Sitting of Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1747807095041246 ·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 and Papers Presented 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented: Customs Resolution, Ministry Reports, Annual Reports 7 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Report: Committee on Public Finance (VAT and Aswesuma) 2 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions Presented 2 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Hon. Prime Minister on University Development and Conflict Resolution 16 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment 17 speeches
- 7 Oral question Ministerial Statement: SO 27(2) Question to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Procedural Matters 11 speeches
- 8 Procedural Ministerial Statement and Privilege Question; Procedural Motions 9 speeches
- 9 Debate Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) 42 speeches
- 10 Debate Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) 77 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Condolences were offered on the death of Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira before raising concerns over the impact of new U.S. tariffs, including a reported 44 per cent tariff affecting apparel exports and wider risks to logistics, ports, IMF targets, employment and investment. Namal Rajapaksa urged the Government to pursue direct negotiations, prepare for broader macroeconomic effects, and consider tax administration relief such as SVAT-related measures to protect industry cash flows. He also called for implementation of the election pledge to remove VAT on rooftop solar electricity bills and requested clear information on which local authorities will proceed with elections scheduled for 6 May.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe addressed the VAT (Amendment) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka should improve VAT collection efficiency rather than raise rates, by expanding registration, reducing evasion, plugging leakages, introducing VAT on foreign digital services, and implementing digital systems such as POS reporting. He said SVAT changes had been deferred to October to address exporter concerns through faster digital refunds, and described SME debt relief measures, concessional credit lines, credit guarantees, and ongoing oversight to support business revival. He also stated that Sri Lanka should negotiate rather than retaliate over new U.S. tariffs, pursue trade diversification, reduce public spending waste, and use recent legal reforms to strengthen Inland Revenue enforcement and scrutiny of politically connected assets.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj supported the Bill, describing VAT reform and effective tax collection as necessary for economic stability, national production, and the welfare of workers, farmers, consumers, and traders. He argued that previous tax systems allowed politically connected persons to evade obligations while ordinary citizens bore the burden, and linked the reform agenda to broader accountability measures and the Government’s response to international economic pressures, including U.S. tariff policy. He also criticised some Tamil representatives for rhetoric rather than development proposals, referred to Pillayan’s arrest and past disappearances in the East, and urged Eastern Province MPs to bring substantive plans for post-war rebuilding and regional development.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed the tabling of the Battalanda torture camp report but urged that accountability follow, with those responsible identified and punished. He drew parallels with past violence against Tamils, including the 1983 pogrom, the Welikada Prison killings and disappearances, and called for a formal inquiry into the 1983 killings and related accountability measures. He also questioned the Government’s position on the appointment of Justice Ilancheliyian to the Court of Appeal, arguing that he had been eligible during the relevant period and warning against discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan questioned the Government’s consistency on promises made during the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, citing the nomination of a bar licence holder for local elections and a Sinhalese national list bonus-seat candidate in the Nanattan Pradeshiya Sabha division, where he said there are no Sinhala residents. He supported the agreements signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit, arguing that India had helped Sri Lanka during its downturn and that such agreements were appropriate given India’s position as a neighbour. He stated opposition to any attempts by China-aligned actors to obstruct Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and said Chinese activities should not be permitted in the North and East.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that the proposed VAT amendment should be deferred in light of the United States’ 44 per cent tariff on Sri Lankan exports, which he said could threaten export markets, factory operations, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. He said export manufacturers would face added pressure from VAT obligations and delays in receiving refunds or credits, particularly when demand and prices are already affected by the tariff shock. He requested that the vote on the Bill be postponed for a limited period to give exporters and SMEs time to adjust, warning that immediate implementation could worsen business closures and job losses.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe responded to allegations concerning a land matter by referring to documents he said established ownership of the relevant plots. He stated that one portion related to the D.A. Rajapaksa Stadium at Diyagama and that other portions were held in the name of Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa, later re-registered on 10 October 2023 to Samararatna Kodikara and sold at various prices. He tabled eight title deeds connected to the land, including deeds referencing Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa and the Sri Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe alleged that land owned by the Sri Nagananda International Institute at Manel Watta had been fraudulently sold by Shiranthi Rajapaksa on 10 October 2023, misleading monks associated with the property. He cited an electricity bill paid by monks and referred to a related CID arrest over alleged fraudulent documents for a Rajapaksa family residence near the Menik Ganga. He requested action under a recently passed Act addressing illegal activities and said he was prepared to hand over relevant documents to the CID.