Sitting of Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1749010823009957 ·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 Announcements: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill - Supreme Court Determination 2 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented and Committee Reports 8 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions: Question Nos. 1-6 34 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Yala National Park - Safari Jeeps and Employee Issues (Q.571/2025) 10 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) 13 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Questions: Plantation Community Infrastructure and Transport Issues 4 speeches
- 8 Procedural Standing Order 27(2) Matter: Public Security and Gang Violence; Special Statement on Tamil Genocide Memorial 32 speeches
- 9 Procedural Points of Order and Privilege Matter: Death Threats to Hon. Rohana Bandara 39 speeches
- 10 Debate Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision 4 speeches
- 11 Debate Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) 107 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad criticised the increase in electric vehicle taxes from 15 to 30 percent, arguing that it treats vehicles as revenue instruments rather than supporting long-term energy and foreign-exchange savings. He said the policy contradicts climate and carbon-neutrality goals, burdens lower-income users such as three-wheeler drivers, and may increase future fuel imports. He called for lower EV taxes, support for solar-powered home charging, affordable electric three-wheelers, reduced recurrent expenditure, higher capital investment, and restructuring of loss-making State entities such as SriLankan Airlines and addressing corruption and losses in the Ceylon Electricity Board.
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary The speech defended the Government’s revision of taxes on electric vehicles as part of a cautious reopening of the vehicle market after the economic crisis and import restrictions. It argued that while EVs support environmental goals and have lower operating costs, increased demand must be managed because Sri Lanka’s electricity supply still relies significantly on thermal generation and renewable capacity, including storage-backed solar, needs expansion. The Member said the tax adjustment was a Treasury and Finance decision intended to stabilize the market, protect foreign reserves, support economic recovery, and proceed prudently rather than burden consumers.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam commemorated those killed in the final phase of the war and argued that Tamil people continue to be denied justice, calling for credible domestic or international investigations into alleged wartime crimes. He contrasted Mullivaikkal remembrance on 18 May with the Government’s Victory Day commemoration on 19 May, saying this reflected continuing national division and undermined proposals such as a “Sri Lanka Day.” He also raised current grievances including unresolved human–elephant conflict in Batticaloa and urged the Government to revoke, not merely suspend, a land-related Gazette issued under the Land Development Ordinance, warning it could enable appropriation of lands belonging to war-displaced Tamils.
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne said Sri Lanka’s post-war reconciliation efforts had been inadequate and called for a credible transitional justice process covering truth, justice, reparations, non-recurrence, economic justice, remembrance rights, constitutional reform, and action against extremist ideologies and hate crimes. Addressing the Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act and Gazette No. 2421/42, she proposed revising excise duty bands for electric vehicles while keeping them below comparable petrol, diesel, and hybrid rates. She said the policy aims to raise transparent public revenue, support social justice, encourage domestic EV production, reduce foreign exchange outflows, promote environmental benefits, and be complemented by stronger public transport investment.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s tax policy as inconsistent and revenue-driven, citing repeated tax increases and changes to vehicle and EV import duties despite earlier promises of affordability. He argued that higher EV taxes and equal treatment of locally manufactured electric vehicles, such as Vega’s three-wheeler, undermine domestic production and clean transport. He also accused the Government of moving away from renewable energy toward coal and diesel, referencing delays in solar grid connections, lack of approvals for renewable projects, and recent reliance on fossil fuel generation.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for moving electricity generation toward higher-cost sources and transport back toward petrol and diesel, saying this would raise tariffs and burden households. Marking War Heroes Day, he argued that military veterans from all communities who sacrificed for the country should be recognised as heroes, not treated as ordinary citizens or compared favourably with terrorists. He also referred to the Batalanda Commission Report, warning that accusations against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe could implicate others, and affirmed his support for war veterans.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath thanked voters for supporting the National People’s Power in the recent local government elections and stated that the results confirmed public confidence in the NPP following two prior electoral victories. She argued that the Opposition should accept that it had been rejected in successive elections.