Sitting of Thursday, 27 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1741437399068186 ·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 Opening: Parliament Session Commenced and Message from President on Public Security Proclamation 22 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Ministerial Notifications and Reports (Excise Ordinance, Foundation and Corporate Reports, Public Finance Committee Report) 3 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented by Multiple Members 8 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) 21 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) 19 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Rule of Law and Inclusive Justice System 9 speeches
- 7 Debate Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments 76 speeches
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya moved a procedural motion to postpone consideration of Clauses 2 to 12 until after Schedules 1, 2 and 3 are considered.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Moved a traditional cut-motion to reduce by Rs. 10 the recurrent and capital allocations under specified Heads being debated at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025. He objected that the reply to the Second Reading debate was delivered by the Leader of the House rather than the Minister of Finance or a Deputy, calling it a departure from parliamentary tradition. He urged the Government to withdraw remaining Aragalaya-related cases and associated restrictions against protesters, and raised concerns that some Opposition party leaders’ access to the Parliamentary Business Committee had been curtailed despite claims of an inclusive Legislature.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development had already provided a 40-minute response addressing questions raised. He also noted that, for the first time, two days had been allocated at Committee Stage for the Finance Ministry’s Head, asking the Chair to confirm whether this was unprecedented in his 30 years of experience.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem referred to the President’s Budget speech criticism of the previous interim administration over suppression of the public and postponement of the 2023 Local Government Elections, and called for immediate action on cases arising from the Aragalaya protests. He also questioned the consistency of the Government’s claims of inclusivity in Geneva with parliamentary practice, alleging that Opposition access to the Business Committee was being restricted and urging that such changes not be made unilaterally.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to a serious allegation made by another Member and requested that it be withdrawn. He asked the Chair to direct the withdrawal if the Member did not do so, noting that their position had already been communicated in writing to the Chief Opposition Whip.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem briefly interrupted proceedings to assert his right to speak within his allotted time and asked the Chair to allow him to continue. No substantive policy argument or legislative position was presented in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected an allegation that referred to him by name and office, stating that it was untrue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that Parliament was proceeding according to its normal schedule and rejected claims to the contrary as false. He said the person making the claim should take responsibility for their position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem stated that his remarks were not baseless and referred to a previous occasion when the President attended a Ministerial Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Defence. He sought to continue explaining the matter despite interruptions.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake denied an allegation that he had spoken in a threatening manner and asked the Member to withdraw it. He requested the Chair to inquire into the matter and, if necessary, have the statement expunged from the Hansard.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem stated that the President had assured him he would be included in the Committee on Parliamentary Business following a request made at a Defence Ministry Consultative Committee meeting. He questioned the Speaker’s subsequent decision to exclude him from the Committee, asking that the matter be checked with the President and handled without escalation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem urged the Prime Minister and Leader of the House to reconsider rules that exclude some party leaders, including himself, from the Parliamentary Business Committee, arguing that responsible opposition scrutiny should be accommodated. He welcomed the Government’s decision to send a ministerial delegation to Geneva and engage with the UN Human Rights Council, contrasting it with what he described as previous governments’ disengagement from Council processes. He also noted that recent reconciliation-related measures, including Northern infrastructure work, Tamil-speaking police recruitment considerations, and allocations for libraries such as the Jaffna Library, were symbolic steps within the broader need for constructive international cooperation on human rights.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about reports that the Government is considering drafting a new Constitution and submitting it to a Referendum, noting that this relates to its election promise of constitutional reform. Referring to a discussion convened by Karu Jayasuriya and the National Movement for Social Justice, he cited differing legal views on whether a complete constitutional overhaul requires a Referendum, including issues such as entrenched provisions, presidential immunity, and the Executive Presidency.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem urged that any Constitution-making process be inclusive and not conducted unilaterally by the Government, calling for engagement with the Opposition, the public, and public sittings. He linked this to the Government’s statements on inclusivity in Geneva and asked that inclusivity begin in Parliament by ensuring Party Leaders are given due representation in the Committee on Parliamentary Business and other important Committees.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Committee Stage debate on the 2025 Appropriation Bill covers key Special Expenditure Heads and marks the beginning of implementing the Government’s policy programme, including a participatory constitutional reform process. She argued that the Government’s proposed “new political culture” requires reducing the financial burden of political offices on citizens, managing public funds prudently, and treating official privileges as tied to office rather than personal entitlement. Citing past expenditure on presidential foreign travel, she said necessary official travel had previously been abused and used the figures to justify stricter oversight of perquisites and expenditure.