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
- 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
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration moved that the Bill be read a Second time and also moved an Order under the Code of Criminal Procedure (Special Provisions) Act listed as Item No. 2 on the Order Paper. He stated that Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra would open the debate on behalf of the Government, after which proceedings were suspended for lunch until 1.00 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, linking it to public demands after the economic crisis and IMF governance recommendations for asset recovery legislation. She argued that the Bill demonstrates political will to recover illicitly acquired public wealth and strengthens investigation, prosecution and court powers, including through a designated senior police officer and a Proceeds of Crime Management Authority. She highlighted the rebuttable presumption on unexplained wealth and non-conviction-based asset recovery as key mechanisms, with recovered assets to be credited to the Consolidated Fund and potentially used for reparations and institutional strengthening.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill in principle, describing it as a mechanism to recover property proven to be derived from criminal conduct and restore it to the State or victims, while recalling earlier asset-recovery initiatives begun after 2015. He raised concerns about potential constitutional tension in Clause 4 on retrospective application and punishment, and urged clarification at Committee Stage. He proposed safeguards including prior judicial authorization for Police-issued property notices under Clause 68, clearer thresholds for investigations under Clause 97, stronger governance for restrained assets and the Victim Compensation Trust Fund, and correction of discrepancies between the Sinhala and English texts.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne (Ph.D.) JJB
AI summary Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne expressed condolences on the passing of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira and then supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, thanking the Justice Minister, officials, and expert committee involved in preparing it. She said the Bill consolidates scattered provisions on illicit asset recovery into a comprehensive framework informed by domestic, international, and comparative legal sources. Addressing concerns about retroactivity under Clause 4(1), she argued that the Bill targets property currently held as proceeds of crime even where the underlying offence occurred earlier, in line with the Government’s mandate to recover stolen public wealth. She also highlighted provisions on electronic evidence, offences relating to retaining or destroying stolen proceeds, and the admissibility of foreign expert reports under Clause 39.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne criticized Opposition figures facing CID inquiries and court cases, arguing that such involvement should not be treated as a point of pride. Referring to alleged properties linked to members of the Rajapaksa family, she said the Government would use the powers in the bill under debate to recover stolen assets and return them to the public. She emphasized the need for strong implementation and public awareness after the bill is passed, with further steps to be outlined by the Minister of Justice.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne briefly reiterated that the Act would enable recovery of stolen or crime-derived property, including assets transferred to relatives of offenders. She stated that such property would be returned to the people and noted that the Minister of Justice would explain the implementation steps.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill and commended the Minister of Justice, while proposing amendments including a clear monetary threshold under Clause 53(4)(b), safeguards against possible abuse of investigative powers under Clause 71, and statutory provisions on remuneration for members of the Proceeds of Crime Management Authority. He argued that these changes would prevent future misuse of the law and undue ministerial influence. He also rejected allegations made during the debate concerning decentralized budget allocations and criticized what he described as a personal attack in response to corruption allegations he had raised.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake responded to criticism after his name was mentioned, defending his past position on the Rajapaksa administration and asserting that his party had remained in Opposition despite later disagreements over the war period. He accused the Member concerned of associating with the Rajapaksas and Pillayan after alleged wartime abuses, and contrasted that conduct with the Opposition roles of figures such as Hon. Raviraj and Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam. He also referred to alleged personal attacks and disrespect toward the Chair recorded in Hansard, and tabled two photographs relating to Hon. Rasamanickam.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that he had not been given time to make a clarification and said he would respond in his next speech regarding allegations about who was engaging in “low politics.”
