Sitting of Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1749121318003248 ·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 Parliament Opening and Speaker's Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers - Annual Reports Tabling 6 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions - Presented to Committee on Public Petitions 8 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Lands Acquired for Kurunegala-Habarana Railway Line - Compensation/Ex-Gratia Payment (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Bridge at Pansilgoda, Minuwangoda - Non-Completion (Q.2/2025) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Lady Ridgeway Hospital - Donations for Purchase of Surgical Items (Q.3/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Sinhala and Tamil-Medium Government Schools - Teacher Vacancies (Q.4/2025) 4 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Warehouses of Co-operative Wholesale Establishment in Welisara - Lease (Q.8/2025) 4 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Director of Jaffna Teaching Hospital Appointment (Q.9/2025) 4 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Millennium City Housing Complex, Oruwala - Lands for Common Amenities (Q.10/2025) 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Questions - Various Tabled and Private Notice Questions 7 speeches
- 12 Debate Debate: Finance Act Order - Tax Exemptions and Government Policy on Renewable Energy 11 speeches
- 13 Debate Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) 29 speeches
- 14 Debate Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) 37 speeches
- The Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Jagath Manuwarna said the Opposition was exaggerating issues such as salt supply concerns and criticised its political positioning, including references to Ranil Wickremesinghe and claims about control of local authorities. He asserted that his party would secure majorities in many local councils, including the Colombo Municipal Council and Hewahata, naming Vraye Kelly Balthazar as their mayoral candidate for Colombo. He also criticised the Opposition Leader in relation to recent war commemorations, urging practical remembrance of fallen and disabled service personnel from villages.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna said the Government rejects attempts to revive racist or chauvinist war-time politics and cited recent election results as a mandate to end such politics. He accused Opposition parties of seeking “impure alliances” and having historical links with organized crime figures, while stating that the National People’s Power Government would not rely on corrupt actors. He argued that the local government mandate should be used to address village-level needs such as drinking water, roads, canals and bus services, and said the Government would work with those able to serve the public.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged the Government to operationalize the completed but unused Vavuniya Economic Centre, built with 52 stalls at a cost of Rs. 263 million, to help farmers sell produce at fair prices. He argued that the North and East face a compounded economic burden from the war, with many widows, orphans, disabled persons, displaced families, and affected communities still lacking adequate development support 16 years after 2009. He called for practical measures including releasing unused lands held by the Forest Department for cultivation, improving access to finance, facilitating investors, and implementing quick programmes to help people become economically self-reliant. He also referred to India’s reported US$62 million grant for Kankesanthurai Port development and highlighted the need to improve its basic facilities.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam said he supported investigations into alleged torture sites such as Batalanda and punishment for those responsible. He argued that victims of killings, bombings and disappearances over past decades should be remembered and treated equally, without branding some communities’ expressions of grief as racist. He urged the NPP Government to show empathy and equal concern for all affected people, warning that national progress depends on such equal treatment.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB
AI summary Minister Chrishantha Abeysena argued that commemorating war dead and “Ranaviruwo” should be consistent with reconciliation and should not be treated as racism, stressing that all Sri Lankans affected by war, including people in the North and South, deserve remembrance. He said the NPP’s politics is policy-based and multi-ethnic, rejected claims that it is a racist party, and stated that land and economic issues in the North and East should be addressed under one law with additional Budget focus. He also noted that the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation held commemorations across all 25 districts and tabled statements calling for accountability, reconciliation, non-violence, and respect for diversity.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that LTTE members should not be portrayed as heroes and said war heroes, under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, fought to preserve a unitary Sri Lanka for all communities. He said the Local Government Election indicated growing opposition to the Government, noting increased support for the SLPP and other Opposition groups rather than a renewed government mandate. He also urged the Government to build on post-war infrastructure projects such as Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Hambantota Port and expressways, saying they could support tourism and economic development if properly used.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Orders under the Finance Acts extending embarkation tax concessions for airlines operating from BIA, Ratmalana, Jaffna/Palaly and MRIA, arguing that these measures would encourage aviation activity and tourism-related foreign exchange earnings. She also supported the amendment raising the luxury tax exemption threshold for non-electric motor vehicles from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million, describing it as relief intended to stimulate vehicle sales. She linked the measures to the Government’s development and anti-corruption agenda, rejected Opposition criticism of broken promises, and condemned an incident in which she said a woman MP’s right to speak had been questioned.