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Jagath Vithana opposed the regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that sharply increasing taxes on electric vehicles undermines the shift to environment-friendly transport and may reduce demand rather than raise revenue. He proposed alternative revenue and industry-support measures, including temporarily suspending sugar imports to sell Kantale Sugar Factory stocks and importing copra or raw nuts instead of coconut oil to support local mills. He also called for EV charging points at fuel stations and urged practical policymaking in transport, referencing the recent fatal bus accident and rejecting proposals to require passengers to change buses mid-route as impractical.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary In the debate on revising taxes on imported electric vehicles, the Member supported maintaining revenue measures while allowing luxury EV imports, arguing that EV taxes would remain lower than those on petrol, diesel, or hybrid vehicles and that revenue could fund public programmes. He also called for protection of domestic electric vehicle manufacturers and assemblers as vehicle imports resume after the economic crisis. Responding to Opposition claims, he rejected allegations of genocide by the armed forces, said wartime-acquired lands in the North and East had been or would be released where ownership was verified, and argued that the current Government was giving due recognition to war veterans.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the new excise regulation on vehicle imports is primarily intended to compensate for an expected shortfall in the Government’s Rs. 5,042 billion tax revenue target, with higher duties likely to increase vehicle prices, reduce EV imports, and raise fuel consumption costs. He also criticized the handling of the War Heroes’ commemoration, saying it should have been formally led with full recognition of military sacrifices and a parliamentary minute of silence. He called for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address missing persons from both the North and South, provide compensation and closure to families, and prevent recurrence.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary The Minister responded to debate on regulations under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act by linking recent political developments in the North to the Government’s mandate and rejecting criticism of the National People’s Power’s local government election performance. He argued that Tamil areas remain affected by long-term underdevelopment, population decline, unemployment, migration, and drugs, and criticized other Tamil parties for relying on communal campaigning, cash, and liquor rather than development plans. He outlined Government initiatives for the Northern Province, including an industrial estate in Kankesanthurai, expansion of Palaly Airport and harbour and ferry links, improved rail services, sports facilities, bridge and road rehabilitation, irrigation tank restoration, and palmyrah-based industries, with the stated aim of creating over 40,000 jobs within three years.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rejected claims that Northern voters were influenced by money or liquor, arguing that such statements insult Tamil political consciousness and calling for respect for May 18/Mullivaikkal remembrance and investigations into disappearances and deaths from the conflict. He complained that his speaking time and microphone were being curtailed, urged the Government to allow independent professionals to contribute, and said the North faces practical issues such as salt shortages, saltern worker protests, narcotics, bar licences and alleged hospital corruption. He asked the Government to restrain Members making remarks about the North and to appoint more suitable representatives to relevant District Coordinating Committees.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar rejected remarks allegedly made about him by another member, accusing that member of spreading falsehoods and insulting language, up-country Tamils, and women. He also criticized the member’s local election performance and alleged that members of the diaspora had accused him of collecting and misusing election-related funds.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the Gazette regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act revising electric vehicle taxes, arguing that it narrows disparities with petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicle taxes while still leaving EVs at comparatively lower rates. He said the broader vehicle import policy is being reopened in stages to balance personal mobility and industrial needs against foreign reserve constraints, while also encouraging locally produced or assembled EVs. He linked the measure to the Government’s revenue requirements, IMF-related VAT commitments, and the need to restructure loss-making State enterprises, stating that contingency planning and limited imports may be necessary in sectors such as salt.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake rejected allegations and court action against him, arguing that the cases over bail and withdrawals from fixed deposits were improperly framed and should be assessed against Article 150 of the Constitution on the Consolidated Fund. He said the previous government restricted vehicle imports because foreign reserves had fallen sharply, but left the current government with USD 6 billion in reserves and had intended to resume imports from February. He supported vehicle imports for revenue purposes but demanded a clear, phased decision on the 20,000 vehicle permits already issued to public servants, including judges, administrators and doctors.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake alleged that officials, including heads of a commission, held improper meetings with a person he referred to as the “GOD” to decide who would be charged and how quickly cases would be filed. He warned others not to deny knowledge of such conduct, asserting that he knew where and when these discussions took place.