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order under Standing Order 92(2), asking whether he was entitled to speak for one minute and objecting to interruptions to the microphone, lights and broadcast arrangements. He denied an allegation attributed to Hon. Bimal Rathnayake that he had disrupted Swasthika Arulingam by mentioning her name in his absence, and challenged Members to produce Hansard evidence of any such statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to the conduct of proceedings, stating that the microphone should be given to him. He complained that Parliament appeared to be allowing only one member to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that, as his name had been mentioned, he would respond and provide clarification at a later opportunity under the Standing Orders.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna protested against the proceedings, indicating that his microphone and the lights could be turned off. No substantive policy issue, legislative matter, or specific proposal was raised in the remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that the country has a Constitution. No further argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna asserted his right to address the House and requested permission to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that wrongdoing should be condemned regardless of the person involved, including close family members. He emphasized a principle of accountability without exception.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary The Minister supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, stating that it creates a framework to investigate, restrain, manage, vest in the State, and dispose of property derived from criminal activity, including assets moved overseas. He said the Bill addresses gaps in existing laws on bribery, public property, money laundering, terrorist financing, and criminal procedure, and establishes mechanisms such as a Proceeds of Crime Management Authority, a dedicated police unit, inter-agency and international cooperation, and a Compensation Fund. He emphasized that the Government intends to recover illicitly acquired assets, return them to lawful owners or custodians where appropriate, and target criminal wealth, including in cases linked to narcotics trafficking.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka stated that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna supports the Bill to vest proceeds of crime in the State, while warning that such laws must not be used for political purposes, citing past examples including the FCID and public property legislation. He urged the Government to recover criminally obtained assets held overseas and use them as previously promised, including for debt repayment. He also alleged misuse of COPA proceedings regarding a vehicle linked to Yoshitha Rajapaksa and tabled related documents, and challenged Government claims on foreign reserves by citing Central Bank data on reserve levels before and after September 2024.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti supported the Bill as a necessary legal mechanism to recover misappropriated public assets and act on corruption cases through lawful and transparent procedures, rather than political discretion. He assured that the Government would not use the law for personal or partisan purposes and said it would help address past failures where COPE, COPA and Auditor General findings had not led to recovery or punishment. He cited cases including the Easter attacks, Central Bank bond scam, sugar tax issue, Mahapola/Malabe property matter, Gin–Nilwala project, dairy cow imports, SriLankan Airlines aircraft deals, fertilizer transactions, coal procurement, SATHOSA rice diversion and the X-Press Pearl compensation issue as matters requiring investigation, accountability and recovery under the proposed law.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Welcoming the anti-corruption Bill, Jagath Vithana said it was a delayed but necessary measure to restore public confidence and pursue alleged hidden funds and past corruption files. He argued that regular investigations under the law could help reduce foreign debt and make Parliament more accountable. He also raised a complaint about alleged irregularities during the nomination process at the Kalutara District Secretariat, tabled a complaint, and called for an investigation into the conduct of officials involved.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana briefly requested additional speaking time, noting that the presence of the Leader of the House would be helpful. No substantive policy or legislative issue was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana said he was willing to assist the Government on transport matters, starting in Kalutara with a small team and without vehicles or perks, but suggested the proposal had not yet received approval. He alleged corruption in the Sri Lanka Transport Board, referred to past excess payments and bus acquisitions, and said he had received a file on alleged corruption from the head of Lanka Ashok Leyland. He also requested time to speak further on the bond scam, including in the presence of Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana alleged that funds were provided during the 2015 presidential campaign on the condition that Arjuna Mahendran be appointed Central Bank Governor, and claimed those funds were subsequently multiplied through the bond transactions. He stated that campaign organizers had widely received money, including from Sathasivam, and questioned why he had not been called to give evidence. He urged that the bond scam be pursued fully and said he was prepared to testify on his claims.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Jagath Vithana stated his opposition to theft, corruption, and arbitrary conduct, alleging that collusion between officials and politicians had contributed to the situation under discussion. He called for all responsible persons, irrespective of party affiliation, to be punished and for misappropriated money to be recovered. He expressed full support for the Proceeds of Crime Bill and said he was willing to appear before any committee or inquiry on the matter.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Bill to recover illicitly acquired assets, stating that it would allow recovery of lost public wealth even where persons connected to proceedings are absent, while protecting legitimate entrepreneurs and penalizing illicit enrichment. He accused opposition members of exploiting issues affecting Muslims for electoral purposes, contrasted this with past incidents such as Digana, Hettipola, and the detention of Hejaaz Hizbullah and Ahnaf Jazeem, and said the Government would repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and introduce new security legislation. He urged voters in upcoming local authority elections to elect representatives able to work with the Government, citing Panagamuwa An-Noor Central College in Kurunegala as an example of neglected development that he said the current Government would address.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill as a necessary starting point against corruption, but questioned whether it would be applied fairly and in good faith. He urged the Minister of Justice to introduce separate legislation requiring transparent auditing of political parties, including sources of donations and campaign expenditure, arguing that party finances and “fraternal donations” should face the same scrutiny as alleged bribes or racketeer funding. He also called for safeguards against abuse of investigative powers, review of rights and rule-of-law concerns in the Bill, and cautioned against disproportionate use of public property charges. He additionally expressed concern that MPs had not been given advance access to agreements signed with India.
