Sitting of Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1743759139093629 ·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 Announcements and Papers 2 speeches
- 2 Committee report Committee Reports Presented 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Citizens' Petitions Presented 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Chicken Production and Supply in Sri Lanka (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Construction of Liyangastota Bridge (Q.4/2025) 9 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Moulavi Certificate and Regidale Estate 5 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural Matters: Standing Order 27(2) Question on Graduate Unemployment 23 speeches
- 8 Debate Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) 142 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka moved the customary Committee Stage token reduction of Rs. 10 from the recurrent and capital expenditures under Heads 196, 186 and 227 of the relevant Ministries, Departments and Institutions in the Appropriation Bill 2025. He then opened the debate and yielded time to Hon. Dilith Jayaweera.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera questioned whether the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Digital Economy match the NPP Government’s policy commitments on research and development. He cited low R&D spending compared with other countries and argued that the Rs. 5 billion allocation is largely recurrent rather than directed to capital formation, innovation, agricultural productivity, or wealth creation. He criticized the Budget as overly shaped by IMF revenue-raising requirements and urged the Government to adopt a more creative strategy to reduce poverty and support the underprivileged.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera requested five minutes of speaking time from the Chief Organizer of the Opposition.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Chair to grant another member an additional five minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that delays in implementing a Unique Digital ID have weakened tax collection and the repatriation of export proceeds, and urged the Government to prioritize it immediately rather than over a five-year period under “Clean Sri Lanka” allocations. He criticized taxation of digital entrepreneurs, proposing temporary tax exemptions for selected dollar-earning start-ups to encourage growth. He also objected to remarks allegedly threatening professional institutions involved in construction claims, calling for clarification and an apology while defending the sector’s contribution to foreign earnings.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined the institutions, funding and policy direction under the Ministry of Science and Technology, noting over Rs. 5,000 million for the Ministry and its agencies, Rs. 1,000 million for an Innovation Fund, and a broader Rs. 20.98 billion Budget allocation for science, technology and innovation. He said the Government would update and adopt the Research and Development Policy through NASTEC, establish national research priorities and a Treasury-linked funding mechanism from 2026, and strengthen commercialization through the National Initiative for Research and Development Commercialization. He also highlighted efforts to engage overseas Sri Lankan scientists, add value to local resources, and commercialize specific research outputs, including supercapacitors for electric vehicles, locally developed antivenom, and agricultural technologies to reduce chemical fertilizer use.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Science and Technology, arguing that digitalization is central to clean administration, efficient service delivery, and reducing waste under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. He urged priority action on digitizing local authority revenue and property tax systems, land administration, traffic enforcement and fines, health records, and education-related processes to reduce delays, improve compliance, and increase public-sector efficiency. He said the Government’s first Budget should be assessed in light of current economic constraints and emphasized that resources should be used effectively while gradually extending digital systems across sectors.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Budget’s allocations for industry and the digital economy are central to expanding Sri Lanka’s economy through digital transformation, startup development, and integration into global digital value chains. He outlined measures including a Fund of Funds with IFC, angel investment networks, startup infrastructure, digital nomad visas, IT districts, freelancer registration and banking access, and partnerships with India and Singapore to adopt proven technologies. He said digitalization would also be used to improve productivity in agriculture, fisheries and light manufacturing, expand the tax net, support SMEs, and improve ease of doing business through greater transparency.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that the allocations for the Digital Economy and Science and Technology Ministries are far too small relative to Sri Lanka’s development needs and urged greater investment in R&D, digitization and technology-enabled public services. He proposed full tax exemptions or enhanced deductions for digital economy and science and technology expenditure, including R&D, software, royalties, hardware and labour costs, citing past incentives and international practice. He called for urgent implementation of a Unique ID system, paperless government, blockchain-based document management, AI adoption, integrated export systems and smart metering at the CEB to reduce inefficiency, corruption and costs. He also said digitization should be used to improve social welfare targeting, public administration and service delivery, while warning that technology must support rather than replace the human element.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake informed the Chair that Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka would allocate him an additional three minutes of speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake called for value-for-money assessment of the 1.6 million public servants and urged the Government to use digitalization to improve revenue collection, efficiency and economic growth. He proposed tax incentives for digital start-ups, a stronger cashless economy, and wider use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in agriculture, including weather reporting and yield improvement. Citing Bank of Ceylon-supported drone initiatives, he argued that technology-led reforms and industrial automation should be implemented rather than repeatedly discussed, with cross-party focus on national development.