Sitting of Thursday, 20 March 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1746596381071973 ·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 of Parliament 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Regulations 3 speeches
- 3 Committee report Public Finance Committee Report and Procedural Exchanges 6 speeches
- 4 Petitions Citizens' Petitions 3 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question 1: Government Institutions - Security Companies (Q.1/4/2024) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions 2-5: Second Round (Multiple Questions) 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory 16 speeches
- 8 Procedural Procedural Motion: Sitting Hours 1 speeches
- 9 Debate Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate 63 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the Budget debate should give greater scrutiny to revenue measures and borrowings, including tabling the ISB restructuring agreement and examining bilateral debt clauses, comparability of treatment, and protections for domestic stakeholders such as the EPF. He said the Government had largely continued the previous administration’s IMF-linked debt restructuring programme despite earlier criticism of borrowing, and called for more rigorous parliamentary processes on debt, including possible constitutional reforms. He also questioned revenue policy implementation, citing cigarette excise calibration and casino taxation as areas where, in his view, weak design or enforcement was causing avoidable revenue losses.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified a question on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, stating that Clause 3(a) provides a maximum 15 percent tax rate for certain receipts and profits of individuals from 1 April 2025. He added that companies are separately taxed at 15 percent on export of services income as part of taxable income for years of assessment commencing on or after that date, distinguishing the individual and corporate provisions.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva noted that the Bill includes the relevant provision but raised concern about a tax inconsistency. He argued that applying a 15 percent rate to individuals in one context while personal income tax rates rise up to 36 percent could result in the same person being taxed differently under “corporate-like” and personal tax treatment.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified the distinction in tax law between individuals and corporate entities, noting that “person” can include individuals, companies, and bodies corporate. He stated that while the discussion had focused on individuals exporting services, companies are subject to a standard 30 percent corporate tax rate, with a 15 percent rate applying to service exports, and said these categories should be considered separately.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma outlined the 2025 Budget’s revenue, expenditure and financing framework, citing total expenditure including debt service of Rs. 8,835 billion, projected revenue of Rs. 5,042 billion, and a financing requirement to be met through domestic and external borrowing. He said Budget implementation would be coordinated through Finance Ministry departments and emphasized new debt management arrangements, including the Public Debt Management Office and related committees, to improve transparency and reduce reliance on costly commercial borrowing. He also addressed allegations related to past bond matters, saying any documents should be tabled fully rather than selectively. Referring to the forthcoming Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, he said changes on SVAT and withholding tax would be implemented with digital systems and safeguards to avoid cash flow burdens and ensure efficient credits or refunds.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the Government has violated commitments in its policy document “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” regarding economic management. He said the promised new Debt Sustainability Agreement had not materialized and criticized the Government for continuing the previous administration’s IMF, bilateral, and bondholder arrangements, which he claimed place excessive burdens on ordinary people.
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka must achieve at least 5 percent growth by 2028 to support debt sustainability and resumed debt repayment, but said the Government had not presented clear sectoral plans for industry, agriculture, services, exports or investment. He questioned whether the Government was following IMF directions without an independent economic programme, citing unresolved promises on EPF/ETF losses from domestic debt restructuring and renegotiation with creditors. He also demanded relief for retirees through higher interest income, questioned the increase in Withholding Tax, and asked whether the absence of jobs for about 35,000 graduates was linked to IMF-driven public sector cuts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi rejected media reports disputing his earlier allegations about Sri Lanka Cricket and tabled Executive Committee minutes from 30 July 2021 recording a decision to appoint Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon as an adviser with specified allowances and benefits. He alleged wider fraud and misuse of SLC resources, criticised the Government and Sports Minister for not stopping the forthcoming SLC elections despite the allegations, and said he would seek judicial intervention. He also stated that he would continue presenting documents on alleged misconduct, including previous claims relating to World Cup travel and visa arrangements, and warned against attempts to silence such disclosures.