Sitting of Thursday, 8 May 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1748426168056758 ·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 Met at 9.30 a.m. 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers - Tabling of Annual Reports and Documents 9 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions - Citizens' Petitions Presented 3 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural - Interjections on Order of Business 8 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Prevention of Delay in Ending Civil Court Cases (Q.133/2024) 28 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Foreign Official Visits by Former President (Q.5/2024) and Follow-up Questions 16 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Currency Printed/Minted Since 2015 (Q.9/2025) 16 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Questions: Martyrs' Day Commemorations and OPD Attendance (Q.10/2024, etc.) 21 speeches
- 9 Procedural Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters 58 speeches
- 10 Procedural Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - Land Acquisition in North and East; Ministry Statements on Rice and Finance 13 speeches
- 11 Procedural Procedural - Committee Matter and Staff Notice; Bills Presented 7 speeches
- 12 Debate Debate: Customs Ordinance - Resolution on Import Duties on Motor Vehicles 105 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved a resolution, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, seeking parliamentary approval for import duty changes under Section 235 of the Customs Ordinance. The resolution relates to Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2421/05 of 27 January 2025, had received Cabinet approval, and was formally put to the House for consideration.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that the Gazette under the Revenue Protection Act, No. 19 of 1962, was part of measures to mobilize revenue while easing restrictions on vehicle imports that had been in place for several years. He noted that several related Gazettes had been issued, with the debate focused on Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/05 of 27 January 2025.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the vehicle import ban was being lifted in phases, with Customs Import Duty raised from 20 per cent to 30 per cent to manage pressure on reserves and the exchange rate after years of restricted imports. He cited improving macroeconomic indicators, including reserves of about USD 6.5 billion, a stable rupee, controlled inflation, lower interest rates, stronger revenue, and progress under the IMF programme and World Bank support. He also noted reforms to improve tax and customs administration, disclosure of large tenders, and ongoing engagement with the United States on tariffs to protect Sri Lankan exporters during the consultation period.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Amid external shocks, the statement asserts that the Government is maintaining the exchange rate and reserves while supporting business facilitation.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim briefly sought permission from the Deputy Speaker to ask the Deputy Minister for a clarification. No substantive policy issue or proposal was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim questioned the Government’s vehicle import revenue targets, noting that Rs. 428 billion had been cited at the Committee on Public Finance. While accepting revenue collection from luxury vehicles, he argued that steep price increases for motorbikes, three-wheelers, and small cars unfairly burden ordinary users, and proposed reducing duties on small-vehicle categories.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Revenue targets were reported to be on track, with many letters of credit opened. The remarks indicated that further details would be provided by the speaker’s team and that the first phase is intended for purchasers who can afford to proceed.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that the Deputy Minister had been expected to explain the outcome of trade negotiations with the United States but had not done so. He also complained that he was deprived of the opportunity to ask a supplementary question earlier and had not received an answer during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that the process had included initial communications as well as virtual and physical meetings, and that Cabinet approved moving to the next stage based on their progress. He noted that the final outcome remains pending.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised a procedural concern about being allocated only six minutes for his first speech from the Opposition. He appealed for fairness in the allocation of speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested that the presiding officer allow another member two additional minutes to speak, increasing that member’s allotted time to eight minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary The member noted that lunch was scheduled in ten minutes and asked whether he should conclude his remarks within eight minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva challenged the Government’s economic projections, arguing that forecast growth of 3.5 per cent in 2025 and 3.1 per cent in 2026 contradicted promises to raise growth and reduce poverty, and questioned the claimed shift to a new economic model. He asked the Government to clarify whether electricity tariffs would rise in June, citing IMF-related commitments on quarterly tariff adjustments and urging that any excess CEB profits from lower actual costs be returned to consumers through tariff reductions. He also criticised assumptions used for the proposed Sahasdanavi combined-cycle plant and the related reduction of solar tariffs, questioning cost estimates based on exchange rates and fuel prices, and argued that the Government was overly constrained by IMF requirements.