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged greater emphasis on STEM education, including coding, artificial intelligence, and robotics, to prepare students for future employment. He noted that while about 176,000 students pass the Advanced Level Examination, only around 55,000 enter government universities, and called for private universities to expand higher education opportunities. He also requested the introduction of data protection laws and linked legal reform to the issue of roughly one million pending court cases.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake called for the establishment of a cybercrime task force with adequate support to ensure effective outcomes. He urged that it should deliver measurable success rather than remain merely rhetorical, and concluded by linking the proposal to improving Sri Lanka’s future.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe supported the expenditure head of the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighting the Government’s move to bring 12 science and technology institutions under one ministry for coordinated planning, review, and alignment with policy priorities. He said the Ministry should mobilize Sri Lankan scientists and professionals abroad and apply research, digitalization, and new technology to food security, paddy yield improvement, domestic fertilizer production, export quality, poverty reduction, infrastructure, renewable energy, vehicle accessibility, and health services. He emphasized that science and technology should be used to address the country’s economic and social challenges and to support sustainable improvements in living standards.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva expressed support for building Sri Lanka’s digital public infrastructure, including a biometric-backed digital identity system based on the open-source MOSIP model, and welcomed the involvement of experts such as Dr. Hans Wijesuriya. He argued that a secure unique digital identity could improve authentication, reduce public finance leakages, and better target services and subsidies, rejecting concerns that such systems would transfer biometric data to India by citing the experience of the 1990 Suwa Seriya service. He questioned the parallel effort to issue a new digital version of the existing physical National Identity Card, saying it may be unnecessary and a waste of money if a foundational biometric digital ID system is being developed.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged that the proposed digital ID system be developed into a broader “Sri Lanka Stack” similar to India Stack, enabling consent-based digital verification and linked public and private services. He noted concerns about new taxes on software, the need for customized foundational ID services, proper vendor procurement, and legislative changes to support digital infrastructure. He also called for regulation of cross-border e-commerce, including clearing channels and de minimis rules, while expressing support for a MOSIP-based foundational ID under the Ministry of Digital Economy.
- The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that the Department of Registration of Persons, MOSIP development, and the e-NIC Project all fall under the same Ministry, so there would be no duplication of work. He said the Ministry is evaluating low-cost PVC identity cards, noting that a previous attempt failed due to poor quality and a two-year lifespan, and that any new card should last at least five to ten years to avoid renewal bottlenecks.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly indicated that he had a minor matter to raise. No substantive issue, proposal, or question was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva questioned why a further tender for plastic carbon cards was being pursued while PVC card procurement was already under evaluation. He argued that legal requirements such as a ten-year card validity period should be amended to keep pace with technological change, citing the outdated Customs Ordinance as an obstacle to establishing a Single Window system. He supported consolidating the work under one Ministry but urged legislative reform to enable digital infrastructure, authentication, verification, and related systems to function effectively.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage to address Parliament and informed him that he had 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage supported the Science and Technology Ministry expenditure head, highlighting the Government’s creation of a Ministry of Digital Economy and arguing that long-term national planning is needed to align human resources, education and economic priorities. He said technology must be extended across sectors, particularly agriculture, where outdated practices are driving youth away and limiting productivity. He proposed practical measures such as deploying drones, irrigation and fertilizer technologies, nano-fertilizers, strengthening Vidatha centre officers, and supporting SMEs, youth and women through systematic technology programmes.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Deputy Chairperson informed Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage that he could continue his remarks and had five minutes remaining.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage defended the 2025 allocations for Science and Technology and the Digital Economy, stating that research funding is spread across several ministries and institutions, contrary to claims that only a small amount is allocated for research facilitation. He highlighted increased funding for technology, research, medical research, and digitalization projects, and said past “gene theft” raised accountability concerns. He proposed that Parliament itself adopt digital practices by replacing printed materials with electronic documents and digitizing internal processes, while calling on academics who benefited from free education to support science, technology, and human resource development across the country.