Sitting of Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1745915246032615 ·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 Speaker's Announcements: Committee to Look into Legal Basis for Parliamentary Committee Recommendations 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Paper: Annual Report of Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel 2022 1 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Govijana Seva Bank, Mihintale - Loan Granted to Janatha Lanka Chillie Marketing Ltd. (Q.495/2025) 1 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Questions: Teachers' Service and Principals' Service Salary Anomalies (Q.502/2025), Estates in Badulla District Drinking Water Projects (Q.505/2025), Damage to Cultivations by Wild Animals (Q.498/2025) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Export of Sri Lanka's Textiles and Apparels and Ministerial Clarifications 11 speeches
- 7 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Health Sector Strike by Paramedical and Allied Health Professionals 2 speeches
- 8 Procedural Privilege Question: Conduct at COPE Meeting Regarding Gem Lot 8 speeches
- 9 Debate Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) 87 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary A formal cut of Rs. 10 from the relevant Heads of Expenditure was moved during the Committee Stage, while raising concerns about Youth Affairs and Sports policy direction. The speech called for an end to political manipulation of youth institutions, questioned graduate job promises, and sought clarity on the future of the National Youth Corps. It also questioned weaknesses in sports administration, including why only 28 of 73 registered associations participate in National Games, and pressed the Government to act on Sri Lanka Cricket reforms, table the Chitrasiri Report, and clarify whether changes to the SLC Constitution will be made before or after the 31 March elections. Concerns were also raised about politicized stadium projects and the need to prioritize grassroots and school cricket facilities.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti outlined the Government’s plan to revive Sri Lanka’s productive economy by expanding industrial output, raising exports from US$16 billion to US$19 billion in 2025 and targeting US$28 billion in industrial exports by 2030. He identified limited industrial land, weak coordination, and slow approvals as key constraints, and said the Ministry is seeking to increase land allocated for industry, introduce entrepreneurship education after Grade 9, and coordinate agencies through district and divisional industry bodies. He also referred to the re-establishment of a Cabinet Committee on Exports and highlighted priority sectors including vehicle components, steel, footwear, apparel, gems and jewellery, event management, film, and beauty/cosmetics.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary Mr. Chairman called the next speaker, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, and allocated him ten minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Opposition Leader opposed the Government’s proposed 15 per cent tax on export services, arguing that it would harm IT and digital service exporters, and questioned whether the Minister and Government had a unified policy on the measure under the IMF framework. He also called for a coordinated ministerial response to worsening global tariff conditions affecting exports, including tariffs linked to United States trade policy. He raised the killing of a tusker in the Minneriya–Kaudulla area and urged systematic elephant conservation using habitat mapping, corridors and GPS tracking. He further pressed the Government to honour employment commitments to 35,000 graduates, proposing immediate induction placements with stipends despite cited legal obstacles.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chairman informed Hon. Sajith Premadasa that his allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to at least begin initial steps to implement a promised policy concerning 35,000 graduates. He stated that the Opposition did not seek political advantage from their situation and requested prompt action.