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary The debate concerned the Extraordinary Gazette of 27 January 2025, which relaxes import restrictions on motor vehicles while imposing related import duties. The remarks introduced the subject for parliamentary consideration without stating a further position or proposal.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary During the debate on a Resolution under the Customs Ordinance, Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about National Colleges of Education trainees selected on district and divisional quotas in the North and East being appointed to distant districts despite local subject vacancies. He argued that postings to areas such as Kalutara, Kegalle and Ratnapura cause severe financial and family hardship, especially when appointees were recruited to meet identified local needs. He urged the Government to post such teachers to their home-district vacancies or, where out-of-district service is necessary, include a guarantee of transfer back within two or three years instead of imposing the current eight-year transfer bar.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Resolution under Section 235 of the Customs Ordinance, arguing that higher import duties on certain vehicles are necessary to manage foreign reserves, contain inflation, and meet revenue targets aligned with the IMF programme. He said vehicle imports had been reopened in phases for public transport, business, and tourism needs, and that lowering duties too quickly could trigger excessive imports and renewed external pressure. He also cited the 2025 Budget’s capital expenditure, targeted relief measures, public sector salary increases, and the Government’s local authority election results as part of a broader case for economic and governance stability.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Government’s current fiscal approach is intended to protect reserves, stabilize the currency, and support economic recovery while providing relief as growth improves. He cited record first-quarter tourism revenue in 2025 and the plantation sector’s best first-quarter production and income in 11 years, and defended the increase in vehicle-related revenues from 20 to 30 per cent as a necessary decision within available means.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided speech text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that he had submitted multiple letters, including on 8 and 9 April 2025, concerning a matter of parliamentary privilege, responding to a claim that no clear letter had been provided. He sought to table the letters and noted that one had also been handed to the Deputy Speaker.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna briefly asked the Deputy Speaker for permission to explain, without presenting any substantive argument, proposal, or question in the recorded excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Asked that it be recorded in Hansard that a letter sent by him had been seen by the relevant party.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Member raised a privilege matter concerning the Secretary-General’s statement that no such letter had been received. He cited the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act and Section 190 of the Penal Code, arguing that giving false information to Parliament is an offence punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment, and sought to have the matter taken up as a breach of privilege.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar argued that recent election results show a significant decline in support for the NPP and rejected claims that the Opposition had nothing to celebrate, citing seat and vote figures for the SJB, Opposition, and Government. He said the Opposition would support the Government on national economic issues such as US tax exposure, EU GSP+, growth, revenue, and investment, but urged the Government to stop misleading the public. He alleged attempts to buy local councillors in Colombo and Hambantota and questioned the source of funds, while also calling on the Government to table agreements with India and govern transparently now that no national election is imminent.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB
AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook argued that past governments created uncertainty in vehicle imports through abrupt bans and duty increases, leaving vehicles stranded at ports and damaging Sri Lanka’s credibility with foreign banks and exporters. He said the Government is reopening imports in a methodical and predictable manner to rebuild trust, while accusing previous administrations of corruption and manipulation in matters such as tax changes and vehicle age limits. He requested cooperation for the new import duty process.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order. No substantive issue, argument, or proposal was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The member stated that letters dated 8, 9, and 21 April 2025 had previously been rejected, and that the Speaker had asked him to re-table them. He then tabled the letters in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Member tabled letters in Parliament, which were placed in the Library.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna criticized the Government for failing to fulfil campaign promises, including reducing vehicle prices and revealing those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. He cited local election results to argue that the Government had lost public support, contrasting its vote decline with gains by the SJB, particularly in Gampaha. He also called for transparency over who paid for the President’s private jet travel after the Vietnam visit and questioned whether the Government would apply the same standard it had used in 2018 when it demanded dissolution after local election losses.