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the functioning of deputy and state ministerial roles, arguing that some ministers fail to delegate responsibilities and that deputies are left without meaningful work. He said opposition criticism should be treated as a means of identifying and correcting government errors, citing his past opposition to the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government’s fertilizer policy. He urged the Government to meet public expectations by ensuring proper supply of essential goods such as salt and rice.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that the public had placed significant trust in the current Government, believing it would act differently from previous governments over the past 70 years. He also referred procedurally to being granted additional speaking time by Hon. Gayantha Karunathilaka.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake made a brief conciliatory remark, saying he did not wish to create difficulty for the person addressed and acknowledged their personal and professional qualities. He requested that his comments not be used as grounds to send him to jail again, and urged that he be listened to and that action be taken.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister justified the increase in excise tax on imported electric vehicles as a revenue-raising measure adopted in the context of economic recovery, arguing that it avoids placing additional taxes on essential goods. She said limited vehicle imports would help revive the motor trade, provide opportunities for eligible importers and permit holders, and generate funds for development, welfare, and state priorities while protecting foreign reserves through import limits. She also defended the Government’s collective responsibility for difficult decisions, stated its willingness to correct mistakes, and rejected allegations of corruption or deliberate harm to the public.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister of Women and Child Affairs called for vigilance against groups she characterized as seeking to undermine the Government, national unity, and public interests through opportunistic or conspiratorial actions. She urged that such forces be defeated, framing the issue as a duty to protect the country and its unity.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister said investigations into the referenced incident would proceed without interference and noted that relevant ministries and stakeholders had established a mechanism within 24 hours to ensure swift action in similar cases. She pledged measures to protect women’s and children’s rights, including ethical changes in media practice, and said the Government would act for all communities. She also defended the Government’s mandate and its women parliamentarians against criticism, stating that they would pursue necessary laws, discipline, attitudes, and public awareness to prevent violations against women and children.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the Gazette regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that eased vehicle import restrictions, particularly for electric vehicles, could increase Treasury revenue while aligning with green energy policy and the Paris Agreement. He said EV taxation remains lower than for fossil-fuel vehicles and framed the measure as part of a fair, environmentally oriented tax policy amid efforts to protect foreign reserves. He also rejected Opposition claims regarding National War Heroes Day and an India-related MoU, citing its termination clause to argue that it can be ended with three months’ notice and tabling a related EconomyNext document.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake requested twelve minutes of speaking time from the Presiding Member, indicating he would use the allotted time as the proceedings continued.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka would extend his allotted speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Presiding Member to allocate an additional three minutes from the Opposition’s time to another member. The intervention was procedural and concerned the management of speaking time during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that revenue policy should not rely mainly on vehicle taxes, noting a Rs. 5,000 billion revenue target and about Rs. 420 billion expected from cars, while revenue collections were reportedly 3 percent below estimates and expenditure 22 percent higher by 20 May 2025. He urged measures to protect the rupee, control expenditure, and broaden revenue sources, warning that depreciation increases inflation and foreign debt burdens. He questioned IMF concerns over Colombo Port City agreements and processes linked to major investments such as Sinopec in Hambantota, saying Sri Lanka should negotiate with the IMF while retaining control over tax and spending policy. He called for investor discussions and targeted incentives or qualifying payments to attract dollar-generating investment despite high taxes, interest rates, and utility costs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake addressed Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka but no substantive speech content, question, proposal, or policy position is provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Presiding Member to grant Hon. Ravi Karunanayake an additional three minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to negotiate with the IMF based on Sri Lanka’s past engagements, rather than simply follow its directions, with a focus on incentivizing investment, improving revenue collection, and reducing interest rates. He warned that rising Treasury interest costs and flat revenue could create fiscal difficulties by September, particularly as capital expenditure continues. He called for more supportive treatment of businesses and SMEs, noting their large contribution to GDP, and proposed reducing taxes where possible and aligning investment incentives and qualifying payments with IMF targets.
