Sitting of Friday, 9 May 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1748600585013314 ·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 Announcements 10 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions 4 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) 14 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Agriculture (Q.9/2025) - Stand Down 2 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Questions - Second Round (Q.2/2024, Q.3/2025, Q.4/2025, Q.5/2025, Q.6/2025) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance 32 speeches
- 7 Procedural Ministry Statements and Privilege Matter 5 speeches
- 8 Procedural Procedural Matters: Standing Order Exemptions and Private Members' Bills 5 speeches
- 9 Debate Private Members' Motion (P.2/2024): Curtailing Privileges of MPs and Former Heads of State 18 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi moved a Motion calling for parliamentary discussion and government action to reduce, remove, or otherwise regulate privileges granted to Members of Parliament, former Heads of State, and their widows. He argued that the Government had not fulfilled public promises to implement such reforms within two weeks, despite seven months having passed, and demanded clear timelines, specific measures, and any necessary legal changes. He also cautioned that changes such as withdrawing MPs’ security should be done through a clear policy rather than for public impression.
- The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB
AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka supported the Motion as timely, noting public concern over MPs’ privileges and the Government’s earlier promises to reduce them. He argued that the Government has not taken substantial action and called for practical measures to limit benefits to what MPs need for their duties, alongside stronger systems to prevent fraud and corruption. He also proposed that benefits be determined with reference to MPs’ asset and liability declarations, so that genuine public servants are not left without means after service.
- The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta argued that the Government has already begun reducing or rationalizing parliamentary and ministerial privileges in line with the National People’s Power manifesto. He cited the abolition of duplicate fuel allowances for Ministers who are also MPs, changes to meal subsidies through the House Committee, and limits on vehicles for Ministers and State Ministers to two, adding that further reductions requiring legislation would be brought before Parliament.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said his parliamentary privileges had been violated when live telecasts of his speeches were blocked for eight days over statements he said he had not made. Citing the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, Section 5, and Penal Code Section 190, he requested equal enforcement of the law and Standing Orders, protection of minority voices, and fair consideration by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Urged the relevant authorities to take appropriate action, warning that failure to do so could have serious consequences. He also thanked Hon. Hesha Withanage for providing the opportunity to speak.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi said the Motion was part of a long-running effort to challenge unlawful privileges in public office, recalling his experience in local government since 1997. He argued that certain local authority positions, including “Leader of the Opposition,” have been used to claim benefits without legal basis. He stated that newly constituted local authorities should not be allowed to violate the law to obtain such privileges.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri said the Motion should lead to legal and practical implementation of the Government’s pledges on reducing benefits, rather than public resentment or political optics. He noted that presidential pensions and related entitlements are protected under Article 36(2) of the Constitution and asked the Government to present specific mechanisms, timelines and amending Bills, including on spousal and dependent benefits. He also questioned claims of savings from reducing vehicles or MP security, arguing that any real expenditure cuts should be reflected in public relief and lower prices.
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan rejected a statement attributed to Hon. Bimal Rathnayake alleging that ITAK won local elections by distributing liquor and money. He said ITAK has historically opposed such practices and stood for the identity, existence and dignity of the Tamil people, while urging responsible conduct in matters affecting inter-ethnic harmony.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government is implementing the NPP mandate to change political culture by removing privileges for politicians and investigating corrupt practices such as bar permits, contract commissions, and misuse of benefits. He stated that vehicle permits have been declined, amendments to abolish parliamentary pensions are being drafted following the Justice Chitrasiri Committee report, 51 luxury official residences have been vacated for productive reuse, and Ministers and State Ministers are not drawing salaries. He added that MP security will not be treated as a blanket privilege but provided only where a specific threat is assessed, and said the Government will continue reporting to Parliament on its remaining commitments.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Welcoming the Minister’s statement, Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi expressed expectation that the remaining legal steps would be completed soon. He sought clarification on claims by MPs that they do not draw a salary, arguing that redirecting the salary to other accounts or party funds should not be presented as refusing it, and called for honesty with the public.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Ministers are not receiving salaries, in response to a point raised by a Member.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi posed a brief question asking whether Members of Parliament are also drawing theirs, apparently in reference to a payment, allowance, or entitlement mentioned in the preceding exchange. The intervention sought clarification rather than advancing a substantive argument or proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that, under the previous legal framework, Ministers and State Ministers were entitled to receive two salaries. He noted that this practice has now changed and only one salary is being drawn.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi briefly affirmed the clarification by Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe that, where two salaries were previously available, only one salary is now drawn.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi said the Opposition supported, beyond party lines, fulfilling promises made to the public, including on the pension matter, and would continue bringing proposals through Private Members’ motions. He argued that the Government should communicate transparently and consistently, noting conflicting statements on issues such as the President’s alleged use of a private jet despite earlier commitments to modest travel. He warned that failure to meet public expectations would undermine the trust of voters who backed the Government seeking a break from traditional politics.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
- 10 Debate Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution 77 speeches
- 11 Procedural Procedural Points of Order 6 speeches
- 12 Debate Private Members' Motion (P.19/2024): Course of Action for Implementing Audit Recommendations 24 speeches
- 13 Debate Private Members' Motion (P.25/2024): Providing Housing for Every Family in Sri Lanka 16 speeches
- 14 Debate Private Members' Motion (P.37/2025): Public Transport Standards and Bus Specifications 17 speeches
- 15 Debate Private Members' Motion (P.38/2025): Utilization of Abandoned Development Projects 15 speeches
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Law and Order and Crime Prevention 13 speeches