddha Statues in Mawanella (Q.6/2024) 5 speeches
- 6 Procedural Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) 24 speeches
- 7 Debate Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) 26 speeches
- 8 Debate Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) 56 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi framed the 2025 Budget as a historic turning point comparable to the 1970 and 1977 Budgets, arguing that its central objective is the “democratization of the economy” through broader participation and fairer distribution of growth. He highlighted targets and measures including 5 per cent growth, investment in agriculture, food security, technology, agro-industry, digital transformation across 12 sectors, and improved public service efficiency and accountability. He also defended salary increases and private-sector wage interventions as necessary to raise purchasing power, and said the Budget seeks to deliver jobs, enterprises, better health and education, and national development.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Ajith Gihan supported the Government’s ceremonial Budget, arguing that it is grounded in the NPP policy framework “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” and aimed at rebuilding a weakened economy. He said the Budget’s foundation is poverty reduction through strengthening production and services, while noting that Sri Lanka must improve its export performance to match faster-growing Asian economies.
- Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan defended the Budget as a production- and export-oriented programme aimed at reducing the deficit while prioritizing agriculture, food security, poverty alleviation, infrastructure, and fair distribution of economic benefits. He said allocations for agriculture, Aswesuma, transport and other services were intended to rebuild the economy and involve the wider population, contrasting this with previous Budgets that he said benefited select groups. He criticized the Opposition’s approach to the debate and said it should support national recovery, while noting plans to improve revenue collection and streamline trade through a new Customs Act to address leakages.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that successive governments, despite criticizing the open market economy introduced in 1977, continued or expanded privatization and market-oriented policies, citing the Chandrika Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa administrations as examples. He questioned the NPP Government’s claim of pursuing “economic democracy” or a new economic direction while remaining within the IMF programme and following advice from the Central Bank, Treasury and IMF. He also challenged the Government on whether it consulted the public or farmers’ organizations in preparing the Budget and setting the paddy price at Rs. 120 per kilo.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman criticized the Government’s approach to consultation, saying it relied on supportive committees rather than farmer assemblies that had protested in Colombo. He argued that rice policy decisions favoured mill owners over farmers, citing meetings with millers and an increase of Rs. 10 that he said benefited them while farmers received Rs. 120 per kilo. He also questioned the Government’s claim that there were no cronies, alleging that a 50 MW wind power tender was granted with Cabinet approval despite procurement and appeal rejections to a person who had supported the campaign.
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara stated that expenditure had been incurred from the outset, but the provided excerpt is too brief to identify the subject matter, context, or any specific proposal, question, or demand.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman questioned the Government’s procurement practices, arguing that tenders should not be awarded solely on the lowest price and alleging irregularities in a wind power project and the release of 323 containers without Customs checks. He criticized the Government for not fulfilling promised public sector wage increases, citing teachers and workers who supported earlier protests, and called for compensation for a teacher injured during a demonstration. He also objected to proposed taxation on IT freelancers while alleging inaction on online casino taxation, and urged the proposed Anti-Corruption Committee Office to investigate both past corruption and current matters such as the wind power project, container releases, VFS, and passport-related deals.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the 2025 Budget as a shift away from austerity and neoliberal policy toward a production-based, resilient economy focused on economic democracy, social justice and environmental quality. He cited increased capital expenditure, public sector wage rises, SME credit guarantees, public transport and railway modernization, SOE strengthening through a holding company model, and higher allocations for education, health, R&D and social protection. He argued that fiscal consolidation, including a 2.3 per cent primary surplus, should be achieved through restoring State capacity and taxing higher incomes, rather than burdening workers through indirect taxes.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana argued that Sri Lanka’s ageing population and changing economy require stronger state support for eldercare rather than relying only on families. He said raising basic wages would improve retirement income for public and private sector workers, funded through taxes on higher incomes and capital gains. He rejected claims that the Budget was an “IMF Budget,” stating that its revenue measures targeted higher earners while supporting public investment and services.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana stated that the Budget prioritizes modernization of public and rail transport rather than privatization, and proposes strengthening state-owned enterprises through a holding company to generate returns without selling profitable assets. He said the Government will address public service staffing gaps, allocate record funds to education and health, increase Aswesuma and research and development funding, and pursue a model based on economic democracy, social justice, and environmental quality.