Sitting of Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1751280704002343 ·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: Annual Reports and Ministerial Consultative Committee Reports 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions: Five Petitions Accepted 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions 52 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna, answering on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, said 1,995 projects were launched in government schools in the Central Province under “The Nearest School - the Best School” programme. He stated that 1,962 projects had been completed, with remaining works to be addressed through 2025 allocations of Rs. 1,000 million to the Central Province Chief Secretary for 29 provincial schools and Rs. 36.58 million to the Central Provincial Department of Education for four projects.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella raised a supplementary question on stalled and deteriorating school infrastructure in the Central Province. She urged the urgent release of Rs. 1,456 million to complete 33 stalled school projects and asked what measures the Government would take regarding nearly 400 schools needing essential maintenance and around 300 village schools at risk, including those under “The Nearest School - The Best School” programme.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary Funds have been allocated for works at all 33 schools, tender processes have been completed, and completion is expected by 2026. He stated that the Government has prioritized funding unfinished school buildings and related facilities this year, with the Central Province’s allocation approximately doubled and many tenders already finalized to expedite completion.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella asked what further measures will be taken to improve the approximately 300 child-friendly classrooms developed in Central Province primary schools under the “The Nearest School - The Best School” sub-project. She emphasized their importance for primary education.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary As part of the education reforms, priority will be given to developing the nearest accessible primary school within a three-kilometre radius. From next year, the programme will be implemented strategically, with resource allocation based on subject-specific needs, including the provision of “friendly classrooms” where required.
Education Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Attorney General had not yet provided the information needed to answer the question. He requested one month to provide a response, and the question was ordered to stand down.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation whether Sri Lanka Railways has leased locomotives, coaches or other equipment for transporting limestone from Palaviya to the Aruwaikadu Quarry. He requested details of the company involved, year-by-year income earned from 2015 to date, and whether the lease agreement will be reviewed in light of current requirements.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Locomotives, coaches and other Sri Lanka Railways equipment have not been leased for limestone transport from Puttalam to the Aruwakadu quarry; instead, transport charges are collected under an agreement with the cement company now known as Siam City Cement Lanka Ltd. The Minister stated that the quarry rail track belongs to the company, locomotives are only hired when needed on a daily basis, and Sri Lanka Railways has earned no lease income from this transport arrangement.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hector Appuhamy argued that Sri Lanka’s limestone reserves are a major national resource that could support cement production for 100–150 years and reduce reliance on cement imports if better utilized. He questioned the basis and authority under which the former Holcim operation was re-leased after its ownership change, and asked whether the Government is satisfied with the fees charged for exploiting the limestone resource.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary The Minister said the question concerns the privatization of the State-owned Puttalam Cement Corporation around 1994–1995, a matter not directly under his purview, and noted that the privatization involved significant irregularities. He explained that agreements with Sri Lanka Railways for the dedicated rail track serving the plant were signed in 1999 with PCCL and later aligned after the company became Holcim Lanka in 2002. He stated that a response from the Ministry of Industries would be appropriate on how to maximize national benefit from the resource.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hector Appuhamy questioned the valuation and payment arrangements for leases and a limestone quarry linked to a locally operating foreign investor, noting concerns over profits being repatriated in dollars. He requested a structured discussion with the cement plant and quarry stakeholders to develop a proper programme, offering support at both district and national levels.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake clarified that Sri Lanka Railways has not leased rail assets, but provides locomotives and wagons as needed on a market-rate service-hire basis. He stated that income from such services between 2015 and 2022 amounted to Rs. 273,409,766, citing annual figures, and advised that broader related policy proposals be discussed with the Minister of Industries.
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath asked the Minister of Energy for details on land acquisition for the Kukuleganga Power Station project, including when acquisition began and the extent acquired. He also sought information on the station’s access road, noting that route 437 buses use it as a public transport road and that part of the road belonging to the power station is allegedly unsafe due to poor maintenance. He asked whether the Government would maintain the relevant section properly or, if not, vest it in the Road Development Authority.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary In response to a question, the Minister stated that the relevant area dates from January 1995 and covers about 340 hectares. He confirmed the existence of the road from Molkawa Aluth Handiya to the Project Junction on the Matugama–Kalawana road, about 1.25 km in length, and said only the Western Province section had been carpeted under the “100,000 km Road Programme,” while uncleared shoulders make it unsafe. He said the Ceylon Electricity Board lacks capacity to maintain the section and that, despite 17 attempts since 29 July 2005 to vest the public road with a responsible authority, no institution has yet assumed responsibility.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath raised concerns about the poor condition of a road between the Agalawatta and Bulathsinhala electorates, noting its importance for access to tourist sites such as Pahiyangala and Makeli Ella. He said overgrowth and road conditions had led to accidents, including a fatal SLTB bus accident, and asked where the road vesting process had stalled and why a required CEB-related payment had not been made.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that he was unaware of any prior question regarding fee payments and said such issues should be addressed through the Pradeshiya and District Coordinating Committees. He added that the Road Development Authority, the DDC, and the District Secretary had been reminded 17 times to take over the matter, and that resolution should proceed through those mechanisms.