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Ajith P. Perera to speak and allotted him 18 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera called for accelerated implementation of key digital governance reforms, noting that the Personal Data Protection Act is not yet fully operational and urging urgent passage of a long-delayed Cybersecurity law. He proposed modernizing tax collection through automated digital assessment, citing Finland’s model, and urged completion of the National Data and Identity Interoperability Platform to enable secure identity verification and information exchange across public and private institutions. He also argued that ICTA’s current institutional model should be replaced and called for rapid scaling of court automation to reduce delays, improve evidence management, and support investor confidence in contract enforcement.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson and allocated 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara argued that the Budget gives unprecedented emphasis to research and development, citing Rs. 20.9 billion for R&D and a separate Rs. 1,000 million Innovation and New Products Fund, while noting Sri Lanka’s low R&D spending compared with countries such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand. He called for stronger research grants, better oversight of bodies such as the NSF and NRC, rationalized use of expensive equipment through a central research facility, and systematic review of past research for commercialization and national impact. He proposed focusing research on agriculture, wildlife damage, patents, solar power, smart grids, AI-based transport systems, construction materials, health products and children’s creativity, with State support to scale innovations and build a productive economy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Opposition Leader Hon. Sajith Premadasa to speak and allocated him seven minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised the reported assault and sexual violence against a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, arguing that it exposes serious weaknesses in hospital and workplace security. He asked whether the Government was aware of the incident, when it was informed, what action is being taken, what protection mechanisms exist for female doctors and workers, and who is accountable. He urged stronger safeguards for women in public and private workplaces and stated the Opposition’s readiness to support stronger laws and severe punishments for such offences.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala to speak and informed him that he had 12 minutes for his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Asoka Sapumal Ranwala argued that the Ministry of Science and Technology had suffered from discontinuity, downgrading and institutional fragmentation since 2005, leaving it unable to guide national policy effectively. He said the current Budget gives the Ministry renewed prominence, including allocations for institutional reorganization, development projects, National Quality Infrastructure Systems and innovation. He called for scientific determinations to guide technical decisions across government, stronger inter-ministerial coordination, and a grassroots “scientific renaissance” to counter superstition and promote public trust in science.
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala emphasized the need to strengthen basic science awareness across all school streams, including Commerce, by establishing Science Clubs or societies throughout the school system. He noted Budget allocations, including Rs. 100 million under the national science and technology policy, to support ongoing research, commercialization of completed projects, and intellectual property protection. He said institutions such as the Inventors’ Commission and NSF would help support innovators financially, socially, and commercially, and welcomed the provisions made to strengthen these bodies.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the House that the National Budget Department’s documents on “Major Components of Expenditure, Budget Estimates 2025,” including Budget Proposals, simplified Government Expenditure 2025, and the Citizens’ Budget had been tabled for Members’ use. The Chair then called Hon. Namal Rajapaksa to speak and allocated him 18 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa said the Government’s digital economy targets could be undermined by a proposed 15 percent tax, arguing that investment in the sector depends on competitive tax incentives and living conditions. He urged implementation of the SL-UDI programme alongside a Data Protection Agency and legal safeguards, while calling for digitization of public services, e-Courts, e-Procurement, reverse bidding, mandatory acceptance of digital signatures, and a single-window government payment gateway. He also emphasized that legal and administrative frameworks must be updated so digitalization delivers practical benefits and improves transparency.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the member that they had about two minutes remaining to conclude their speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa urged the Government to prioritize key pillars of the digital economy, including support for the creators’ economy and young people producing content for online platforms, and to consult them on possible tax relief. He called for digitizing citizen-centric services while protecting the sector, emphasizing that current technologies should be implemented promptly and that policy decisions should prepare Sri Lanka for emerging AI-based systems over the next five years.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister, to speak and informed him that he had 12 minutes. No substantive policy or legislative remarks were made in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined Budget 2025’s digital economy priorities, including global connectivity, improving ease of doing business, decentralizing citizen services, reducing corruption through digitization, and broadening tax compliance by formalizing economic activity. He cited increased allocations for digital infrastructure and the Ministry of Digital Economy, including higher funding for ICTA and total sector support rising to Rs. 13,623 million. He rejected claims that the Digital Services Tax would reduce revenue, stating the Government had reduced the rate from 30 per cent to 15 per cent after IMF discussions and introduced related reliefs for digital service exporters, including deductible expenses, double taxation treaty benefits, no bank-level withholding, and a 15 per cent cap. He also said public procurement digitization was already under way, with minor procurement workflows connected to digital systems and further progress expected by year-end.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala responded to concerns raised about recent CID searches, stating that a Matara house was searched on confidential information, with officers identifying themselves and obtaining consent, and that facts will be reported to the relevant Magistrate in future. He also addressed the alleged sexual assault of a lady doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital, saying police investigations are underway, the suspect has been identified as an army deserter, five police teams have been deployed, and authorities expect a swift arrest and prosecution.
