Sitting of Monday, 3 March 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1742268353096939 ·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 Auditor-General's Report and Ministerial Consultative Committee Report 1 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Elpitiya (Q.2/2025) 8 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Sri Lanka - Current Status (Q.5/2025) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Wild Elephants and HEC Deaths (Q.6/2025) 2 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: TRIAD Company Payment to Urban Development Authority (Q.7-Q.8/2025) 3 speeches
- 9 Procedural Matter of Privilege: News Report in Sathi Aga Aruna Newspaper 2 speeches
- 10 Debate Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) 94 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction under Head 119 and argued that high energy costs and reliability concerns are major barriers to a production-based economy. He said the Government’s proposed amendments to the Electricity Act risk discouraging private investment and reversing reforms, despite earlier assurances of transparency and consultation. He highlighted a policy contradiction between the Energy Minister’s January 2025 concept paper and the Finance Minister’s February 2025 observations, which reportedly described the proposals as flawed and regressive. He urged the Government to resolve the contradiction and stated the Opposition’s willingness to cooperate on urgent, time-bound energy sector reforms.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody outlined the 2025 allocations under Head 119, noting Rs. 21.14 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 20.07 billion for capital expenditure, with recurrent spending reduced by 43 per cent from 2024. He detailed capital projects for transmission upgrades, waste-to-energy, rooftop solar, island hybrid renewable systems, Atomic Energy Board capacity, and the Kerawalapitiya-Colombo Port transmission line, while also listing externally financed hydro, solar, floating solar, wind, nuclear, and thermal generation projects. He stated that the Government targets 1,972 MW of renewable energy additions over the next two years and is also advancing petroleum-sector projects including the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, Sapugaskanda refinery modernization, and proposals for a new refinery.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked the Minister to clarify the financing source for the proposed upgrades to electricity transmission lines and substations, specifically whether the funds would come from the Ceylon Electricity Board or from private investors.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that, except for one item, the relevant projects are financed through donor agencies or external lenders. He noted that the Ceylon Electricity Board is responsible for making the repayments.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam addressed the Energy Ministry budget allocation and supported the Government’s renewable energy target of 70 per cent by 2030, while urging stronger implementation in the North and East. He raised concerns over the Mannar wind power project, including alleged lack of transparency, inadequate community benefits, CSR misuse, and flooding linked to blocked drainage during Phase I, and requested ministerial intervention. He proposed expanded solar farms on unused state lands, grid and transformer upgrades to enable rooftop solar, free electricity connections for vulnerable households, concessional tariffs for small producers, and subsidized fuel for war-affected farmers and fishers. He also called for adequate CEB and Ministry staffing in the North and East, citing the absence of a dedicated CEB Engineer in Kilinochchi.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake raised the lack of Tamil-to-English interpretation in the House and in a recent Sectoral Oversight Committee meeting on Media, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation. He stated that existing interpreters are too few and overworked, and requested urgent recruitment of additional Sinhala-English and Sinhala-Tamil interpreters.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the explanation given for the President’s overseas travel costs and asked for clarification on how 11 people travelled to three countries for Rs. 1.8 million. In the Energy Ministry debate, he criticized the handling of the recent power outage, citing CEB’s own media release and arguing that known Sunday load-management issues involving hydro, Norochcholai and solar generation had not been addressed. He alleged conflicts of interest involving the CEB Chairman and Resource Management Associates, tabled related documents, and raised concerns over delayed solar PPAs, reduced solar tariffs and payment delays affecting investors. He also urged more consultative policymaking on energy and fuel distribution to avoid public panic and hardship for rural fuel outlets.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Kumara Jayakody responded to claims about the 9 February power cutoff, stating that he was at the Presidential Secretariat for a special Cabinet meeting until noon and later at the Pelawatte System Control Centre until the system was stabilized, with CCTV available to verify this. He also clarified that the CEB media release of 18 February described a system-wide failure triggered by a disturbance but was not a detailed technical report, and he disputed any claim that it ruled out the involvement of a monkey, stating that videos could be provided if required.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka placed Sri Lanka’s energy sector in the context of rising global energy demand and the shift toward clean energy and net-zero policies. He noted that international commitments are expected to reduce fossil-fuel use after 2025–2030, citing decisions by several countries to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, restrict new oil exploration, and limit coal-based power generation.