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara supported the Orders relating to the embarkation levy and the luxury tax on vehicle imports, arguing that reducing the levy to USD 30 and waiving it for MRIA would help expand airport operations, tourism, and foreign reserves. He said the controlled reopening of vehicle imports and the increase of the luxury tax threshold from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million were intended to provide relief while protecting dollar reserves. He linked these measures to the Government’s broader programme of reducing state expenditure, curbing corruption, attracting investment, strengthening agriculture and SMEs, and preparing for debt repayments from 2027. He also invited constructive Opposition proposals while rejecting what he described as destructive criticism.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government’s conduct and outcome in the Local Government Election, arguing that the President and national leaders fronted the campaign and should accept responsibility for the loss of votes. He raised concerns over national security, organized crime, death threats to public figures, and the safety and dignity of MPs, while urging stronger action against the underworld and drug trafficking. He also questioned the Government’s handling of the cost of living, factory closures, and the promised arrangements for Sri Lankan driving licences to be recognized in Italy. He called on the President and Government to act as representatives of all Sri Lankans, honour war heroes, and implement a practical programme to rebuild the country.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran responded to Opposition criticisms, stating that the underused Vavuniya Economic Centre would be repurposed following a District Development Committee decision and that land issues would be discussed under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He cited increased National People’s Power representation in Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu as evidence of public confidence, and said the Government had allocated Rs. 5,000 million for road and infrastructure rehabilitation in the Northern Province. He also defended changes to embarkation fees and the Luxury Tax threshold, arguing these would promote tourism through MRIA and Palaly, support airport development including the revived BIA terminal project, and make vehicle purchases more accessible.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer moved that Hon. Ajith Gihan take the Chair during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage seconded the motion. The House agreed to the question, after which the Hon. Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Ajith Gihan took the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof referred to the recent Local Government Election results in Trincomalee District, stating that the SJB won 36 seats and secured control of the Kinniya Urban Council in his Muttur electorate. He thanked voters and said discussions were under way with other parties to form administrations in local councils where possible. He also criticized Government Ministers and MPs for, in his view, acting as though they were not in government during the debate.
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof argued that the Government is criticizing Opposition parties for post-election negotiations in local authorities while itself negotiating with former Rajapaksa-aligned and allegedly corrupt figures, a situation he attributed to flaws in the current local government electoral system. He said the Government ignored calls for electoral reform and must now accept responsibility for unstable council outcomes and govern with its parliamentary majority. He raised concerns over salt shortages and price increases affecting consumers and dried fish producers in areas such as Kinniya, Muttur, Pulmoddai, and Kuchchaveli, and asked whether any commissions were involved. He also demanded publication of the lists of politicians who received bar permits and allegedly misused government vehicles, and urged the Government to address local needs and fulfil its election promises.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Urges the Government to move beyond oppositional politics and deliver practical solutions for the public. Calls on the Government to fulfil its promises going forward.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister announced the launch of the National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Committee to coordinate emergency aviation responses across state agencies, citing gaps exposed by incidents such as the X-Press Pearl fire. He said airport and aviation tax policy should support wider economic objectives, including extending a prior Embarkation Tax reduction for one year, fully exempting departures from Mattala, and strengthening legal mechanisms to recover about US$27.7 million in reported unpaid remittances from airlines. He outlined development plans for Mattala across seven investment sectors beyond passenger traffic, measures to ease overcapacity at Bandaranaike International Airport including eGates and a Terminal 2 contract by September, and a Rs. 750 million terminal investment at Jaffna International Airport to expand services and destinations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna linked May 18 commemorations to Tamil civilian suffering in 2009 and alleged that later official narratives suppressed evidence of wartime deaths and abuses. He focused on concerns about appointments and management at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, alleging that a doctor without Board Certification was improperly treated as a consultant, that diaspora-funded hospital resources lacked audited reporting, and that Rs. 17 million in claimed equipment could not be accounted for. He also alleged undue influence by the GMOA in health administration, police complaints and strike action, citing incidents at Tellippalai and his own removal, imprisonment and defamation cases after raising corruption allegations. He urged the Government to investigate health-sector corruption and union influence without fear of strikes, and called on judicial authorities in the North to consider the wider context of cases filed against him.
