Sitting of Thursday, 22 May 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1750307293077610 ·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 Speaker's Announcements: Seminar for Sectoral Oversight Committees 1 speeches
- 2 Committee report Presentation of Committee Reports 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Presentation of Petitions 9 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Teachers' Colleges Training Programme (Q.2/2025) 4 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Tea Smallholders in Kalutara District (Q.3/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 4 (Q.718/2025) - Stand Down 3 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Takeover of Community Water Supply Centres by NWSDB (Q.6/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) 12 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: University Hostels and Student Allowances (Q.8/2025) 4 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Minimum Monthly Wage for Migrant Workers (SO 27(2)) 4 speeches
- 13 Papers Papers: Presentation of Regulations I to XI 2 speeches
- 14 Debate Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions 78 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon explained regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to streamline Japanese vehicle imports, including legal recognition of Bureau Veritas for inspection and valuation reports and digital verification processes to replace courier-based document checks. He said the changes would enable faster confirmations with inspection bodies and banks, improving efficiency for importers. He also outlined 2024 revisions to advance and deposit account limits under the Public Finance Management Act, including increases for CIABOC, Prisons, Customs and Railways accounts and reductions for several other departmental accounts, to be presented to Parliament as required by law.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized the Government’s handling of the presentation of Import and Export Control Regulations, arguing that such motions should be introduced by the responsible Minister, Deputy Minister, or Leader of the House to allow Opposition scrutiny and accountable answers. Referring to IMF and World Bank expectations on anti-corruption and governance, he questioned the recent importation of salt from India amid a domestic shortage, alleging that delays, licensing practices, and possible preferential treatment had enabled a “salt mafia.” He said Puttalam produces about half of Sri Lanka’s salt, yet shortages and price increases from around Rs. 130 to Rs. 350 per packet had burdened consumers, and called for investigation, early State monitoring, and timely policy action to prevent manipulation.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence announced a correction to KDU’s 2025–2026 admissions notice regarding the Faculty of Medicine. He stated that the Government has decided admissions to the KDU Faculty of Medicine for that intake will be limited to foreign students and cadet officers only.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the regulations before Parliament sought to add Bureau Veritas as an authorized pre-shipment inspection agency for vehicles imported from Japan and to enable online verification of vehicle condition certificates and related banking documentation. He also outlined amendments to various departmental advance and deposit accounts, including higher limits for public officer loans, festival advances, commercial operations, emergency expenditure, Customs confiscated goods, and marked-money advances used by the Bribery Commission. He argued that these were administrative efficiency measures unlikely to be contentious and suggested that broadly agreed regulations be adopted without lengthy debate. Turning to the public debate on salt imports, he said the issue had been exaggerated by some Opposition elements and media outlets and noted that the Government had intervened after the matter arose in December.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that 12,450 metric tons of salt had been imported.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary 12,450 metric tonnes of salt had been imported, and the Minister outlined the ownership history of Puttalam Salt Limited from its 1997 lease to a consortium of cooperative and banking institutions. He said subsequent share acquisitions by Raigam Group created a controlling interest and led to the establishment of Raigam Wayamba Salterns PLC beside Puttalam Salt Limited, raising legal and conflict-of-interest concerns due to overlapping directors. He stated that the issue, enabled by successive administrations since 1997, had resulted in market power that needed to be addressed, with the process expected to conclude in about two years.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem briefly reminded another Member that they had occupied the relevant seat at the time being referred to. The remark appears to be an interjection clarifying the context of an earlier event or responsibility in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Sunil Handunnetti responded to an Opposition member by questioning claims that monopolies had been dismantled, citing Raigam’s continued dominance as evidence to the contrary. He argued that the conditions enabling such market concentration were established during the period when the Opposition had been in government in 1997.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order denying allegations that he had said northern salt should not be sent to the South or referred to any salt as “royal salt.” He argued that attributing such statements to him was defamatory and raised a privileges issue under Section 190 of the Penal Code and Part A of the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act, requesting leave to raise the matter. He stated that his actual request was to prevent worker terminations and ensure proper salt distribution.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti welcomed the Member’s reference to the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act and said all Members should act in accordance with it. He stated that minutes of discussions with employees had been tabled, noting demands including restrictions on transferring salt to other areas and replacing a manager on the basis that he was from Kilinochchi rather than Jaffna. He rejected such discrimination as unacceptable.