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined the Government’s energy strategy, emphasizing expansion of wind and solar generation, the need to strengthen grid stability, and the use of Sri Lanka’s location to become a regional energy hub. He said refinery development at Hambantota and Sapugaskanda, Trincomalee tank farm utilization, LNG trading plans, and international storage partnerships are being pursued to support exports, fuel security, and foreign exchange savings. He also linked energy infrastructure to wider economic priorities, including fertilizer production from refinery by-products and improved aviation fuel supply for tourism growth.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that 10 actions had been initiated on the matter under discussion. He said he could provide further details if given more time, either in the House or privately.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake briefly asks the Minister how much time is needed, likely in relation to managing the proceedings or allocating speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka briefly requested three or four minutes to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was presented in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Requested that four minutes be allocated to another member to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined progress on several energy-sector commitments in the “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” programme, including solar power expansion, wind power market development, refinery modernization, Trincomalee oil tank arrangements, fuel storage and distribution upgrades, sector restructuring, and solar installations for public and religious institutions. He stated that work had begun on 10 of 41 listed items within three months, amounting to 22 per cent progress, and said the remaining commitments would be pursued over the five-year period. He also said recent fuel queues were caused by panic rather than shortages, and that further discussions would continue to reach consensual and public-friendly outcomes.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised a Point of Order challenging claims in the President’s Budget speech on energy policy, noting that page 21 lists four proposed items rather than ten. He questioned whether an energy hub or related policy had actually been established and argued that no new measures had been identified beyond the earlier “Solar Power Revolution” and the previously added 1,400 MW of capacity.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the ten listed items are at different stages, with some in feasibility assessment and others in initiation. He clarified that all ten have commenced and are progressing.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka referred to prior explanations on approaches linking the Trincomalee and Colombo ports and a refinery initiative. He stated that, if considered carefully, the ten related items had progressed.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the relevant Minister to review the Ministry’s work carefully, asserting that no action or progress had taken place. The remark functioned as a brief criticism or demand for accountability regarding the Ministry’s performance.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on campaign pledges by the President and JVP/NPP to reduce fuel prices by removing levies and taxes, asking why these measures had not been implemented and whether the current pricing formula would continue under IMF conditions. He also asked when the remaining promised reduction in electricity tariffs would be granted, noting that only about 20 per cent of the promised one-third cut had occurred through the PUCSL process. Referring to the recent nationwide blackout, he demanded a transparent explanation of its cause and warned that unclear public accounts could harm industry, consumers, foreign investment, and debt-servicing prospects.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka argued that recent fuel and electricity issues were caused by management and implementation failures rather than actual shortages, citing the previous administration’s handling of fuel queues, CPC profitability, demurrage reductions, and non-political appointments. He rejected claims that Ministers protected filling stations, explaining the COPE-related recovery of Rs. 37 billion and the related court proceedings, and requested clarification on delays in connecting solar systems installed at 5,000 religious sites under an Indian credit line. He also discussed the Trincomalee oil tank and Hambantota refinery processes, stating that earlier EoIs and RFPs led to current negotiations, and urged the Government to introduce tariffs for solar-plus-battery systems to address grid balancing and reduce reliance on imported coal.
- The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Thanura Dissanayake said the Government’s priority in the power and energy sector is to stabilize supply, prevent recurring fuel and electricity breakdowns, and reduce costs through renegotiated renewable power purchase agreements. He said Sri Lanka should aim to export surplus renewable power only after achieving self-sufficiency, lower tariffs, and a coherent long-term plan. He outlined allocations for religious-place solar schemes, Colombo transmission upgrades including the Kerawalapitiya-Port underground line, and Rs. 20.7 billion in capital expenditure, while calling for strategic handling of Trincomalee oil tanks, petrol shed expansion, and investor agreements to maximize national benefit.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that Sri Lanka inherited a strong electricity system built over successive administrations and questioned the Government’s plans for expanding generation, transmission and distribution under IMF-related constraints. He raised concerns over shutting down small hydro and solar plants on Sundays despite PPAs, delays and alleged irregularities in renewable tenders including the Mannar wind project, VAT and pricing issues affecting electricity and fuel costs, and the reduction of petroleum distributor margins without passing savings to consumers. He also urged dialogue with petroleum distributors instead of criminal investigations, sought clarity on LNG terminal and supply plans for plants designed for LNG, and called for retention of experienced engineers at Norochcholai.