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticised the Budget for lacking a clear national vision and practical measures to uplift rural communities beyond limited cash relief. He argued that despite references to welfare and progressiveness, the Budget did not revive public hopes, support youth aspirations, or provide a direct plan for nearly three million struggling small and medium entrepreneurs. He said expenditure cuts alone were insufficient without capital formation and wealth creation, and called for open discussion on addressing the deficit and debt. He also objected to the reported 15 per cent tax on digital foreign earnings, including platform-based income, saying it undermined young earners who bring dollars into the country.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the Government on its mandate to introduce a new Constitution and abolish the Executive Presidency, asking for clear timelines and criticizing the lack of clarity in statements by Government leaders. He argued that the remuneration of 159 NPP MPs imposes a substantial public cost and urged them to forgo or redirect those funds if they are serious about saving public money. He alleged Government pressure on independent institutions, including the National Police Commission, Bribery Commission, Constitutional Council process, Election Commission and Human Rights Commission, and raised concerns about proposed changes to the PTA, noting a gap between earlier promises of repeal and current moves toward amendment or replacement.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe rejected Opposition claims of Government pressure on the Election Commission and asked that any evidence be tabled in Parliament. During the Committee Stage debate on the President’s Head, he argued that public funds had long been spent on excessive Presidential residences despite widespread housing need, and said the Government would retain only the Colombo and Kandy residences for state purposes while reallocating the others for public use. He also cited the former Agriculture Ministry building lease as an example of misuse of public funds and said the Government was taking steps to reduce costs, restore stability after bankruptcy, and implement its Budget commitments.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that debate on the President’s and Prime Minister’s expenditure heads should distinguish necessary institutional and functional spending from personal luxury, while scrutinizing whether the Government is delivering on campaign pledges such as increased education funding and anti-corruption action. He questioned progress on recovering alleged stolen assets, returning Arjuna Mahendran, and strengthening CIABOC, proposing greater resources, coordination with the Attorney-General and CID, divisional-level offices, and regular reviews. He tabled a citizen proposals report on Budget 2025, called for digitizing parliamentary processes, strengthening independent commissions and the Election Commission, and sought clarification on reported procurement and port container release issues.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said that during the Committee Stage of the Budget debate, Government Members were presenting substantive points on the economy while much of the Opposition was avoiding economic issues and relying on unrelated or media-driven remarks. He added that the Government would welcome constructive Opposition contributions to rebuilding the country, but criticised what he described as a lack of substantive engagement from many Opposition Members.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Government remains committed to repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act after introducing new counter-terrorism legislation consistent with international human rights standards, following a review by a committee chaired by President’s Counsel Rienzi Arsekularatne. He rejected Opposition claims that an independent Prosecutor’s Office reflects distrust of the Attorney-General, arguing it is a manifesto commitment intended to separate prosecution from the Attorney-General’s advisory functions and improve impartiality. He also defended the Budget as a “people’s Budget” and said the Government’s first months had focused on ending corruption, waste, and misuse of public funds.
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said the 2025 Budget’s success depends on whether the Government can raise the projected Rs. 4,990 billion in revenue against Rs. 7,190 billion in expenditure and deliver on its pledges. He questioned reliance on Inland Revenue, Excise and Customs, asked for disclosure on the 300 bar permits allegedly issued by the previous Government, and criticized unfulfilled promises on fuel tax cuts, electricity tariffs, Samurdhi payments, and collateral-free youth loans. He warned that public support could decline if economic hardship continues, particularly over high rice prices and festival-season shortages, and urged the President and Government to implement practical measures and keep their commitments.
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne – Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne assumed the Chair as Deputy Speaker during the sitting. The intervention was procedural, marking a change in the presiding officer.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that debate on the President’s Head should focus less on the total allocation and more on whether funds benefit the public and support necessary institutions. He welcomed curbs on unnecessary expenditure but urged that programmes such as the President’s Fund, medical assistance, Mahapola scholarships, student aid and religious grants be strengthened, and that Governors be able to support local needs in the absence of Provincial Councils. He also raised issues regarding auctioning Presidential Office vehicles, possible tourism use of official residences, and an obstruction to planting a Bo tree at Galle harbour, while noting cost-cutting measures begun under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and continued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government inherited a bankrupt economy in September 2024 and is using its first Budget to restore stability, investor confidence and public trust after decades of mismanagement. He rejected claims that independent commissions were being weakened, citing increased 2025 allocations for the Bribery Commission, Human Rights Commission and National Police Commission. He also stated that the Budget includes additional support for national unity and for communities in the North, East and estate areas affected by war and neglect.
