Sitting of Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1750929357043199 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Regulations, Annual Reports and Ministerial Consultative Committee Reports 5 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order and Question Scheduling 17 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question Q.279/2024: SMS Service for Electricity Bills 7 speeches
- 6 Procedural Oral Question Q.307/2024 (Standalone, Deferred) 4 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question Q.??/2024: Gin River Overflow and Flood Management 6 speeches
- 8 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order and Question Scheduling 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question Q.??/2025: Mahapola Educational and Trade Fair 4 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question Q.??/2025: Land Reform Commission Employee Land Grants 8 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Questions Second Round Q.875/2025 and Related Questions 9 speeches
- 12 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Chemmani Cemetery and Related Issues (Q.27(2)) 46 speeches
- 13 Procedural Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy 79 speeches
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said Members were entitled to discuss the Israel-Iran conflict and its possible effects on Sri Lanka’s economy, remittances and trade, but argued that the Opposition had already had procedural opportunities to raise it under Standing Order 27(2) or during the adjournment debate. He criticized the resulting dispute as unnecessary and objected to Members insulting the Chair, urging that parliamentary dignity and order be maintained.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought the Speaker’s permission to be given an opportunity to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested the Speaker’s permission to raise a matter of national importance, asking for about one to one and a half minutes to present it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the escalating Israel-Iran military situation and its potential impact on Sri Lankan citizens living and working in Israel. He called on the Government to inform Parliament of measures taken to ensure their safety and protection. He also noted possible economic consequences for Sri Lanka, including through oil prices and effects on industry, tea, and exports.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide a formal response to an issue being raised in Parliament, arguing that the House is the appropriate forum for presenting such matters.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that he was raising an important point directly connected to the matter under discussion. No further details or specific proposal were provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Speaker to pause briefly before proceedings continued.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara indicated that the matter was being raised by the Chief Opposition Whip. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy position was presented in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that permission had not been granted, which prompted the request being made. The remark appears to challenge or clarify a procedural issue in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa begins responding to a question raised by Members, but the provided excerpt contains no substantive details of the issue, answer, proposal, or policy context. Therefore, no specific parliamentary position or request can be identified from the available text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath noted that the Opposition intended to raise a question regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. The excerpt provided contains only the opening reference to that issue and does not include further argument, proposals, or demands.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera briefly requested the Speaker’s permission to respond because his name had been mentioned during the proceedings. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka briefly requested the Chair to allow the Chief Opposition Whip an opportunity to speak. The intervention was procedural and did not raise a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara objected to a procedural requirement, questioning whether even the Chief Opposition Whip must raise matters under Standing Order 27(2). His remark challenged the application of parliamentary procedure in the context of seeking permission to raise an issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concern over a nationally significant matter involving Sri Lanka’s ties with Iran and Israel. He noted that Iran is a major buyer of Sri Lankan tea, affecting many livelihoods, while many Sri Lankan workers are employed in Israel, underscoring the economic and employment implications of the issue.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Raised concern about a possible fuel distribution issue and requested the Government to state whether preparations are in place. Asked for clarification on the Government’s plan to address the situation.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would respond later that evening to the issue being raised by Opposition Members. He said there was no need to address it during the current hour and requested Members to be present in the Chamber to hear the Ministry’s reply.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake remarked that by evening none of the relevant members would remain present in the Chamber. The statement was a brief observation concerning expected attendance during the parliamentary sitting.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera addressed the Speaker and senior parliamentary officeholders, including the Chief Government Whip, Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Opposition Whip. No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or demand is presented in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera briefly affirmed that the relevant parties have the right to speak. No specific policy proposal, question, or legislative issue was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy answered Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s Standing Order 27(2) question by setting out current generation cost ranges by source and stating that large power procurements above 100 MW will use international competitive bidding, with payments made only in local currency. He said domestic competition is currently limited and may be linked, so procurement policy will be reviewed to avoid cartel behaviour and excessive prices. He also stated that the Government will proceed with the previously cancelled LNG project, with supplies planned from 2028, and noted that the CEB’s tariff proposal for June–December 2025 indicates a 15% electricity tariff increase.