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported the Government’s digital economy initiatives but argued that they must begin with school and university-level reforms, including stronger language, computer, and IT training, expanded technology intakes, and training for graduates to access foreign employment. He urged wider implementation of digital payment systems such as GovPay, including in the private sector, and cited countries such as India, Singapore and Malaysia as examples of revenue generation through digital services. He also raised concerns about teacher transfers, shortages, poor school infrastructure in Ampara and Pottuvil, and the financial burden on parents, calling for increased education funding and better transfer policies. He concluded by urging the Government, given its electoral mandate, to focus on economic development and anti-corruption reforms rather than actions perceived as politically motivated.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Dr. Najith Indika condemned the assault on a young doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital and called for swift investigations, justice, and stronger preventive security at hospital premises, especially for women working night shifts. He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite renovation and protection of dilapidated staff quarters and on-call rooms, noting Budget allocations for this purpose. Responding to criticism of the Budget, he said the Government inherited an IMF programme and constrained fiscal conditions, but had prioritized education, health, transport, women, children, digitalization, and negotiated tax changes. He also rejected claims about the Digital ID project transferring data to India, citing a recent cross-party briefing with officials and experts to address such concerns.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi supported digitalization as essential to reducing corruption and improving public service efficiency, while noting past failures under ICTA and previous administrations. Focusing on the proposed digital ID, he raised national security and privacy concerns about centrally storing biometric data, citing international and local cyber incidents and the growing value of personal data. He proposed completing a robust cybersecurity framework first, strengthening SLCERT and data protection institutions, enacting the planned cybersecurity Bills, collecting biometric data only after safeguards are in place, avoiding unnecessary centralization, and rolling out the project in phases.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni reported an incident at Anuradhapura General Hospital involving a female doctor while on duty and said the Government, Police, security agencies, and Health Ministry had taken immediate action. He stated that hospital security had been strengthened, the suspect had been identified with arrest preparations underway, and senior officials had been sent to assess necessary corrective measures.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage called for proper investigations and justice following a distressing report from Anuradhapura General Hospital after International Women’s Day. Speaking on the 2025 Budget expenditure heads for the Ministries of Digital Economy and Science and Technology, she argued that Sri Lanka needs a coherent national science and technology policy, better coordination among related institutions, and reforms to improve public service delivery. She highlighted allocations to strengthen institutions such as NERDC and NSF, promote commercialization of research for SMEs and rural communities, and expand STEM education, particularly to address women’s lower participation in the science and technology labour market.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman informed the Chair that Gayanta Karunathilaka had agreed to allocate four minutes of his speaking time to him. No substantive policy issue or proposal was raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman supported the shift to a digital economy, particularly in finance and revenue administration, to reduce fraud, corruption, and cash-based transactions. While accepting the digitization of the National Identity Card and basic biodata, he raised concerns over the collection of biometric data such as fingerprints and facial features, warning of risks of leakage, misuse, sale of data, and AI-enabled abuse. He called attention to the need for clarity on how and when such sensitive data would be used.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman questioned the procedure used to award a biometric data project, noting that a previous tender involving Madras Security Printers had been cancelled and asking whether a fresh tender was called. He raised concerns about reports that the project would be given to an Indian company with Indian grant funding, arguing that this created transparency and data-protection issues and asking what role and locations the company would cover. He also asked how any Sri Lankan company handling data entry was selected and whether it followed a tender process. He criticised reliance on assurances about officials or advisers, citing concerns about past handling of telecommunications data in a criminal investigation.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that all cases filed in 2015 remain ongoing.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman stated that the matter under discussion concerned the passport issue, not cases from 2015. He called for an inquiry, arguing that many serious issues had occurred under the previous government.
