Sitting of Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Order of business

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

1. 1 Opening Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings 85 speeches ▸
2. 2 Opening Opening: Message from President, Speaker's Certificate, VAT Bill Determination, and Death Notice 4 speeches ▸
3. 3 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Institutional Statements 10 speeches ▸
4. 4 Procedural Procedural: Welfare Benefits Gazette Discussion and Clarifications 7 speeches ▸
5. 5 Committee report Committee Reports: Justice and Governance Committee Reports 4 speeches ▸
6. 6 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented 5 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: EPF and ETF Files (276/2024) 6 speeches ▾
   • Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB

     AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Minister of Labour whether newly opened EPF and ETF files could be treated as an indicator of economic development. He requested the separate numbers of EPF and ETF files opened in November 2024 and asked whether monthly figures from December 2024 onward would be presented to Parliament, including the date each month on which such information would be provided.

     EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
   • Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB

     AI summary The Minister answered a question on EPF and ETF registrations, stating that such data are useful indicators of formal-sector economic activity, workers’ rights, social protection, investment trends, and female labour force participation, while noting the need to adjust for inactive or closed files. He reported 6,332 new EPF member registrations and 2,777 new ETF member registrations in November 2024. He said monthly data could be provided from January 2025 on request, and that six-monthly data, including gender-based labour force information, would be published on the Ministry website and in the annual performance report.

     Public FinanceEmployment Full speech →
   • Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB

     AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked whether the Minister could establish a regular reporting mechanism to Parliament for the requested data, rather than requiring Members to request it each month. He sought detailed information to be provided periodically, including gender-based and sector-wise breakdowns, in addition to the proposed six-monthly publication on the website.

     Parliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Full speech →
   • Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that he would discuss with the relevant Ministry the establishment of a procedure to link online publication of monthly data with Parliament. He said data from January 2024 to February 2025 could be tabled if required, and noted that it had been placed in the Library.

     Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
   • Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB

     AI summary Asked the relevant Minister to brief Parliament on actions taken regarding the 44% tariff imposed by the United States, which he said had been identified as needing attention before 9 April. He emphasized that the issue affects the country and sought an update on the Government’s response.

     Foreign Affairs Full speech →
   • Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB

     AI summary A response will be provided to a question submitted under Standing Order 27(2) on the matter. Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha indicated that he would make a detailed statement when answering that question.

     Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board and Railways (383/2025) 6 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) 7 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) 6 speeches ▸
11. 11 Oral question Oral Question: Soldiers Recruitment Special Workwear (445/2025) 6 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Oral Question: Question 569/2025 (Stand Down) 3 speeches ▸
13. 13 Oral question Oral Question: Land Deeds for Government Lands Program 14 speeches ▸
14. 14 Oral question Oral Question: Private Tuition Regulation and Child Safety 10 speeches ▸
15. 15 Oral question Oral Question: Chilaw General Hospital Development 4 speeches ▸
16. 16 Oral question Oral Question: Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority and Officer Pensions 2 speeches ▸
17. 17 Oral question Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) 18 speeches ▸
18. 18 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order on Trade Agreements and Privilege Matter 5 speeches ▸
19. 19 Procedural Procedural: Point of Order on Members' Conduct and Sitting Hours 4 speeches ▸
20. 20 Debate Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading 86 speeches ▸
21. 21 Procedural Procedural: Inspector-General of Police Removal Resolution and Division Vote 13 speeches ▸