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
- 14 Papers Presentation of Bills 4 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations 62 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage moved for parliamentary approval of regulations made under the Convention Against Doping in Sports Act, No. 33 of 2013. The regulations were published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2430/24 of 3 April 2025, presented on 3 June 2025, and had received Cabinet approval.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the regulations under the Convention Against Doping in Sports Act, No. 33 of 2013, explaining that they update Sri Lanka’s prohibited substances list in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency framework. He noted that SLADA was established as a standalone agency in 2013 after anti-doping functions had previously operated under the Sports Medicine Unit, and stressed that regular updates are needed because prohibited substances may be supplied through coaches, medical personnel, nutritionists, supplement providers, and others around athletes. He said the regulations are important for the 74 sports federations registered under the Ministry and for maintaining clean sport, including in contexts involving animals used in sport.
Law & Order Full speech → - Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported updated controls on prohibited stimulants in sport, stressing their importance for athletes, federations, coaches, medical and nutrition professionals, and sponsors. He outlined the health, disciplinary, and reputational consequences of doping, cited international and Sri Lankan cases, and reported SLADA testing and awareness figures for 2023-2025, including funds allocated in 2025 for testing and education. He noted that Sri Lanka sends samples to a WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar due to the lack of local accredited facilities, and said action would be taken to curb imports of prohibited substances while promoting clean sport through education, oversight, nutrition, technology, and sports ethics.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker recognized Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam to speak next and allocated him 15 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker invited Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan to speak or proceed with his intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan requested additional speaking time for the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, noting that it is the third largest party in Parliament with eight MPs. He said the party did not walk out and wanted to place on record longstanding issues affecting its constituents, including the unresolved national question and the consequences of decades of war.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker called on Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam to speak next and allocated him 15 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a procedural question following the walkout of some Opposition Members. He asked how speaking time would be allocated in light of their absence.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker stated that he would await instructions from the Chief Opposition Whip’s Office regarding time management.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said his party remained in the debate despite the main Opposition’s walkout in order to raise district concerns, while criticizing the Government for limiting Opposition speaking opportunities. Welcoming the anti-doping regulations, he argued that talented youths in the North and East are often unable to compete nationally or internationally due to lack of financial and institutional support, citing wrestling, kabaddi, cricket, and athletics examples. He urged the Ministry of Sports to identify and support talent at school and district level, and requested sports infrastructure in Batticaloa, including a 400-metre track, a public swimming pool, and an integrated sports centre.
- Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra raised a point of order during a sports debate, objecting that another Member had referred to him and was speaking on matters outside the subject under discussion. He argued that the alleged irregularities being raised related to a period when that Member was aligned with Namal Rajapaksa’s “Nil Balakaya,” and urged the House to keep the debate to the relevant topic.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to remarks by a Deputy Minister, saying they were unfounded and reflected conduct that had led the Opposition to boycott proceedings. He clarified that his earlier intervention concerned requests for support for young athletes facing practical barriers, including passports and funding for overseas travel, rather than allegations of irregularities. He cited examples involving a karate group, the Kiran kabaddi team, and an athlete named Sanjeev, and linked the Government’s conduct to its poor local election performance.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said the Government’s conduct had led to the NPP failing to secure leadership positions in 11 of 12 local authorities in Batticaloa, despite holding district-level authority. He criticised alleged district-level arrangements between the NPP and the party linked to Pillayan, who is imprisoned in connection with the Easter attacks and other murder allegations, saying ITAK had refused similar offers on principle. He added that his remarks focused on regional development concerns, including opportunities for local youth to participate in international tournaments.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam requested additional time as the sole Opposition speaker and said his remarks were intended to raise constructive issues rather than merely criticize. He suggested that certain local-level dealings may be occurring without NPP leaders’ knowledge, and referred to his earlier comments on doping in the context of obstacles preventing youth from developing and participating in international tournaments. He objected to being personally labelled “Nil Balakaya” in response to those points.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to being limited in speaking time, noting that no other Opposition Members were scheduled to speak and that his party had remained in the debate expecting to raise its concerns. He requested that the Chair consult the Secretary-General and allow additional time, arguing that unused Opposition time should be available to him as a representative of the third-largest party.