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
- 10 Debate Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution 77 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara moved a resolution calling for a government programme to increase State intervention in importing and supplying essential foods, medicines and other items, arguing that control by a few traders has contributed to shortages, hoarding and price volatility. He cited recent shortages of rice, coconut and salt, and said the Government failed to ensure timely fertilizer subsidies, fair paddy purchasing and adequate buffer stocks, leading to weak State procurement and reliance on imports. He urged priority for boosting local agricultural production, including timely provision of TSP and other inputs for the Yala season, and questioned government spending, tender procedures and possible corruption in procurement processes.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri seconded Rohana Bandara’s Motion and urged the Government to act on it by reforming medicine procurement, alleging that long tender timelines, emergency purchases, and supplier selection practices continue to enable corruption and shortages. He asked Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to review whether COPE recommendations are being implemented, to take action against corrupt actors, and to establish a system that prevents irregularities, including direct purchases from proven-quality manufacturers where necessary. He also criticised rice importation, arguing that inadequate support for local farmers and under-cultivation lead to reliance on imports, and called for import restrictions to be matched with development of local production.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera criticized Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Private Member’s Motion on State intervention in essential food imports and distribution, arguing that it was politically motivated and echoed policies already contained in the NPP Government’s programme. He stated that the Government is implementing plans to strengthen agriculture, food security, productivity, value chains, market stability, land management, input management, climate risk management, and research. He blamed previous administrations, including the UNP’s “Regaining Sri Lanka” policy, for weakening State involvement and damaging agriculture, and asserted that the current Government has public endorsement to rebuild the agro-economy.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha supported the Private Member’s Motion on food security while urging greater attention to vegetable and fruit farmers, who he said receive low farmgate prices despite high consumer prices and significant post-harvest waste. He raised concerns about chemical ripening of fruits in Ratnapura District and called for regulation and cold storage facilities, particularly for banana farmers in Embilipitiya facing unsold and rotting produce. He also questioned the reliability of the wildlife census on crop-damaging animals and requested a practical plan, including regulated support through farmer organizations, to protect cultivation from peacocks, toque macaques, porcupines and other animals.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Champika Hettiarachchi said the Government was implementing NPP manifesto commitments on national food security, including domestic production of locally producible foods and maintaining three-month buffer stocks. He cited measures to strengthen Sathosa, Lak Sathosa and co-operatives, improve transport, staffing, storage, digitization and port clearance, and reduce prices and post-harvest losses. He also referred to broader efforts to curb alleged profiteering in imports, strengthen agriculture and industry, and end what he described as previous practices favouring cronies.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Supported the motion but argued that policy should prioritize strengthening domestic agriculture and distribution rather than relying on imports of essential foods. Citing the “Shakthi Sahal” programme and the Paddy Marketing Board’s limitations, he proposed State-backed buffer stocks and support for both large and small millers, including cooperative and private-sector participation. He also referred to the Dambulla “Prabashwara” cold storage project and called for farmer training in Good Agricultural Practices so produce can be stored properly to reduce price volatility.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is already implementing policies related to diplomatic appointments, housing, MPs’ pensions, and food security, and has established a multi-ministry Food Security Committee to address shortages. He criticised past decisions to wind down Sathosa and the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, citing major debts, losses, asset sales and disrupted distribution, and rejected the “Shakthi Sahal” model on the basis of audit findings showing losses and unpaid dues. He outlined plans to rebuild wholesale and co-operative distribution, form producer co-operatives, restart CWE facilities, purchase paddy at guaranteed prices, sell rice at controlled prices, provide fertilizer subsidies, address new demand from liquor and poultry-feed industries, and use storage capacity such as the Dambulla cool rooms to stabilise supply and consumer prices.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva briefly responded to an allegation made in the House that he had dues and that a rice millers’ co-operative had caused losses to the Government. He appeared to contest or seek clarification on the claim.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified that he had not stated that there were any dues owed. The intervention appears to respond to or correct a prior exchange in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva asked the Minister to state exactly what he had said.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe alleged that loans to the “Shakthi” rice millers’ co-operative in Polonnaruwa resulted in an Rs. 800 million loss. He cited an internal audit report, stating that it recorded rice being given to Hon. T. B. Sarath and to the person he was addressing, implying the matter required scrutiny.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva asked for the specific source or location of a statement, requesting that it be shown where the matter is stated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that he would bring and show the relevant item or evidence to the House. The intervention was brief and appears to refer to a matter raised immediately beforehand in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Under Standing Order 91, Dr. Harsha de Silva denied an allegation that he had taken rice from “Shakthi” and demanded proof. He stated that he had never taken even a kilo of rice from it and said he would resign if the allegation were proven.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that a person’s name may have been misused in relation to a failed project and said that matter could be investigated. He emphasized that his main point was the project’s failure and the losses incurred.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary As Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva said he would summon the relevant persons and investigate claims that his name had been used in a matter without his involvement. He clarified that the Board of Directors changed after 2019 and was not the Board appointed by them, and stated that if anyone had misused his name, he would seek maximum punishment.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe states that he was referring to reports that the Member’s name and Hon. Sarath’s name had been used, prompting the Member’s agitation. He suggests that the Member should investigate who used the names and in what manner.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara began addressing the House by thanking the Deputy Speaker for the opportunity to speak, but the provided excerpt is incomplete and contains no substantive argument, proposal, question, or reference to legislation or policy beyond indicating he was responding to a point made by another Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB
AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath began to address the Deputy Speaker, but no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy points are included in the provided excerpt.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB
AI summary T. B. Sarath responded to a reference made by Hon. Harsha de Silva regarding alleged outstanding payments and the use of his name. He stated that Harsha de Silva’s name may also have been used and undertook to provide him with the internal audit report.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB
AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath stated that there was no cause for alarm and assured that he would provide the internal audit report.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB
AI summary T. B. Sarath briefly reassured another Member, telling them not to be alarmed. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara briefly intervened to ask whether the money in question had been settled, requesting that this be clarified first.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary No speech content was provided beyond the speaker’s name and date, so the substantive points, proposals, questions, or context cannot be summarized.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Asked whether the stated amount had been settled.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara asked whether a previously taken amount had been settled, pressing for a direct answer and stating that there was no cause for alarm.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government’s claims of rebuilding the country, arguing that there was no visible evidence of genuine progress. He contrasted those claims with what he saw as attention being diverted to superficial matters rather than addressing substantive issues.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi raised a point of order. No substantive argument, question, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi raised a point of order under Standing Order 82(2)(a) concerning a sensitive case involving a schoolgirl that had been mentioned earlier in Parliament. He objected to media reporting, specifically in the “Aruna” newspaper, which he said linked the girl’s suicide to allegations against the ruling party’s Colombo Central seat organizer despite claims that the matter would not be politicized.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara briefly challenged the Government’s claim that it is rebuilding the country, saying no visible progress is evident despite its statements. He repeatedly asked that his allotted time not be taken.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi sought to raise a question under Standing Order 82(2), addressing the Deputy Speaker. No substantive issue or policy matter was stated in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raises a point of order, seeking clarification from the Chair on what the point of order is. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question beyond that procedural clarification is made in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Under Standing Order 82(2)(a), the Member objected to an Opposition-linked allegation reported in the “Aruna” newspaper concerning a girl’s suicide. He stated that the claim implicating a ruling party organizer in Colombo Central was false and requested that the matter be removed from the Hansard or otherwise addressed appropriately.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified that no individuals had been named in the matter under discussion. The intervention appears to respond to a procedural or personal clarification within the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose to raise a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara told the Deputy Speaker that a matter needed to be dealt with first, stating that he could not continue otherwise.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna briefly raised a question during the proceedings, addressing the Deputy Speaker. No substantive issue or policy matter was stated in the provided extract.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna briefly responded in the negative to a question or proposition before the House, stating that he did not agree or that the matter did not apply. No further argument, proposal, or contextual detail was provided in the recorded intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara made a procedural remark asking that the matter be taken up after his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of agricultural imports, alleging that rice and pulse releases were rushed without proper checks, resulting in poor-quality supplies and difficulties for farmers. He questioned the Minister on issues involving rice, ulundu and green gram, and argued that the Government’s claims of effective management were not reflected in practice. He also raised concerns that official names and import permissions may have been misused for wrongdoing, including land grabbing.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe urged members not to make unfounded allegations and said any claims should be formally reported through complaints. He cautioned against using false claims for political purposes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara alleged that documents signed by the Sathosa Chairman relate to a land purchase for Rs. 10 million and questioned whether such a purchase could be made. He linked the matter to Sathosa’s rice imports and claimed that others may be misusing the relevant official’s name to commit fraud during rice import activities.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that if the matter in question is disputed or alleged to be unlawful, it should be taken before the courts. His remark framed the issue as one for judicial determination rather than parliamentary assertion.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary The Hon. Rohana Bandara accused the Government of denying political appointments while allegedly appointing a defeated Colombo District candidate as Ambassador to Cuba, and challenged it to answer truthfully. He argued that the Government was relying on blame, hatred, and publicity rather than addressing economic and administrative failures, warning of electoral consequences at future Provincial Council Elections. He said the Opposition’s role is to point out shortcomings on behalf of citizens and consumers, and urged the Government to face reality and correct its failures instead of blaming previous administrations.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara criticized Government figures, including Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for allegedly telling trade union leaders not to make further demands despite having previously supported protests and wage demands. He said the Opposition was not protesting but urging the Government to fulfil its promise to provide the fertilizer subsidy, noting that the Yala cultivation season had already begun and referring to the relevance for Anuradhapura District.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Asked how many people in Anuradhapura District had received the fertilizer subsidy.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Rs. 2,300 million has been released nationwide, not only for the Anuradhapura District.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned the implementation of the fertilizer subsidy, asking how many farmers had actually received funds in their bank accounts. He argued that allocating or holding funds elsewhere was insufficient, because farmers can purchase fertilizer only once the subsidy money is credited directly to them, and questioned whether Rs. 200 million was adequate to complete the programme.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Government to ensure fertilizer is available in the market and to credit allocated fertilizer funds directly to farmers’ accounts without delay. He argued that farmers can purchase fertilizer only once the money reaches them, especially amid rising seasonal prices, and called for a proper and fair process supported across party lines.
- 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