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that the Government had previously resisted trade agreements such as the Singapore FTA, CEPA, ETCA and MCC while now blaming others for weak export diversification. He criticized the proposed withdrawal of SVAT, saying VAT refunds would tie up exporters’ working capital, especially for SMEs, and contended that the issue could have been better negotiated with the IMF. He warned that the 44 per cent U.S. tariff, combined with domestic tax burdens and para-tariffs, could harm factories and jobs, and called for trade liberalization, engagement with all parties, and integration with global markets. He also referenced the upcoming EU GSP+ review and urged attention to human rights and PTA reform commitments.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Kaushalya Ariyarathne disputed claims that her side opposed discussion of the Singapore FTA at the Committee on Public Finance, saying they only requested more time and later agreed to proceed. She clarified tax and welfare issues, stating that WHT on interest would not apply below Rs. 1.8 million annual interest income upon filing with banks, denied rumours about taxes on remittances and small deposits, said VAT was not increased on eggs, and urged dairy producers to pass on VAT removals for milk and yoghurt. She also said Aswesuma coverage is budgeted to expand to 1.7 million families, with the Welfare Benefits Board reviewing exclusions and new applications. On the PTA, she said the Government opposes its misuse, intends to repeal and replace it with new legislation, but is currently using existing law for investigations pending that framework.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar warned that Sri Lanka must urgently pursue technical, state-level negotiations with the United States over newly imposed export tariffs, noting the U.S. is Sri Lanka’s largest export market and that the apparel sector, which supports over 300,000 jobs, is particularly exposed. He also urged the Government to ensure compliance with the EU’s 27 conventions to retain GSP+, arguing that losing both U.S. market access and EU preferences would seriously undermine export earnings and fiscal stability. He questioned the detention and subsequent release of a youth at a Colombo luxury mall, linking it to concerns over continued use of the PTA and delays in reform. He supported accelerating trade agreements with India, Thailand, and Pakistan, warning that lower tariffs for regional competitors could shift apparel investment and employment away from Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, outlining the history of VAT rate increases and stating that the 2024 increase to 18 per cent was made by the previous administration. He said the amendments aim to address gaps in the VAT regime, raise revenue toward a 2025 target of 15.1 per cent of GDP, and align with the Government’s policy framework. He highlighted exemptions for employer-provided meals and transport, and for domestically produced liquid milk and yoghurt from 1 April 2025, arguing these would support worker welfare, reduce prices, strengthen local dairy production, reduce imports, and assist nutrition.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Wijesiri Basnayake supported the VAT (Amendment) Bill, arguing that tax revenue is necessary to fund public services and development while noting Sri Lanka’s low tax-to-GDP ratio and past failures to broaden the tax base or improve collection. He criticized the Opposition for opposing VAT without explaining alternative funding sources and linked current export vulnerabilities to long-term failures in export diversification. He outlined amendments including zero-rating employer-provided meals and transport, reinsurance commissions, and revenue stamps; clarifying VAT treatment of unprocessed agricultural products and the Rs. 60 million turnover threshold; and exemptions for certain aircraft parts, chemical naphtha for CEB power generation, and locally produced milk and yoghurt.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva raised a Point of Order regarding his undertaking to table the COPF verbatim record on discussions about proceeding with the Sri Lanka–Singapore Free Trade Agreement. He said the Hansard record was not yet available, but the video showed that the committee had initially not agreed to proceed and had sought a further review, before later agreeing on the President’s recommendation. He clarified that the delay in tabling the record was procedural and not due to him.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that at the Committee on Public Finance he and others urged the Government to accept and proceed with the matter, arguing it would benefit the future. He noted that the Government initially refused but later agreed, and emphasized that the advice was given in good faith.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma clarified that the matter in question had been deferred to the following day for further study, not rejected. He stated that it was discussed and postponed for approval at a subsequent meeting, and said his intervention was to prevent the House from being misled.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary As Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva stated that he tabled the relevant report the following day, as recorded in Hansard. He clarified that the Committee had not approved it on that day and said approval was granted only two weeks later.