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that reductions in presidential expenditure are useful only if essential services of the President’s Office, Secretariat, and President’s Fund continue effectively. He supported reasonable official facilities and security for current and former Presidents, subject to discipline and proper risk assessments, while opposing unnecessary luxury and public-funded residences for former Presidents who have adequate housing. He called for clarification on vehicles exhibited by the Presidential Secretariat that he said later appeared at MPs’ residences, and urged transparent policies on official residences and vehicle permits rather than populist measures.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament
AI summary The Minister outlined Budget allocations for 21 institutional Heads, including Parliament, independent commissions, and oversight bodies, noting their important but less visible functions and mentioning pending staff matters such as leave encashment. He urged bodies such as the Bribery Commission and Audit Service Commission to act more effectively and accountably, particularly in addressing large-scale corruption and expenditure in sectors such as highways. He cited alleged inflated claims and major project costs in the highways sector and called for stronger audit standards, management audits, and oversight of high-value projects. He also supported structural reforms to address overlapping state institutions and staffing imbalances, saying independent oversight is necessary to implement the Government’s mandate.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake argued that independent commissions and Parliament itself must be accountable to the public, while retaining necessary independence, resources and respect. He said the newly established Constitutional Affairs Committee would engage such institutions on their conduct, and criticized what he described as past entitlement and misuse of official residences, vehicles and public funds by former office-holders. He defended the current Government’s policy of restraint on official privileges, stated that official housing should be used only where justified, and said Parliament had initiated audits of its own expenditure, tabling audit reports on costs linked to the Speaker’s residence and vehicle use by former parliamentary office-holders.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan urged the Government to identify specific individuals accused of wrongdoing rather than generalizing about former MPs, while acknowledging its electoral mandate and the Opposition’s role in making proposals. He raised concerns about alleged discrimination and police abuse against Tamil estate residents in the Southern Province, citing the arrest and alleged assault of a 76-year-old at Sirisily A Estate, and requested senior police officers be instructed to address such practices. He also sought clarification on the Government’s positions on Provincial Council elections, the 13th Amendment, estate housing policy, and whether estate families would receive seven or ten perches of land, linking these issues to devolution and a future constitutional settlement.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara commended the President’s reduced use of official privileges but raised concerns about national security, citing a recent courtroom shooting and questioning the roles of the police, prisons, and court processes. He called for a full accounting and recovery of illegal firearms remaining from the LTTE conflict, Tamil armed groups, the 1987–89 JVP insurrection, and anti-insurgent paramilitary groups, arguing that such weapons may now fuel underworld violence. He also referred to past security breaches in Parliament, questioned catering arrangements and food costs, urged approval of leave allowances for overworked parliamentary staff, and called for even-handed accountability in investigations involving parliamentary officials and others.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala clarified that recent police transfers and appointments have been carried out only with the approval of the National Police Commission. He stated that appointments, transfers, disciplinary control, and removals fall within the Commission’s constitutional remit, and affirmed that the Government would continue to work with the NPC in accordance with the law.