- The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna denied that he sought anyone’s removal on the basis of being from Kilinochchi, explaining that objections concerned a transfer process involving a manager from Elephant Pass to Mannar and the subsequent appointment of a trade union-linked person. He said people protested that process and rejected accusations of racism, noting that his wife is Sinhalese.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan raised concerns that large areas of farmland in Trincomalee District have been demarcated or taken over by the Forest Department, Wildlife Department, Department of Archaeology, and as “Pooja Bhoomi,” preventing farmers from cultivating land used before and during the war years. He cited specific affected areas and acreage in Muttur, Seruwila, Verugal, Kuchchaveli and Thiriyaai, arguing that these restrictions cover over 236,000 acres and significantly reduce paddy production. He urged the relevant Ministry and Government to halt further demarcations, release the lands for cultivation, and support farmers’ livelihoods and domestic rice production.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the regulations and resolutions before the House seek to update outdated vehicle import and tax administration procedures, close legal and procedural gaps, prevent abuses such as tax evasion and registration of stolen vehicles, and improve transparency and efficiency. He noted that Gazette No. 2428/07 of 19 March 2025 designates compliant inspection institutions for vehicle imports and that deposit/advance account limits are being recalibrated after institutional review. He also corrected claims on Puttalam salt production, stating total output is just over 30,000 MT and that about 600 MT has been released, with further releases to follow, and said the Government will act on the Mannar-Puttalam road issue in accordance with the relevant court order.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake marked Republic Day, arguing that Sri Lanka achieved full sovereignty on 22 May 1972 under the United Front Government. Referring to the Imports and Exports (Control) Act regulations and comments on Elephant Pass salt, he urged the Government not to diminish the military victory over the LTTE and to recognize soldiers as war heroes, citing key events from the conflict including the Indo-Lanka Accord, IPKF withdrawal, police massacres, assassinations, failed peace efforts, Mavil Aru, and wartime sacrifices. He also referenced the post-2019 fertilizer policy crisis, saying leaders must be told frankly to correct policy errors and avoid repeating mistakes that caused public unrest.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to vehicle imports and LC document exchanges, arguing that they would address documentation irregularities and delays through pre-shipment inspection and online verification involving Bureau Veritas. He said the measures were necessary following the restart of vehicle imports after a long suspension, with many vehicles in the import pipeline. He also referred to proposed adjustments to deposit and advance account limits for several state institutions to support operations, investigations, and anti-corruption efforts.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha said the proposed regulations would modernize vehicle import documentation by allowing online confirmation from Sri Lanka, reducing delays caused by minor deficiencies and courier-based processes. He stated that vehicle imports would be widened gradually as reserves improve, while Customs and bank checks would help prevent malpractices and increase Treasury revenue. He also noted adjustments to deposit and advance accounts, including reduced allocations for book printing, increased fuel allocations for enforcement investigations, and higher Railway Department allocations.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s import and export policy, arguing that it has favoured imports over domestic production and exports despite pre-election pledges on rice, fertilizer, fisheries subsidies and salt. He called for a more rational distribution system for essential goods such as salt, warned that taxes, energy costs, SVAT removal and delays in renewable energy had hurt industries and exporters, and urged active negotiations on tariffs and investment promotion, including for Colombo Port City. He also asked the Government to investigate factory closures and job losses and to consistently uphold the dignity of armed forces personnel.
