Sitting of Tuesday, 8 April 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1747715041076408 ·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: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings 85 speeches
- 2 Opening Opening: Message from President, Speaker's Certificate, VAT Bill Determination, and Death Notice 4 speeches
- 3 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Institutional Statements 10 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural: Welfare Benefits Gazette Discussion and Clarifications 7 speeches
- 5 Committee report Committee Reports: Justice and Governance Committee Reports 4 speeches
- 6 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: EPF and ETF Files (276/2024) 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board and Railways (383/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) 7 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Soldiers Recruitment Special Workwear (445/2025) 6 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Question 569/2025 (Stand Down) 3 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: Land Deeds for Government Lands Program 14 speeches
- 14 Oral question Oral Question: Private Tuition Regulation and Child Safety 10 speeches
- The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education whether private tuition classes targeting the GCE O/L and A/L examinations are regulated, and if not, why. He sought information on whether the Ministry is aware of the teachers conducting such classes and their qualifications, and raised concern that tuition classes are being held from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on school days. He requested details on action to be taken against such practices and measures to address any adverse impact on government schools.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister responded to a question on regulation of private tuition, stating that the Commissioner General of Examinations prohibits tuition classes for five days before the GCE O/L and A/L examinations. She said the Ministry of Education does not register or currently intervene in private tuition classes, though complaints have been received, and cited Circular No. 2006/45 prohibiting public school teachers from engaging in paid private teaching during or outside official hours. She also noted the 80 per cent attendance requirement for A/L students and said proposed education reforms would place greater emphasis on practical learning and self-study.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about reported sexual abuse and misconduct involving children in private tuition classes and asked whether the Government would introduce regulation of such classes. He also questioned whether action would be taken regarding tuition tutors who lack proper educational qualifications.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Existing laws already cover child abuse or harassment in any setting, including extra classes, classrooms, roads, and homes. Upon receiving information or a complaint, the police can investigate and take relevant legal action.
- The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question to the Prime Minister about private tuition classes being held on Sunday mornings, when Buddhist temples and other religious institutions conduct religious education. He asked whether the Government has taken any decision to regulate such classes, noting their impact on Daham Pasal and other religious schools, including for younger children beyond O/L and A/L students.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has received requests from religious leaders and is consulting all relevant stakeholders. She said appropriate action would be taken in due course.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary No substantive speech text was provided beyond the address to the Chair, so there are no policy positions, proposals, questions, or arguments to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna asked the Prime Minister for clarification on whether the Government is considering regulation of tuition classes and tuition teachers. She noted that a previous answer to Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake had not addressed how such regulation would be handled.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Ministry of Education currently has no policy to regulate tuition. She clarified this in response to a supplementary question.
Education Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member stated that if a request is made, it can be considered. No further details, proposal, or policy context were provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 15 Oral question Oral Question: Chilaw General Hospital Development 4 speeches
- 16 Oral question Oral Question: Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority and Officer Pensions 2 speeches
- 17 Oral question Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) 18 speeches
- 18 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order on Trade Agreements and Privilege Matter 5 speeches
- 19 Procedural Procedural: Point of Order on Members' Conduct and Sitting Hours 4 speeches
- 20 Debate Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading 86 speeches
- 21 Procedural Procedural: Inspector-General of Police Removal Resolution and Division Vote 13 speeches