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said families of the forcibly disappeared continue to seek truth and justice during the ongoing UN Human Rights Council session, arguing that domestic institutions such as the OMP and ONUR have not delivered meaningful accountability. He called for international criminal justice over domestic or hybrid mechanisms, citing mass Tamil civilian deaths and continuing impunity from the final phase of the war. He also urged a new Constitution with devolution beyond the 13th Amendment, fair delimitation of local government wards affecting Tamil-speaking communities, and decisive action with severe penalties against crime, narcotics and underworld activity.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that, with religious approval and at the President’s request, an Exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic would be held from 18 April and invited Opposition MPs to attend. He said the Government was reducing public expenditure, citing cuts to vehicles, fuel, staff and allowances in the Chief Government Whip’s Office, and contrasted current monthly spending with previous costs. He also presented figures on the costs of Presidential Commissions of Inquiry since 2016, questioned the rapid implementation of compensation related to the 2022 “Aragalaya” incidents, and said a full list of recipients would be tabled at Committee Stage. He further listed 2024 maintenance costs for former Presidents, highlighting the share attributed to Mahinda Rajapaksa.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that the Parliamentary Staff Act of 1953 is outdated and should be replaced to strengthen Parliament’s administrative and financial autonomy while maintaining accountability for expenditure. He said independent commissions must remain constitutionally independent but be substantively scrutinized by Parliament through the Constitutional Affairs Committee under Standing Order 126, and cited the Acting IGP’s public dispute with the National Police Commission as a matter that should be handled through institutional channels. He also called on the Government to honour its policy pledge to draft a new Constitution, abolish the executive presidency, and move toward a parliamentary system.
- Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Government to act on its mandate to abolish the Executive Presidency, establish a parliamentary system with a ceremonial President, and introduce a new electoral system, noting that both the Government and main Opposition support these reforms. He argued that the current dual executive-parliamentary structure is costly and unnecessary, and called for power devolution to support both reconciliation and balanced development. He said the Government’s 159-seat majority creates a rare opportunity to begin constitutional reform immediately and complete it by the second parliamentary session.
Parliamentary ProcedureEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam raised concerns about the independence and effectiveness of the Human Rights Commission, citing unresolved complaints from 2023 relating to arrests of protesters, journalists and lawyers at Thaiyiddy despite court conditions permitting the protest. He argued that in the North and East, where he said police conduct is militarized and mistrusted, the Commission is a crucial domestic avenue for accountability and must be allowed to investigate and complete inquiries. He also criticized the Government’s transitional justice position, saying references to the OMP, reparations, ONUR and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission are inadequate without criminal investigations and prosecutions for wartime atrocities, and urged the President and Government to act differently if they are to sustain claims of “system change.”
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Clarified that monthly income up to Rs. 150,000 remains exempt from tax under the Withholding Tax arrangements. He stated that where the Withholding Tax rate was increased from 5 per cent to 10 per cent, refunds would be made where applicable, while noting that some persons fall outside the WHT system despite broader tax rate increases.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam welcomed the response but urged that the relevant charge or requirement be waived at least for senior citizens, stating that he remained unconvinced by the explanation. He then referred the House to Annexure IV of the President’s Budget Speech, indicating a continued focus on budget-related provisions.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam criticized proposed changes to the Tax Appeals Commission process, particularly the requirement for a 25 per cent cash deposit before an appeal and the restriction on submitting new evidence or raising new issues at appeal hearings. He argued these measures would deter investors, undermine natural justice, and create risks of corruption, and asked the Government to reconsider them. He also urged the Government not to follow previous approaches toward minorities, especially Tamils in the North and East.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised concerns over Parliament’s failure to implement Public Administration Circular No. 06/2006 for 18 years, arguing that about 850 parliamentary staff had faced unfair treatment in service restructuring and pay anomaly corrections. He rejected broad corruption allegations against his former political group, contrasted its record with the Rajapaksa administration, and accused the current governing party of having previously supported leaders it now criticizes. He urged the Government to reduce wasteful expenditure, disclose concrete savings, address underworld violence as a national security and international credibility issue, and act consistently on wage and governance commitments.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticized government remarks on the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic by recalling the 1988–89 threat to the Temple of the Tooth and urged sensitivity to that history. She warned against interference with independent Commissions, questioned proposals to formalize and tax informal remittance channels, and argued that some Budget expenditure reductions appear to be accounting shifts while heritage maintenance is being undervalued. She also raised concerns about procurement accountability, delays and investigations relating to the President’s Fund, and urged officials not to be discouraged from lawful decision-making, emphasizing that the institutions under the Special Spending Unit are essential to democratic checks and balances.