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Danushka Ranganath stated that a 15-year issue had been raised at the District Coordinating Committee without receiving a definitive response. He said he would submit the final decision taken there and asked whether the Ministry could intervene to help facilitate a solution.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary The Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that road maintenance is not within the Ceylon Electricity Board’s mandate and should be referred to the Road Development Authority or the District Secretary. He said the CEB could consider contributing if an estimate is provided, but neither the CEB nor the Ministry can fully resolve the matter, and action would have been taken earlier had the DCC conveyed a specific obligation.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Government acknowledges the quality of service provided by the “Suwa Seriya” ambulance service. She further sought details on measures to strengthen and expand the service, or reasons if the Minister does not accept that it provides an excellent service.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service would be improved in phases through short-, medium- and long-term measures. He outlined plans to recruit more Emergency Medical Technicians, use the Rs. 5,000 million budget allocation for procurement and infrastructure, raise public awareness of the 1990 number, maintain ambulances, and continue the “Adopt an Ambulance” programme. He also said the fleet would be expanded by up to 150 ambulances with support from India and the Asian Development Bank, while command centre capacity, training, degree pathways, and advanced life support systems would be developed.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised concerns about inadequate ambulance availability in remote areas, particularly in Matale and at Ilukkumbura Hospital in the Laggala DSD, where services cover 14 divisions and the ambulance is sometimes diverted elsewhere. She noted challenges in meeting the 1990 Suwa Seriya response targets and the continued use of dilapidated ambulances in estate areas despite estate hospital closures, and asked what measures would be taken to address these gaps.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said the 1990 ambulance service has strengthened the existing ambulance system and that increasing its fleet to 450 vehicles should improve coverage, despite some vehicles being unavailable due to technical issues. He stated that hospital-level needs, driver shortages, and technical problems are being assessed, and that ambulance services will be regularized through primary and secondary healthcare reforms. He also undertook to give special attention to the specific locations raised.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna urged the Government to prioritize upgrading Laggala Hospital to a Type A Base Hospital, noting that approvals had been pending and residents of the large Laggala DSD often travel over 100 kilometres for treatment. She specifically requested improved ambulance facilities for the hospital. She also thanked the authorities for regularizing Dengue Task Force staff after more than nine years of service, citing the risk of dengue increasing with the rains.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna sought clarification on whether 301 additional personnel in the relevant cadre who possess O/L qualifications would also be regularized. She asked the Minister to state what steps would be taken in relation to their status.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Laggala Hospital would be developed according to the Ministry of Health’s 2022 circular, with facilities provided for its current category and progress toward BH Type A status subject to resources, following an assessment visit. He said cadre regularization had been completed for 642 Field Mosquito Control Assistants/Health Work Assistants, with pending cases delayed by documentation issues and wider decisions on similarly recruited staff across institutions. He assured that the remaining eligible staff, including those with GCE O/L qualifications and the broader group of about 980, would be regularized shortly.
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara drew the Minister’s attention to reported shortages at Anuradhapura Hospital, including a lack of medicines and difficulties in obtaining basic items needed for procedures such as inserting cannulas. He requested that the Minister look into the situation.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa briefly noted that the matter would be examined, despite a debate being scheduled for the evening.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked the Minister of Transport whether bus owners who had surrendered National Transport Commission route permits during the import suspension, after selling unserviceable buses, were later charged outstanding “cart sheet” fees by Provincial Passenger Transport Authorities for the non-operational period when deploying new buses. He argued that such charges are unfair because operators could not purchase replacement buses while imports were suspended, and requested the Government’s proposed solution or reasons if no relief is to be provided.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that route permit holders who sold unroadworthy buses during the vehicle import suspension were unable to replace them until imports resumed, and many surrendered permits to the National Transport Commission during that period. He said written instructions had been issued, and reissued where necessary, to Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authorities to waive log sheet fees for periods when permit books and labels were held by authorities or buses were not in operation. He accepted that charging such fees for non-operational periods was unfair and said authorities are being reminded to grant the relevant exemptions.
- The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Sujeewa Dissanayake asked the Minister of Transport what action is being taken to address alleged irregularities and excessive charges in the issuing of route permits by Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authorities. He noted that high costs imposed on bus owners for permits when introducing or replacing buses have reduced the number of new buses entering service.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that route permit issuance had long been affected by corruption and political patronage, and said a full audit of past permits has begun to identify and correct irregularities. He said the current administration will issue no new permits without a tender process, including in response to requests from Members. He invited Members, through Coordinating Committees, to propose new sustainable bus routes, noting that bus imports have been permitted and that around 60–65 viable routes should be identified for tendered permits.