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Ministry of Finance expenditure head, arguing that past economic mismanagement, excessive borrowing, and inequitable taxation led to the crisis and poverty, and that the current Budget sets out a corrective economic roadmap. He said the Budget aims to expand the economy by directing funds to rural roads, industries, jobs, education and health, while ensuring any borrowing is used for productive investment rather than burdening future generations. He highlighted proposed allocations for education and health, plans to revive paper and sugar factories and use Eppawala phosphate, and cited a US$3.7 billion Chinese investment for an oil refinery as evidence of the Government’s development approach.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon defended the Budget as necessarily based on prior-year allocations while accounting for recurring expenditure and ongoing projects, rejecting criticism that it lacks novelty. He highlighted a 64 percent increase in public servants’ basic salaries and argued that the Budget aims to expand production, demand, investment, and growth. He emphasized support for MSMEs, citing Rs. 38.6 billion for sector development, Rs. 20 billion for financing to be expanded up to Rs. 50 billion through state banks, measures to revive distressed enterprises, and the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Institution Limited to address collateral constraints.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the debate covered 23 institutions under the Ministry of Finance and urged fuller Opposition participation, while noting matters linked to the Department of Import and Export Control and the Department of Trade and Investment Policies. He stated that unresolved issues in the Finance portfolio, including aspects of the 2015 Central Bank bond scam, require further investigation by the current Government. He said inquiries were examining alleged payments through a jointly operated Seylan Bank account, 156 cheques, and possible indirect payments to politicians via wine stores, with names and evidence to be disclosed as investigations proceed.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly sought the Minister’s permission to intervene or speak, without raising a substantive policy issue or making a specific proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe yielded a moment from his allocated speaking time to another member during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Agreed fully with the preceding point or proposal, without adding further argument or detail.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly acknowledges agreement from others in the chamber and offers thanks. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question is raised in the remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva cautioned against broad, indiscriminate action, arguing that when measures are applied without precision, innocent people are also harmed. He used the metaphor of “carpet-bombing” to stress the need for targeted and proportionate decision-making.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly responded to Hon. Harsha de Silva by assuring that no harm would come to innocent persons. No further policy position, proposal, or legislative detail was provided in the statement.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Minister to publish the relevant list, agreeing with the preceding point and emphasizing the need for disclosure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly affirmed that the requested action would be carried out.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Agreed with the call to publish the list, expressing full support for that demand.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said ongoing investigations into past misuse of public funds would continue, with the aim of uncovering transactions and punishing those responsible. He outlined reforms at the Department of Import and Export Control, including digital licensing, stronger regulatory checks for food and agricultural safety, and support for a broader digital economy. He said the Government is developing a National Tariff Policy to provide stable, transparent taxation, protect domestic industries and agriculture, prevent dumping, manage trade and foreign exchange pressures, and attract foreign direct investment. He also noted work on anti-dumping and countervailing regulations and criticized the Opposition’s limited attendance during the debate.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan argued that decades of poor fiscal management, planning failures and ethnic conflict had weakened Sri Lanka’s economy, citing tax cuts, the fertiliser ban, continued import dependence and post-war stagnation. He urged the new Government to address past mistakes, complete 3,325 unfinished State-funded houses in Batticaloa District by allocating the revised requirement of Rs. 2,724.79 million, and provide fair support to flood-affected farmers. He also called for justice and meaningful redress for over 4,000 cases of enforced disappearance, rejecting inadequate compensation as insufficient for affected Tamil families.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Budget as a shift from neoliberal policies to a development-oriented state role, arguing that the Government is managing IMF-related constraints while improving tax collection, reducing waste, and prioritizing expenditure to support recovery. He cited salary increases, welfare spending, capital expenditure, digital transformation, transport investment, SME support, skills development, and R&D as measures to stimulate demand and strengthen production. He said the Government would not pursue wholesale privatization of SOEs, instead using PPPs and strategic investment, while encouraging FDI in areas such as energy, the blue economy, and industrial parks.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa questioned whether the Government’s 2025 Budget and tax policy are aligned with an import-dependent revenue model rather than an export- and services-led growth strategy. He argued that projected revenues are heavily absorbed by interest payments, leaving limited fiscal space for development, and asked how the Government intends to achieve higher growth and attract investment within or beyond the IMF framework. He sought clarification on funding for digital transformation, renewable energy approvals, agriculture investment, and the proposed US$ 5 billion IT/services economy, while criticizing the imposition of taxes on previously zero-rated sectors. He also demanded details on the mechanism for taxing cross-border digital payments and e-commerce from 1 April, including who would be liable and how global platforms would be registered or compelled to collect taxes.