- Hon. Namal Rajapaksa SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa accused the Government and the JVP of deflecting blame while failing to address emerging economic and labour issues, particularly the closure of factories and the treatment of existing investors. He urged the Government, the Labour Ministry and relevant agencies such as the BOI to engage with workers and employers, mediate disputes, and prevent further factory closures rather than relying on political rhetoric. He also criticized what he described as politically motivated investigations and arrests, saying such matters should be resolved through the courts, and called on the Government to answer questions and intervene in any investor or labour crisis.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order to clarify remarks attributed to him by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa regarding “war heroes.” He stated that Tamils had regarded LTTE cadres, including under Prabhakaran, as war heroes and argued that those who died for their cause should be respected, while emphasizing that the grief of parents on all sides of the war is the same.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported approval of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, stating that vehicle import measures are intended to prioritize essential passenger transport vehicles and improve productivity. He argued that imports remain necessary alongside exports, while reforms are needed to reduce abuse and corruption in import processes. He also defended the Government’s decision to end MPs’ vehicle permits and responded to Opposition criticisms regarding war remembrance, presidential remarks, and claims of political “experience.”
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized the Government’s vehicle import policy, arguing that despite regulatory changes, high taxes and levies make vehicles unaffordable and discourage importers, undermining expected revenue. He urged reductions in duties and action to resolve port and customs delays, corruption allegations, and informal payment demands affecting importers and exporters. He further called for a structured programme to protect foreign exchange-earning sectors, particularly apparel and tea, citing factory closures, rising electricity and production costs, and the need for relief to sustain exports.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe defended the Government’s position on war remembrance, accusing sections of the Opposition of politicizing the status of “war heroes” while having previously failed to protect the dignity of military personnel. She stated that all who died in the war, from the North, South and East, should be recognized equally, and said the Government’s objective is to prevent renewed conflict and build national prosperity. Turning to the debate, she supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, noting that Gazette Extraordinary No. 2428/07 appoints Bureau Veritas as an inspection agent for vehicle imports from Japan to reduce delays, demurrage and added retail costs.
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticised the Government for allegedly engaging in traditional political bargaining to form local authorities despite its large mandate and promises to change political culture. He urged electoral reforms to prevent money-based competition and crossovers, and called for a more serious economic and governance approach rather than what he described as symbolic austerity. He also raised concerns about treatment of war veterans, the President’s messaging on national reconciliation, and investor confidence, citing the planned closure of a NEXT apparel factory in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone.
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary The Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the Government’s phased relaxation of import restrictions, including vehicle imports, and said the recent salt shortage was a temporary result of weather and climate conditions affecting natural salt production, not Government policy. He stated that the Minister had inspected Puttalam salterns, promised support to increase production, and that imports were arranged to ensure supply during the New Year period. He also rejected Opposition allegations of vote-buying in Puttalam local authorities, accusing Opposition parties of money politics and electoral malpractice, and said the NPP had won local support without such practices. He added that the Government was working to resolve issues relating to reopening the Puttalam–Mannar road for displaced persons and expected progress within the year.
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticized the President’s handling of the War Heroes’ commemoration, alleging political motives and questioning government reluctance to use the term “war heroes” while emphasizing the need to honour those who died in the war. He accused the Government of making unfulfilled election and policy promises, citing rice, salt, and coconut imports despite earlier claims of self-sufficiency. He raised concern over the closure of the NEXT apparel factory in Katunayake and warned that uncertainty over US tariff discussions, particularly affecting apparel exports, could harm the sector. He urged the Government to provide truthful updates, intervene seriously to protect industry and employment, and implement a clear economic plan.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara (Presiding) JJB
