Sitting of Tuesday, 3 June 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1750149440002739 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening: Parliament Met 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented: Orders, Regulations, Reports and Gazette 6 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Government Universities and Higher Education Admissions (Q.381/2025) 10 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: National Schools Distribution and Development (Q.381/2025) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Kalpitiya Agricultural Flooding (Q.585/2025) 5 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Welangolla Estate Industrial Development (Q.791/2025) 5 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Kuliyapitiya Central College Function Hall (Q.801/2025) 5 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) 5 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Land Reform Commission Matters (Q.869/2025) 3 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Local Authorities Properties in Galle District (Q.871/2025) 5 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: Agricultural Matters (Q.874/2025) 3 speeches
- 14 Oral question Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar 8 speeches
- 15 Oral question Private Notice Question: Sri Lanka-German Technical Training Institute Autonomous Status 12 speeches
- 16 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Drugs Shortage and Government Initiatives 9 speeches
- 17 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Issues at Elephant Pass Saltern 2 speeches
- 18 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Macroeconomic Targets for Debt Payment 4 speeches
- 19 Procedural Privilege Matter: Statement Regarding Elephant Pass Saltern 2 speeches
- 20 Papers Bills Presented: National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Bill 1 speeches
- 21 Debate Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading 69 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of amendments to Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act on behalf of the Minister of Digital Economy, citing the growing economic and privacy significance of personal data and international models such as the GDPR. He said the amendments address implementation needs before full commencement, including review rights for automated decisions, appeals against refusal of access, withdrawal of consent, and clearer rules for cross-border data flows. He argued the changes would strengthen privacy protections while supporting legal certainty, regulatory readiness, innovation, investment, and international trust.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the data protection Bill in principle but urged stronger safeguards, clear public remedies for misuse of personal data, and assurances on the independence and capacity of the PDPA Authority. He questioned the Government on responses to recent cyber breaches, technical readiness for secure data systems, availability of skilled personnel, timelines for full implementation, and compliance arrangements for large legacy data holders. He also sought clarity on penalties and appeals, interaction with the RTI and Computer Crimes laws, special protections for health data, public awareness measures, and how the right to erasure would be balanced against public-interest records and accountability.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna explained that the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill contains 13 amendments intended to phase implementation and strengthen the Personal Data Protection Authority, with commencement of most provisions to be appointed by the Minister by Gazette and extendable to allow public and private sector readiness. He outlined the background to the 2022 Act, its precedence over conflicting laws on personal data protection, and the gazette notifications and Cabinet decision leading to the amendments. He also noted implementation challenges including staffing, public awareness, connectivity gaps, and the need for responsible handling of personal data by media and social media, linking these issues to the Government’s wider digitalization policy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB
AI summary Dr. Janaka Senarathna noted that recent incidents, including the Dr. Shafi case, reports of crocodiles in the Kelani River, and alleged salt shortages, illustrate how distorted or sensationalized information can mislead the public. He raised this point in relation to broader concerns about data accuracy, though he acknowledged it was not directly addressed in the Bill under discussion.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Welcoming the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised district-level concerns in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya, including recent drownings in Mullaitivu and requested swimming pools and swimming instruction in larger schools. He asked that national management service officer vacancies be filled, where possible, by candidates from the relevant districts, particularly in the Vanni. He urged immediate coastal protection for Vankalai and other affected areas in Mannar, citing severe erosion, livelihood losses, illegal activities and local requests for additional protective structures. He also alleged unresolved resettlement and land access problems in Mullaitivu due to gazetting by the Forest, Wildlife and Archaeology Departments, specifically referring to displaced families from AC Farm in Thanduvan who have not been resettled.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran urged the release of privately used lands, including houses, fields, and roads, distinguishing this from requests to clear forest areas. He asked that affected people be given livelihood relief until their lands are released, stating that their families, including children, are facing hardship.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB
AI summary The speech supported amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, emphasizing the need to protect personal data amid rapid digitization and widespread collection, processing and sharing by public bodies, businesses and social media platforms. It noted obstacles to implementation of the 2022 Act, including low public awareness, limited computer literacy, insufficient technical capacity and outdated government technology. The member said the Government is advancing digitization and cybersecurity, including through Cabinet approval of the second National Cyber Security Strategy prepared by Sri Lanka CERT, to strengthen data protection and public trust.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa welcomed amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act but criticised delays in appointing and staffing the Data Protection Agency, arguing that they should not impede national digitization. He questioned the Government’s progress on the Unique Digital ID project funded by an Indian grant, use of the Rs. 3 billion digitization allocation, court automation, data centre arrangements, custodianship and data aggregation. He also criticised past politicisation of personal information, called for stronger privacy protections and regulation of public and private data use, and cautioned Ministers against statements that could politicize the judiciary or create diplomatic issues regarding digital agreements with India.