Sitting of Friday, 28 February 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1741927369029372 ·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 Met 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers - Annual Reports 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions - Citizens' Petitions Presented 8 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question 1 - UDA Lands in Colombo City (Q.258/2024) 9 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question 2 - Companies Registered with Registrar of Companies (Q.426/2025) 12 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions 4 & 5 - Port City Project & National Youth Corps Centre (Q.432/2025) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Questions by Private Notice - Construction Work in Mannar & Release of Tamil Political Prisoners 9 speeches
- 8 Debate Ministerial Statement - School Teacher Recruitment and Dhamma School Allowances 3 speeches
- 9 Debate Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate (Defence & Public Security Heads) 57 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara moved the customary Rs. 10 cut on the expenditure heads under discussion at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025. He questioned the Government’s progress on its pledges to combat fraud and corruption, punish offenders, and recover stolen assets, noting that the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, must be fully implemented. Referring to his previous Private Member’s Bills on anti-corruption and restitution of stolen assets, he asked why the Government had not yet presented its promised stolen-assets recovery legislation 158 days after assuming office.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake made a brief sarcastic remark, suggesting that “playtime talk” was taking place during prime time. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the Opposition and SJB would support laws and action to recover stolen assets and prosecute wrongdoing, but questioned the Government’s progress on its pledge to “catch thieves.” He asked why the Government had not negotiated with Singapore to bring back Arjuna Mahendran in relation to the Central Bank bond scam and requested an update on the special unit established for such investigations. He also raised concerns about stalled investigations into Lasantha Wickrematunge, Wasim Thajudeen, Prageeth Ekneligoda, Sivaram, Poddala Jayantha and the Easter Sunday attacks, demanding clarity on delays and justice for victims.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake made a brief interjection questioning whether others intended to form a government with an alleged “mastermind.” The remark appears to be a political challenge directed at opposing members, without elaborating on a specific policy proposal or legislative issue.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara demanded to know who was behind the matter under discussion, stating that his party had suffered the greatest political impact. He emphasized that the party also sought clarity on the identity of the alleged mastermind.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake challenged the Government or relevant parties to state clearly whether they would align with the alleged “mastermind,” implying a demand for a direct political position on accountability. The remark appears to be a pointed question within a debate concerning responsibility or complicity, but no specific legislation or policy proposal is included in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara stated that his party would not enter into an alliance, repeating the assurance in response to concerns raised in the chamber. His remarks were brief and were interrupted during delivery.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake questioned another Member on whether they would refrain from forming an alliance with the alleged “mastermind.” The remark appears to be an interjection seeking clarification on that Member’s political position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the Government’s failure to identify or arrest those alleged to be responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, arguing that it had used such allegations electorally but had taken no action after 158 days in power. He called for justice for Catholics and asked who was directing the current process, referring to the President, the security adviser, and Ananda Wijepala. He also raised concerns over a dispute between the National Police Commission, the President, and the Acting IGP, stressing that the Commission was established to ensure police independence and warning against politicisation or executive interference.
- An Hon. Member
AI summary The Member questioned whether a similar criticism or position might next be directed at the Election Commission. The remark was brief and rhetorical, implying concern about possible further attacks or scrutiny of independent institutions.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara briefly noted that the Election Commission is a “good Commission,” indicating confidence in that institution. The remark appears to distinguish the Election Commission from other bodies under discussion without making a specific proposal or demand.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member briefly remarks that it is uncertain whether the person being discussed will make the statement or admission in question. The comment appears to respond to a preceding exchange, without raising a substantive proposal, question, or policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized remarks by the Acting IGP and the President concerning the National Police Commission, arguing that such statements undermine the independence of institutions and democratic procedure. He questioned the Government’s commitment to institutional independence and cited recent police transfers, including 1,399 transfers and the reassignment of 52 OICs to general duties, as matters of concern.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe stated that some individuals are included in the relevant pool. The remark was brief and did not provide further detail on the context, names, or any proposal or demand.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned reports that 160 OIC appointments would be made on political grounds, contrasting this with earlier interview-based appointments by senior police officials and urging that the Police Service be allowed to function independently. He asked what steps the Government would take to address a reported shortage of 20,000 police officers, noting that the Budget refers to broader public sector recruitment. He argued that the Budget reduces the special 40 percent police allowance to 22 percent, lowering take-home pay despite stated salary increases, and also said the special allowance for parliamentary staff had been reduced from one-third to one-fourth.