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne supported the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget, arguing that the electoral mandate was for economic stabilization, accountable public finance, and social transformation after failed past governance. Focusing on education and basic services in Nuwara Eliya, she said estate and rural communities face severe hardship, including poor school transport, weak primary education, poverty, malnutrition, teenage pregnancy, and unsafe youth employment. She highlighted Budget provisions for marginalized groups and a Rs. 108.7 billion allocation for rural drinking water, citing acute shortages in Kotmale. She urged fiscal discipline and prioritization, rejecting demands for additional perks, posts, or vehicles while stating the Government would work to fulfil the public mandate.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticised the Budget’s fiscal assumptions, arguing that the 6.7 per cent deficit, high debt-servicing burden, and reliance on Rs. 300 billion from vehicle import taxes create sustainability risks, especially after government statements suggesting duties may later be reduced. He proposed pension reform through a contribution-based or hybrid system, independent pension funds, complementary private pensions, and benefit indexation to inflation and GDP. He also raised concerns over killings, custodial deaths, and illegal weapons, urging compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, proper investigations, and stronger action to uphold the rule of law. He concluded by calling for improved tax collection, expenditure discipline, private sector-led growth, transparent public spending, and targeted social safety nets.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama defended the Budget as a national, economy-wide plan prepared under severe poverty and food insecurity, rather than a set of sectoral allocations. He highlighted increased spending on education, school nutrition, rural transport, roads, seed production, smart agriculture, livestock, minor irrigation, research and development, and scientific waste management. He argued that these measures would support agriculture, industry, public services, and sectors such as tea and cinnamon, while rejecting Opposition claims on crime trends by citing homicide and grievous injury statistics for 2023 and 2024.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan supported the 2025 Budget, highlighting allocations for Northern Province development, including Rs. 5,000 million for rural roads and district-level funding which he argued prioritizes war-affected areas on a per capita basis. He cited plans to revive the Kankesanthurai cement factory, Paranthan Chemical Company and Ottuchudanil tile factory, and to rehabilitate the Vattuvagal bridge. He also outlined proposed facilities and services for Mullaitivu and Mannar, including Fire Brigade units, hospital expansion, a public library, cultural centres, and grazing arrangements for cattle near the Kattukkarai tank.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the Budget as a people-centred response to the economic crisis, highlighting expanded welfare allocations including Aswesuma, support for persons with disabilities and kidney patients, and measures for women’s and children’s protection. She cited specific proposals for maternal nutrition, Thriposha funding, facilities for children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, increased health and education allocations, higher preschool meal and teacher allowances, increased scholarships and university stipends, and larger allowances for sports school students. Referring to Moneragala, she emphasized support for rural women, poor families, and talented children facing economic hardship.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Gangani
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Gangani rejected a remark made in the Chamber characterizing a female MP from Malimawa as “childish,” stating that women in Malimawa are strong. She said their objective is to build a prosperous country and improve citizens’ lives, expressing confidence that this goal would be achieved without retreating.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Wijerathna presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana acknowledged budget allocations for the Jaffna Library and nutrition programmes, but argued that the Government had not fulfilled key promises on education, including tax relief on school stationery and adequate support for school facilities such as water and sanitation. He questioned the use of Rs. 6,000 vouchers for low-income students and said health-related tax burdens and shortages in public hospitals were forcing people to spend more privately. He also criticised the paddy procurement allocation as insufficient, arguing that reliance on private millers could raise rice prices and worsen living costs for ordinary families.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala supported the 2025 Appropriation Bill, arguing that it initiates a broader social and economic transformation under the National People’s Power Government. He criticized Opposition arguments as fear-driven and inconsistent, while stating that the Government intends to use economic policy for public-oriented development rather than technical or personal gain. He highlighted planned State investment across 26 sectors and 287 projects, with particular emphasis on the Rs. 619 billion allocation for education, describing it as central to national development and the continuation of free education’s social purpose.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala concluded by characterizing the Budget’s central objective as empowering people to make the country prosperous. He invoked a quotation attributed to Charlie Chaplin to emphasize trust in humanity and human potential.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake said the inaugural Budget of the National People’s Power Government lays a foundation for advancing the country by reshaping its social, economic and political direction. He identified three main pillars: shifting to a production-based economy, involving all regions and sectors of the population in economic activity, and distributing the benefits of production fairly across groups including workers, public and private sector employees, estate communities, fishers, youth, children in care, and persons with disabilities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the 2025 Budget, stating that it fairly distributes the benefits of production and provides record allocations of Rs. 619 billion for education and Rs. 604 billion for health. He also highlighted funding for State digitalization as part of a new economic direction. Responding to Opposition criticism that the Budget is IMF-driven and underfunds key sectors, he cited an international survey indicating increased Government popularity from 24 per cent to 62 per cent within less than six months.