- 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 defended the Government’s vehicle import tax regulations under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, citing Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/42 of 31 January 2025 as a measure to permit imports after five years while protecting foreign reserves, revenue, and macroeconomic stability. He said the framework applies lower excise rates to electric vehicles than to petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, exempts certain electric three-wheelers, and factors in model year, motor capacity and environmental impact. He also responded to Opposition criticism on tax policy and local government results, asserting the National People’s Power’s mandate and challenging opponents to name their proposed Colombo Mayor and Deputy Mayor. He linked the regulations to IMF-supported reserve management and argued that the Government must proceed cautiously within the Extended Fund Facility programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act relating to electric vehicles, arguing that increased EV use should also generate revenue to fund relief for citizens who cannot afford to pay. He rejected Opposition criticisms, stating that the new Government had not acted for the benefit of ministers or MPs and was focused on people-centred policies, local authority regularization, and development. He said the Government had completed budgetary and procurement groundwork in its first months and expected to implement 40–50 projects per electorate in the coming months as part of a corruption-free development programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Member stated that the Gazette debated was issued on 31 January 2025 as part of the tax policy formulated when vehicle imports were permitted, and is now before Parliament for approval after consideration by the Committee on Public Finance. She rejected claims that it was a new or reversed policy, explaining that it includes excise measures on electric vehicles. She argued that the increased EV excise is intended to address declining revenue as EV imports rise, while maintaining that the overall tax burden on EVs remains lower than on petrol and diesel vehicles.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims that the Government is discouraging electric vehicles or renewable energy, stating that policy decisions must account for issues such as EV battery disposal and environmental impacts. She clarified that expected revenue from vehicle imports is around Rs. 400 billion, not Rs. 750 billion, and said COPF data and first-quarter results indicate targets are being met. She described the measure as aimed solely at increasing state revenue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra briefly thanked the Presiding Member and indicated she would conclude her remarks. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva challenged the Government’s position on the IMF programme, arguing that if Ministers believe no country succeeds through the IMF, they should propose an alternative course rather than continue with it. He questioned the increase in EV taxes in light of earlier promises of cheaper vehicles and Japanese motorcycles, and raised concerns about vehicle importers allegedly manipulating deregistered vehicles as “brand-new” imports, noting that COPF has sought a report on potential revenue losses. He also criticised the proposed 18.3 percent electricity tariff increase, contrasting it with the Government’s promise of a 33 percent reduction, and argued that legacy losses from past underpricing and debt recovery are driving the tariff request.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the electricity tariff formula agreed with the IMF, based on the 2009 Sri Lanka Electricity Act and the 1969 CEB Act, must be applied within the law and cannot be altered arbitrarily. He said the Government should not include Rs. 14 billion in legacy debt or recover a Rs. 8 billion first-quarter loss through the next tariffs, contending that such recoveries are not permitted under the formula. He urged the Government to take an independent position and challenge the IMF where its demands conflict with the legal framework.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva criticized the Government for reversing energy sector reforms and said renewable energy had been undermined by tariff decisions, including reducing a unit rate from Rs. 20 to Rs. 14. He alleged that incorrect cost data on Sobadanavi purchases had been presented to Cabinet, contrasting it with PUCSL figures of Rs. 45 to Rs. 72 per unit, and warned this would benefit diesel-based interests. He opposed any closed-door 18 percent electricity tariff increase, urging the Government to recalculate and stating that any necessary increase should be limited to about 3–4 percent.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister criticized the Opposition’s record on tax policy, vehicle imports and commercial borrowing, arguing that high debt-servicing costs are a consequence of past decisions and that the Government is seeking to increase revenue and reduce leakages. He said concerns raised about registered and unregistered vehicles and the 85 per cent rule arose from existing laws and regulations, not new Government action, and that amendments would be considered to strengthen revenue collection. He also stated that recovery of past CEB debts should be handled through a lawful mechanism that minimizes the burden on consumers, with the Public Utilities Commission independently determining the appropriate tariff-related approach.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva raised a point of order citing Standing Order 86, which limits Members from speaking more than once on the same proposition except to clarify a misunderstood part of a speech or to raise a point of order. He objected that the Minister had already spoken for twenty minutes at the outset, implying that further remarks may breach parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva indicated that he had not finished raising his point of order and asked the Presiding Member to allow him to continue. The intervention was procedural in nature and did not address a substantive policy matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned the procedural interpretation of Standing Order 86, asking why or in what sense consent was required. The intervention sought clarification on parliamentary procedure rather than addressing a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva asks for clarification on where the referenced provision or information is included or made available.