- The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake raised a supplementary question on delays in inter-provincial, provincial, and rural bus services where integrated timetables are absent. Citing Route 17 between Panadura and Kandy as an example, he asked what steps the Ministry of Transport would take to reduce excessive travel times and slow operations that inconvenience passengers.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Ministry aims to implement integrated timetables for SLTB and private buses, citing the Southern Province model and planned implementation in the Puttalam Corridor, while addressing passenger inconvenience at hubs such as Pettah and Jaffna. He stated that rebuilding the weakened SLTB is necessary for effective integration and to avoid private monopolies. He also announced plans to study a Budget proposal to subsidize loss-making rural SLTB routes by expanding the “Gami Saraniya” scheme, and asked Members to identify needed routes through District Coordinating Committees.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Minister answered a question on the New Shopping Complex in Minuwangoda, stating that it has 93 stalls and tabled a detailed schedule as Annex 01. He said not all stalls are operated by the original lessees, with some being run by other persons, and tabled a further schedule as Annex 02. He added that the Minuwangoda Urban Council is verifying the legality of such occupants and taking appropriate legal action.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody raised a supplementary question about alleged irregularities in the construction and allocation of shops in the Minuwangoda market complex. He said promised shop allocations to former occupants had not been honoured, many shops were closed or occupied by persons other than contracted lessees, and the complex suffered from mismanagement and sanitation problems. He asked which officials allowed these alleged illegal activities to continue and whether legal action would be taken against them.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody questioned who permitted the alleged illegal acts to continue and asked whether legal action would be taken.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody asked the Minister to identify who allowed the alleged illegal acts to continue and whether legal action would be taken against those responsible. He framed the request as reasonable and sought a direct government response.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the new complex has 93 stalls, but serious irregularities have arisen in their leasing, including 32 stalls being used by persons other than the original lessees. He said the Ministry will conduct a formal investigation into how such use was permitted, how money was collected, and whether unrecorded payments occurred, and will take action against those responsible. He also noted that 31 stalls remain unallocated and said past institutional failures and possible irregularities during local authority formations will be examined, with legal action to follow if warranted.
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody asked whether measures could be taken to curb and prevent prolonged illegal activities and inefficiency allegedly committed under former administrations, including former Mayors and councillors. The question was framed as a second supplementary seeking possible action against such conduct.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary A formal Ministry-level inquiry will be conducted into identified inefficiency and lack of transparency. The Minister stated that legal action will be taken against those responsible for any irregularities found.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary Tea smallholders account for about 75 per cent of Sri Lanka’s total tea production, and there were 662 registered tea factories as of 2015, of which 567 were producing, with the highest numbers in Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Matara districts. The Minister stated that the Sri Lanka Tea Board inspects factories for new registrations, reactivations and renewals, and conducts monthly inspections covering production, processes and fair prices. He also said active factories may cease production temporarily or permanently due to management weaknesses, inadequate green leaf supply, ownership disputes, disasters, environmental issues or Tea Board suspensions under the Tea Control Act.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB
AI summary The Hon. Lal Premanath asked whether, since the National People’s Power took office, the Government had identified any special circumstances leading to the closure of tea factories. He referred to a claim by a senior tea-sector official that hundreds of factories had closed, noting that no such situation existed when he submitted the question.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected media reports claiming that hundreds of tea factories had closed under the NPP Government, stating that the remarks had been misreported and later corrected by officials. He said 213 factories had closed since 1986, including six in 2025, and attributed closures to longstanding issues such as management deficiencies and inadequate leaf supply rather than recent government action.
- The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB
AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath highlighted the continued global importance of “Ceylon Tea” and argued that some tea factory closures stem from poorly planned or unscientific establishment, while well-managed factories have remained resilient. He asked whether the Government has identified such nationally important, scientifically established factories and whether a special support programme or policy vision exists to strengthen their contribution to the tea industry.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister said past approvals for tea factories were often granted without proper feasibility studies, harming nearby operations, and stated that the new Government will require such studies before approving new factories. He identified inadequate green leaf supply as a central problem and outlined a strategic plan to raise finished tea production from 262 million kilograms last year to 400 million kilograms by 2030. He said the Ministry plans to replant marginal tea lands, revive closed factories, and transparently allocate some to suitable investors through partnerships involving underutilized lands and public assets. He also said he would meet factory owners within a week to discuss their issues and possible Ministry relief.
- The Hon. Ajith Agalakada (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika) JJB
AI summary In a tabled answer to a question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media, it was stated that organized racist, religious and hateful statements on social media are addressed under laws including the Online Safety Act, ICCPR Act, Penal Code, Police Ordinance, Offensive Publications Regulations, and Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Ministry said it does not hold data on enforcement action, which is handled by Sri Lanka Police, and that the Government is preparing a structured programme to counter media misinformation and prevent recurrence of such issues.
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