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha commended the Budget’s allocations for education, health and sanitary pads, but urged the Government to review vehicle tariffs, restore affordable permit schemes for public servants, and adopt lower duties for electric vehicles. He said high tariffs on building materials and the removal of first-home buyer tax relief were making home ownership unaffordable, and called for concessions for first-time homeowners. He requested stricter regulation of foreign employment and land leasing in the tourism sector, particularly in the South and East, and warned that current rules on 99-year leases and stamp duty could disadvantage Sri Lankans. He also urged the Government to strengthen investment incentives alongside industrial zone development.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that his side does not take commissions.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha briefly asks the Chief Government Whip to clarify what the matter is. The intervention is a procedural query without substantive policy content.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that they do not take commissions. No further policy proposal, question, or contextual detail was provided in the speech.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha stated support for anti-corruption measures but cautioned that investment activity should not be broadly treated as corruption. He urged the Government to develop a stronger programme to attract foreign direct investment, arguing that loan capital alone cannot drive development. He specifically requested reconsideration of the 15 per cent tax on BPO operations and proposed tax incentives and investor facilitation measures, citing India’s infrastructure and concession-based “plug-in” model as an example.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the 2025 Budget, stating that it allocates resources equitably across regions and communities, with particular attention to long-standing housing, documentation, language, education, and welfare issues faced by Malaiyaha plantation communities. He said the Government plans to complete 700 pending Indian-funded houses and build 4,700 new estate houses this year, renovate 75 line-room clusters under “Clean Sri Lanka,” assist residents with civil documents, and provide individual houses based on need. He also referred to the proposed Rs. 1,700 daily wage for estate workers, nutrition measures for estate students, and efforts to address school dropouts and infrastructure shortages in estate schools, especially in Ratnapura District. The speech contrasted the current Government’s approach with past political neglect and alleged partisan practices in plantation areas.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary The Minister of Environment moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna vacated the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha argued that the Government’s inaugural Budget is part of a long-term plan to reverse economic contraction, maintain macroeconomic stability, and stimulate demand through public sector wage increases, welfare allowances, pensions, and employment creation. He said wage increases were phased to keep inflation in single digits and support investor confidence, while production growth was needed to meet rising demand. Addressing rice prices, he defended the Rs. 120 per kilo paddy price as a balance between farmer and consumer interests, said surplus stocks would be absorbed by the State, imports would be used to maintain a three-month buffer if needed, and action would be taken against monopoly pricing. He described the Government’s economic approach as a new model aimed at overcoming past policy failures while preserving economic and democratic freedoms.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha defended the 2025 Appropriation Bill as a fiscally disciplined Budget that authorizes Rs. 7,190 billion in expenditure, with Rs. 4,990 billion in revenue and grants, a Rs. 2,200 billion deficit, and total borrowing authority of Rs. 4,000 billion, down from Rs. 7,350 billion in 2024. He said the deficit would be financed through non-monetary borrowing rather than new taxes or inflationary money creation, while also covering debt amortization and Treasury bill and bond redemption costs. Responding to Opposition claims that it was an “IMF Budget” or “Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Budget,” he argued that it differs from past budgets by limiting discretionary contingency allocations under the Public Finance Management Act and redirecting funds to development, relief, and infrastructure. He stated that the Government’s economic approach combines fiscal discipline with state intervention, productivity growth, export orientation, global supply chain integration, fair distribution, and broader participation in economic benefits.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Prof. Anil Jayantha said the Government is working through a task force to meet financial derisking obligations, including exiting the FATF Grey List by mid-2026, and plans to introduce the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Act and amend the Marketing Board Act. He defended the Budget’s Rs. 749 billion social protection allocation, including Aswesuma, as a targeted response to poverty affecting over half the population and as part of a broader effort to stabilize the economy. He outlined allocations for vulnerable children, drug rehabilitation, reintegration of former prisoners, support for persons with disabilities, and Rs. 37 billion for housing, while stating that the Budget does not impose new special taxes or increase VAT and instead focuses on reliefs and improved revenue collection.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticised the 2025 Budget, arguing that the Government had broken election promises on borrowing, debt repayment, taxation, public sector salary increases, senior citizens’ deposits, and relief on food, health and education costs. He questioned the credibility of projected revenue and borrowing figures, warned that welfare and capital expenditure could be cut if targets are not met, and said the Budget continued policies associated with the previous administration, including asset sales, SOE listing and private use of state land. He also raised concerns over taxes on book inputs under the UNESCO Florence Agreement and alleged reduced allocations for women and child affairs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 9 Debate Second Reading: Disposal of Waste (Prohibition) Bill 2025 9 speeches
- 10 Adjournment Adjournment 1 speeches