Employment Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair recognized Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage as the next speaker and allotted him seven minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister outlined the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ 2025 budget allocations, including recurrent expenditure of Rs. 7,100 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 5,500 million, and said the Ministry aims to improve implementation after past underutilization of funds. He stated that reforms to the National Sports Act and new regulations covering 73 national sports federations are nearing completion and undergoing legal vetting, with a Gazette to be issued shortly. He also said the Ministry has intervened in issues involving the National Olympic Committee and other federations, and intends to resolve such matters lawfully, including defending its actions in court if necessary.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary Mr. Chairman called the next speaker, Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan, and allocated him nine minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan welcomed the increased 2025 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development but argued that it remains insufficient, citing the Rs. 26 million allocation for reviving the Kantale Sugar Factory as inadequate. He called for Sri Lanka to become industry-led by allocating at least 5 percent of the Budget to industry and entrepreneurship, with emphasis on R&D, technology upgrading, SME finance, digitization, renewable energy, export diversification, and skills development. He also identified weaknesses in State-Owned Enterprises and proposed reforms including public-private partnerships, restructuring, digitization, stronger audits, and cost controls.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair called on Hon. Roshan Akmeemana to speak and informed him that he had eight minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana argued that cricket development should prioritize grassroots access rather than focus only on Sri Lanka Cricket governance or the national team. Drawing on his Trincomalee playing experience, he highlighted regional facility gaps, the growth of women’s cricket, and the value of soft-ball cricket as an accessible format for villages and low-income groups. He proposed recognizing village sports clubs, providing basic facilities, and organizing regular weekend leagues to broaden participation and engage youth. He also thanked the President and Minister for allocating Rs. 380 million for a provincial or national-level sports ground in Trincomalee.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair called on Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran to speak and informed him that he had 10 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran outlined efforts to revive and repurpose major industrial assets in the Northern Province, including Kankesanthurai Cement, Achchuveli Salt, Paranthan Chemical, the Mankulam industrial estate, and the Ottusuddan Tile Factory. He noted plans to begin iodized salt production, address salt workers’ welfare through insurance and output-sharing, invite investors to Mankulam, and restart or rehabilitate long-dormant factories to create local employment. He also proposed expanding coconut cultivation and strengthening palmyrah-based cottage industries through market linkages, tourism promotion, digitization, and monitoring to support exports and artisan incomes.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair suspended the sitting for lunch until 1.00 p.m. Proceedings later resumed with the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara, presiding.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake to speak and informed him that he had 18 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Sports Minister not to interfere in Sri Lanka Cricket administration, citing the ICC suspension and loss of the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, and warned against risking Sri Lanka’s co-hosting of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and its expected economic benefits. Addressing the Industries Minister, he called for investigations into declining gem and jewellery exports and NGJA revenue, alleged conflicts of interest and delays in Ratnapura licensing, and requested faster licensing reforms. He also proposed action to revive or improve several state-linked industrial assets, including the Ottusuddan Tile Factory, Elephant Pass and Mannar salterns, BCC Lanka, Valachchenai Paper Mill, Kahatagaha Graphite, and Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar companies, including restoration of worker and farmer incentives.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Deputy Chairperson calls on Hon. Thanura Dissanayake to speak and informs him that he has seven minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake outlined youth-related Budget allocations, including Rs. 600 million for the National Youth Services Council, Rs. 500 million for the National Youth Corps, and Rs. 70 million for the National Leadership Training Centre. He argued that youth policy should move beyond isolated projects toward coordinated planning across ministries to address unemployment, skills gaps, and career guidance needs. He proposed stronger digital engagement through a youth app, a social-media platform called “Hawasata 11,” and a V4R platform for youth ideas, alongside volunteerism and environmental service initiatives linked to programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa was called to speak and allotted 18 minutes by the Deputy Chairperson. No substantive policy position, proposal, or argument was presented in this procedural intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that industrial growth requires a more competitive tax regime, MSME financing reform, and policies that support local intellectual property and manufacturing, citing the Vega three-wheeler as an example of locally developed products being taxed like imports. He said sports policy should be treated as an economic sector rather than welfare, with investment in high-performance systems, sports tourism, e-sports, leisure sports, and sustainable use of national facilities ahead of events such as the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He called for athlete and coach allowances, including for Paralympians, to be restored by increasing the share of the Ministry budget reaching athletes and youth to at least 21 percent next year. He also proposed reforming the 1973 Sports Law to reflect the modern sports economy.