10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 5 June 2025

10th Parliament· 16 debates· 166 speeches· 58 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1750828922068945 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

Order of business

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  1. 15 Debate Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading 66 speeches
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament

      AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake moved the Second Reading of a Bill to amend the National Transport Commission Act, No. 37 of 1991, describing it as the Government’s first major transport Bill and a long-overdue update to the framework for regulating passenger transport. He said the National Transport Commission’s role would be broadened beyond inter-provincial private bus route permits to cover three-wheelers, school vans, office transport and other road-based passenger services, with transparent tender-based route allocation, enforceable safety standards and penalties. Referring to the Gerandigala bus tragedy and recent inspections that found unfit long-distance buses, he said the Bill would support nationwide vehicle inspections and standards for long-distance buses and rest facilities. He also identified the transferability of route permits during fleet ownership changes as an issue to be addressed through the amendments.

      InfrastructureCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB

      AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka welcomed the amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, noting that they would extend regulation beyond inter-provincial buses to school transport, office transport, hired vehicles and three-wheelers. He highlighted major transport challenges including high household transport costs, rail staff shortages and delays, unsafe level crossings, road accidents, drunk driving, and the need for better driver training and enforcement. He urged rapid action to secure unprotected level crossings, improve long-distance bus rest-stop standards, strengthen student bus passes, regulate three-wheelers with better data, and ensure bus fares decrease when fuel prices fall. He also supported reforms allowing route permits to be transferred when buses are sold, while noting political overstaffing in the SLTB.

      Cost of LivingLaw & OrderInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB

      AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported reforms to the National Transport Commission, stating that it had become too focused on permits and timetables rather than regulation, standards, and passenger welfare. He said the proposed framework would coordinate policy across buses, SLTB, rail, school and office transport, and three-wheelers, while addressing unsafe competition among buses through measures such as digital fare collection, GPS monitoring, driver and conductor training, and EPF/ETF coverage. He also referred to unresolved rail crossing safety issues and argued that the reforms seek lasting improvements for both passengers and transport workers.

      Law & OrderInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK

      AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan welcomed amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that reforms are needed to reduce delays, corruption and malpractice in transport administration, including route permits, driver licensing, road works and procurement. He urged action on an alleged Rs. 760 million fraud in the Batticaloa–Trincomalee road rehabilitation tender, the recovery of misused public funds, and the prompt appointment of qualified Road Development Authority engineers following completed interviews. He requested phased rehabilitation and construction of several bridges in Batticaloa to improve connectivity across the lagoon, asked for restoration of the previous Colombo–Batticaloa rail timetable to suit onward commuters, and also called for expedited appointments to fill the shortage of school principals.

      Corruption & Governance ReformInfrastructureEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament

      AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Hon. Srineshan to submit complaints about alleged irregularities in Batticaloa road works to any government agency. He stated that the government is prepared to investigate such complaints thoroughly.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB

      AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha supported amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, citing high road death and injury figures from 2020-2024 as evidence of a transport and road safety crisis. He said the reforms should be accompanied by infrastructure development, stronger enforcement, fleet modernization, worker training, and regulation of passenger facilities, including rest stops and protections for women, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and clergy. He outlined government plans to resume expressway and railway projects affecting Ratnapura, including the Ruwanpura Expressway and Kelani Valley line, with compensation allocations, and highlighted proposed penalties, licensing reforms, route permit transfer provisions, and a new airport-Colombo premium bus service.

      InfrastructureLaw & OrderPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF

      AI summary Transport reform should account for the current mixed system in which private buses, three-wheelers, school transport and app-based services supplement SLTB and rail, with private buses remaining essential given SLTB’s limited capacity and politically driven overstaffing. He urged urgent mechanisms to detect and prosecute drug-impaired driving, alongside existing drunk-driving enforcement, and supported removing dangerous vehicle modifications while warning against arbitrary or blanket crackdowns without stakeholder consultation. He also called for recognition of three-wheeler services, action on public discipline issues such as horn noise, and careful implementation of National Transport Commission reforms, while advising the Government to heed constructive Opposition proposals.

      InfrastructureLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB

      AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath outlined the Government’s proposed amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, No. 37 of 1991, as part of an integrated transport policy under a reorganized Ministry covering transport, highways, ports and civil aviation. He said the Bill would broaden regulation from bus passenger transport to all road-based passenger transport, including school, office and three-wheeler services, with mandatory registration, temporary permits for peak demand, safety and comfort standards, and a training institute. He also noted strengthened enforcement provisions, including higher fines and possible imprisonment, to improve service quality and sector discipline.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP

      AI summary Chanaka Madugoda supported the objectives of the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill while proposing a national integrated bus timetable and route plan, drawing on the Southern Province model, along with GPS/CCTV-based monitoring and a pilot card-payment system in that province. He urged incentives for SLTB and private operators to maintain services on low-revenue routes, especially morning and night services, and called for relief for bus owners, school van operators, and three-wheeler operators affected by fuel and spare parts costs. He also criticized the Government for not adequately answering questions on agreements with India, power-sector issues, the monkey sterilization programme, and container matters, and called on the Minister of Justice to focus on expediting court cases, particularly land cases.