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly objected to the manner in which proceedings were being conducted, stating that they could not proceed in that way. No specific legislative proposal, policy issue, or demand was elaborated in the recorded remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma briefly stated that he was only clarifying points previously raised in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva requests the Chair to allow him to speak, citing his seniority as a Member of Parliament. The intervention is procedural and does not address a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva objected to being prevented from speaking and requested the microphone. No substantive policy argument or proposal was made in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that his remarks were intended to clarify previously raised issues and correct inaccuracies, rather than introduce new matters to the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that a point of order had already been raised and ruled on by the Presiding Member, who allowed the Deputy Minister to speak on behalf of the Minister. He indicated that the Member concerned could speak later, noting that the opportunity to raise a point of order had already been provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva questioned the procedural basis for another member being allowed to speak in the manner described. He asked where such authority or provision is set out.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake objected to further debate at that moment, noting that the Presiding Member had already issued a ruling.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake urged that the House proceed in line with the Presiding Member’s explanation, which he said was based on advice from the Table. He indicated that the matter could be raised again later.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva briefly asks the Leader of the House to wait and not get angry. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter is raised in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake briefly stated that there was no anger in the exchange and characterized the interaction as cordial.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Requested that the Chair allocate time to another Member first and then allow him speaking time afterward.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Deputy Minister was speaking on behalf of the Minister and that the Presiding Member had already ruled on the matter. He urged Members not to create further debate in both the House and the Committee and requested the Presiding Member to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva requested that his microphone be activated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly rejected the preceding claim, stating that “there is no such thing,” and requested that he be given the microphone.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that he would continue clarifying issues raised in the debate and correcting alleged inaccuracies. The available excerpt does not provide details of the specific issues, proposals, or policy context he intended to address.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake only begins to address the Presiding Member, with no substantive remarks, questions, proposals, or arguments recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva questioned why Members on the opposing side were not being allowed to speak. The intervention raised a procedural concern about the conduct of the debate and the opportunity for opposition Members to participate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that he is the Leader of the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised a procedural objection questioning why speaking time was being allocated only to the government side. He implied concern over unequal distribution of debate time and sought clarification from the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified his role as Leader of the House and stated that he would first respond to the point of order raised by Harsha de Silva.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva sought to raise a point of order after stating that his name had been mentioned and allegations made against him. He objected that he had not been allowed to respond procedurally and challenged the Chair for not recognizing his request.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake urged adherence to the Chair’s ruling to adjourn the House at 5.00 p.m. and allow the Deputy Minister to continue the reply on behalf of the President. He argued that the Opposition Chief Organizer had been allowed to raise a point of order but had no special privilege to extend proceedings, and suggested any further clarification be taken up with the Speaker and Secretariat the following day. He cited parliamentary practice that Deputy Ministers, including those handling defence matters, have replied in such debates.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma said the Government is pursuing structural reforms, tax policy revisions, improved governance of state-owned enterprises, and transparent recruitment and promotion systems as part of its economic programme. He argued that prudent management has reduced inflation and interest rates, built reserves, improved external credibility, and created conditions for private sector, SME, youth entrepreneurship, and foreign investment support, including collateral-free lending and debt restructuring. He said tax revenue must reach the Treasury without leakages, electricity tariffs and EV taxation would be handled through data-based policy, and EV infrastructure would be expanded with the private sector. Referring to the relevant Gazette, he stated that Customs and other agencies are implementing it effectively and that revenue outcomes are in line with projections.
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Land Settlement Gazette Notification 2430/2025 (Tamil Lands in North and East) 12 speeches