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa urged the Sports Ministry to inspect the athletes’ hostel near the Ministry, particularly meal times, nutrition, and living conditions, and to provide necessary facilities. He also asked the Minister to review issues concerning dual-citizenship and third-generation Sri Lankan athletes in sports such as football and rugby, arguing that their participation could strengthen high-performance national teams where player shortages exist. He said earlier recruitment of Sri Lankan-origin rugby players from Fiji had been politicised and requested that the matter be examined on accurate information.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage responded to a comment by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, stating that he shops at a Food City in Kotte rather than supermarkets in Colombo 07. He then raised a rugby-related issue from May 2014, alleging that three Fijian players were improperly brought to play in a Colombo tournament, resulting in World Rugby imposing a £50,000 fine that Sri Lanka continues to repay at £5,000 per year.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha was called to speak and informed that he had nine minutes for his remarks. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was made in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka needs a coherent production, industrial and SME policy framework to use local resources, reduce regional disparities, address unemployment and ease the foreign exchange crisis. He called for supporting policies including cooperative, tariff and anti-dumping measures, and said entrepreneurship and financial literacy, with regionally relevant subjects such as gemology, would be introduced in schools. He cited Budget allocations of Rs. 99 billion for economic services and entrepreneurship, including Rs. 38.6 billion for SME and entrepreneurship support, and proposed industrial estates, facilitation centres and sectoral clusters across Divisional Secretariat divisions. Referring to the Ratnapura gem sector, he said new regulations, market development and a gem trading hub were planned to make Sri Lanka a stronger global gem trade centre.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Waruna Priyantha Liyanage, MP, and allotted him seven minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage welcomed the appointment of the Deputy Minister of Sports and urged expedited completion and proper staffing of the Ratnapura Provincial Stadium, including restoring a jogging track area that he said had been used for a shopping complex. He called for addressing vacancies in sports coaching, establishing youth squads at under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels, and improving maintenance of provincial and district sports facilities. Turning to industry, he raised concerns about a National Gem and Jewellery Authority circular requiring Rs. 20 million annually to renew licences for backhoe machine use in gem mining, arguing that the increase from Rs. 1 million would be unaffordable for many miners in Ratnapura.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that the allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Waruna Liyanage raised concerns about the impact of the 18% tax on the gem sector, stating that it has caused serious adverse effects. He said taxes on the assessed value of gem imports have halted imports from African countries and left around 3,000 Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the cutting and polishing sector without opportunities. He urged the Minister to address the issue, recalling prior requests to remove the tax.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson instructed the Member speaking to conclude their remarks. This was a procedural intervention during the debate to manage time and proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage stated that the allotted seven minutes was insufficient to address the many points he wished to raise. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the member that their party leader had requested an additional two minutes of speaking time for them.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage raised concerns about riverbed gem miners and illegal mining cases, stating that many are being arrested and handcuffed under Section 81 procedures while awaiting regularisation. He requested that such miners not be handcuffed, that they be allowed to work temporarily without licences subject to fines if necessary, and that the Government address export taxes of about 23% which he said had reduced gem exports by around 30% from the 2023 level of about US$ 470 million. He urged intervention through the National Gem and Jewellery Authority to strengthen the sector.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan was recognized to speak in the debate and allocated eight minutes by the Deputy Chairperson. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy position was presented in this procedural intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan argued that Sri Lanka’s industrial and agricultural sectors have declined and urged the Government to prioritize reviving defunct industries in the North and East to create employment for youth. He specifically called for plans, data collection through Government Agents, and investment to restart the Kankesanthurai cement factory, Parantan chemical plant, Kurinjatheevu and Aanaivilunthaan salt works, Ottuchuddan brick factory, and Valachchenai Paper Mill. He also requested engagement with India for technology and support, particularly for the Kurinjatheevu salt works, and asked the Government to clarify plans and expected benefits regarding a possible Talaimannar-Rameswaram bridge.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti corrected remarks about Northern industrial projects, stating that work has resumed at the Ottuchuddan tile and brick factory, including production of PV tiles and heat-reducing four-vent bricks for market release. He said funds have been allocated to develop a chemical manufacturing industrial zone at Parantan on 50 acres, requiring reconstruction after wartime destruction. He also announced that Elephant Pass salt would be released as a government product from the 29th and that salt production at Kurinjatheevu could be restarted, with employment limited to suitable local residents from the Northern Province.
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan urged the Minister to market local products under their historic and place-based names, specifically proposing “Aanaivilunthaan Salt” and “Kurinjatheevu Salt,” similar to Ottuchuddan tiles named after Pandara Vanniyan. He expressed willingness to cooperate in advancing these productions and called for the swift commencement of the Parantan industrial estate.