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to limitations on Opposition speaking time, noting that he was the only Opposition speaker scheduled and that his party was the third-largest in Parliament. He implied that restricting his opportunity to speak amounted to suppressing Opposition representation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam responded to remarks about his past affiliation with the SLFP, stating that he had never concealed it and rejecting any attempt to portray it as wrongdoing. He contrasted this with government members’ past praise of Mahinda Rajapaksa, urged the Deputy Minister not to engage in “cheap politics,” and referred to their previous cooperation against corruption in the District Development Committee. He also sought additional speaking time, questioning whether he would be interrupted again.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam linked the anti-doping debate to land access in the North and East, arguing that youths need released public and school grounds to develop sports facilities and participate in legitimate sport. He said successive governments had used the Forest Department to appropriate Tamil lands, particularly lands abandoned during the war and later gazetted as forest, and proposed recognizing only pre-1985 forest declarations while releasing other such lands. He reiterated the need for a political settlement with genuine devolution or federal arrangements, while also demanding immediate action on land disputes and the release of grounds under Forest Department or military control, including Gurukulamadam School playground in Batticaloa.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to the limited speaking time given to the remaining Opposition Members after the main Opposition’s walkout, noting that only six Opposition MPs were present, including ITAK members. He argued that issues such as Army control of the Gurukulamadam ground were directly relevant to the debate because they affected sports development in the North and East. He urged the Chair to allow Tamil party representatives adequate time to raise concerns affecting their communities, including difficulties in forming local council administrations.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam requested that he be allowed sufficient time to complete his speech. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam requests approximately 30 additional minutes to continue his speech until the lunch break and states that he will then conclude.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam requested additional speaking time, arguing that the remaining Opposition MPs needed an opportunity to contribute to the debate. He noted that although the main Opposition had walked out, his group remained in the Chamber and was helping proceedings continue, and therefore asked that they be given due respect.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam defended ITAK’s record and said the party should not be drawn into government–opposition disputes or subjected to unfounded allegations. Referring to the debate on regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, he linked sports development in the North and East to the release of lands held by the Forest Department and the military, citing the Kurukkalmadam Army Camp ground as an example needed for schoolchildren. He urged the President and Government to provide a clear timeline on Tamil representatives’ demands, including Provincial Council elections, so ITAK could justify cooperation with the Government to its constituents.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB
AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya supported regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, stating that Sri Lanka must align with the annually updated WADA Prohibited List to protect athletes and the integrity of sport, including disciplines such as equestrian events. He said the regulations distinguish between substances prohibited at all times and those restricted near or during competition. He also responded to Opposition protests by referring to the Colombo Municipal Council mayoral vote, defending the secret ballot process and linking it to broader claims about NPP electoral support and government policy, including electricity tariffs.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act and urged merit-based, non-political sports governance with greater opportunities and facilities for youth in the North and East, particularly in Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and surrounding areas. He called for immediate action on long-delayed sports grounds and complexes, including Mullaitivu, Naruvilikulam, Pallimunai and Emilnagar, requested an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Emilnagar ground project, and asked the Minister to address inactive football league administration and court-ignored federation issues. He also raised concern over the renewed Chemmani mass grave excavations, citing earlier findings and the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case, and demanded proper excavation and investigation to establish the truth.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala addressed the debate on regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, noting that the State Minister for Sports had presented the relevant details and that the line Minister was present to respond. He also referred to the Opposition’s walkout over an issue concerning the Speaker and questioned the reasons for their sudden change in position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that opposition members walked out after the Colombo Mayor election result and were now challenging a process they had accepted before losing. He said the secret ballot had been requested by an opposition councillor and unanimously approved by the Council, and cited Section 66C of the Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, to state that the Provincial Commissioner presides over the first sitting and the mode of election may be decided by members present. He defended the Provincial Commissioner’s conduct, criticized attacks on her after the vote, and said the government would protect public officers who act according to law without fear.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe – Deputy Minister of Labour
