Sitting of Saturday, 1 March 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1741955797040395 ·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 Papers Papers Tabled: Annual Report of the Survey Department 2023 1 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions Presented 2 speeches
- 3 Procedural Procedural: Opposition Whip Introduction 3 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Fishery Harbours Development and Multi-Day Vessel Operations (Q.2/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage in Ratnapura District (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: LRC Land in Mahenawatta - Pitipana Sale (Q.3/2025) 7 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural: Question No. 5 stood down 3 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Bo Sapling Planting at Galle Port (Q.4/2025) 2 speeches
- 9 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation 16 speeches
- 10 Debate Debate: Fuel Supply and Energy Crisis (Discussion under Standing Order 27(2)) 80 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concern over long queues at filling stations across the country, stating that they are seriously affecting the public and national activities. He asked the Government whether a solution is forthcoming, whether the situation will continue, and what measures are being taken to address it.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that recent queues at fuel stations were not due to a shortage of stocks but to panic created amid a dispute over dealer commissions. He explained that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is implementing a revised commission formula, following audit findings and Court of Appeal proceedings, to prevent commissions being calculated on tax components of fuel prices. He said dealers had continued placing orders, but a small group appeared to have restricted distribution and spread concern through social media. He assured that the revised margins remain fair, with additional allowances for remote distribution, and that the Government will ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka asked whether the Government had discussed measures with fuel or essential goods dealers to prevent public queues. He sought clarification on the Government’s message to the public following the Minister’s explanation.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s fuel pricing and taxation approach, arguing that a nominal 14 per cent tax has effectively risen to 36 per cent and that outdated cost calculations no longer reflect current conditions. He said costs had increased substantially over 11 years and urged the Minister to account for the practical realities faced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation rather than relying on theoretical figures.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara sought the Speaker’s permission to ask a question. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that he wished to raise several questions and requested that he be allowed an opportunity to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake briefly appealed to the Speaker to grant him an opportunity to speak or intervene in the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested additional time from the Leader of the House to raise concerns about a proposed decision affecting fuel dealers. He said there had been an earlier decision to raise the cap to 640, referred to a Court of Appeal ruling and a Board paper, and noted that dealers had rejected the proposal at a meeting. Citing reduced fuel consumption after the QR code system and lower recent orders for Octane 92 petrol and diesel, he urged the Minister to consult dealers before implementation to avoid further litigation and disruption.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary There is no fuel shortage, and the Government will not allow one to occur, though queues have formed due to public sentiment and unusually high dealer orders. The Minister said the CPC is engaging directly with dealers and that reports of non-distribution came through social media rather than official channels. He defended the new fuel pricing formula, stating it was developed after consultation and modelling, gives dealers a fairer margin based on CPC costs excluding taxes, and that attempts to create a crisis appear politically motivated.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that Government Members should also be given the opportunity to participate, as the matter was being treated as a dialogue. He suggested that, if necessary, a time-allocated debate could be requested later, noting that Government supporters were also among the people affected and waiting in queues.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Requested that the Opposition Whip be provided with a microphone and camera to prevent repeated interruptions during proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri appears to have been interrupted and only asked for the other person’s name to be stated. No substantive policy point, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged the House to proceed with scheduled business after party leaders and the Chief Opposition Whip had presented their views on a nationally important matter. He requested order amid interruptions and asked that the Government side be allowed an opportunity to clarify, noting that the Opposition had already had several speakers.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri rose to raise a point of order, without elaborating further in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly objected during an interruption, questioning what was happening in the Chamber. No substantive policy position, legislative issue, or proposal was raised in the recorded remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara objected to an unclear procedural intervention in Parliament, stating that merely calling “Order, please” was insufficient. He demanded clarity from the Chair or presiding authority on what action was being taken.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri rose to a point of Order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka addressed the Chair, but the recorded speech contains no substantive remarks beyond “Mr. Speaker,” and interruptions. No policy position, question, proposal, or argument is recorded in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Speaker to allow the ongoing remarks or exchange to conclude despite interruptions. The intervention was procedural and did not raise a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara objected that Members were not being allowed to speak during the proceedings. He requested that the Leader of the House be given the microphone, amid interruptions.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested that the ongoing matter be brought to a conclusion and asked that only a short time be allotted for it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara objected to interruptions during proceedings and asserted that other Members also have rights to participate. He called attention to the need to maintain order and allow Members to be heard.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman objected that the microphone was being given daily to the Leader of the House. The brief remark was made amid interruptions and did not include a specific policy proposal or legislative issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake characterized the matter under discussion as nationally important and challenged others in the Chamber over interruptions, asking whether they were afraid of the answers. The intervention was brief and did not set out a substantive policy proposal or question beyond that challenge.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Speaker to allow Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri to speak, amid interruptions in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri sought the Speaker’s leave under Standing Order 91 to address the House. He requested three minutes to clarify matters relating to Standing Orders 92(2) and 27(2).