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the amendments to the data protection law as necessary to correct deficiencies in the earlier framework while strengthening safeguards for sensitive personal data and preventing misuse by institutions, political actors, or foreign interests. He argued that public funds and property misuse must be exposed, distinguished this from private matters, and linked the legislation to the Government’s wider programmes on digitization, Clean Sri Lanka, and poverty alleviation. He also responded to Opposition criticism on staffing and governance, citing approved recruitment for essential services and claiming improved economic indicators, including export growth, while stating that the Government would implement lawful administration in local authorities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that he would not speak during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that effective governance requires reliable data, but said the Government’s claims on data, digitization, and economic progress were not reflected in outcomes. He cited the closure of around 250 tea factories, problems at Sevanagala Sugar Factory, onion import clearances during the local harvest, and unmet paddy purchasing targets as examples of policy failure and lack of production data. He also questioned the status of initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and alleged that local authority control was being secured through political pressure rather than reflecting voters’ choices.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, arguing that Sri Lanka needs an operational data protection framework to attract BPO/BPM and digital economy investment and align with global standards. He said implementation should be phased because public and private institutions require time, skills, infrastructure, and capacity, and noted provisions such as outsourcing Data Protection Officer functions to reduce burdens on startups and small businesses. He also emphasized establishing and staffing the Data Protection Authority, providing legal recourse for data breaches, improving cybersecurity standards, and countering misinformation in public debate.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando questioned the rationale for amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, particularly the proposed change to Section 20 removing mandatory Data Protection Officers for public authorities and related definitional changes. He asked the Government to explain how the amendments would support economic development, digital integration, and data processing, and whether making DPOs optional is consistent with the GDPR model on which the 2022 Act was based. He also sought clarification on changes to commencement timelines, saying their necessity and benefits had not been adequately explained.
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the Government for not addressing staff shortages in key justice-sector institutions, including the Government Analyst’s Department, Attorney General’s Department and Prisons Department. He argued that the Government had itself acted without adequate data in relation to issues such as rice and salt imports, and rejected its criticism of misinformation by alleging that it had previously misled the public. On the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, he said the Opposition would support necessary future amendments for a digital economy, but demanded clearer disclosure to Parliament on the digital ID project, related arrangements with India, and what personal data would be shared, processed, retained or subject to the right to be forgotten.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Thanura Dissanayake rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando clarified that he had not named or referred to any individual in his remarks. The statement appears to respond to a procedural concern or interruption during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake rejected a claim made in the debate regarding a UK visa, stating that the visa had existed and was only delayed by one day. He asked the Deputy Chairperson to verify the matter with the UK visa branch, asserting that it was misinformation to say the visa had not been granted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary The Hon. Chithral Fernando clarified that he had not mentioned any name in his preceding remarks. The intervention appears to address or correct an attribution made during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary The Member corrected a prior statement regarding a UK visa matter, stating that there was no problem with the visa or biodata. He clarified that the issue was only a delay in the issuance of the visa.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage supported the Amendment Bill to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, framing it as part of the Government’s digitalization agenda and the need to protect personal data as a key public asset. She said the amendments strengthen data subject rights, establish and phase in the Data Protection Authority across public institutions, and prioritize public awareness due to differing levels of digital literacy and limited state-sector capacity. She argued that updating the law in line with international standards would support public trust, foreign investment, tourism, and economic recovery, while rejecting Opposition criticism as not reflecting the phased nature of implementation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that the Personal Data Protection Act of 2022 has remained ineffective because the Data Protection Authority has not been established, and said the current Amendment Bill does not address key privacy and accountability gaps. Citing the 2025 Cargills Bank cyber breach and concerns raised by the UN Special Rapporteur and local commentators, he questioned whether data subjects are adequately informed, protected, and given remedies when their personal data is misused or exposed. He called for an independent Authority appointed through the Constitutional Council, inclusion of human rights and civil society expertise, limits on broad State exemptions including for national security, and stronger data-subject rights such as erasure, portability, algorithmic challenge, and an appeal mechanism.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that issues around data protection and related governance are matters of democratic rights rather than only technical concerns. He criticized the Government, referring to the JVP’s earlier position in Opposition, for not implementing proposals such as an independent Data Protection Authority appointed through the Constitutional Council. He urged the Government to bring forward the civil rights amendments it had previously advocated, stating that his side would support and vote for them.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala supported the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, stating that they were based on a detailed review of Act No. 9 of 2022 and are intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital economy in line with GDPR principles. He emphasized protections for sensitive personal data, including biometric, genetic, health, religious, political and other categories, and highlighted rights such as access, rectification, erasure, withdrawal of consent and objection to processing. He also linked data protection to broader national responsibility, referring to biodiversity protection measures such as the Nilgala Dome declaration and a reserve for the “Bandula Pethiya” fish in Kegalle.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu supported the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, describing the 2022 Act as a major framework for safeguarding personal data while enabling digital economic development. He said the amendments are needed to extend implementation timelines and give public institutions, from central ministries to local-level offices, time to build the human, financial and technical capacity required for compliance. He argued that stronger data protection would help address misuse of personal information, online fraud, false records, harmful propaganda and loss of public trust, while supporting the Government’s wider digitalization agenda.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni — Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media