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi defended the Ministry of Finance expenditure proposals, arguing that past UNP, SLFP, SLPP and Yahapalana administrations were responsible for long-term economic mismanagement and bankruptcy. He said the National People’s Power Government under President Anura Dissanayake is pursuing short-, medium- and long-term plans to stabilize the economy, reduce regional disparities, eradicate rural poverty, strengthen welfare, and restore dignity to the armed forces. He also cited public sector salary and increment increases as measures to improve purchasing power and support the Budget’s goals on production and exports.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s economic-management approach, arguing that routine State participation in production and supply control should give way to competition, crisis-only intervention, and a clear choice of economic model. He scrutinized the Budget under the Public Financial Management Act, citing revenue, expenditure, debt, interest, deficit and capital-spending targets, and asked whether first-quarter capital expenditure had actually been implemented. He called for credible savings from promised cuts to be redirected to capital investment, stronger revenue measures, and faster investor approvals through legal deadlines or deemed approvals, while referring to policy examples from India, China and other fast-growing economies.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister said the inaugural NPP Government’s Budget had been shaped by a month of consultations with unions, institutions, associations and the public, and argued that many Opposition criticisms repeated misrepresentations rather than engaging with policy. She framed the Budget as part of a broader “system change” intended to reduce privilege and patronage, support ethical entrepreneurs and public servants, and expand opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, youth and underserved communities. On youth employment, she said the Government was replacing patronage-based job allocation with pathways to meaningful work, but noted delays due to legal barriers and pending court-related issues arising from previous decisions. She thanked the President, Finance Ministry officials, State Ministers and others involved in preparing and refining the Budget under challenging conditions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Budget’s proposed digital transformation and improved management of state assets, arguing that underutilized lands, buildings and vehicles have contributed to economic decline and lost revenue. He cited unused public buildings in Puttalam and Musali, including a tourist information centre, health facilities, a bus stand and staff hostel, and urged that such assets be leased or repurposed for public benefit and income generation. He requested a new Open University building in Puttalam and the operational upgrading of health facilities, while also calling for better use and oversight of long-leased state coconut estates and other state lands.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Dr. Radhakrishnan emphasized that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, with Rs. 714.2 billion allocated and responsibility for key revenue institutions, must ensure disciplined fiscal management, policy consistency, monitoring, and avoidance of waste. He welcomed anti-corruption commitments and urged decisive action in revenue-collecting bodies such as Inland Revenue, Customs, Excise, and import/export control agencies to increase national revenue. He called for a people-friendly Budget that reduces burdens on low-income groups, promotes equitable regional development, and allocates funds fairly to both Government and Opposition MPs, including for plantation-area roads, childcare centres, schools, temples, and multipurpose development work. He also proposed establishing more industrial estates and cottage industries in the hill country, using available land and closed factories to provide employment for local youth.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Aravinda Senarath supported the 2025 Budget’s Finance Ministry expenditure heads, arguing that the Government is shifting Sri Lanka from decades of import dependence toward a production-led economy with a 6 percent growth target. He said record allocations for education and health—Rs. 619 billion and Rs. 604 billion respectively—are key investments in development, and criticized previous administrations for failing to attract investment and relying on taxes on basic goods. He also addressed excise policy, citing the 1912 Excise Ordinance, alleged politically motivated liquor licence issuances between 2022 and 2024, current revenue shortfalls, and the need for a structured discussion on legal and affordable liquor sales in light of social demand.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB
AI summary Chandana Thennakoon supported the Budget allocations under the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry, arguing that funds are being distributed across regions and sectors rather than concentrated in politically favoured areas. He highlighted allocations for rural roads, bridges, irrigation, drinking water, and human-elephant conflict mitigation, including specific projects in the Galgamuwa electorate and dry zone areas. He also cited increases in welfare benefits, education support, allowances for vulnerable groups, and relief measures for low-income families, presenting the Budget as focused on rural development and social support.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan paid tribute to deceased Tamil media figures Rajanayagam Bharathi, Ananthi Suriapragasam and S.P. Sami, noting their contributions to journalism, broadcasting and support for war-affected Tamil communities. He addressed the Speaker’s sanctions on MP Ramanan Arjunan, saying his party accepts the Speaker’s authority but rejects hateful remarks against women or Muslims and apologizes to the Muslim community for any offence caused. He cautioned against the precedent of restricting an MP’s parliamentary broadcasts, linking it to past repression under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and wider concerns about reconciliation and minority political representation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB
AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage supported the allocations under Head 912 of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, arguing that disciplined revenue and expenditure management is restoring public confidence after the economic collapse. He said tax compliance is improving, borrowing should be limited to productive growth-oriented projects, and state-owned enterprises should be restructured through better management to become profitable rather than remain dependent on public funds. He also referred to plans in Matara to cultivate fallow paddy lands and to use future local government-level funding for rural roads, village development, and revival of the rural economy.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage — Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment
AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage defended the 2025 expenditure allocation of Rs. 714.1 billion for the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry, arguing that the Budget establishes a Sri Lankan economic model rather than adopting foreign ideological labels. He said the Government had not promised across-the-board public sector salary increases but had undertaken pay-structure reforms, including an additional Rs. 110 billion, in line with commitments on dignity of labour and teachers’ salaries. He rejected ethnic interpretations of a Speaker’s ruling, highlighted regional income disparities and the Rs. 13,250 million allocation for district and regional development, and outlined expanded social protection measures, including increased elderly allowance coverage and higher disability-related grants and eligibility thresholds.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper praised Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva’s evidence-based contribution and argued that Sri Lanka should build a disciplined, service-oriented economy drawing lessons from Japan, while recognizing a broader public mandate for a new political culture across parties. He identified priorities including education reform to align skills with workforce needs, stronger digital infrastructure, improved regulation, greater FDI, and development of high-value services. He called for the establishment of a fully equipped development bank and proposed better use of the railway network for freight, including possible tolls on fuel bowser transport by road to encourage rail-based transport.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that political stability has been established but Sri Lanka must address economic weaknesses, particularly limited global integration and trade agreements. He proposed investment in education and vocational training, digital infrastructure, simpler business regulations, stronger financial services, modernized transport, and diversification into high-value services to attract investment and support a service-based economy. He also condemned renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza and reported actions in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, criticized United States support for Israel, and urged the Sri Lankan Government to take a clear position.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB
AI summary During the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Rizvie Salih highlighted tourism as a key source of foreign exchange for economic recovery, but raised concerns about alleged illegal business operations and disruptive conduct by some Israeli tourists in surfing destinations, citing a recent newspaper article. He argued that such activity may reduce benefits to the Sri Lankan economy and damage the country’s reputation as a peaceful tourist destination. He also referred to renewed Israeli military action in Gaza following ceasefire breakdowns, citing reported civilian casualties and attacks on designated safe zones.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister said the 2025 Budget must be understood as a response to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, citing long-term trade deficits, past policy failures, depleted reserves, weak investor confidence, and high debt servicing obligations. He argued that despite fiscal constraints, the Budget supports a production-based recovery, public welfare, and fair distribution, with allocations for health, education materials, fertilizer subsidies, MSMEs, energy, industry, fisheries, agriculture, and reactivating abandoned factories and agro-industries. He also defended engagement with the IMF as arising from debt pressures and prior wastage, and described the Budget as appropriate to the country’s bankrupt conditions.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma responded to Opposition concerns on the Budget, stating that SriLankan Airlines’ legacy debts must be serviced while operational funding from Government will cease and restructuring continues. He outlined measures on parate execution relief for SMEs, including a 12-month extension, bank outreach and monitoring, while noting low uptake so far. He also reported progress on the National Single Window, QR-based student book allowances, monitored vehicle importation, reserve and exchange-rate stability, and plans to disburse the Rs. 1.3 trillion public investment allocation through strengthened project and Treasury monitoring.
- 10 Procedural Insolvency Bill - Postponement of Committee Stage 2 speeches
- 11 Papers Papers Presented: Finance Act Regulation and Annual Reports 4 speeches
- 12 Debate Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading 25 speeches
- 13 Adjournment Adjournment 2 speeches