- The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne outlined the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ plans to use the 2025 Budget to improve Sri Lanka’s international sporting performance, citing the country’s limited Olympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games medal record. He said the Ministry will work with sports federations to implement monitored high-performance, national, and junior pools, with data-based selection, residential training, performance analysis, and support beyond stipends. He also announced targeted programmes, including a javelin initiative aimed at identifying village talent and pursuing a possible Olympic medal in 2028, while noting that past sports infrastructure spending, such as container-based courts, would be examined.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called Hon. Dilith Jayaweera, MP, to address Parliament and informed him that he had 20 minutes for his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Budget’s revenue and expenditure assumptions are impractical, citing projected increases in tax revenue, import-related revenue, and the heavy burden of interest payments. He said the Government is continuing an IMF-driven approach rather than adopting a home-grown economic strategy, and urged it to rethink the Budget around an “Entrepreneurial State” model that promotes local production, creativity, and calculated risk-taking. He called for urgent support for MSMEs facing parate execution, warning of job losses and weaker tax collection, and highlighted distress among women affected by microfinance debt. He also criticized current welfare distribution as ineffective and proposed village-level self-sufficiency, people’s councils, capital generation, and support for women entrepreneurs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga, MP, and allotted her nine minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the Budget, arguing that Sri Lanka must shift from an import-driven consumption economy to a production-oriented economy based on entrepreneurship, innovation, and value addition. She highlighted allocations for industrial zones, SME revival, investment promotion, gem and jewellery research, tourism, and machinery imports, and said land and loan access should be fairly directed to genuine entrepreneurs. She also emphasized developing mineral and gem resources, creating specialized industrial zones, reducing post-approval delays, and branding value-added Sri Lankan products for global markets.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof was called to speak and was allocated 16 minutes by the Deputy Chairperson during the sitting on 18 March 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof, speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports allocations, urged the Government to address youth unemployment, inadequate university hostel facilities, and the risk of young people being drawn into drug use. He called for a special programme to protect youth from drugs and for clearer measures to meet the expectations of young voters and unemployed graduates. He highlighted sports development needs in Trincomalee District, including upgrading McHeyzer Grounds, providing proper grounds and facilities in areas such as Thoppur, Kinniya, Mutur, Trincomalee and Thambalagamuwa, and creating pathways for talented swimmers, cricketers, footballers and other athletes. He also requested the resumption of continuous appointments of school sports coaches and a non-discriminatory plan to identify and develop sporting talent in the East.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella urged the Government to act on youth unemployment, particularly the promised recruitment of 35,000 unemployed graduates, citing about 2,000 affected graduates in Kandy and delays in filling public sector vacancies including in foreign affairs and nursing. She questioned the clarity of recent Cabinet-approved recruitments and asked that graduate job commitments in the NPP manifesto be honoured. She also criticized the lack of new investment-led job creation and requested improved sports infrastructure in Kandy, including at least one synthetic athletics track, referencing the achievements of athlete Tharushi Karunarathna.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB
AI summary Hon. Chathuri Gangani outlined the 2025 allocations for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, including Rs. 8,486 million for sports, and emphasized expanding opportunities for rural youth and school children. She highlighted women’s achievements in athletics, netball, wrestling and cricket, named several prominent athletes, and said the Government is addressing delayed reward payments through the National Sports Fund subject to Cabinet approval. She also referred to allocations for international tournaments, Presidential Sports Awards, athlete nutrition and travel, the “Kreeda Shakthi” programme, and additional university admission credits for National Sports Festival medalists.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara argued that Sri Lanka’s industrial decline stemmed from devaluing labour, misusing land, weakening local entrepreneurship, and relying excessively on foreign capital after 1977. He cited the fall in tea exports and loss of value addition and brand protection for Ceylon tea as an example of failed industrial policy and regulation. Referring to the Budget responsibilities of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, he called for stronger national policy, infrastructure, export linkages, entrepreneurship support, revival of traditional industries, and development of value-added Sri Lankan brands, particularly in spices and tourism-linked village industries.