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe criticized the Opposition’s walkout over the Iran–Israel conflict, arguing that it had not used the proper procedure under Standing Order 27(2) and was instead reacting to setbacks in forming local authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council. He alleged inconsistency in Opposition alliances with parties they had previously accused of corruption, and called for investigations into reported losses to the CMC from parking contracts linked to politicians. He said the Government would act impartially, represent all communities, and continue development initiatives in the North, including roads and a proposed international cricket ground in Jaffna. He also supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, stating they would help strengthen sport, discipline, and public health.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage argued that sports, alongside education and the arts, should be used to build national unity, ethical leadership, discipline, and better physical and mental health. Referring to doping regulations, he said athletes may use banned substances knowingly or unknowingly through pharmacies, gym instructors, or others, and called for broader public awareness starting in schools. He proposed strengthening the school curriculum beyond the current brief Grade 10 health text reference, including the legal, health, and social consequences of doping, while promoting school, youth, adult, and community sports.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
AI summary Moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was put to the House and agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported giving domestic effect to WADA’s annually updated prohibited substances and methods list, arguing that anti-doping regulation is necessary to protect fair competition and the futures of young athletes. She cited international and Sri Lankan examples of doping-related sanctions and called for awareness and testing to extend to schools, alongside equal opportunities for rural and under-resourced athletes. She also referred to government initiatives including an all-island clean sport programme, planned sports schools in five provinces, doubled stipends for sports school students, and efforts to attract investment into sports infrastructure.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana – Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, incorporating WADA’s 2025 prohibited list, and stressed the need to educate athletes about common medications that may trigger anti-doping violations. He noted examples such as beta-agonists, corticosteroids and beta-blockers, and urged stronger awareness by the Ministry. He also referred to increased nutrition stipends for sports school students, strengthening school-level sport, early childhood play, and Youth Clubs at GN division level as measures to promote a healthy and socially cohesive generation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Anti-Doping Convention, emphasizing the need to prevent stimulant and illegal drug use in sport while strengthening youth participation and national representation. He said the Government is giving particular attention to sports development in the North and East, citing athletes from Jaffna and Mullaitivu and plans for an international cricket ground, an indoor arena, and a training centre in Jaffna. He also stated that the Government intends to host an international sports event in Jaffna within its term and framed these initiatives as part of a people-centred approach beyond ethnic or sectarian politics.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB
AI summary Dr. Jagath Gunawardana supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, stating that they are needed to protect fair competition, clean sport, and Sri Lanka’s sporting reputation. He highlighted the rising use of banned substances, including among school athletes, and noted that SLADA conducts awareness programmes for athletes, coaches, and teachers. He said Sri Lanka currently relies on urine testing but plans to introduce blood testing as well, and called for stronger deterrence, border controls on prohibited stimulants, and implementation of the 2025 prohibited list gazetted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih JJB
AI summary Dr. Rizvie Salih supported the Bill to curb banned substances in competitive sports in line with WADA directives, arguing that anti-doping policy should be punitive, preventive, proactive and rehabilitative, with responsibility extending to coaches, trainers, sponsors and institutions. He called for mandatory registration and licensing of gyms, certification of trainers, regulation or banning of harmful supplements, and awareness campaigns targeting students and parents, citing health risks and possible narcotics activity linked to unregulated gym culture. He also briefly congratulated the Colombo Municipal Council members and urged action on Gaza, calling for an end to violence and support for a UN-endorsed two-State solution based on 1967 borders.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport, stressing that doping violations have cost Sri Lankan athletes medals, careers, and the country’s reputation. She argued that, because Sri Lanka has a limited pool of elite athletes, stronger anti-doping safeguards and support systems are needed to protect national sporting talent. She also noted the Ministry of Sports’ scholarship programme for 900 high-performing schoolchildren and called for the restoration and upgrading of neglected sports facilities across the country.
- Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees called Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, to speak and allocated him 16 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the regulations under the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act update Sri Lanka’s prohibited substances list for 2025 in line with WADA, reflecting new substances and risks identified internationally. He argued that doping is driven by excessive pressure to win and poses serious long-term health risks, especially from anabolic agents, stimulants, hormones and contaminated supplements, including among school athletes. He said SLADA conducts national, school-level and pre-international testing with about Rs. 80 million in annual funding, and that penalties include competition bans, recovery of prize money and possible career-ending consequences. He linked anti-doping efforts to the broader need to build a disciplined, healthy sports culture and reduce youth involvement in illicit drugs.
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Trade Tariffs and Iran-Israel Conflict Impact 17 speeches