Sitting of Thursday, 22 May 2025

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Speaker's Announcements: Seminar for Sectoral Oversight Committees 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Committee report Presentation of Committee Reports 2 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Presentation of Petitions 9 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches ▾
   • The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB

     AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to explain the procedure used by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority when granting land for large-scale projects. He specifically sought details on the land extents allocated to Dole Lanka and Vita Organi for banana cultivation in the Chandrika Wewa Division of the Walawa Region, and asked whether the Minister acknowledged that proper procedure had not been followed in those allocations.

     AgricultureLand & Housing Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB

     AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, stated that Mahaweli Authority lands for investment projects are identified through land-use planning and released on long-term lease under the State Lands Ordinance after tender or approved discretionary selection and required committee, board, and ministerial approvals. He said no land had been released to Dole Lanka in the Chandrika Wewa Division of the Walawa Region, while 39 acres in two plots had been leased to Vita Organi for a banana cultivation project. He maintained that the proper procedure had been followed in alienating these lands.

     Land & Housing Full speech →
   • The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB

     AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi thanked the Deputy Minister for the response but questioned the basis on which lands had been granted in the Embilipitiya Walawa Region under the Mahaweli Authority over the past decade. He alleged irregular allocations, including land granted under letters bearing Chamal Rajapaksa’s name, appointments made to suit ministerial interests, and plots obtained under the Dole Lanka brand, including 39 acres within the Embilipitiya paper mill premises. He requested an investigation or a committee review into recent land alienations to ensure limited land is allocated properly to genuine agricultural project implementers.

     AgricultureCorruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that there are multiple issues concerning land grants by the Mahaweli Authority and that inquiries into some cases have already begun. He requested specific details of disputed lands so that further investigations can be initiated.

     Land & Housing Full speech →
   • The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB

     AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi questioned the legality and basis of land grants, including a cited 39-acre allocation allegedly made only on a ministerial letter without feasibility assessment. He alleged that LRC lands in areas such as Suriyakanda, Hetchchatha, Embilipitiya Walawa Region, Kolonna, and up to Hambantota had been allocated based on popularity, retired military status, or political affiliation rather than proper criteria. He requested a review by the District Secretary or another authority and asked whether the Government would re-vest lands not being used for cultivation, offering support for such a plan.

     Land & HousingCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the matter would be examined, noting complications from overlapping land grants by the Mahaweli authority and later allocations of Land Reform Commission lands to others. He said discussions are ongoing and some related cases are pending.

     Land & Housing Full speech →
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Teachers' Colleges Training Programme (Q.2/2025) 4 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Tea Smallholders in Kalutara District (Q.3/2025) 6 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 4 (Q.718/2025) - Stand Down 3 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) 6 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Takeover of Community Water Supply Centres by NWSDB (Q.6/2025) 6 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) 12 speeches ▸
11. 11 Oral question Oral Question: University Hostels and Student Allowances (Q.8/2025) 4 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Oral Question: Minimum Monthly Wage for Migrant Workers (SO 27(2)) 4 speeches ▸
13. 13 Papers Papers: Presentation of Regulations I to XI 2 speeches ▸
14. 14 Debate Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions 78 speeches ▸
15. 15 Papers Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 10 speeches ▸
16. 16 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province 24 speeches ▸