AI summary Moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe seconded the motion. The question was then put to the House and agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara — in the Chair
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara took the Chair at 3.24 p.m. after the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera recalled initiating draft data protection and cyber security legislation as IT Minister in 2019, noting that the Personal Data Protection Act was later enacted in 2022 and welcoming the current amendment to address practical issues. He questioned why the Cyber Security Bill has still not been presented, arguing that it is important for national security, economic development and the IT sector, and urged that it be brought to Parliament urgently with updated standards. He also raised concern over Clause 13 of the amendment, asking that public corporations and state-owned companies not be excluded from the requirement to designate a responsible data protection officer.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka briefly intervened to ask Hon. Ajith P. Perera whether he required additional time to continue his remarks. No substantive policy issue or proposal was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera made a brief procedural request for additional time to continue his remarks. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka informed the Chair that Hon. Ajith P. Perera would be granted an additional two minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned why public corporations and Companies Act entities are excluded from the requirement to appoint Data Protection Officers under Clause 13, noting that many state entities handle IT and work with the private sector. He supported the need for a digital economy and the proposed amendments despite delays in making the Data Protection Authority fully operational by 18 March 2025. He also urged the Government, particularly the IT Ministry, to establish structured and mandatory IT internship programmes for university students, especially those from remote state universities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, arguing that stronger regulation is needed to secure personal data shared through health services, digital platforms, institutions, and biometric systems. He said Sri Lanka had fallen behind global technological trends due to past policy failures, and linked the amendment to the Government’s digitalization programme alongside Clean Sri Lanka and rural poverty eradication. He stated that the legislation would help protect data subjects, deter misuse through penalties, align with international norms such as EU data protection standards, and support innovation in a digital economy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB
AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported the Second Reading of the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka needs an updated legal framework to protect personal data while enabling digitalisation, AI use, and investment. He said the amendments provide grace periods for compliance, adjust requirements on Data Protection Officers, expand the Data Protection Authority’s powers, and create remedies against unfair automated or AI-driven decisions. He highlighted international and local data breaches, the right of individuals to trace how their data was shared and prevent further sharing without consent, and called for a complementary Cyber Security Act to support the digital economy.
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, citing past gaps in laws and systems to address data theft, cybercrime, and technology-enabled bank fraud. He urged the Government to strengthen secure data centres and protection mechanisms as part of its digitalization agenda, while noting the role of Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya in advancing this work. He also called for updated university IT curricula, practical training in AI and cybersecurity, and collaboration with private universities and SLASSCOM to prepare youth for online work opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi said the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, are intended to strengthen regulation and security of personal data processing in the context of rapid technological change. He noted that the law protects the rights of data subjects and establishes an authority and procedures, drawing on international standards such as the OECD Privacy Guidelines, APEC Privacy Framework, and the EU GDPR to address gaps in Sri Lanka’s privacy framework.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the Second Reading of the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, arguing that strong data protection laws are necessary for individual privacy, economic development, tourism, digital transactions, and national security. He emphasized the importance of operationalizing the Data Protection Authority and noted that the law provides mechanisms for compliance, privacy protection, and legal recourse. He also linked the debate to broader political themes, criticizing communal politics and urging unity among Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil communities while calling for an end to racism in politics.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported the Personal Data Protection amendments, arguing that they are necessary to protect citizens’ personal data and to enable Sri Lanka’s participation in the digital economy. He said the Bill clarifies definitions, strengthens the role of the Data Protection Authority, provides recourse for misuse or breaches by private, state, or foreign entities, and supports cross-border data exchange and interoperability. He also emphasized the need for institutional compliance, public awareness, and future cybersecurity legislation, linking digitalization to greater transparency, efficiency, and oversight in public administration.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB
AI summary Eranga Weeraratne argued that accelerating digitalization of government services, identity systems, banking, health data and AI makes cybersecurity and personal data protection essential for both privacy and national security. He said the amendments would support implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act by establishing a Data Protection Authority, requiring consent-based and purpose-limited data use, mandating breach notification within 72 hours, and providing remedies including rectification, penalties and compensation. He linked the reforms to wider state digitalization plans such as the National Data Exchange, digital ID, e-driving licences, e-lands, digital payments and AI-enabled services, stating that the Authority is expected to be staffed and the Act brought into force within six months by Gazette.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Moved that the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill be referred to a Committee of the whole Parliament, with the Third Reading to be taken on a future date. The motion was agreed to, and the Committee Stage was adjourned accordingly.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 22 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley 8 speeches
- 23 Procedural Closing Notice and Printing Information 1 speeches