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to avoid partisan rhetoric and acknowledge past revenue reforms, citing increases in the tax-to-GDP ratio under previous administrations and after 2022. He proposed restoring the VAT registration threshold to Rs. 20 million, removing VAT effects on eggs, implementing point-of-sale systems for wider VAT digitization, and maintaining SVAT protections for exporters and deemed exporters until a real-time refund system is operational. He also called for consistent policy on parate execution, stronger relief for SMEs affected by high interest rates after the bankruptcy declaration, and a stable, credible investment climate supported by local professional expertise alongside IMF engagement.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that the debate concerns a difficult moment for the country and questioned the direction of discussion on the national economy. He indicated that his remarks would focus on what is being said about the economy in the context of the debate.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged Sri Lanka to respond proactively to new U.S. country-specific tariffs introduced under President Trump, noting that other countries are already engaging Washington or offering tariff concessions. He proposed that Sri Lanka offer zero import duties on U.S. goods as a reciprocal, country-specific measure within WTO safeguards, positioning the country as an investment launching pad. He also said the Government should raise the matter with the IMF as an external shock affecting revenue policy, and welcomed the appointment of a committee and the President’s all-party conference on the issue.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka should protect Labour GSP, noting that it was restored under the good governance government and supported key export sectors such as apparel and free trade zones. He questioned the feasibility of requiring the private sector to pay a Rs. 12,500 wage increase within one year while the Government pays public servants Rs. 15,000 over three years. He also called for reform of welfare targeting, citing reports that many eligible households are excluded while some ineligible recipients receive benefits, and urged a clean-up of subsidy delivery to better reduce poverty.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 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 Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to correct past tax measures that burdened workers and low-income households, including taxes affecting employer-provided meals and transport, and VAT on milk and yoghurt. He argued that the Government’s policy is to provide relief to the public while improving collection from wealthy individuals and large businesses that have evaded taxes, including arrears already identified. He also said the Bill addresses distortions in areas such as insurance commissions and forms part of a broader move toward digital transactions by 2027-2028 to reduce tax leakage, fraud and corruption.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the increase of U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports from 11% to 44% would seriously affect garments, tea, rubber and cinnamon exports, foreign exchange earnings and livelihoods, and called for an all-party response and urgent talks with the U.S. Government. He urged the Education Minister to provide relief to students at Kathankudy Central College who were allegedly made to stop a Tamil Language and Literature O/L examination early. He also requested action to reopen the Kathankudy Jamiul Azhar Mosque, citing confirmation that it had no extremist links, and cautioned against using the PTA for minor protest-related acts, referring to the release of a youth arrested over an anti-Israel sticker.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the VAT (Amendment) Bill’s objective of strengthening revenue administration but urged broader direct taxation, reduced indirect taxes on essentials, removal of taxes on basic food items, and effective safeguards against malpractice in VAT refunds. He raised concerns about overcrowding and inadequate facilities at Meelad School in Dehiwala, urging the Government and Education Minister to provide a permanent solution rather than transferring pupils to a distant school. He also criticized the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act against a youth arrested over a pro-Palestine sticker, called for his discharge, and urged the Government to honour its commitment to repeal the PTA.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Government would protect the education rights of all children without discrimination and respond to any impediments, while following procedures for private schools and funding public education. He rejected claims that the Prevention of Terrorism Act was being used oppressively in relation to a youth arrested over a sticker, arguing that authorities must act to prevent public safety risks and extremism-related escalation. On the VAT (Amendment) Bill, he said the Government was reducing VAT burdens on items such as dairy products, addressing SVAT misuse, exempting factory worker transport and meals from VAT, and engaging the United States on tariff issues. He also said small egg producers below the VAT threshold should not use VAT as a reason to raise prices, identifying feed costs as the main issue and noting plans to import maize while protecting local farmers.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a concern about VAT treatment for producers using inputs such as rice polish and maize. He asked the Minister how such producers can claim input VAT when there is no apparent mechanism or place for them to recover it.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that VAT should be collected throughout the supply chain, including from feed vendors and large traders, while small producers below the threshold remain exempt and can claim input VAT where applicable. He said the Government aims to protect small producers and address structural issues in production costs, while using VAT revenue to fund public services and infrastructure. He also explained changes to Withholding Tax, noting that monthly interest income up to Rs. 150,000 is exempt and deductions apply only to higher interest earners, with declarations available for eligible depositors.