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government’s handling of the recent electricity blackout explanation and questioned whether commitments in its policy document had been implemented. He asked whether installment payment arrangements for electricity and water connection charges for low-usage households and MSMEs had been introduced after five months. He also cited the policy pledge to reduce electricity prices through competitive procurement and a shift to solar and wind power, arguing that household tariffs remain among the highest in South Asia.
- The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar criticised the Government for not reducing electricity, water and essential costs as promised, citing electricity bills for 200 and 300 units as substantially higher than regional averages. He alleged that the Government had used the “76-year curse” narrative and social media messaging to win votes, but had not delivered tax or tariff relief after five months. He questioned whether current power-sector decisions remain influenced by a “mafia,” referring to COPE discussions, repeated extensions of a private power plant agreement, and high generation costs. He also asked about the status of rooftop solar expansion, claiming solar installations are being restricted while coal and diesel generation continue to be favoured.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s failure to remove the Rs. 50 fuel levy and reduce fuel-related taxes despite earlier promises, noting that prices had not fallen after three months. He also referred to rice import duties and alleged past corruption at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, stating support for genuine government-to-government measures to curb corruption while criticizing inconsistencies over the Trincomalee oil tanks and regional export hub policy.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra - Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra contrasted the Government’s energy policy with previous administrations, stating that proposed Electricity Act reforms would restructure the CEB into five state-owned entities while keeping transmission fully under state control and rejecting privatization. She said the Mannar wind tender review arose from an appeal under the previous government, defended stakeholder consultations, and argued that fuel pricing decisions should protect the public rather than unlawful profits or sectoral lobbies. She also noted that the Ministry is preparing a “Women in Energy” policy to increase women’s participation and leadership in the sector.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned whether the Government’s handling of energy policy was leading to higher electricity tariffs and possible emergency power purchases, citing reports of drought-related price pressures and delays in renewable energy projects. He argued that the Government had failed to justify fuel pricing despite earlier claims about excessive taxes and commissions, and raised concerns about consistency with IMF revenue targets. He criticized the suspension of wind and solar projects, including the Adani wind project, saying it jeopardized the previous target of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and could increase reliance on thermal power. He also requested careful consideration of village land needs when allocating land for solar projects in Batticaloa, and urged implementation of pending District Coordinating Committee decisions on local issues.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget and the Government’s energy policy, rejecting Opposition claims of an emerging fuel crisis and saying the Government would not allow shortages or instability. He tabled a 2022 National Audit Office report on CPC dealer commission overpayments, documents alleging improper overtime and vehicle use by union-linked individuals at CPSTL and CPC, and a list of alleged political links to petroleum dealerships. He argued that Opposition criticism was connected to affected business interests and stated that the Government’s priority was energy security and public relief after the country’s bankruptcy.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government’s handling of media and stakeholder issues, alleging misuse of parliamentary privileges against a newspaper editor and intimidation of fuel distributors through possible CID action. He accused the Energy Minister and Government of failing to manage fuel distribution, electricity supply, and tender processes, including questioning the rejection of a main bidder in favour of Hayleys. He argued that the Government’s actions contradicted its promises on good governance and anti-corruption, and warned that public dissatisfaction over power outages and policy reversals would have electoral consequences.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Energy was presented as central to the Budget, economic development, and national security, with clarification that the Adani power proposal was referred for Cabinet review because of concerns over the agreed tariff of 8.26 US cents per kWh, while investment remains open and transparent. The Minister rejected claims of overcharging on fuel, stating that prices follow the formula, and called for authenticated evidence to be submitted for investigation where corruption is alleged. He outlined plans for a 2025 Energy Transition Act, a Results Delivery Framework for 2025-2026, and reforms including digitalized procurement, a green hydrogen agency, a National Energy Policy Planning Office, and land-use coordination. The policy objective is to reduce average energy costs by one-third within two to three years while moving towards 70 percent renewables and net-zero by 2050.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member informed the next participant that they had 13 minutes to speak, noting the time as 2.59 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s policy direction for the electricity sector, asking whether it intended to create a market-based structure or retain the single-buyer model, and cited CEB’s shift from a Rs. 298 billion loss in 2022 to significant profits after cost-reflective tariff adjustments. He criticized the process for amending the 2024 Electricity Act, tabling the Cabinet decision of 23 January 2025 and arguing that the appointed review committee lacked legal, financial, regulatory and investment expertise while including members with potential conflicts of interest. Referring to observations made by the President as Minister of Finance, he urged wider stakeholder and public consultation, reconsideration of the committee’s composition, and adherence to established procedures before proceeding with electricity sector reforms.