- An Hon. Member
AI summary The Member made a brief interjection clarifying that the matter being discussed was not connected to or motivated by a personal friendship. No further substantive argument, proposal, or policy position was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the equipment in question had been procured by the previous government for the relevant programme. He disputed any implication that the current speaker or administration had brought in the machines themselves.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman asked whether the previous government had procured the relevant equipment through a tender process. He requested that this be checked and reported back.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake interjected to clarify that the preceding reference did not explicitly identify the previous government. The remark sought precision in attributing responsibility during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman questioned whether multimillion- and multibillion-rupee transactions carried out by the previous government had followed proper tender procedures. He sought clarification on whether those deals were conducted transparently.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman concluded by requesting the Minister to clarify the matters he had raised. The remark was directed through the Presiding Member and sought a ministerial response before ending his contribution.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake interjected to question a prior point by asking whether Harin, described as having been the other member’s friend, was the person who had crossed over. The remark appears to challenge or seek clarification on a political crossover referenced in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman raised concerns about mobile phone number ownership, arguing that subscribers who pay for and use numbers for many years should have the right to own and transfer them rather than being forced to cancel and obtain new numbers. He urged the Government to introduce regulatory changes to recognize subscriber rights over mobile numbers. He also called for wider social dialogue on the proposed digital identity card before decisions are made.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra supported the Budget proposals for the Ministry of Digital Economy, arguing that digitalization is essential for transparency, good governance and reducing corruption, fraud and wastage. He defended the proposed digital ID system, including biometric use, stating that security measures such as encryption and encoding would be applied and citing international implementation as context. He said digital tools could improve data-driven decision-making in agriculture, fisheries, transport, livestock, public administration, foreign employment selection and consular services, and noted that GovPay and a proposed single-window investor platform were part of the Government’s broader digitalization agenda.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Government to implement the digital economy agenda beyond urban areas by ensuring reliable telecommunications and internet access in rural and difficult areas, including parts of Batticaloa District and the North. He called for school and university curricula to be aligned with digital economy, science, technology and labour market needs, highlighting graduate unemployment and shortages of science, mathematics and ICT teachers in disadvantaged areas. He also requested practical measures to create employment for unemployed graduates and raised separate education-related concerns, including delays in Grade 5 Scholarship cut-off marks and appointments of acting principals who passed the Class 3 Principals’ Service exam.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the Ministry’s digitalization agenda, arguing that public awareness, stronger legal frameworks, and clear data protection safeguards are necessary, especially for biometric and core identity systems. He said the Rs. 300 million allocation for awareness is inadequate but should be used effectively, and urged expansion of online commerce and job creation through digital platforms. Citing delays in issuing licences, police certificates and birth certificates, he called for urgent digitization of public services, including Parliament as a possible pilot. He also stated that digitalization would make some public-sector posts redundant and urged the Government to manage this openly through redeployment or fair early retirement with pensions, while pressing it to implement reforms boldly over the next five years.