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary The Minister explained that the President, he, and officials travelled to Vietnam on a State diplomatic invitation and to attend the UN Vesak celebrations. He said Sri Lankan officials informed the hosts that returning on the same day as the main ceremony would be difficult due to a vote, after which the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha arranged and paid for a special return aircraft. He stated that no public funds were spent on the return flight, while outbound tickets were paid by the Sri Lankan Government and accommodation and internal logistics were provided by the Vietnamese Government.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Questioned the Government’s inconsistent explanations about who paid for a private jet, noting differing claims that the cost was borne by the Vietnam Government, a Buddhist organization, or both. Requested a clear statement from the Minister on the actual source of payment.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary Vijitha Herath clarified that the President’s visit to Vietnam involved two separate events: a State diplomatic invitation from the Vietnamese President and the UN Vesak event organized by a UN-affiliated Vesak Organizing Committee with Sri Lankan Buddhist clergy participation. He stated that accommodation and internal transport were provided by the Vietnamese Government, while the return aircraft was arranged and paid for by the Vietnam Buddhist organization affiliated with the Vesak Committee. He emphasized that no Sri Lankan public funds were spent on the private jet.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha defended the Government’s economic management and criticized Opposition figures for relying on alleged falsehoods and for not objecting to costly foreign travel by former Presidents during the economic crisis. She said vehicle imports had been restarted in phases after rebuilding reserves and stability, with controls to protect inflation, the trade balance and foreign reserves, which she cited at about US$6.5 billion. She highlighted increased exports, expected gains from investment and tourism, and a US$1 billion World Bank package for sectors including agriculture, tourism, regional development and jobs. She also referred to recent local authority results and described the conduct of elections and normal functioning of schools afterward as evidence of civic normalcy.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam objected to the 28 March Gazette requiring owners in specified Northern Province areas to prove title within three months or have the lands declared State land. He argued the deadline is unrealistic for Tamil diaspora owners and war-displaced residents, and said existing legal protections had recognized their inability to return and defend ownership. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Gazette and warned that proceeding without agreement with Tamil representatives would undermine reconciliation and risk dispossessing Tamil-speaking communities.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance concerns the orderly reopening of vehicle imports after earlier prohibitions, with regulations aligned to reserves and inflation objectives. He rejected allegations that the Government or military were promoting racism in the North and East, stating that genuine land issues would be addressed while action would be taken against misuse of State lands. He also defended the Government’s local election performance and outlined its economic outlook, citing expected GDP growth, nominal GDP expansion to 2030, exchange-rate stability, and a cautious approach to import liberalization.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the Government’s economic forecasts and Budget measures, arguing that growth could exceed the projected 3.1 percent as the economy stabilizes after bankruptcy. He said the Government was allocating about Rs. 1,400 billion for capital expenditure, restarting stalled projects, supporting tourism and manufacturing, keeping interest rates low, and granting an additional 3 percent interest on senior citizens’ deposits. Referring to the debate on relaxing quantitative restrictions on vehicle imports, he said imports were expected to reach about US$ 1 billion this year, with letters of credit already opened for more than US$ 400 million, generating revenue while allowing pending imports.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe moved that Hon. Aravinda Senarath take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Aravinda Senarath presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan raised concern over ongoing protests outside a South Colombo girls’ school following the death by suicide of a student who had allegedly suffered sexual misconduct by a teacher and later public humiliation by a private tuition proprietor. He urged the Government not to use tear gas or water cannons against the protesters and called for an immediate special investigation by police and education officials. He also requested a fair, pressure-free inquiry, noting public concern that the tuition proprietor was linked to the governing party.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that documents are being compiled for a full investigation into a student’s death, including records relating to an alleged sexual abuse incident in December 2024, mental health treatment, a JMO report, school performance, and statements from friends. She said the parents had been asked to file a formal complaint with the National Child Protection Authority and meet the relevant ministries, but had not yet done so, though they were expected to submit a petition shortly. She emphasized that justice should be pursued through proper legal institutions rather than social media or extrajudicial action, and called for the relevant parties to engage with the authorities to ensure due process.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan criticized the Minister’s response regarding the death of a child, arguing that the bereaved parents should not be blamed for not coming forward and urging authorities to visit them directly. He defended protesters seeking justice for the family, stating that they were not rioters or terrorists and that peaceful protest does not amount to taking the law into their own hands. He also objected to any implication in Parliament that the deceased child was mentally ill.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister of Women and Child Affairs raised a point of order to clarify that she had not disclosed the identities of any student, school, or teacher. She stated that her earlier remarks were based on documents submitted in connection with a police investigation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan briefly objected to a prior remark concerning a child, indicating concern about the manner in which the child had been referred to during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj briefly indicated that she wished to clarify or continue a point concerning a child. The excerpt is incomplete and does not contain enough substantive content to identify a specific proposal, demand, or policy position.