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne clarified proceedings of the Committee on Public Finance regarding the Singapore Free Trade Agreement, citing the 7 January 2025 report to state that the Committee sought stakeholder consultations before proceeding. She said the Agreement was subsequently approved at the next Committee meeting, and argued that the Opposition-held Committee chairmanship should not be used to misrepresent the Committee’s decisions in the House.
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for policy action to reduce VAT on essential foods such as rice, sugar, flour and dhal. He raised concerns over illegal fishing practices, alleged official complicity, narcotics trafficking by sea, Indian trawler incursions, bottom trawling, and environmental damage affecting fishing communities in Mullaitivu, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna. He urged ministerial intervention under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, warning that continued inaction could lead to public protests, and questioned coastal mining and aquaculture projects that he said displace fishers and damage livelihoods.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the VAT (Amendment) Bill seeks to improve revenue administration, clarify definitions from 1 January 2024, prevent misuse in areas such as agriculture, and bring aircraft engines, parts, and non-resident digital service suppliers within the VAT framework while maintaining exemptions for international air transport. He said VAT would be removed from domestically produced liquid milk and yoghurt, anomalies on naphtha used for power generation would be corrected, and changes to service export income tax were separate from VAT on non-resident e-services. He also outlined plans to phase out the Simplified VAT system by improving refund mechanisms, with a July simulation linked to the IMF programme and a target date of 1 October subject to readiness.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister to provide a definitive assurance on the Government’s approach to abolishing the Suspended VAT (SVAT) system. He warned that if the VAT refund mechanism does not function effectively, removing SVAT would create additional difficulties for exporters.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the Government is proceeding with a planned programme for tax administration reform, with a July simulation expected to confirm its functionality. He said any issues identified would be addressed within the available timeframe, while further decisions would be taken if unforeseen problems cannot be resolved. He emphasized that the Bill aims to establish integrated revenue management, strengthen fiscal discipline, and improve efficiency in domestic revenue administration.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said the VAT amendments aim to maintain a simple, predictable tax system while improving administration, enforcement, and compliance rather than repeatedly changing registrations or rates. He noted that the 18% VAT rate is high regionally and stated the Government’s intention to reduce it gradually, while seeking exemptions where possible for essential food items. He also referred to related discussions on increasing and extending Aswesuma benefits for low-income groups, and said the Bill corrects defects and omissions as a step toward a stronger VAT regime.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved three amendments on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to revise commencement and import-related dates in the Bill, including references to 1 October 2025 and machinery imported prior to 1 October. The amendments were agreed to, Clause 2 was approved as amended, and Clauses 3 to 12 were ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha moved amendments to Clause 13 of the Bill, including revised date references up to October 1, 2025, provisions on monthly periods for eligible exporters, new businesses or projects complying with specified requirements, and suppliers to Strategic Development Projects. He also proposed a revised definition covering plant-derived products cultivated on land or in greenhouses, including those subject to preliminary processing for sale. The amendments were agreed to, Clause 13 as amended and Clauses 14 and 15 were approved, and the Bill was reported with amendments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved that the amended Bill be read a Third time and requested permission to correct language, typographical, grammatical, and numerical errors and make consequential amendments. The House agreed to the motion, and the Bill was read a Third time and passed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa moved for approval of the Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme made under Section 9 of the Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002. The scheme, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2429/02 of 24 March 2025 and presented on 8 April 2025, had Cabinet approval and was agreed to by the House.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, the motion was moved to approve the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Annual Report for 2023, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2023. The report had been presented under Section 33 of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and subsequently approved by Parliament.