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara highlighted sports infrastructure projects completed or advanced during his tenure and urged the Government to centralize management of provincial sports complexes under the Sugathadasa Stadium Board to prevent deterioration. He called for the revival or continuation of programmes such as the Presidential Sports Awards, talent identification, coach training, and the High-Performance Laboratory, while requesting urgent recruitment of specialist staff, doctors, physiotherapists, Sports Officers and Assistant Directors. He also raised concerns over unpaid Paralympic athletes, inadequate athlete nutrition and hostel conditions, and the lack of preparation for major 2025 and 2026 international competitions. He further cautioned that cricket administration and factional disputes tend to dominate ministerial attention at the expense of other sports.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage responded to Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara by stating that the Government is not beholden to anyone in cricket or any other sport and will take responsibility across the sports sector. He said vacancies are being reviewed and discussions are under way on filling them appropriately, and clarified that he had listened to the earlier remarks remotely while briefly away from the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB
AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya defended the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry, arguing that problems inherited from previous governments cannot be resolved within four months and asking the Opposition to allow time for results. He highlighted Budget allocations for youth programmes, including Rs. 7 million to identify district-level artists and relaunch the National School of Drama in 2026, Rs. 12 million for domestic youth exchange to promote ethnic coexistence, Rs. 10 million for a Youth Film Festival, and Rs. 40 million for National Youth Awards. He also said the Government intends to revive the Belwood Aesthetic Resort under the National Youth Services Council as a centre for rural youth talent development.
- The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath (Medical Practitioner) ITAK
AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath urged the Government to give greater attention to youth employment, sports development and industry in the North and East, particularly Batticaloa, where he said post-war neglect has driven many young people abroad and left athletes without adequate facilities. He called for upgrades to Weber Stadium, proper sports grounds, appointment of sports officers and coaches, and support for successful local teams in kabaddi, basketball, karate and wrestling. He also requested national employment and investment programmes in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, agro-processing and revived industries such as the paper mill, while addressing issues including paddy processing, dairy grazing lands and environmentally harmful resource projects. He asked the Government to include Batticaloa in future national development plans, conduct district-level feasibility studies, and consult local experts and representatives.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath (Medical Practitioner) ITAK
AI summary Called for the revival of abandoned factories, particularly the paper mill, through major investment. He noted that the Minister had given assurances at a recent consultative committee and expressed hope that a concrete plan would be implemented soon.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Eranga Gunasekara responded to Opposition criticisms under the Youth Affairs and Sports Vote, arguing that past youth-related allocations had been politicized and citing alleged misuse of Rs. 1,000 million from a 2024 National Youth Services Council allocation, now before COPE. He said the 2025 Budget aims to restore the NYSC and develop youth over a 20–30 year horizon, with funding for “smart” youth societies, multimodal youth centres, IT and English training through “Evening IT,” and a V4R digital platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs. He also denied that the removal of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial NYSC Director was politically motivated, stating it followed Auditor General findings on financial malpractice and falsified documents.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned how the Government intends to achieve its stated target of USD 28 billion in industrial exports by 2030 and argued that an export-led strategy requires a clear shift from earlier positions opposing export- and FDI-led growth under the Economic Transformation Bill. He urged the Government to expand and protect market access through agreements such as RCEP and other FTAs, noting risks to Sri Lanka’s US trade surplus and the need to maintain arrangements such as GSP+. He said high para-tariffs and resistance to services liberalization, including Mode 4 professional mobility, are inconsistent with joining major trade frameworks and building exports. He also referred to domestic innovation in electric three-wheelers and implied the need for supportive policies for such industries.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper requested an additional Rs. 4 million to provide a dedicated electricity transformer needed to commission the Sandankeni swimming pool in Kalmunai, noting that about Rs. 60 million has already been spent and that the facility should be affordable for local Tamil and Muslim students. He welcomed the Rs. 150 million allocation in the 2025 Estimates for completing the adjacent indoor sports arena and asked that it include dedicated facilities for girls and women, such as a badminton court. He also raised concerns about small entrepreneurs’ access to capital and asked whether the government would further extend the moratorium suspending parate executions beyond 31 March.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper said suspending or ending the moratorium alone is insufficient and called for a structured system to guide small entrepreneurs on appropriate loan sources. He argued that ordinary commercial bank loans are often unsuitable for sustainable small-business development, and that development banks should provide project support, expertise, and motivation rather than only disbursing funds. Referring to his legal experience with stays of parate execution, he noted abuses by both lenders and borrowers and urged the Government to introduce practical measures acceptable to all parties.