- The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB
AI summary Eranga Weeraratne rejected the claim that digitalization of government services would eliminate public sector jobs. He argued that digitalization is intended to reduce queues and improve the speed of public service delivery, and cautioned against misleading the public on the issue.
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad argued that digitalization of public administration cannot be effectively implemented while maintaining an oversized and redundant workforce. He stated that some job reductions are inevitable, as seen in other countries, but said this could be managed through higher salaries, pensions, retirement, and private sector opportunities. He urged that the impact be assessed after the digitalization process is completed and presented the reforms as overdue rather than politically motivated.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad raised concerns about the impact of AI on Sri Lankan freelancers earning foreign income and called for reskilling and upskilling programmes with dedicated funding. He supported the proposal for VAT-registered businesses to use POS machines but urged rural training, cost support, and trust-building, while also calling for ICTA to be either comprehensively reformed or replaced. He opposed introducing a new tax on IT freelancers at this stage, arguing that investment and sector growth would generate more revenue and employment, and urged the Government to convert its digitalization commitments into national policy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Condemning an alleged sexual harassment incident involving a doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital, he raised concerns about Kilinochchi market traders being affected by Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabha decisions on newly built shops and requested ministerial attention. He also cited complaints about inaction in the Land and ICT divisions of the Chavakachcheri Divisional Secretariat and alleged misuse of online platforms in Ramanathapuram, Kilinochchi, calling for attention from the Defence, Police, and Public Security authorities, including over alleged threats against him by a YouTuber. Responding to remarks by Hon. Hisbullah, he said his criticism concerned child marriage at ages eight or nine irrespective of religion, and argued that separate legal standards on such matters should not apply within one country.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised a point of order objecting to a Member repeating allegations naming Hon. Hisbullah and making remarks about Islam during a debate on digitalization. He requested the Chair to prevent false or hate-inciting statements from being made in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna objected to an interruption during his allotted speaking time and requested that he be allowed to complete his remarks before any point was raised. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was addressed in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper objected to remarks referring to Hon. Hisbullah and religion, requesting the Chair to prevent such statements. He said allegedly untrue statements that could incite hatred among communities should not be allowed in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that religious issues should not be provoked, referring to a situation in Jaffna where some had called for a temple to be demolished. He said he would not be intimidated and maintained that wrongful practices should be corrected regardless of who is involved.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna condemned child marriage and argued that past and recent ethnic violence, including the 2009 war and attacks attributed to Saharan, should be referred to international courts. He rejected claims that international investigations are unnecessary, criticized past political alignments for failing to secure justice for Tamils, and cited alleged shelling of hospitals, disappearances in his family, and UNHRC references to wartime casualties and individuals such as Gen. Shavendra Silva. He also complained that he had been denied opportunities to speak in Parliament, drew parallels between Gaza and Sri Lanka’s wartime “safe zones,” and called for decorum while stating that Tamils were not opposed to any ethnicity.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna invoked parliamentary privilege, stating that he had a right of reply after his name was mentioned. He asked the Presiding Member how much time he had to respond.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna objected to a prior reference in which another Member allegedly called him “insane” after naming him. He questioned the absence or accountability of that Member in relation to the remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna objected that his speaking time had been curtailed and said he had complained to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights about not receiving due time in Parliament. He argued that paedophilia, defined as sexual conduct involving minors, is a disease and defended his opposition to it, questioning criticism of his stance.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized allocations in the “Major Public Investment Projects” document, arguing that key sectors in the North and East, including education, youth development, women’s safety, sports, heritage, agriculture, livestock and tourism, show little or no funding despite broader national expenditure claims. He specifically cited a Rs. 500 million allocation for the Mullivaikkal bridge as insufficient within the stated northern allocation. He linked these concerns to the treatment of the Tamil community and urged voters in the North to consider the future of Tamil people in the upcoming local elections.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided speech beyond the procedural intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order, objecting that he had not been allowed to speak and that his allotted time had been given to another Member. He denied naming anyone and criticized the Chair’s conduct as contributing to disorder in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody spoke during the Committee Stage debate on the expenditure heads of the Ministries of Science and Technology and Digital Economy, focusing mainly on the need for research-based development of Sri Lanka’s natural resources. He noted that although the country has significant biodiversity, mineral resources, and gemstones, inadequate research, surveys, and resource management have contributed to underdevelopment and economic crisis. He also stated that the Government had contacted the Italian authorities regarding problems faced by Sri Lankans in Italy over driver’s licences and expected a resolution soon.
- Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody said the Government has more than doubled research funding and strengthened the Ministries of Science and Technology and Digital Economy with expert advisory support to better harness natural resources, including Eppawala phosphate, Pulmoddai mineral sands, biodiversity, environmental data, and rare-earth elements. He stated that a countrywide rare-earth survey is planned this year to assess their economic potential, particularly in relation to future technologies such as electric vehicles. He also rejected claims that chromium in lime used by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board could endanger drinking water, arguing that the cited figures were misleading and that public confidence in treated water should not be undermined by inaccurate comparisons.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that digital transformation should be used to improve public services and reduce expenditure without adding to the Budget. He proposed real-time railway tracking and CCTV in wildlife crossing zones to prevent elephant–train collisions, digital infrastructure and inter-agency networks for the courts, digital nomination and asset-declaration processes for elections, and reduced parliamentary printing through electronic documents and desk screens. He also called for stronger digital systems in policing and a dedicated unit in the Ministry to coordinate implementation of the digital economy across government.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised a procedural objection to allegedly degrading remarks by a preceding Member and requested action under Standing Order 79, warning that a special motion may otherwise be considered. He then urged the Government to use existing legal provisions for digitalization, citing Section 87 of the Anti-Corruption Act as enabling a centralized digital system for asset and liability declarations, and criticized continued reliance on large volumes of paper forms for local authorities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Urged the Government to use current technology and proceed with digitalization, framing it as a forward-looking priority. The intervention was brief and concluded with thanks to the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi was recognized by the Hon. Deputy Chairperson and allotted eight minutes to speak. No substantive policy position, proposal, or argument was presented in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi outlined the distinctions between digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation, arguing that the Ministry of Digital Economy should focus on end-to-end transformation to improve productivity, public service delivery, transparency, and data-driven governance. He cited planned and ongoing measures including SLUDI implementation, ICT infrastructure development, Rs. 160 million for a Data Protection Authority, progress on the GovPay platform, and a total allocation of Rs. 15.77 billion to improve public service efficiency. He also stressed the need to operationalize the Personal Data Protection Act, develop a Digital Security Bill framework, and establish cybersecurity protocols to protect critical systems and national security.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that two minutes remained for their speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi argued that public sector digitalization is necessary to prevent manipulation and corruption, citing the Auditor-General’s 2022 findings on Central Cultural Fund payments for archaeology-related recruitments made without proper provisions. He said digital systems would improve accountability and referred to Barcelona’s smart city model as an example of using data and technology to manage costs, address urban challenges, and improve public services.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, to address the House and informed him that he had 24 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Digital ID programme during the debate on the Ministry of Digital Economy Votes, rejecting allegations that biometric data would be misused, sold, or transferred to India. He said biometric information would be stored as non-reversible hashed templates, with security support from Sri Lanka CERT, and announced that a Cyber Security Bill would introduce mandatory standards across government agencies. He stated that the programme would move from physical cards to a durable and eventually fully digital ID accessible through a DigiLocker app, while existing NICs remain valid during the transition. He argued that digitalization, led under the President’s portfolio, is central to improving public administration, reducing corruption and costs, and supporting economic growth.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam was called to speak and allotted eight minutes by the Deputy Chairperson. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was presented in this procedural intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary The Member criticized the timing of local election nominations during the Budget Committee Stage, saying it hindered MPs’ participation in Parliament. He argued that while taxation is necessary, the Government’s tax policy has burdened lower and middle-level IT workers while continuing large tax incentives, including to major IT companies, and called for action to enable PayPal inflows to support online businesses. He also raised concerns about alleged misconduct by governing party organizers in Batticaloa, including threats and an assault complaint, and urged the Prime Minister to intervene while asking the Digital Economy Ministry to support rural IT access and promote technology investment beyond Colombo.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, and allotted him 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB