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri objected to the Speaker’s ruling that supplementary questions are not permitted under Standing Order 27(2). He indicated he would read from the Standing Orders to challenge or clarify that interpretation in the context of the exchange involving Ravi Karunanayake.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri raised a procedural objection citing Standing Orders 27(2), 146 and 92(2), arguing that recognized party leaders and Members should be allowed to ask permitted questions after due notice. He questioned why Hon. Ravi Karunanayake was seated as a party leader but allegedly prevented from asking a follow-up question, and said decisions on departures from the Order Paper rest with the Speaker, not the Leader of the House. He urged the Speaker to act impartially for all Members and follow precedent in applying the Standing Orders.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged adherence to Standing Order 92(2)(a), noting that points of order should be limited to one minute and not become a debate, and said a brief exchange had already been allowed after a question under Standing Order 27(2). He asked that parliamentary business proceed after three Opposition Members had spoken. On the fuel issue, he stated that the problem arose from court proceedings rather than from the Ministry or the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, while acknowledging that an issue had emerged.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law, stated that no court order had been issued and rejected a contrary assertion as incorrect.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that court determinations on fuel dealer commissions must be respected and that disregarding them would amount to contempt. He argued that commissions should be calculated on the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s actual cost, not on tax-inclusive retail prices, describing the previous method as a longstanding error already recognized by CPC and former Ministers. He said the Government would engage with dealers and take legal or administrative steps if needed, while assuring that there was no fuel shortage and distribution was continuing.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka said he agreed with many points made by the Leader of the House and noted that, during his tenure, the 3 per cent tax component paid to dealers had been removed. He asked the Minister of Power and Energy to clarify fuel dispatch volumes for the day and whether special Sunday distribution would be arranged, warning that panic buying could create temporary shortages despite sufficient stocks. He added that, if necessary, the President had authority to ensure an operational distribution plan.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe objected to the Leader of the House allegedly insulting or harshly lecturing Members when managing proceedings. He emphasized that the Speaker, not the Leader of the House, has authority to decide who speaks, and requested that such attacks on Members cease.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman rose on a point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka urged consistent implementation of Standing Order 92(2)(b), arguing that many repeated disputes in the House occur because it is not followed. He requested that Members be routinely allowed the one minute provided to raise a point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman began to seek an opportunity to address Parliament, but the provided excerpt contains no substantive remarks, arguments, proposals, or questions to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the fuel distribution issue has historical causes and was not created by an administrative decision of the current Government. He said CPC has sufficient stocks, is releasing substantial volumes, and that queues had eased, assuring the public there would be no shortage. He argued that the central issue concerns whether commissions can be paid on publicly collected tax, noting that audit reports and court proceedings indicate commissions on the tax-included final price are improper, and rejected attempts to create panic over fuel availability.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake rose on a point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that the Opposition does not seek to undermine or bankrupt the Government, but raised a practical concern about fuel availability in Ella. He noted that with only one petrol station in the area and the following day being Sunday, tourists were unable to refuel, implying a need for immediate attention to fuel supply in the tourist destination.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary The Hon. Mujibur Rahman objected to limits on raising questions, citing Standing Order 91(u) and past practice since 2015 of allowing brief questions under Standing Order 27(2), even during contentious parliamentary periods. He argued that the Opposition was not seeking to disrupt proceedings and urged that similar parliamentary understanding be maintained.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman sought permission to continue and conclude a point he had already begun. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was stated in this brief intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman sought permission to conclude his remarks amid interruptions. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Media JJB
AI summary During interruptions, the Minister of Health and Media, Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, did not make a substantive statement beyond addressing the Chair. No policy position, proposal, question, or demand was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman asked to be allowed to conclude his remarks amid interruptions. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Media JJB
AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa acknowledged that the issue raised had been heard and understood. No further proposal, decision, or policy position was stated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman objected that he had not been allowed to conclude his remarks. He requested that he be permitted to finish speaking and that such interruptions not occur.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary The Member requested that another speaker be allowed to conclude their remarks. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was presented in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman briefly objected to being characterized as disruptive and requested a short opportunity to finish his remarks. No substantive policy issue or legislative proposal was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman stated that the principal Opposition Members were not attempting to disrupt Parliament and called for proceedings to continue cooperatively. He urged that elected Opposition Members be given due space and respect, emphasizing that they entered Parliament through direct public votes rather than the National List.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Media JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that fuel queues had appeared in some locations due to panic-buying following misinformation about distribution problems, but said there was no fuel shortage. He reported that 19 million litres had been ordered, dealers were ordering above usual levels, and the CPC was continuing distribution. He said fuel orders would be accepted throughout the day, and possibly on Sunday if necessary, and urged the public and sectors such as tourism not to queue or over-purchase.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that CPC, Lanka IOC, Sinopec and RM Parks fuel order and delivery figures showed distribution was continuing and there was no basis for a shortage. He tabled a High Court of Civil Appeal decision, noting that the court dismissed appeals with costs and found the public were disadvantaged compared with dealers. He said the Government was acting in accordance with the judgment and urged the business community not to create disruptions, warning that sectors such as tourism could be affected.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a point of Order concerning proposed reductions in margins, referring to a possible decrease from 6 per cent to 3 per cent. He asked whether any resulting benefit would be passed on to consumers, emphasizing the need to assess the measure from the consumer’s perspective.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged the House to move on to the main business, stating that the matter had been discussed sufficiently and proceedings were already delayed by 45 minutes. He suggested that Hon. Ravi Karunanayake could request separate time for further discussion if needed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera sought the Speaker’s permission to respond to a legal point that had been raised during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- 11 Opening Ministerial Statement: Minister of Health and Media on Nurses' Concerns 1 speeches
- 12 Procedural Privilege Matter: Vice-Chancellor Appointment - Rajarata University 4 speeches
- 13 Papers Bills Presented: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 1 speeches
- 14 Debate Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) 87 speeches
- 15 Procedural Procedural: Committee Report on Heads Considered 1 speeches
- 16 Procedural Procedural: Motion for Adjournment 1 speeches
- 17 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Select Committee on Administration of Justice 15 speeches
- 18 Procedural Procedural: Parliament Adjourned 3 speeches