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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Saturday, 8 March 2025

10th Parliament· 12 debates· 144 speeches· 56 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1743142289059261 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  8. 8 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Proposed Abolition of Simplified Value Added Tax 19 speeches
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • QUESTION BY PRIVATE NOTICE

      AI summary A Private Notice Question was raised regarding the proposed abolition of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system. The question sought clarification from the Government on the rationale, timing, and potential impact of removing SVAT, particularly on exporters and businesses currently using the scheme, and asked what alternative mechanisms or safeguards would be introduced to prevent cash-flow difficulties and delays in VAT refunds.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF

      AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the planned abolition of the Simplified VAT system in September 2025, warning that doing so without a reliable VAT refund mechanism could harm exporters’ cash flow, competitiveness and the Government’s US$ 19 billion export target. He asked the Minister of Finance whether exporters and business chambers had been consulted, what measures would guarantee timely refunds, and whether abolition would be postponed until a modernized and tested refund system is in place. He also questioned high commercial bank interest rates, possible expenditure-based tax relief for exporters, and the Government’s estimate of annual revenue lost through tax evasion.

      EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
    • Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that the Deputy Minister of Economic Development would respond on behalf of the Government. He requested that allowing this arrangement on the day not be treated as a precedent, noting that it could disrupt the order of business and should be considered a one-off accommodation.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF

      AI summary Ravi Karunanayake thanked the Deputy Speaker for the opportunity to speak and apologized for the delay, explaining it was due to a medical test. He clarified that he did not intend to create a precedent.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Finance Minister, Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the removal of the SVAT scheme is not being undertaken abruptly, noting earlier proposals in the 2017 Budget and ongoing stakeholder consultations, training, IT upgrades, and a planned simulation by end-June to test the VAT refund process. He acknowledged exporters’ cash flow concerns but said SVAT had been misused and would not be abolished until a smooth, technology-supported refund system is in place. He also said interest rates should decline gradually through market conditions, with the Central Bank monitoring lending rates, and that tax reform would aim for a transparent VAT system with minimal avoidance rather than planning around expected evasion.

      Public FinanceEmploymentCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF

      AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Deputy Minister’s response on SVAT but urged that it should not be removed until a reliable VAT refund mechanism is operational, preferably through a point-of-sale approach rather than further bureaucracy. He argued that delays in linking ASYCUDA with 34 government institutions and high interest rates compared to regional competitors undermine exporters and economic growth. He also said IMF-related timelines should not dictate policy and called for coordination with the Central Bank to align monetary policy with government revenue and growth objectives.

      EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB

      AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha briefly thanks another Member, with no substantive policy argument, proposal, or question recorded in the speech.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe sought permission to raise a brief clarification on a minor point. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or argument was presented in the excerpt.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha clarified that IMF-related benchmarks are part of a collaborative programme rather than mandatory dictates, and said Sri Lanka can discuss or renegotiate implementation if unforeseen circumstances arise. He stated that the September structural benchmark concerns establishing an effective VAT refund system, and noted that the IMF Managing Director had reaffirmed continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. He also said initial stakeholder consultations had begun on using technology such as ASYCUDA, point-of-sale systems and e-invoicing to improve VAT refunds.

      Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe requested a brief clarification from the Minister. No specific subject matter or policy issue was stated in the excerpt.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe sought clarification from the Deputy Minister on the Central Bank’s role in directing banks on interest rates and related decisions. He referred to statements by the Deputy Minister and the Central Bank Governor that the Central Bank cannot issue such directives, indicating concern over the extent of regulatory authority in this matter.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB

      AI summary The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha stated that while direct intervention is limited, the Central Bank has authority to guide banks and financial institutions and is monitoring gaps in the system. He noted that banks may adjust to changes in statutory and policy rates with a time lag, with State banks likely to respond sooner than private banks. He added that Central Bank oversight should operate alongside market mechanisms, including money supply, demand, and the revival of economic activity.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe sought clarification on the extent of authority over the banking sector following the Central Bank Governor’s statement that the Bank can only guide, not direct, private or other banks. He asked whether the Minister can direct the Central Bank, whether the Central Bank acts independently in its decision-making, and whether it has powers to influence or control other banks.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB

      AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha said details should be sought from the Central Bank on the measures and instruments it can use to monitor and, where necessary, direct financial institutions, including on activities affecting interest rates. He acknowledged a gap between policy rates and prevailing market interest rates, and said Central Bank monitoring combined with broader economic revival measures should address the issue. He added that maintaining price levels, a normal yield curve, and long-term financial system stability are key objectives of the economic recovery effort.

      Public Finance Full speech →