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera requested that any agreements signed by the Government be provided to Members for scrutiny, citing earlier calls for transparency before signing such documents. He also urged the Government to implement a unique digital identification number system, arguing that it is necessary to control and eradicate corruption and that other anti-corruption laws would be ineffective without such a mechanism.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti supported the proposal to scrutinize the accounts and funds of political parties, arguing that parties wield state power and can be used to defraud the public. Referring to recent allegations of businessmen infiltrating and damaging established parties such as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, he urged the Minister of Justice to consider an amendment to the Bill to enable investigations into those who misappropriated party assets.
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera responded to an apparent insinuation by another Member that his past support for the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government was linked to the issue under discussion. He said he respected the Member’s intentions but rejected any sarcastic or derisive implication, noting that they had previously worked together and that he had been regarded as a reputable businessman at that time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, arguing that it is needed to investigate assets allegedly held through nominees or unexplained transactions, including the cited “Mihindu Arana” property transfer and bar licences allegedly linked to politicians. He highlighted Clause 34 as a key provision, saying it creates presumptions and allows measures such as restraining, preserving, or vesting property in the State where lawful ownership or source of funds cannot be shown. He said the Bill shifts the burden to persons holding suspect property to prove entitlement on a balance of probabilities and is intended to address proceeds of unlawful activity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri supported the objective of the Proceeds of Crime Bill if it enables recovery of unlawfully acquired assets, but questioned whether the Government is using it to distract from other issues, including the undisclosed India agreement. He demanded specific timelines for recovering alleged funds linked to Uganda and Medamulana, bringing back Arjuna Mahendran, and recovering proceeds from the Central Bank bond scam. He proposed that those who made false allegations or defamatory claims should also face legal consequences, while alleging that several current officials and appointees facing corruption accusations should be investigated and cleared before holding office.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake supported the Second Reading of the Proceeds of Crime Bill, presenting it as a key measure to recover unlawfully acquired assets and address gaps in existing legal frameworks for tackling corruption, fraud, and financial crime. He referred to alleged misuse of public assets, suspicious properties, offshore money movements, and past amnesty proposals as reasons for creating stronger powers for investigation, restraint, preservation, and management of recovered property. He highlighted provisions on disclosure of unlawful assets, expanded powers for the Bribery Commission, a specialized Police investigation division, search and digital access powers, preservation of property, establishment of a management authority, and proportionate punishment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, including the vesting of illegally acquired assets in the State and the creation of an authority to manage them, and welcomed the proposed removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP. He argued that accountability mechanisms should also address alleged crimes against Tamils, citing incidents from 1956 through Black July, other massacres, disappearances, and Mullivaikkal, and called for parliamentary action and international investigations due to mistrust in domestic processes. He questioned what action had been taken against figures such as Pillaiyan and urged the Government to investigate alleged atrocities against Tamils in the same manner as proposed inquiries into 1987–89 torture camps. He also raised concerns that protesters opposing ilmenite mining were being summoned and harassed by police and security forces, and asked the Government to protect their democratic rights.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka supported the Second Reading of the Proceeds of Crime Bill, arguing that existing anti-corruption and money-laundering laws were insufficient to recover assets disguised as lawful property. He cited international investigative reports on offshore foundations, luxury assets, art collections, and alleged transactions linked to former Sri Lankan political and official figures as examples of the types of wealth the Bill is intended to address. He said public demand and international expectations had created the need for stronger legal mechanisms to investigate, seize, and recover proceeds of crime, particularly from political corruption, official abuse, narcotics, and organized crime.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen stated his support for the Proceeds of Crime Bill but urged the Government to meet public expectations and avoid actions that undermine confidence. He criticized the arrest and detention of a person over an anti-Israel sticker and called for an end to unjust use of the PTA, including the immediate review and release of persons he said remain unfairly detained or prosecuted after the Easter Sunday attacks and related cases. He also requested the Attorney General’s Department to expedite or withdraw lingering cases against individuals allegedly connected to him after his acquittal. He warned that Israel’s presence and activities in Sri Lanka could create communal tension and urged the Government not to penalize Sri Lankans in order to protect Israeli visitors.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra supported the Second Reading of the Bill, presenting it as a timely measure to recover or freeze assets derived from past wrongdoing and to strengthen accountability for unexplained wealth. He criticised the Opposition for what he described as a lack of constructive engagement, noting that they had opportunities to act between 2015 and 2019 and did not challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court. He argued that the Bill does not have retrospective effect, does not violate fundamental rights or Article 12 of the Constitution, and said the Government is prepared to conduct investigations and implement the law once enacted.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra rejected an attempted point of order, stating that he had not mentioned the relevant Member by name. He directed the Member to take their seat and maintained that no point of order arose.