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah to address the House and informed him that he had 11 minutes allotted for his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the Ministry of Power and Energy should prioritize public welfare and economic stability, and urged the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to restore or negotiate the long-standing 3 per cent dealer commission rather than reduce it amid rising operating costs. He commended the Ceylon Electricity Board but called for urgent supplies of meters and connectors to reduce delays in new and solar connections, including solar systems for places of worship in Batticaloa under the Indian Credit Line. Citing national renewable energy targets and PUCSL/CEB correspondence, he argued that solar power remains under-implemented and cheaper than diesel generation, and asked the Ministry to remove restrictions and give priority to solar expansion, particularly in the Northern, Eastern and other under-served provinces.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. Ravindra Bandara to speak and allotted him 10 minutes. The intervention was procedural, indicating the next speaker in the debate at 3.25 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara argued that previous governments failed to act on Sri Lanka’s substantial wind and solar energy potential, despite studies and opportunities dating back to 2003. He said the Government is pursuing plans for wind, solar, battery storage, pumped storage, hydrogen, ammonia and urea production, while restructuring stalled renewable energy Expressions of Interest, including a 3,000 MW target and temple solar projects. He also stated that future energy planning would address rising demand, grid stability, and forecasting through new technologies, with the aim of avoiding power cuts and positioning Sri Lanka as a South Asian energy hub.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law, to speak and informed him that he had 14 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that past governments’ contributions to energy and economic development, including the accelerated Mahaweli project, the end of the war, and economic stabilization, should be acknowledged despite political differences. He criticized the Government for unfulfilled promises on foreign funding, graphene production and electricity tariff reductions, and said Ministers had handled recent energy-related explanations irresponsibly. He questioned the award of a 50 MW wind power project to Hayleys after earlier technical rejection, and demanded transparency on the release of 300 containers without proper checks. He also urged the Government to investigate alleged corruption fairly and not use the Police or CID to harass critics.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. Rohana Bandara to speak and allotted him seven minutes. The intervention was procedural, marking the transition to the next speaker in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that the recent nationwide blackout exposed serious vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s energy security and said prior engineering warnings should have been addressed. He urged the Government to expand low-cost solar power, maintain incentives for private sector investment, and consider large-scale battery storage to reduce reliance on hydro and thermal generation. He also called for better fuel procurement and storage, fair discussions on dealer margins to prevent queues, mandatory sanitation facilities at fuel stations, and clarity on plans involving fuel storage tanks and private or foreign participation.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera to speak and allocated him 11 minutes. The intervention was procedural, introducing the next speaker in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera
AI summary Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera supported the Ministry of Power and Energy vote, arguing that the Government’s production-based economic plan depends on expanding energy supply while retaining national assets and protecting the environment. He highlighted Budget priorities for renewable energy, including expected solar and wind generation, and referred to plans for a new Hambantota oil refinery and LNG/fuel trading hub to increase refining capacity and attract investment. He said the Government had implemented a 20 per cent electricity tariff reduction within three months, rejected Opposition claims about fuel shortages, and alleged that some fuel shed owners and politicians were resisting reduced margins.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Mr. Presiding Member called on Hon. Ravi Karunanayake to speak and informed him that he had 14 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that electricity and petroleum pricing, sector finances, and infrastructure investment are central to economic growth, competitiveness, and modernization, noting the recent return to profitability of the CEB and CPC after large losses. He urged the Government to expedite India–Sri Lanka grid connectivity, consider oil pipeline links and use of Trincomalee oil tanks, and bring forward delayed power sector reform legislation, including possible private participation in transmission and distribution. He raised concerns about future generation costs, LNG delays affecting the Sobadanavi plant, rejection of the generation plan by the PUCSL, and the need for contingency planning, renewables, battery storage, and carbon trading.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Electricity Board be operated with a business-oriented approach, including through public–private partnerships and greater involvement of entrepreneurs. He raised concern that electricity had reportedly been disconnected to 600,000 to 700,000 consumers, questioned the proposed soft-loan response, and asked how consumers would be compensated if the CEB disconnected supply without prior notice. He said these issues should be addressed as part of a broader effort to rebuild the country.