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara raised concerns about the reduction of Police allowances for special election duties to ordinary service levels following the Presidential and General Elections. He urged the Government to allocate funds, including around Rs. 10 billion if necessary, to pay proper duty allowances and argued that maintaining Police morale is essential for combating crime and upholding law and order. He also called for better treatment of Police officers and an end to politicisation of the service.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Requested an additional five minutes of speaking time from the Chief Opposition Whip.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka informed the Chair that five minutes from the Opposition’s allotted time would be granted to another member. The statement was procedural and concerned the allocation of speaking time during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the Government’s redeployment of MSD and VIP protection personnel, arguing they should be used more effectively against rising underworld crime and drug trafficking, and called for a special court and a concrete plan to dismantle identified gangs. He raised concerns about coordination between the Police and Army following the Isurupaya protest incident, the release of uninspected containers, and the adequacy of measures to curb drugs entering by sea and air. He also urged the Government to address worsening conditions for military personnel and veterans, including pay, food, morale, pensions, disability benefits, and access to medicines and facilities at military hospitals.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that security for MPs became necessary due to past armed violence, including attacks attributed to the JVP such as killings of MPs and the bombing of Parliament, noting that MPs had not previously received police protection. He urged the Government to ensure national security, suppress underworld activity as in the 1971 and 1988–89 periods, and allow citizens to live freely.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government has depoliticised the Police and public service, with appointments and transfers handled through independent commissions, and has instructed institutions under his Ministry to operate without political interference. He stated that stalled corruption and crime investigations have been restarted, the FCID re-established, and Police restructuring is under way, including a Central Criminal Investigation Unit and provincial investigation divisions. He cited recent seizures and arrests linked to narcotics, financial crimes, pyramid schemes, cybercrime and organised crime, and said CID sub-units and MOUs with institutions are being developed to speed up investigations. He also said Police salaries have not been reduced, allowances are being consolidated into basic salary, and a separate Police salary structure is planned for the next Budget.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala requested the Chair for an additional minute to make one further point during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake asked the Minister how much additional time was needed, seeking a direct indication of the timeframe.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala requested the Chief Government Whip to allocate him three minutes to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or argument was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake requested the Chair to allocate three minutes from the Government’s speaking time to another member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Minister to state the requested points directly, noting that the allocated time was running out. The intervention was procedural and sought a concise response rather than raising a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala responded to allegations regarding the Pelawatta–Isurupaya protest incident, stating that although an intelligence officer was initially questioned and released, Police never reported to court that Army intelligence was involved. He said the actual suspect, a Development Officer from Matara, was later arrested and that investigations are complete with legal action underway. He further asserted that since the NPP took office, Police have been enabled to act independently and actively, rejecting claims that policing or national security has weakened.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan argued that defence spending and troop deployment remain disproportionately high in the North and East despite the absence of war, while social welfare, education staffing, and capital investment are underfunded. He questioned the continued military presence, alleging that camps and military-run commercial activities affect civilian life and contribute to social harm in Tamil areas. He criticized repeated government commitments to a “domestic mechanism” for accountability as inadequate, and called for fair inquiry and a political solution. He also demanded the release of lands in Valikamam North and other areas still held as High Security Zones, noting prolonged displacement of Tamil residents.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera outlined the Defence Ministry’s 2025 Budget allocations, noting that they cover 25 institutions beyond the tri-forces, including intelligence, disaster management, defence education, the Coast Guard and meteorology. He defended the allocation by citing the security forces’ roles in war, disaster response, COVID-19, the Easter attacks and the economic crisis, while linking the Budget to the Government’s stated mandate for reform and accountability. Responding to concerns from Northern MPs, he said unnecessary military-held lands would be released while essential areas are retained, compensation would be paid, the Palaly–Achchuveli road had been reopened, the Palaly runway would be developed, and access to a Kilinochchi school playground would be urgently addressed. He also stated that troop numbers in the North and East were far below claims made in debate, with total tri-forces strength island-wide now under 200,000.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that recent shootings and killings show public security is deteriorating and warned that international circulation of such incidents could harm the recovering tourism sector. He questioned the Government’s ability to curb underworld activity, citing the failure to locate Ishara Sewwandi, and urged the Minister of Public Security to ensure Police, CID and STF personnel receive proper allowances, stating that only part of the promised 40 per cent adjustment had been added to basic salaries. He also criticised the 2025 Budget narrative for omitting the 2022-2024 period under Ranil Wickremesinghe and raised concerns about declining foreign reserves and the future exchange rate.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake challenged claims that the previous government had done nothing, citing Central Bank data on dollar and foreign reserves. He raised concerns that newly established police stations in Badulla District are operating in rented premises without proper buildings and requested Budget attention for constructing facilities. He also questioned the adequacy and purpose of the Rs. 300 million allocation for the “A Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” programme, arguing it was insufficient for the stated objective.