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Ministry’s Estimates by arguing that Sri Lanka must build a production economy linked to global value chains, citing stagnant export earnings around USD 17 billion and weak growth as evidence of past policy failures. He outlined measures to support SMEs, improve market access, provide research, certification and skills support, address industrial land issues, improve ease of doing business, and coordinate entrepreneurship services across ministries and institutions. He also announced policy initiatives including a new SOP for vehicle assembly, changes for the gems and jewelry sector, an anti-dumping policy approved by Cabinet, duty-free raw materials for export production, and greater priority for local content in construction and development projects.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that the National People’s Power’s first Budget is framed as part of an overall plan rather than being centred on a single Ministry. He said the coordinated work of industry, transport, technology, and agriculture is intended to establish the foundation for a production-based economy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to prioritize adequate infrastructure funding for the existing Bingiriya Export Processing Zone rather than describing it as a new zone or spreading limited funds across multiple projects. He said the Rs. 900 million allocation is insufficient for Bingiriya’s required electricity, water, effluent and land development needs, despite existing investor interest, and also noted the potential to develop Hambantota EPZ. He raised difficulties faced by coconut-based industries due to high raw material and energy costs, taxes and import implementation barriers, and called for continued banking relief for industrialists affected by COVID-era debt restructuring and parate action.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister outlined Budget allocations and programmes to strengthen youth institutions, sports governance, infrastructure, and athlete development. He said new sports legislation and gazette provisions would address corruption, irregularities, and prolonged disputes in national sports associations, while legal steps would be expedited for suspended bodies including motor sports, cycling, netball, and rugby. He highlighted major investments in sports facilities in the North and East, village-level sports and youth clubs, women’s participation, national athlete support, nutrition, competitions, and fitness initiatives, stating that the Ministry would not interfere in elections but would act against fraud and corruption.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti responded to Opposition criticisms by alleging past irregularities in the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, citing a 2020 Heraniyawaka gem pit tender where ministerial influence was allegedly sought before signing the agreement, and said related documents would be tabled. He said mining licence issuance had previously become politicized, noted enforcement and legal staff shortages, and stated that recruitment approvals had been sought while proper approvals would continue without tolerating abuse. He rejected calls for rapid liberalization or sale of State-owned enterprises, arguing that entities such as BCC, the Cement Corporation and Salt Corporation should be restructured for efficiency under continued majority public ownership with public-private-people co-governance. He also highlighted high sugar import expenditure in 2023 and indicated that the Government’s policy is to expand domestic production through proper use of available land.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha only addressed the Presiding Member and did not present any substantive argument, proposal, question, or policy position in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked the Presiding Member for a brief opportunity to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concern that scrap iron exports are harming small industries working with lac, copper, and brass, affecting an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people. He requested the Minister to look into the matter.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary A Cabinet decision has already been made to stop the activity in question. The member stated that if anyone continues to send items illegally, authorities should be informed so that the law can be enforced.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Sunil Handunnetti moved Committee Stage amendments to the Appropriation Bill, 2025, for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. The amendments increased the Ministry’s capital provision, including a Rs. 500 million increase under Head 149, Programme 02, Development Activities, raising capital expenditure there to Rs. 8.9265 billion and total capital to Rs. 9.138 billion. The related recurrent and capital allocations for Head 149 and the Department of Textile Industries under Head 303 were put to the Committee and agreed to.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2025, the Minister moved amendments on behalf of the Minister of Finance to increase capital allocations for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The total capital provision was amended to Rs. 5.5 billion, including a Rs. 500 million increase under Head 219, Programme 02, for the Department of Sports Development under Budget Proposal No. 27. The relevant recurrent and capital expenditures were put to the Committee and agreed to, and the Minister then moved that the Committee report progress and seek leave to sit again.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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