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that reliable, affordable energy is central to economic growth and that Sri Lanka cannot depend solely on variable renewable sources such as wind and solar, but should combine them with LNG and improved grid capacity. He emphasized that transmission and distribution weaknesses require state-private investment and regulatory changes, including wheeling arrangements through the CEB to supply industrial users from dedicated renewable projects. He proposed accelerating battery storage and EV-related technologies to manage excess rooftop solar and provide nighttime power, and also suggested pursuing an electricity interconnection with India to create export opportunities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the dispute between CPC and fuel distributors stems from long-unimplemented decisions on dealer margins dating back to 2010 and 2016, later complicated by fuel price increases, court injunctions and pending litigation. He said the CPC is now attempting to implement a new circular unilaterally despite the Court of Appeal directing discussions with dealers, and warned that mishandling the matter could create fuel shortages. He rejected claims that the Opposition was trying to create queues, saying it was raising concerns based on CPC board papers and shortages, and questioned why the subject Minister did not respond in Parliament. He also alleged past and present irregularities in CPC appointments, allowances and the conduct of officials, calling for accountability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the NPP Government’s proposed energy transition policy, emphasizing affordable, secure and clean energy, renewable generation, storage, and integration with global energy markets. He said planned measures include zoning land for renewable projects, developing wind and solar capacity in the Puttalam-Jaffna, North-East, and Monaragala-Hambantota areas, pursuing hydrogen and ammonia production, and procuring new renewable power at around USD 5 cents per kWh to reduce generation costs and electricity bills. He also stated that 2,500 MWh of battery storage and a pumped storage project in Kegalle are planned, and that a National e-Mobility Secretariat will be established to support electrification of transport as part of the 2050 net-zero pathway.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that Sri Lanka’s national energy policy is a gazetted legal document, originally adopted in 2008 and updated in 2019, and argued that any new government energy policy must follow the required legal process. He urged that it be prepared under the relevant Act, approved by Cabinet, and submitted to Parliament so it becomes a national policy rather than a party document, which he said is important for disciplined implementation and investor confidence.
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB
AI summary The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that the 2019 policy is due for revision under its six-year update cycle. He said the current action being taken is to update the policy in 2025 as required.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the Government to convene all energy sector stakeholders and follow due process before launching the updated national energy policy. He stated that, to his knowledge, the formal process for introducing the policy had not yet begun.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB
AI summary Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that the relevant process has already begun and is expected to be completed within the month. He said it would proceed through public consultations and Cabinet consideration before being published.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised concern that the Deputy Minister of Finance had previously given a different position regarding an updating process. He stated that he had asked the Deputy Minister the same question and sought clarification on the discrepancy.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake clarifies that the matter is with the policy team. No further substantive argument, proposal, or question is presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera cautioned that the matter concerns a multi-billion-dollar sector and should be handled with proper procedure. He indicated no objection to the relevant party’s knowledge or commitment, but emphasized the need to proceed correctly.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB
AI summary Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that the matter or process in question had already commenced and that further information would be provided in due course.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath addressed the 2025 Budget allocation for the Energy Ministry, questioning how the Government’s target of 70 per cent renewable generation by 2030 can be met in Batticaloa amid transformer capacity limits, delays in solar connections, and unclear district-level allocations. He highlighted CEB service constraints, including delays in three-phase connections for SMEs and shortages of engineers, meter readers, electrical superintendents, and field officers, and asked whether recruitment and infrastructure measures are being taken. He also raised concerns about the impact of reduced investor confidence and the reported exit of the Adani Group on Eastern Province energy development, and sought assurances on consistent, fair fuel and electricity distribution in the district.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is reforming the energy sector to reduce corruption, waste and entrenched supplier arrangements in the CEB and CPC, while ensuring uninterrupted fuel and electricity supply. He stated that renewable energy expansion is being prioritized, including rooftop solar improvements, land identification for large-scale solar, lower tariffs achieved for wind and solar projects, and forthcoming tenders for storage. He said fuel dealer margin and tax discount issues would be corrected through existing law and discussions, and rejected claims of a nationwide fuel shortage. He also announced that a new Electricity Act would be brought in 2025 to prevent privatization, reverse fragmentation of the CEB, consolidate its functions, and support lower-cost power generation.