- The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe supported the Gazettes, stating that the Embarkation Tax concessions for Mattala, Ratmalana, and Jaffna departures were intended to promote tourism, while the changes to vehicle import luxury limits aimed to provide public relief and support economic growth. He criticized the Opposition for using the debate to raise unrelated issues such as salt shortages and a closed factory, and said such matters should be raised separately. He argued that recent local authority election results should not be read as a mandate against the Government, citing what he described as a clean campaign under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, and said the Government’s performance should be assessed by December.
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen thanked voters after the local authority elections and said the All Ceylon Makkal Congress had secured 140 local representatives, while urging reform of the local government electoral system, which he said prevents stable council administrations and encourages bargaining. He called on the Government to honour pledges to reopen the Mannar–Puttalam road through the Wilpattu corridor, arguing that its court-ordered closure was unequal compared with other roads through wildlife areas, and requested a review by a five-judge bench. He also asked that Decentralized Budget allocations be released to Opposition MPs as previously promised and urged the Speaker and Government to provide adequate police security for MPs in light of reported threats and wider concerns over violence.
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha moved that Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchchi take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage formally seconded the motion under consideration. The House agreed to the question, after which the Chair changed from Hon. Ajith Gihan to Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchchi.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe responded to concerns over the proposed closure of the NEXT factory in the Katunayake Zone, stating that 1,416 of 2,825 workers are affected and that the Labour Department, management, trade unions and BOI will discuss the company’s compensation proposal and possible remedies. He said the company had not properly notified the Department in advance as required and had not engaged the Government or BOI on its stated high production costs. He also criticized the Opposition for prolonging parliamentary proceedings, raising unrelated issues during debates on Finance Act instruments, and questioning security practices, while asserting that the Government’s approach is to avoid special privileges and focus on addressing corruption.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara objected on procedural grounds, citing Standing Orders 91(i) and 143, and requested the Speaker to ensure that points of order are allowed and that the Panel of Chairmen functions properly. He then raised concerns over recruitment of Allied Health graduates under the Health Ministry Gazette of 14 June 2024, noting vacancies for Medical Laboratory Scientists and Physiotherapists and questioning the use of an IQ test instead of existing academic scores. He argued that state university graduates had boycotted the test while KDU and foreign/private institution candidates sat it, raising concerns about entry qualifications, and urged the Ministry to hold discussions and prioritize fairness for state-university Allied Health graduates from 2020 onward while filling existing vacancies.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Chair’s ruling during a disorderly exchange and criticized Opposition Members who had changed parties, describing them as having betrayed their voters. He asserted that the National People’s Power would protect the public mandate it received and would establish control in the Colombo Municipal Council and the 267 local authorities it had won, despite Opposition criticism.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Moved for approval of the Gazette notification on the Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles issued under the Finance Act, No. 35 of 2018, noting that Cabinet approval had been granted and that it had been laid before Parliament. After the motion was agreed to, he moved that Parliament adjourn.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 15 Procedural Procedural: Questions on Bank of Ceylon Relief and Allied Health Graduates - Final Business 8 speeches