AI summary The presiding officer called the House to order and asked a Member to propose Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara to take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary A procedural motion was moved proposing 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. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and amendments to the Disposal of Property Act, arguing that import controls, especially for vehicles, should address forged documentation, customs abuses, and delays through more credible online verification systems. He said the amendments relating to escrow funds under the Bribery or Corruption Commission were needed to adjust financial thresholds in light of increased complaints. He also responded to Opposition criticism over war heroes, government spending, and shortages of salt and other commodities, asserting that the Government had provided tangible benefits to veterans and that recent shortages were temporary and worsened by hoarding and Opposition-aligned business interests.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka criticized the Government over a nationwide salt shortage, arguing that rising prices and limited availability are burdening households, farmers, tea growers, and especially fishermen who rely on salt for multi-day fishing. He contrasted the situation with past crises when salt remained available, questioned the Government’s capacity to deliver larger development projects, and cited the launch of “Rajya Lunu” as an unfulfilled assurance that Sri Lanka would not need salt imports. He also raised concern that the Government had failed to deliver its promised 33 per cent electricity tariff reduction and was instead preparing further increases affecting religious institutions, businesses, industries, schools, tourism, and vulnerable households.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar denied an allegation that he had called for a statue of Prabhakaran in the North, stating that he had never made such a remark. He said his party did not call for a special statue even for Rohana Wijeweera and that the Government’s position is to remember all victims—Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim—rather than single out individual leaders. He urged the Opposition not to spread false claims, rekindle racism, or undermine reconciliation and national rebuilding efforts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha defended the Government’s handling of the reported salt issue, arguing that climatic factors, consumer stockpiling, and media amplification had worsened a temporary market disruption already explained by the Minister of Industries. He said the Opposition was focusing on isolated commodity prices rather than macroeconomic indicators, citing remittances, reserves, exchange-rate stability, low inflation, growth, and public-sector salary increases as evidence of economic improvement. He also rejected claims that the Government disrespects war heroes, pointing to salary increases and honours granted to military personnel while criticizing the Opposition’s use of the issue for political purposes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government’s handling of import controls, citing salt shortages as an example of administrative failure and arguing that officials had been prevented from planning for seasonal production disruptions. He accused the Government of relying on anti-corruption rhetoric and selective arrests instead of addressing economic management, and said imports and exports had declined. Referring to proposed salt imports from India, he stated that landed costs would allow salt to be supplied at about Rs. 130 per kilo, or around Rs. 200 with tax.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman asserted that the item under discussion could still be provided at Rs. 130 even after including tax. The remark appears to challenge a higher quoted price or pricing justification in the debate.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri alleged that low-cost imported salt, like earlier white-onion stocks handled through Sathosa, was being channelled through private companies and resold to the public at much higher prices. He questioned why consumers were paying Rs. 350–400 when costs were far lower, and warned the Government not to repeat practices it had previously accused traders and past regimes of using. He also urged honest members in government to prevent such alleged profiteering and misconduct.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized members of the NPP, alleging inconsistency between their anti-corruption statements and their associations with individuals they accused, including in relation to the Central Bank issue. He also disputed claims that the rice shortage or price problem had been resolved, stating that rice and coconut prices remained high and that people were reducing consumption out of necessity rather than due to government success.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka, addressing the Presiding Member, granted Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri an additional three minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticized the Government over reported salt shortages and queues, alleging the existence of salt, container, and rice “mafias” and accusing ministers of failing to act after criticizing such issues while in Opposition. He urged Minister Sunil Handunnetti to hand over salt distribution or management to capable private traders, naming Raigam as an example, and questioned routing decisions involving Hambantota and Puttalam. He also called on the Minister of Justice to establish a process to investigate and act against alleged corrupt dealings, including those involving Government-aligned persons.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka, addressing the Presiding Member, granted another speaker an additional one minute of speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned who leads the NPP and urged its members to clarify responsibility for policy positions, warning them not to become an appendage of the JVP. He criticized the Government’s handling of shortages of essentials such as salt, rice, and coconuts after six months in office, and called on NPP members to work with the SJB to develop a fair and practical programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB
AI summary Padmasiri Bandara defended the Government during debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and proposals under the Disposals Act, arguing that current shortages and industrial issues, including salt storage and factory closures, were the result of decades of previous administrations’ policies. He rejected Opposition criticism of the NPP/JVP, war-hero commemorations, job losses, and allegations against Minister Sunil Handunnetti, saying the Government would honour service personnel, not sell national assets, and pursue past corruption. He asked that the Government be judged after its full term rather than after six months, while stating it would leave office if it could not deliver.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath argued that the Government has not yet built confidence among Tamils, particularly regarding land issues in Batticaloa where Forest Department actions are affecting residences, farmland, temples and public spaces. He questioned whether these actions are government-directed, called for mechanisms to restore ownership where wartime displacement caused loss of title documents, and warned against legal or administrative changes enabling dispossession. He also raised concerns about removal of Tamil historical content from textbooks, inadequate Tamil-language access in universities and examinations, and lack of Tamil representation in university council appointments. He further criticized the absence of Government representatives at Mullivaikkal commemorations, called for May 18 to be recognized as a genocide remembrance day, and urged protection of Tamil land, language, culture and equal rights.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran supported regulations on vehicle imports, arguing that the removal of Luxury Tax for vehicles below Rs. 5 million would help ordinary buyers, support tourism, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings. He said the Government is prioritizing post-war development in the North through investments in roads, harbours, sports facilities, tourism, and land regularization, while pledging that private homes would not be seized and rightful ownership would be restored. He rejected allegations that the NPP is racist, cited past efforts on citizenship rights for Sri Lankan refugees in India, and called for an end to patronage and ethnic politics in favour of reconciliation and people-centred governance.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB
AI summary Upul Kithsiri defended the Government’s regulatory approvals, including measures under the 1969 Act and the 2023 Disposals Act, arguing that vehicle import restrictions are being eased gradually after a five-year halt and that deposit requirements may be adjusted as economic conditions change. He rejected Opposition criticism on shortages and investment, attributing problems in rice storage, transport, land administration, and infrastructure to previous governments. He said the Government would pursue uniform solutions for land title issues, including in the North and Ratnapura, while prioritizing rural roads, drinking water, the rural economy, and tourism infrastructure to support a target of 3 million annual tourist arrivals.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva noted support for increasing the Bribery Commission’s advance payment facility for undercover operations from Rs. 50 million to Rs. 150 million, but argued that anti-corruption action must also address larger procurement and conflict-of-interest issues. He questioned the lack of follow-up on the Committee on Public Finance report on the e-Visa outsourcing process, including the pending forensic audit and accountability for alleged non-competitive procurement and excessive charges. He also raised concerns about conflict-of-interest standards in public appointments, including the reported Auditor-General nomination and roles in state enterprises, and queried the basis for reducing rooftop solar tariffs when a Cabinet paper cited a much higher levelized cost for the Sobadanavi power plant.
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva asked for clarification on the amount of speaking time allotted to him, querying whether he had 14 minutes or 12 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned procurement and governance decisions related to power generation and the e-NIC project, alleging possible conflicts of interest and large-scale corruption. He argued that a purported dual-fuel power plant was operating on diesel at far higher unit costs than claimed, and called for scrutiny of CEB leadership and board interests. He also opposed the Cabinet decision to buy 15 million polycarbonate e-NIC cards, saying it duplicated the India-funded Unique ID initiative and that cheaper PVC cards would suffice if cards were needed. While supporting funding for the Bribery Commission, he urged it to investigate major procurement-related conflicts of interest, not only smaller bribery cases.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to vehicle import procedures, saying the Government had reopened vehicle imports after a five-year halt while maintaining economic stability. He argued that, within seven months, the Government had stabilized the exchange rate, improved reserves, revived several state-linked industries, reduced prices of selected essentials, and increased tourist arrivals. He criticized the Opposition for focusing on issues such as salt shortages and for leaving the Chamber after speeches, and called for more disciplined parliamentary conduct.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma supported the legislation as part of the Government’s commitment to make business easier, reduce corruption, and introduce digital processes in certification and related agency transactions, including the use of email. He argued that conflict-of-interest disclosures must be accompanied by ethical conduct, criticized past conduct linked to the Central Bank Bond inquiry, and said the Government would engage credible private sector and business expertise in national economic development.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma acknowledged the contribution of Ministry of Finance officials to recent initiatives and expressed confidence that Sri Lanka can collectively achieve objectives that were previously unmet. He framed this as part of a national mission requiring continued collective effort.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- 15 Papers Resolutions under Appropriation Act, No. 34 of 2023 10 speeches
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province 24 speeches