AI summary The Minister said science and technology spending under the NPP Government would be treated as investment, with research funding directed to areas that raise income, earn foreign exchange, substitute imports, and support exports, including Rs. 1,000 million allocated for innovation and commercialization. He emphasized coordinating research institutions across ministries, avoiding duplication, and using scientific evaluation and policy briefs to translate research into policy. He cited ongoing work on human-elephant conflict, elephant-train collisions with domestically manufacturable braking and rail-gate technologies, fisheries productivity, evidence-based development of traditional medicine, commercialization of medical innovations, and renewable energy including solar and thermal resources.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Minister of the remaining speaking time, stating that only two minutes were left.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined the Ministry of Science and Technology’s focus on applying technology to address malnutrition, rising non-communicable diseases, disability support, and rural access to innovation. He cited high-protein biscuits with commercialization potential, assistive devices for persons with disabilities, expanded use of Vidatha Resource Centres, and media officers to communicate science in plain language. He also emphasized inter-ministerial collaboration without unnecessary formal barriers and noted the Ministry’s allocations of Rs. 2.8 billion recurrent and Rs. 2.2 billion capital expenditure.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, an amendment was moved on behalf of the Minister of Finance relating to the Ministry of Science and Technology. It proposed replacing the Ministry’s capital allocation figure with Rs. 2,950,000,000.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson sought the Committee’s agreement on the matter before it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to the relevant Budget schedule items without division, including the increased capital allocation of Rs. 2.95 billion and Head 196, Programme 01 allocations of Rs. 230 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 25 million for capital expenditure. The record also noted Programme 02 allocations for Development Activities, comprising Rs. 2.57 billion in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 2.175 billion in capital expenditure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, an amendment was presented under Head 196, Programme 02. The intervention was procedural and did not include further substantive argument or policy details.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson sought the Committee’s agreement, likely to proceed with the matter under consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Head 196, Programme 02, increasing Capital Expenditure to Rs. 2,925,000,000 by incorporating Rs. 750,000,000 under Budget Proposal No. 24, while Recurrent Expenditure of Rs. 2,570,000,000 was also approved. The amended allocations were ordered to stand part of the Schedule, and the Ministry of Digital Economy allocations were then stated as Rs. 6,752,000,000 recurrent and Rs. 6,871,000,000 capital.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary An amendment was presented at the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill on behalf of the Minister of Finance relating to the Ministry of Digital Economy. The proposal sought to replace the Ministry’s capital allocation with Rs. 9,871,000,000.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson sought the Committee’s agreement to proceed, likely on a procedural matter before the House. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or debate point was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to insert the specified allocations into the Schedule, including an increased Rs. 9.871 billion for Capital Expenditure and sums under Head 186. The Committee approved Rs. 239 million for Programme 01 Recurrent Expenditure, Rs. 21 million for Programme 01 Capital Expenditure, and noted Programme 02 allocations of Rs. 4.513 billion recurrent and Rs. 4.330 billion capital for Development Activities.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary An amendment was presented during the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The amendment related to Head 186, Programme 02.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Hon. Deputy Chairperson sought the Committee’s agreement on the matter before it. The intervention was procedural, asking for consent to proceed or adopt the item under consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Head 186, Programme 02, increasing Capital Expenditure to Rs. 7,330,000,000 by incorporating Rs. 3,000,000,000 under Budget Proposal No. 10, while approving Recurrent Expenditure of Rs. 4,513,000,000. The Committee also approved allocations for Head 227, Department of Registration of Persons, under Programme 01: Rs. 2,000,000,000 for Recurrent Expenditure and Rs. 2,520,000,000 for Capital Expenditure.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena moved that the Committee report Progress and seek leave to sit again. The motion was agreed to, and the Committee reported Progress, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Wednesday, 12 March 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 9 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release 15 speeches