- An Hon. Member
AI summary A Member briefly asked for the projected cost of the matter under discussion. No further details, context, or proposal were provided in the excerpt.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s budgeting for the “A Prosperous Country” programme, arguing that it lacked clear and proper estimates. He demanded that the required funding be specified accurately and said the President should review the estimates.
Public Finance Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member noted that a “Sri Lankan Day” has been designated and stated that Rs. 300 million has been allocated for it.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government’s stated cost of the President’s visits to China, India and Dubai with an 11-member delegation, asking the Prime Minister to explain how the travel could have cost only Rs. 18 million. He also referred to his past support for Aruna Jayasekara’s bid to become Army Commander, saying he had conveyed the relevant letter to former President Maithripala Sirisena. He supported returning lands in the North by removing Army camps, but urged the Government not to relocate those camps to Diyatalawa and other areas in Badulla District, arguing that vegetable farmers and local facilities were being displaced.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged officials or the Government to perform their duties properly, warning that failure could lead to consequences similar to those experienced in 2022. He concluded by thanking the Chair for the time allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary The speech defended the Government’s approach to defence and public security expenditure, rejecting claims that underworld killings, Army ration shortages, or public opposition to the Army in the North reflected failures of national security. It pledged justice for victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, including affected Muslim communities, and said the masterminds would be prosecuted. The Member emphasized preventing a recurrence of war, honouring and depoliticizing the Tri-Forces, preserving commanders’ institutional independence, and pursuing a non-aligned foreign policy to reduce external threats and pressures.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara called for the modernization of the Tri-Forces, particularly through new technologies. He said Sri Lanka should regain lost UN peacekeeping opportunities, which he linked to foreign exchange earnings, international exposure, and improved economic conditions for troops. He also emphasized that national security is a shared responsibility of the Government and all communities in Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Budget for not addressing national security and questioned the experience and composition of current defence and intelligence decision-making bodies. He warned against politicization of intelligence appointments, citing the Easter Sunday attacks as a consequence of intelligence failures, and urged the Government to implement its own pledges on a National Security Advisory Council, cyber protection, and surveillance reform. He proposed appointing an apolitical National Security Adviser, establishing a central intelligence agency, and improving inter-agency coordination, training, information-sharing, and intelligence technology infrastructure.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said the Government is undertaking a comprehensive salary review for the Police, including basic salary increases, allowances, and possible pathways for qualified lower-rank officers to sit for the ASP examination. He defended current policing and intelligence efforts, citing recent arrest timelines and firearm seizures, while arguing that organized crime and narcotics networks have long-standing political links from previous administrations. He stated that the NPP Government does not patronize gangs, that the Police Commission is functioning independently, and that new Defence Secretary orders require reassessment of firearms issued on threat grounds and action regarding deserters.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concerns about police staffing, working conditions, recruitment, and promotions, noting around 20,000 vacancies, prolonged acting leadership, long duty hours, unclear salary increments, and the need for careful background checks for new recruits. He urged measures to restore public trust amid allegations of police links to serious crimes, including improved job satisfaction, risk allowances, fair promotion pathways, and reinstatement of departmental competitive examinations. He also proposed expanding police hospital facilities, creating a one-stop service at Police Headquarters for pension and administrative matters, allowing serving lower-rank graduate officers to attend relevant interviews, and resolving allowance disparities affecting Parliament Police officers attached to the Ministerial Security Division.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha corrected Opposition claims about Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves, citing Central Bank figures showing reserves of about USD 6.12 billion at end-December 2024 and around USD 6.065 billion at end-January 2025, rather than a fall from USD 6 billion to USD 5.7 billion. He said “usable” reserve qualifications and banking arrangements also existed under the previous administration, and argued that reserves fluctuate with imports and debt servicing. He stated that the Government aims to build reserves sustainably through export promotion, particularly services exports, and foreign direct investment, targeting USD 15 billion.
Public Finance Full speech →
- 10 Debate Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Continued (Afternoon) 63 speeches
- 11 Procedural Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Voting & Amendments (Heads 103, 189, 222-226, 304, 320, 325) 11 speeches
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment 2 speeches