      Law & OrderInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB

      AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena stated that work on the integrated timetable for the Puttalam corridor has been completed and that implementation is expected soon, with plans to cover the five main corridors by the end of the year. He said related RDA work and inspections of rest facilities at bus halts are underway. He also noted that draft regulations under the Motor Traffic Act on driver drug use were submitted to the Legal Draftsman on 7 April 2025, and that the Eastern Province Chief Engineer appointment process is awaiting approval by the Prime Minister’s Secretary’s Sub-Committee before interviews are held.

      Law & OrderInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, arguing that public transport must be standardized, regulated, and made more consumer-oriented to improve safety, service quality, and passenger protection. He criticized attempts to obstruct the constitution of local authorities after the election, describing them as contrary to the public mandate, and said attacks on the Minister of Justice reflected the past conduct of former rulers. He welcomed the introduction of low-floor buses and called for accessible bus stands, terminals, and transport information for persons with disabilities, while also urging regulation of school transport and three-wheelers.

      Justice & Human RightsInfrastructureLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP

      AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, citing road accident deaths and arguing that stricter laws, higher fines, and technology-based traffic monitoring could improve road safety. He highlighted inadequate road infrastructure in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, noting that many projects begun under previous programmes remain incomplete after the economic crisis. While welcoming the Budget allocation of Rs. 5,000 million for rural roads and bridges in the Northern Province, he said it is insufficient and urged a special programme to complete half-finished works. He specifically requested funding for suspended or needed bridge works, including Vattuvagal, Sivapuram Kuththu, Kalingku at Thaniyankulam, and Kalladi at Erukkalampiddy.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionInfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Requested the Vanni District representative to submit relevant proposals to the Mannar District Coordinating Committee. He stated that, if approved by the Committee, the proposals would be included in the following year’s Budget.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP

      AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan said transport issues affecting schoolchildren had been discussed at DCC meetings and with the relevant chairman, with information already forwarded to ministries for action. He requested recruitment of drivers and conductors for the Vavuniya and Mullaitivu SLTB depots, noting specific shortages, and called for mechanics to be recruited after nearly 20 years to repair unusable buses and restore services.

      EducationEmployment Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP

      AI summary K. Kader Masthan noted that transport issues had been raised at District Coordinating Committee meetings, leading the DCC Chairman, Government Agent and officials to hold special meetings to streamline related decisions. He highlighted severe transport shortages in parts of the adjacent Anuradhapura District, including Welikollawa, Mugiriyaawa and Tanakawaewa, affecting farmers and students, and requested special SLTB bus services for those areas.

      InfrastructureAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB

      AI summary Hon. Deepthi Wasalage supported the amendment to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that regulated, efficient public transport is essential for development and especially for women’s safety and dignity. She highlighted harassment in overcrowded buses, citing 289 reported incidents on public transport in 2024, and proposed measures including GPS and CCTV use, displayed WhatsApp complaint numbers, driver alcohol and drug checks, more buses and trains, women-only services, and improved sanitation at bus terminals. She also called for action on Matale’s inadequate bus stand and depot, better long-distance rest stops, and cleaner, more efficient transport to reduce emissions and private vehicle use, while noting ongoing work under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.

      Women & ChildrenInfrastructureEnvironment Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA

      AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill as a step toward streamlining transport services, while highlighting persistent problems in the North and East, including clashes between private and SLTB bus timetables, racing for passengers, and inadequate services for schoolchildren. He urged the Government to import or provide new buses, improve rural routes and rehabilitate local roads so students, teachers and farmers can access schools and markets more effectively. He also requested that jewellery and valuables from the former LTTE bank, now reportedly transferred from Naval custody to the Police, be returned to proven rightful owners through legal procedures, with any unclaimed remainder used for regional development.

      EducationInfrastructureAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that, under the President’s direction, gold held by the military has been transferred to the Police through the courts and will be subject to proper assay reports. He said the Government intends to return items to claimants who can prove ownership, while using unclaimed gold, along with government contributions, to establish a fund for Northern development with possible diaspora participation.

      Justice & Human RightsPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA

      AI summary He urged that, in handling unclaimed or lost items, authorities should follow legal procedures while also considering identifying details provided by claimants to maximize the return of property to rightful owners, even if remaining assets are used for regional development. He also called for proper implementation of the National Transport Commission (Amendment), including regulation of private and SLTB transport, rehabilitation of local roads, and introduction of rural services to help farmers, fishers, and small entrepreneurs access markets and obtain fair prices.

      EmploymentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake briefly responded to Hon. Adaikkalanathan, stating that the concerns raised could have been addressed more easily if local authorities had been constituted promptly.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB

      AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal addressed the National Transport Commission framework, arguing that student, rural, night, public, private, rail and depot services require major improvements after past mismanagement. He highlighted specific deficiencies in Puttalam, including overcrowded student buses, poor roads, lack of night buses, reduced train services, inadequate depot facilities, fuel arrangements and driver training, and said ministries had been engaged on upgrades such as a generator and filling station improvements. He also proposed coastal road and bridge projects to improve access to Kalpitiya, hospitals, markets and exports, while stating that the Government plans to modernize bus stands and railway stations, import more buses and vehicles, improve driver training, and strengthen transport services.

      EmploymentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB

      AI summary Kins Nelson supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill while highlighting serious operational shortages at the Polonnaruwa SLTB depot, including the need for drivers, conductors, buses, and restored expressway services. He urged additional bus services for Welikanda, Aralaganwila, Dimbulagala, and Kaju Watta, citing schoolchildren and rural residents affected by inadequate transport. He also called for better treatment of returning migrant workers at the airport and questioned the cost, age, and seating configuration of a newly leased aircraft. He further requested accountability over a reported tender involving the removal of fuel storage tanks at Kaduruwela, asking who authorized it and whether public assets had been undervalued.

      InfrastructureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB

      AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena responded to concerns about the Polonnaruwa depot, stating that the shortage is of conductors rather than drivers, with a deficit of 25 conductors. He said around 20 conductors from surplus depots, mainly in the Eastern Region, have been identified for transfer, subject to relocation and accommodation arrangements, with deployment expected after responses within two weeks. He also noted that Kaju Watta is currently served by one trip and that a requested dedicated school bus for Villeyaaya school may be provided once conductor and bus availability improves.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB

      AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims by SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman that NPP councillors would support the SJB mayoral candidate for the Colombo Municipal Council, stating that the NPP would not enter such arrangements and referring to bribery complaints against the candidate. On the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, she said it would strengthen the NTC’s regulatory powers over public transport, including buses, school and office services, three-wheelers, fares, permits, technology use, and passenger and road safety standards. She argued that long-delayed regulatory reforms had contributed to transport sector problems and road safety costs, and framed the Bill as a corrective measure. She also cited the SriLankan Airlines Airbus procurement case as an example of corruption and weak enforcement imposing continuing public costs.

      InfrastructureCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
    • The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB

      AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees vacated the Chair, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha presided.

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    • The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK

      AI summary Supported the Bill amending the National Transport Commission Act, noting that it expands the Commission’s remit to school, three-wheeler, office and other transport modes, and urged that the new regulatory powers be actively used. He requested development of Jaffna International Airport and revival of Vavuniya domestic aviation, as well as restarting a Mannar–India ferry service with port development for cargo. He highlighted road accident deaths and injuries as a major health and economic burden, called for improved school transport in the Vanni, and proposed annual roadworthiness and emissions certification for all public transport vehicles.

      Cost of LivingLaw & OrderInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB

      AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that Sri Lanka’s bus system has developed through repeated institutional changes without a sustained, scientific approach, resulting in inefficiency, unsafe competition, harassment, and poor service. Referring to the recent Gerandi Ella bus tragedy in Nuwara Eliya District, he cited police findings on road conditions, overcrowding, driver fatigue, and inadequate safety controls as evidence for reform. He proposed stronger vehicle inspections, mandatory driver rest and duty schedules, technological fleet and driver monitoring, reduced competition among buses, proper bus chassis standards, modern fleet replacement and maintenance, and relief drivers for long-distance hill-country routes.

      Public FinanceInfrastructureLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB

      AI summary He addressed the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill by focusing on broader transport policy, particularly SriLankan Airlines’ losses and debt, citing a Rs. 3.4 billion first-quarter loss and around USD 1 billion in debt. He argued that the airline’s current financial burden stemmed from policy decisions after the end of the Emirates partnership in 2008, and questioned the Government’s plan for restructuring, partnership, privatization, route rationalization, and debt management. He also called for clearer development policies, support for business and finance, and cautioned against decisions that would reduce higher education opportunities such as at KDU’s medical faculty.

      Public FinanceInfrastructureEmployment Full speech →
    • The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB

      AI summary K. Ilankumaran supported amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, stating that the Bill adds safety and quality regulation for school, three-wheeler, office and bus transport after 34 years without amendment. He highlighted recent and proposed transport improvements in Jaffna and the North, including the extension of the Jaffna-Colombo night train to Moratuwa, rehabilitation of rural roads and the Vattuvagal Bridge, freight rail to Kankesanthurai, a Northern fuel storage terminal, and possible rail-based fuel transport. He also called for restoration of the suspended 5.30 a.m. Jaffna train, improved maritime services and jetties for island communities, and better bus stand sanitation under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.

      InfrastructureEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech →
    • The Hon. R.G. Wijerathna JJB

      AI summary Hon. R.G. Wijerathna supported the transport Amendment, saying it would enable a national policy, new regulations, stronger oversight, a sector code of conduct, and penalties to improve public transport services. He cited inefficiency, politicization, inadequate buses, and unmet needs in rural areas, while noting plans to modernize 50 bus stands this year and another 50 next year. He also linked the reforms to rising vehicle registrations, the need to upgrade roads and public transport, and the allocation of about Rs. 430 billion for national highway rehabilitation.

      InfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill but urged action on congestion and poor conditions at the old Jaffna bus stand, noting its proximity to the Teaching Hospital, alleged drug use, and the underuse of the new long-distance bus terminal. He questioned why Jaffna had not relocated services to the new terminal as Vavuniya had done, and called for integrated timetables and better regulation of SLTB and private buses to address dangerous racing and accidents. He also referred to past allegations he had made and legal consequences he was prepared to face, while calling for sincerity, unity, and truth and justice for all those who died in the conflict.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionLaw & OrderInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB

      AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the amendment to the transport law after 30 years, arguing it is needed to restore discipline and safety in a disordered passenger transport sector. He said the Bill extends regulation beyond buses to school transport, office transport and three-wheelers under a unified framework to protect the public and improve standards. He emphasized that regulation would bring dignity, order and social protection to three-wheeler drivers while addressing crime and misconduct by a minority in the sector.

      Law & OrderInfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB

      AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran responded to references made to him by Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, rejecting allegations of inaction or self-interest. He stated that a committee of local shop owners and residents had been formed to improve the Jaffna bus stand area, including painting, cleaning, and installing CCTV cameras. He also criticized public claims made on YouTube and defended his work as focused on delivering for the Tamil people.

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    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC

      AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed issues relating to transport, highways and ports, framing them as key national development sectors. He indicated concern with the functioning and improvement of these areas, but the provided extract does not include specific proposals, questions, or demands.

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    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC

      AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe urged Members to maintain decorum in Parliament, noting the presence of schoolchildren and the need to respect parliamentary dignity. He requested the Government to resume halted infrastructure projects in the Eastern Province, including two RDA-tendered bridges in Pottuvil and the Majithpuram–Vedatheevu bridge linked to resettlement in Muthur. He also called for basic facilities at the upgraded Pottuvil bus depot, reopening of the Sammanturai sub bus depot, and restoration of the Kalmunai railway seat reservation office to reduce inconvenience for passengers.

      Parliamentary ProcedureInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake supported the amendment to the National Transport Commission Act, noting that the 1991 law has not been significantly modernized despite major changes in passenger transport. He argued that regulation should cover buses, railways, three-wheelers, ferries, school transport and pedestrian safety, citing recent fatal crashes, unsafe ferry services in the North, overloaded vehicles and unsafe vehicle modifications. He called for stronger safety oversight and the integration of technology across transport systems, stating that the amendment is timely.

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    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB

      AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena defended the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill as a timely response to rising road deaths and recent public concern following the Giriulla bus tragedy. He said the Bill would expand NTC authority from only inter-provincial private buses to all public service buses, school transport, office transport, and public-use three-wheelers, applying safety inspection standards, fare regulation, permit controls, training powers, and stronger penalties nationwide. He also outlined planned reforms including card payments to reduce revenue leakage, GPS-based unified timetables, online booking, CCTV monitoring, driver drowsiness detection, and a national public transport data repository. He additionally challenged an earlier Member’s allegations linking containers, terrorism, foreign travel, and arms, asking that they be repeated outside Parliament or expunged.

      Public FinanceInfrastructureLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB

      AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the National Transport Commission’s School and Rural Services are being subsidized by Rs. 1.5–2.0 billion annually for routes where private buses are not viable, and asked Members to identify underserved localities while the Government works to improve reimbursement rates. He noted that 500 SLTB buses are being repaired, with about 300 already deployed, and invited proposals for feasible new inter-regional routes that reduce reliance on Colombo and other hubs. He also outlined action on unsafe railway level crossings, elephant-train collisions through visibility, signage and sensor pilots, and said the Government would address corruption in transport agencies, citing recent arrests at the Department of Motor Traffic.

      EnvironmentCorruption & Governance ReformInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Moved the Third Reading of the Bill and requested leave to correct typographical, grammatical, and numerical errors and make consequential amendments. The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a Third time and passed.

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