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions should not be used to question or reduce renewable energy use. He said proposals had been submitted to retain sub-10 MW power supplies locally without foreign tenders, and requested that renewable energy usage be maintained at least at current levels.
- Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody clarified that the Government is not reducing renewable energy generation in favour of fuel-based generation. He explained that solar power is available only during the day, while fuel generation may be used to meet minimum night-time demand when necessary. He stated that since taking office, the Government has not curtailed renewables to generate electricity from diesel or petroleum.
Environment Full speech → - Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly stated that solar power generation can be stored using battery systems. The remark points to the role of energy storage in supporting renewable electricity use.
Environment Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake warned that Iran’s reported intention to close the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a fuel crisis and argued that Sri Lanka’s response should be to accelerate renewable energy. He said this was why he raised the matter earlier in the day, indicating concern that the issue was not being adequately addressed when brought up with ministers.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake noted that he had raised the matter under Standing Order 27(2) and was now posing a supplementary question. The available extract is incomplete and does not specify the substantive issue, proposal, or demand being pursued.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that the issue under discussion should not be viewed solely as Sri Lanka’s oil problem. He appeared to frame it as a broader concern, though no specific proposal or demand was included in the excerpt.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly indicates that he has been granted time to pose a question and proceeds to do so. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand is stated in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake’s intervention was incomplete, consisting only of the opening remark that “they have forgotten that—”. No substantive argument, proposal, question, or policy position was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Minister to expedite renewable energy initiatives, citing the risk of a worsening oil situation amid the Iran–Israel conflict. He asked why the Government was proceeding with renewables in the current manner and called for faster action at least until the international crisis is resolved.
- Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody rejected the Opposition’s claim that the Government is positioning petroleum-based power against renewable energy. He stated that renewables would not be reduced in favour of petroleum generation and that alternatives would be pursued if oil were unavailable.
Environment Full speech → - Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake briefly prefaced his remarks by stating that he was speaking from the perspective of a former Minister. No substantive policy position, proposal, question, or demand is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka should support locally produced renewable energy, including battery storage, as a cheaper alternative to oil-based power generation. He questioned why paying local entrepreneurs Rs. 25–30 per unit for renewable electricity is seen as problematic when oil-based electricity costs Rs. 70–100 per unit, and linked the proposal to economic and GDP benefits. He referenced IMF representatives’ advice to “think outside the box” as support for such an approach.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that Sri Lanka needs to increase its GDP. No specific policy measures or proposals were outlined in the speech.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asserted the right of Members to speak in Parliament. No further substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand was raised in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa requested the Speaker to allow him to speak, noting that time had been given to the Chief Government Whip to make observations.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected that the Chief Opposition Whip was not being given the same opportunity to raise points as the Chief Government Whip. He raised a procedural concern about equal treatment of government and opposition representatives in parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected that freedom of speech in the House was being obstructed and argued that the Chair has a duty to treat Government and Opposition members equally. He specifically protested that the Chief Government Whip was allowed to speak while the Chief Opposition Whip was denied the opportunity.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected to what he described as unequal treatment in parliamentary proceedings. He urged that the Opposition be treated consistently and fairly under the same standards applied to others.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected to the Speaker’s conduct, alleging that Opposition Members were not being allowed to present their views democratically. He stated that if such treatment continued, the Opposition could not continue to sit in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected to what he described as unequal treatment between the Chief Government Whip and the Chief Opposition Whip in parliamentary proceedings. He raised the issue as a procedural concern, implying that both positions should be afforded equivalent recognition or opportunity within the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that his side was leaving the Chamber and told the Speaker to proceed with the proceedings as he wished.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the proceedings could continue as the Government wished and indicated that the Opposition would leave the Chamber. Following his remark, some Opposition Members walked out.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the Government had responded to all scheduled Oral Questions and an SO 27(2) matter, and that an adjournment question on the Iran–Israel conflict had also been allowed under procedure. He accused some Opposition MPs of misusing Standing Orders for disruption and media attention, including by blaming the Speaker during a visit by UN human rights representatives. He urged the Leader of the Opposition to take responsibility for the conduct of Opposition MPs and to ensure respect for Parliament and the Speaker.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 14 Papers Presentation of Bills 4 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations 62 speeches
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact 17 speeches