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The motion sought parliamentary approval for the 2023 Annual Report of Jaya Container Terminals Limited, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2023, presented under the Companies Act. It noted that the report had been considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee and reported to Parliament, after which the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Moved approval of the Sri Lanka Press Council’s Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 2022, including the Auditor-General’s observations, presented under Section 14 of the Finance Act, No. 38 of 1971. The report had been considered by the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Health and Mass Media on 4 March 2025 and reported to Parliament on 10 March 2025; the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Moved approval of the 2023 Annual Report of the Ayurveda Medical Council, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2023, presented under the Ayurveda Act, No. 31 of 1961. The report had been considered by the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Health and Mass Media and its committee report was presented to Parliament; the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Moved, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, that Parliament approve the 2022 Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, together with the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2022. The report was presented under Section 20(2) of the Tourism Act, No. 38 of 2005, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee on 12 March 2025, and its report was presented to Parliament on 15 March 2025. The motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Moved, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the approval of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Fund Annual Report for 2022, including the Auditor-General’s observations, under the Tourism Act, No. 38 of 2005. The report had been considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee and presented to Parliament, and the motion was agreed to.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa moved for approval of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Annual Report for 2023, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 December 2023. The report was presented under Section 20(2) of the Tourism Act, No. 38 of 2005, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and approved by Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, approval was sought for the 2023 Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Fund, including the Auditor-General’s observations, submitted under the Tourism Act, No. 38 of 2005. The report had been considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and Parliament agreed to the motion.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The motion sought parliamentary approval for the National Livestock Development Board’s Annual Report for 2019, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2019. It was moved on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation under Section 23 of the State Agricultural Corporations Act, following consideration by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee. The motion was agreed to.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, approval was sought for the 2021/2022 Annual Report of Colombo Commercial Fertilizers Limited, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 March 2022. The report had been presented under Section 14(3) of the Finance Act, No. 38 of 1971, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and was approved by Parliament.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Moved approval of the 2022 Annual Report of the National Institute of Post-Harvest Management, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 December 2022, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. He noted that the report had been presented under the Finance Act and considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee before being submitted to Parliament. The motion was agreed to.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa moved for approval of the National Paper Company Limited Annual Report for 2015/2016, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 March 2016. The report had been presented under Section 14(3) of the Finance Act, No. 38 of 1971, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and the motion was agreed to by Parliament.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, approval was moved for the Annual Report and Accounts of Mantai Salt Limited for 2020/2021, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 March 2021, presented under Section 14(3) of the Finance Act, No. 38 of 1971. The report had been considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee on 4 March 2025 and its report presented to Parliament on 11 March 2025. The motion was put to the House and agreed to.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Moved approval of the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board Annual Report for 2022, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 December 2022. He noted that it was presented under Section 64 of the National Crafts Council and Allied Institutions Act, No. 35 of 1982, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and its report had been presented to Parliament; the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Moved approval of the 2022 Annual Report of the Industrial Development Board of Ceylon, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 December 2022, under Section 39 of the Industrial Development Act, No. 36 of 1969. He noted that the report had been considered by the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and presented to Parliament; the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, approval was sought for the National Crafts Council Annual Report 2023, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ended 31 December 2023. The report had been presented under the National Crafts Council and Allied Institutions Act, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and its approval was agreed to by Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, approval was moved for the Central Cultural Fund’s 2016 Annual Report, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2016, under the Central Cultural Fund Act, No. 57 of 1980. The report had been considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee and presented to Parliament, and the motion was agreed to.
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