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala defended the 2025 allocations under the President’s Head, stating that expenditure had been reduced while funding for independent commissions and oversight bodies such as CIABOC, the National Audit Office, the National Procurement Commission and the Human Rights Commission had been increased. He said the Government had reduced staff and monthly costs at the Presidential Secretariat, opened it to the public, and was ending what he described as past misuse of the President’s Fund. He argued that improved revenue collection, reduced waste and a proposed Rs. 232 billion public sector salary increase would support a more efficient, citizen-friendly public service under independent institutions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman criticized Government members for condemning Rajapaksa-era waste while recalling that they supported Mahinda Rajapaksa’s rise to power in 2005 despite controversies such as “Helping Hambantota.” He argued that the Government’s claimed “system change” is limited to expenditure cuts and has not delivered transparency or depoliticized appointments, citing the concentration of 94 institutions and 27 per cent of the Budget under the President, political appointments to senior posts, and eight ambassadorial appointments from outside the Foreign Service. He said the Opposition’s role is to scrutinize the Government and questioned unmet promises, including on accountability and governance reforms.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman stated that the Government received a large public mandate based on its policies and promises, while his side was placed in Opposition. He urged the Government to fulfil the expectations of the people who voted for it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the Government’s mandate and rejected Opposition claims about the President’s Fund, saying decentralization to Divisional Secretariats had increased access and applications within its first 20 days. He said the National Procurement Commission’s guidelines must be updated, with greater transparency and technology to allow bidders to track tenders, and called for stronger performance auditing through COPA, COPE, the Audit Service Commission and the National Audit Office. He also said CIABOC would be strengthened with resources, staffing and infrastructure, citing past political interference, low case completion rates and Sri Lanka’s corruption perception ranking. Responding to criticism of appointments, he argued that Government appointees were qualified and contrasted them with alleged patronage under previous administrations.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary The Committee stage proceedings continued under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Speaker. Hon. Members indicated assent by saying “Aye.”
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe referred to a list of vehicles used by private staff, along with related allowances and fuel expenses. He noted that the list included appointments such as Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara as Trade Union Advisor/Senior Advisor to the President and Saman Rathnapriya as Director, Trade Unions, with details of the vehicles assigned to them.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe criticised the misuse of parliamentary vehicle permits, stating that personal relationships do not excuse wrongdoing. He referred to former Members who allegedly served briefly, obtained vehicle permits and left Parliament, arguing that the present controversy is a consequence of such practices.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan raised concern over an incident in Jaffna where four young men had reportedly gone missing and requested that their names be placed on record. He named them as Kaviyarasan of the Aaththisoodi Housing Scheme, Jaffna; Thenushan of Koddady, Jaffna; Prashanth of Karaiyur, Jaffna; and Kirubhagan of Karaiyur, Jaffna, and urged the authorities to clarify their whereabouts and take appropriate action.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe listed several former Presidential Advisors and associates who, he said, had received vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat, arguing that 64 such vehicles had been issued in a manner that burdened the public. He contrasted this with the current administration’s reduced vehicle use and expenditure, stating that wasteful costs on vehicles, premises, and related facilities had been curtailed to protect public trust. He defended the Budget as delivering the largest salary increase in Sri Lanka’s history for public servants, with intervention for private sector workers, and said the Government was working to rebuild the country after bankruptcy caused by corruption and waste.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025, an amendment was moved on behalf of the Minister of Finance to revise capital expenditure under Special Spending Units, Heads 1-25. The amendment replaces the relevant allocation with Rs. 9,487,000,000, increasing the capital provision for Head 1 by Rs. 6,000,000,000 to include allocations under Budget Proposals Nos. 07 and 19.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to the proposed allocations under the Special Spending Units for Heads 1-25, including an increased capital expenditure sum of Rs. 9.487 billion. It also approved allocations under Head 1, including Rs. 2.519 billion for Programme 01 recurrent expenditure, Rs. 354 million for Programme 01 capital expenditure, and noted Programme 02 allocations of Rs. 20 million recurrent and Rs. 100 million capital expenditure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, an amendment was moved to Head 1, Programme 02. The intervention was procedural and did not include further explanation of the proposed amendment.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend the Schedule on page 7 to revise Head 1, Programme 02, Development Activities, providing Rs. 20 million in recurrent expenditure and increasing capital expenditure to Rs. 6.1 billion. Members then approved the insertion of allocations for several expenditure heads, including the Office of the Prime Minister, Judges of the Superior Courts, Office of the Cabinet of Ministers, Public Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, and part of the National Police Commission. These approvals were recorded as procedural votes on recurrent and capital expenditure under the relevant programmes.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- 8 Adjournment Adjournment: Motion on Prevention of Relocation of Norwood Divisional Secretariat to Hatton 19 speeches