Women & Children Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj said her comments were based on documents submitted during a police inquiry and that she had asked to meet the girl’s parents when protesters sought a meeting. She stated that the parents were not part of the protest and that the protesters were understood to be parents of students at the school. She emphasized that justice should be pursued through legal institutions and cautioned against diverting the issue or taking the law into one’s own hands.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala responded to a point of order regarding an incident involving a girl, stating that Bambalapitiya Police had filed a B Report, arrested the suspect, and were taking further legal steps. He noted that any decision on bail rests with the court, not political authorities, and said police would update the court in light of public protests. He expressed regret over the incident and maintained that there had been no dereliction of duty in the investigation so far.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan raised two separate incidents concerning a student who later died by suicide after jumping from a fourth floor, noting that an earlier incident at South Colombo school was already subject to a police B Report. He said the immediate alleged cause was humiliation by a tuition class proprietor/teacher in front of other students, after which the student had sought counselling for stress. He urged the authorities to examine the matter without politicising it, while noting that the proprietor was reportedly a Colombo North organizer of the governing party, though he did not attribute blame to the party.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala informed Parliament that the OIC of the Bambalapitiya Police had advised him that a B Report has also been initiated in relation to the second incident.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance on import duties, stating that it is intended to raise state revenue and permit the responsible recommencement of vehicle imports while safeguarding reserves, the exchange rate, and rupee stability. He argued that since September 2024 the Government had stabilized the economy, reduced inflation, improved the country’s credit position, revived selected state industries, and increased tourism, exports, and investor confidence. He also referred to ongoing engagement with external partners, including World Bank support, IMF staff-level agreement, and responses to recent US tariff developments, as part of the context for allowing essential private vehicle imports.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan objected to a remark made by the Minister for Women and Child Affairs concerning a child’s mental health, arguing that it was inappropriate and should be expunged from the Hansard. He called on the Minister to apologize to society, stating that such a comment should not have been made publicly, regardless of its accuracy, and noted that he had avoided naming the child.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Strongly condemning the incident and extending condolences to those affected, the Minister said her earlier remarks were based only on the B Report and JMO report and did not go beyond those documents. She stated that any assessment of facts must be through medical and legal processes, agreed to remove any inappropriate wording from Hansard if necessary, and urged that the matter not be politicized. She said the priority is justice for the victim, with a meeting arranged with the parents the following morning and further information expected within a week based on investigations.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Raised concerns over the handling of a sensitive case involving a schoolgirl, urging government intervention, clarification on reported medical evidence, and action without protecting any political party organizer, while also linking the issue to broader concerns about ragging and third-party interference. He questioned the government’s response to a reported rise in shootings and murders, asking what concrete measures would be taken. He also called for a practical review of vehicle import HS code classifications and IMF-related policy implementation, saying customs issues were causing vehicles to remain in yards and sharply increasing costs. Additionally, he sought clarification on the contents and implications of the security agreement with India, particularly in the event of an India-Pakistan conflict, and said the Opposition would support measures that address public concerns and build the country.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance linked to Gazette notifications under the Revenue Protection Act, stating that the Government is reopening vehicle imports in a phased manner with appropriate duties to support sectors such as agriculture, commerce and tourism while protecting foreign reserves. He argued that the current administration has restored stability after the previous economic crisis and rejected Opposition criticism over the Government’s performance. Referring to recent local government elections, he said the National People’s Power had secured control or leading positions in a large number of local authorities, described the elections as peaceful, and said the Government would treat the results as a mandate to correct weaknesses and accelerate promised reforms.
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera said the local election results showed a significant public message, noting that Sarvajana Bala received nearly 40 percent of the vote in contested local bodies and that the NPP had lost support compared with the general election. He urged the Government to interpret the public mandate honestly, engage in constructive dialogue, and end political mudslinging and online “fake-comment” campaigns. He called for a frank national discussion on the economic crisis, national security, living costs, revenue shortfalls, and the need to create new wealth rather than rely on borrowing or salary increases without revenue growth.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected an Opposition allegation that money was paid to secure control of the Colombo Municipal Council, stating that the NPP would not engage in such practices. She accused Opposition parties of spreading false narratives about local election results, the economy, US tariffs and the Government’s position on the IMF, and said the Government’s approach to the IMF programme remained consistent and aimed at people-friendly adjustments. She argued that local election outcomes should be assessed by wards and control of local bodies rather than by claims of national-level victories, and said the NPP viewed the results as a mandate of public trust to continue its work.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Government’s local government election results show a significant loss of public support, citing declines in vote share and limits on the National People’s Power’s ability to control local authorities. He alleged that the Government used state power, promises, and inducements during the campaign, and further claimed attempts were being made to secure control of councils by offering money to independent or opposition members. He also raised procedural objections about allocation of speaking time in Parliament and questioned the protocol, authorization, and security implications of the President’s return from Vietnam on a private jet.