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage questioned the Government’s handling of energy policy, particularly the absence of clear ministerial responses after power outages and reported statements opposing solar projects in Hambantota. He warned that halting or retendering renewable energy projects selected under the 2022 expression-of-interest process could undermine investor confidence, create compensation liabilities, and delay efforts to reduce dependence on emergency diesel generation. He urged the Minister to clarify whether past selections were flawed, provide a roadmap for reducing costly thermal power use, and ensure policy consistency in implementing the renewable energy framework established under the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act and related plans.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath rejected claims made about solar development projects in Hambantota, stating they were based on media reports rather than District Coordinating Committee decisions. He said the Committee temporarily halted the projects on 23 December to investigate concerns involving Mahaweli, Wildlife and LRC lands and human-elephant conflict, but later decided, after consultations with experts and farmers, to release the lands and allow investors to recommence the projects. He maintained that the decision was taken to support national electricity supply while avoiding harm to local communities and the ecosystem.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said he had already outlined the Government’s plan to achieve 2,000 MW of renewable energy within two years, including the projects and regions involved, and criticized repeated Opposition questions on the matter. He argued that the Opposition’s calls to avoid reducing renewable energy tariffs while also demanding lower electricity bills were inconsistent. He also cited fuel price reductions made in 2024, listing decreases across petrol, diesel, super diesel and kerosene, and stated that the Government had acted within its first few months of office under a five-year mandate.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake addressed the Presiding Member, but the provided excerpt contains no substantive remarks, arguments, proposals, or questions to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake noted the absence of most Opposition Members during the debate, with only Hon. Ajith P. Perera present. He questioned whether proceedings should continue or whether the House should proceed to a vote.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake noted that during the Committee Stage, 60 percent of speaking time is allocated to the Opposition. He asked whether Members should speak from their seats, addressing a procedural matter on how the debate would proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera, having moved a Cut, stated that Opposition Members had participated in the debate and remained until concluding their speeches. He said he was awaiting the Minister’s responses to the questions raised, adding that the adequacy of those questions was for the Minister to address.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake observed that only three of the 66 Opposition Members were present in the House at that time, drawing attention to the low Opposition attendance during proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera questioned the quorum in the House, asking how many of the 159 Members were present at that moment. The intervention appears to be a procedural point concerning attendance during proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to Government participation during time allocated to the Opposition and pointed to the apparent lack of Opposition Members present. He stated that the Government need not take part in the debate during Opposition time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody responded to questions on the CPC Chairman’s remuneration, stating that the current Chairman oversees CPC, CPSTL and Trinco Petroleum Terminals Limited but draws only the CPSTL salary, and denied misuse of insurance benefits. He outlined electricity-sector projects including the Habarana–Kappalthurai 220 kV transmission line, battery storage projects at Hambantota and Kolonnawa, and studies on Victoria/Randenigala hydropower expansion and pumped storage. He said amendments to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act are being prepared for completion by 27 June 2025 after consultations, and maintained that the Government does not intend to use emergency power procurement, instead selecting the lowest-cost available generation including CEB-owned diesel plants if necessary.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary The Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government has recognized solar power with battery storage as a policy priority and is developing a promotional tariff to attract investors, allowing daytime charging and nighttime supply to the grid. He said a committee is finalizing the framework, which will be submitted to Cabinet before announcement. He also noted that renewable energy proposals pending since February 2022 are legally complicated because projects below 10 MW require special PPAs while those above 10 MW must be procured through bidding, but the proposals have been grouped together.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka rose on a Point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was recorded in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that a Cabinet sub-committee has been appointed to address a two-year-old issue affecting stalled projects, and said the Government intends to resolve it quickly despite having been in office for only three months. He emphasized support for public-private partnerships and the need to attract investors to move the affected projects forward. The Committee then approved the relevant recurrent and capital expenditure allocations under Head 119 before reporting progress.
- 11 Procedural Voting on Head 119 and Adjournment Motion 2 speeches
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Reorganization of National Youth Services Council 6 speeches