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera indicated he was attempting to respond, but no substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra briefly requested to proceed with his remarks, indicating that the other member could respond during their allocated time. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was addressed in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera began referring to matters during the previous Government but was interrupted before making a substantive point. No specific argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the available excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra briefly directs another member to sit, stating that the requested action was not done. No substantive policy issue or proposal is raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra briefly stated that despite having many opportunities, the matter in question had not been carried out. The intervention was interrupted and contained no specific policy proposal or detailed context.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera briefly challenged an assertion or implication made in the debate, stating that others could not know whether the relevant action had been taken or not. No specific policy proposal, demand, or legislative issue was elaborated in the provided remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra requested to continue his remarks, stating that he had not named the other member and that any response should be made during that member’s own allotted time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra defended the Bill’s asset recovery provisions, stating that they are not retrospective and do not infringe fundamental rights, while enabling the freezing and recovery of property derived from earlier crimes. He cited international examples from the UK, Australia, South Africa, the Philippines, and Nigeria to support the need for conviction- and non-conviction-based recovery mechanisms and international cooperation. He argued that Sri Lanka previously lacked adequate tools to investigate unexplained wealth among politicians, officials, and others, and said the Bill would help create a healthier political culture by requiring proof of lawful acquisition.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the objective of the Proceeds of Crime Bill but argued that Sri Lanka already has multiple laws enabling seizure or recovery of criminal proceeds and that the main failure lies in weak implementation and justice-sector delays. He questioned whether the Bill would be effective in recovering assets linked to major controversies such as the Central Bank bond issue, Easter attacks, sugar tax losses, fertilizer payments, and overseas assets, and said he would seek evidence of actual recoveries after one year. He raised concerns that the Bill may undermine the presumption of innocence, have retrospective effects, and permit seizure of property arising from civil transactions, urging the Minister of Justice to consult the Attorney General before passage. He also briefly referred to tariff issues and criticized remarks made by Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna about Islam and Muslims.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that he had not made remarks against Muslims as a community and described Tamils and Muslims as closely linked Tamil-speaking communities of different faiths. He said his earlier comments related to a letter sent by a Muslim woman, which he would submit to the Speaker for review if disputed. He also accepted a proposed debate subject to live broadcast and apologized for any inappropriate Facebook post made in anger.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika expressed condolences over the death of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera and said his political vision would be continued. Supporting the Bill, he argued that public demands after the 2022 bankruptcy, including the recovery of stolen assets, reflected widespread concern over corruption and unlawful enrichment by politicians. He said earlier laws were inadequate or unenforced, linked the Bill to the IMF’s 2023 governance recommendations, and stated that the Government had prioritized it as part of its policy to recover assets and address corrupt governance.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said the Bill was being rushed to satisfy IMF requirements and drew parallels with the Anti-Corruption Act, which he said he had supported but was now being used against him through politically motivated and unusually expedited proceedings. He stated that laws on illicit assets and corruption should apply equally to all, but alleged selective enforcement and cited complaints against government Ministers that he claimed had not been pursued. He also urged the Justice Minister to address severe overcrowding in remand prisons, attributing much of it to drug-related cases and bail restrictions linked to reported drug quantities.
- The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe supported the Proceeds of Crime Bill, arguing that previous laws and COPE recommendations were not effectively implemented and that the new Government is acting urgently to recover stolen public funds. He cited alleged corruption cases including the Central Bank bond scam, MIG aircraft deal, Gin-Nilwala project, unexplained assets, and embezzlement identified in recent COPE proceedings. He linked the Bill to the Government’s election pledge and the public demand after the 2022 protests for action against theft, fraud, and corruption, stating that further laws would be introduced if necessary.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Proceeds of Crime Bill fulfils the Government’s mandate to combat corruption by identifying, preserving, forfeiting, and returning assets obtained through crime to the State or victims. He emphasized that bona fide purchasers and honest citizens would not be affected, and argued that forfeiture is not a retrospective penal sanction but a mechanism to deprive criminals of illicit benefits, including through non-conviction-based forfeiture. He noted that no fundamental rights challenge had been filed against the Bill and said the legislation creates a unified framework where existing laws were scattered and largely dependent on prior convictions.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Approval was sought for an Order made under Section 7(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Special Provisions) Act, No. 2 of 2013, as published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2418/28 of 8 January 2025 and presented to Parliament on 20 March 2025. The Minister noted that Cabinet approval had been signified, and the motion was put to the House and agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 21 Procedural Procedural: Inspector-General of Police Removal Resolution and Division Vote 13 speeches