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said the Government had reopened vehicle imports to the public after six years while maintaining the President’s Budget position that vehicles would not be imported for MPs. He stated that any tax anomalies could be reviewed with the Finance Ministry as the economy stabilizes, and noted complaints about Customs and Ports clearance capacity, saying the Government would intervene to improve daily vehicle clearances. Responding to election-related criticisms raised during the debate on the Customs Ordinance Resolution, he cited recent election results to defend the Government’s mandate and argued that its conduct, including in the Colombo Municipal Council context, had been ethical and free of state-resource abuse.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed referred to the 1990 forced expulsion of Muslims from the Northern Province and criticised recent campaign remarks that mocked displaced Muslims as having arrived with “shopping bags,” arguing that such language insulted an entire community. He stated that many expelled Muslims, including himself, endured long-term displacement and have still not received meaningful relief, and he also referenced the suffering of Tamils at Menik Farm and Sinhalese in border villages affected by the war. He requested the government to provide relief and support to war-affected Tamils and Muslims, including retired public servants who had received no assistance.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer rejected claims that the NPP had demeaned war-displaced people, saying the disputed “shopping bag” remark referred to politicians who profited from politics, not to those expelled from Mannar or other affected communities. He said the NPP’s recent local government victory, including support from Muslim voters, came despite slander, fearmongering, and attempts to incite communal divisions, and noted that the election and its aftermath remained peaceful. He urged Opposition members to work together to advance national harmony, peace, and trust, while cautioning against exploiting issues such as the Palestine–Israel conflict or ethnic grievances for political gain.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake addressed the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance in the context of reopening vehicle imports, noting expected revenue targets and current Customs collections, and urged measures to increase receipts while maintaining rupee stability. He raised concerns over delays in vehicle clearance, demurrage costs to consumers, valuation procedures, and reported difficulties with Japanese banks accepting Sri Lankan letters of credit, calling for steps to restore trading confidence. He also urged stronger trade negotiations for tariff relief, better use of the Indo–Sri Lanka FTA, and more active promotion of the Port City with competitive incentives to attract investment and position Sri Lanka as a financial and trading centre.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran questioned Gazette No. 2430 of 28.03.2025, which he said seeks to acquire 5,941 acres in the Northern Province as state land, and demanded its withdrawal, arguing that displaced people are being asked to produce documents under unfair circumstances. He also urged the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister to establish dedicated tourism units and appoint officers at district and divisional secretariats in the Northern Province to support tourism development linked to Palaly Airport, the Nagapattinam ferry, and local cultural and natural assets.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said his remand after local election nominations imposed unnecessary public costs to transport him from Badulla Prison to Parliament, arguing that political imprisonment could not determine election outcomes. He criticized the current local government electoral system, saying he had warned the Government not to proceed with it and that a return to the former system would have produced clearer control of councils. Referring to results in Badulla District and elsewhere, he said independent and SLFP-linked “Chair” symbol candidates won significant votes despite his inability to campaign, and claimed the Government had suffered a measurable electoral setback that it should accept.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake argued that the Government has gained significant international recognition under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, citing visits and engagements with India, China, Vietnam, Dubai, and the World Bank. He said World Bank support of USD 1 billion was linked to low corruption and discipline, and explained that Vietnam facilitated a private jet for the President’s return to vote and meet the World Bank President. He defended continuing with the existing IMF framework as it had already been signed and made law before the Government took office, and said Sri Lanka would engage diplomatically on regional economic issues including Maldives’ request for support. He also claimed the Government had won majorities in 267 local authorities and warned against bribery or “horse-trading” of elected members.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order, asserting that Standing Orders treat false statements or misleading the House as a serious matter. The Chair directed him to state the specific question rather than make a speech, noted the time limit had expired, and returned the floor to the Minister after suspending the live telecast under the Speaker’s Order of 19.03.2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake objected to interruptions and endorsed the Chair’s use of Standing Orders to remove a Member from the Chamber, denying claims that the action was racially motivated. He said his party had acted with restraint despite holding significant national and local political power, and that privilege issues concerning the removed Member had been or could be referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee. He also compared local government election results from 2011 and 2018, arguing that past governments and parties retained power despite electoral setbacks and questioning current calls for his party to relinquish authority.
- Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake compared the 2025 local government results with previous elections, arguing that the NPP’s current position represents a significant advance from the JVP’s 431 councillors and no council control in 2018 to majorities in 267 councils and over 3,500 councillors. He contrasted this with declines in the SJB and SLPP, stating that the SJB had fallen from 34 councils and 2,433 councillors to about 14 councils and 1,700 councillors, while the SLPP had fallen from 231 incumbent chairmen and 3,436 councillors to no councils under its control and about 742 councillors. He argued that opposition councillors have limited national political impact and said the JVP/NPP’s earlier experience in organizing local councillors gave it an advantage over rival parties.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Parliament agreed to the question before it and was then adjourned by the Presiding Member at 5.30 p.m. without a further question being put. The House was adjourned until 9.30 a.m. on Friday, 09 May 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →