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
- 5 Procedural Procedural: Urgent Debate Motion on Israel–Iran War (Standing Order 19) 10 speeches
- 6 Debate Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 44 speeches
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Moved approval of Gazette Extraordinary No. 2429/51 under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, specifying 53 countries and relevant courts whose judgments may be recognized and enforced in Sri Lanka. He said the Act addresses a previous legal gap, mainly supporting civil debt recovery and matrimonial decrees while excluding taxes, fines, charges, and criminal penalties, and is intended to reduce relitigation and enforcement costs. He also clarified that electoral reform and repeal of presidential and parliamentary benefits were removed from the Justice Ministry Action Plan because they fall outside its line functions, while Cabinet has approved proposals to draft repeal legislation on presidential entitlements and parliamentary pensions.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa raised concerns about prisoners transferred to Sri Lanka from Kuwait and the Maldives under prisoner exchange arrangements, noting uncertainty over how their conviction periods and remission eligibility are calculated locally. He said some co-accused in the foreign jurisdictions have already been released, while the transferred prisoners in Sri Lanka continue to serve full terms, and asked the Minister to address the issue since it is not covered by the relevant Regulations.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara explained that prisoners transferred to Sri Lanka after sentencing abroad remain subject to the transfer agreement and the sentencing country’s law, so local statutory remission cannot be applied unless the foreign documentation permits it. He noted that some countries provide clear remission or time-served details, while unclear documentation can result in the full foreign sentence continuing after transfer. He said the issue lies in treaty and documentation requirements rather than the Prisons Department, and undertook to examine standardizing procedures to ensure eligible remission or time served abroad is properly credited.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara briefly moved or supported the procedural step by indicating assent, after which the Chair stated that the question was proposed. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or demand was made in the recorded speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman alleged that the Western Province Commissioner of Local Government mishandled the Colombo Municipal Council mayoral election process by insisting on a secret ballot despite an Opposition request for an open vote. Citing section 66A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012 and ministry guidelines, he argued that members present should first have decided the voting method through a recorded vote. He contrasted this with procedures followed in the Central Province and claimed the Western Province Commissioner acted under political pressure, calling for adherence to public service conduct and democratic norms.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman criticized the Government for allegedly using derogatory rhetoric against the Opposition to distract from its failures over the previous six months. He argued that, despite seeking a mandate for systemic change, the Government had resorted to deal-making politics and had disrespected the voters who supported it.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne responded to Opposition criticism over local government procedures, arguing that non-binding guidelines cannot override statutory duties under the 2012 Act and citing a 14 June 2025 ministerial clarification directing Commissioners to act according to law. She then supported the Orders under the Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, stating that designating 53 countries would facilitate enforcement of foreign civil judgments, including divorce and monetary decrees, and assist the diaspora. She linked the measure to efforts to reduce court backlogs, noting broader work on staffing, resources, infrastructure and digitization, and welcomed the Opposition’s requested special debate.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the CMC mayoral election law generally requires open voting, and that any move to secret voting must be properly determined with reasons and, in his view, majority support rather than on a single member’s request. Addressing Orders under Act No. 49 of 2024 on recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, he questioned how 53 designated countries were selected and whether reciprocity, comparability of legal systems, and Foreign Affairs consultation had been verified. He asked the Minister to clarify these matters and proposed practical assistance through Sri Lankan missions for citizens facing foreign proceedings, to prevent unaffordable overseas cases leading to ex parte judgments enforceable in Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper called for dedicated sections in Sri Lanka’s overseas missions to protect citizens abroad and facilitate necessary services under the relevant Orders.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The remarks supported Orders under Act No. 49 of 2024 to recognize and enforce designated foreign civil judgments in Sri Lanka, particularly monetary and divorce decrees, describing them as beneficial to Sri Lankans abroad by avoiding re-litigation. It was stated that consultation with the Foreign Minister or Attorney-General under the Act is discretionary rather than mandatory. The speech also rejected Opposition claims about the legality of a CMC secret ballot, saying the matter should be taken to court if contested, and emphasized that judicial reforms require implementation capacity, including staffing, infrastructure, digitization, and process improvements.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Orders under the Foreign Judgments Act, while noting that they apply only to civil and commercial judgments and suggesting future consideration of criminal cooperation frameworks. He questioned the exclusion of major partner countries such as China, Russia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, called for longer appeal or objection periods, and urged clearer criteria for ministerial discretion. He also argued that open voting is preferable to secret ballots in the CMC context and raised concerns about reported shift and overtime changes affecting Ceylon Petroleum Corporation workers, asking the Government to intervene.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody defended the Colombo Municipal Council secret ballot process, stating it was unanimously agreed after being proposed by an Opposition member and that secret ballots protect members’ ability to vote according to conscience. He supported the Orders on recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, particularly in monetary and divorce matters, arguing they would reduce delays and difficulties for parties living in different jurisdictions and strengthen international legal cooperation. He also suggested that future legal frameworks consider certain criminal matters where offenders flee abroad, to improve accountability through domestic and international mechanisms.
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary The Member spoke during debate on Orders under Act No. 49 of 2024 and referred to recent local authority outcomes, stating that the Government side had secured control of the Colombo, Kolonnawa and Nuwara Eliya municipal councils. He argued that the Opposition’s criticism over the Colombo Municipal Council process was unfounded, citing seat numbers, ward results and a unanimous decision to proceed by secret ballot. He also urged that parliamentary proceedings not be disrupted and linked the local election results to the Government’s broader programme to rebuild the country.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara – Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary Hon. Hemali Weerasekara, as Deputy Chairperson of Committees, called on Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara to speak and informed him that he had 11 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that, while supporting the recognition of foreign judgments, the Government must also uphold judicial independence and avoid political interference in judicial appointments. He questioned the handling of Justice Bandula Karunarathna’s pre-retirement leave, the appointment of an acting Court of Appeal President, and the repeated non-elevation of Justice Mohamed Laffar to the Supreme Court despite seniority, asking why a recent recommendation for Laffar’s appointment was reportedly withdrawn. He also raised concerns over the implementation of Vesak prison remissions and pardons, citing alleged procedural irregularities and confusion arising from a 1 May 2025 circular, and called for the restoration of proper procedures for general amnesty and prisoner remission.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara – Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees intervened procedurally to request that the Member speaking conclude their remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the traditional general amnesty system has become conflated with Presidential pardons, disrupting predictable relief mechanisms such as remission for prisoners held for non-payment of fines. He said prison officers are reluctant to act due to fear of repercussions and urged the Government to correct the situation immediately.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara – Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees recognized Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law, and allocated her 12 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne defended the NPP’s mandate in the Colombo Municipal Council following controversy over the election of the CMC Mayor, rejecting Opposition claims that combined numbers behind other parties should outweigh the leading party’s result. She argued that Colombo voters chose the NPP to end corruption, inequality, poor housing, neglected canals, and failures in city administration, and highlighted the appointment of Vera Kelly Balthazar as the first NPP Mayor of Colombo. She called for the people’s mandate to be respected and said no one had the right to challenge it.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported scrutiny of the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, but asked the Government to explain how Sri Lankan citizens involved in foreign proceedings would receive consular coordination, legal support, due process safeguards, and practical assistance, especially in countries without embassies or in cases such as fishermen detained in India. He argued that a procedural framework and dedicated programme should accompany reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments to ensure citizens can effectively participate before judgments are recognized or enforced. He also raised concerns about recent local authority power formations, alleging that a Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha member was arrested before a vote and denied the opportunity to vote, and questioned the handling of open versus secret voting requests by the Commissioner.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement, Registration and Execution) Act, No. 49 of 2024, noting that they would allow certain foreign judgments, such as divorce decrees and contractual dispute decisions, to be recognized and enforced in Sri Lanka without re-litigation. He rejected allegations about injustices faced by Muslims, criticized Dayasiri Jayasekara’s conduct, and disputed opposition claims about local government voting arrangements and alleged dealings with the SLPP. He also warned that the Gaza conflict and Iran-Israel tensions could harm Sri Lanka through wider economic effects, particularly given reliance on Middle Eastern remittances, oil supplies, and regional-funded projects, while calling for opposition to wars and cooperation to protect economic stability.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister linked the debate on regulations under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement, Registration and Execution) Act, No. 49 of 2024, to broader themes of legal reform, justice and social inclusion. She argued that recognition of foreign judgments, particularly in debt and matrimonial matters such as divorce, maintenance and property division, would benefit citizens, including women, while urging reciprocal recognition of Sri Lankan judgments abroad. She also called for faster legal and administrative processes relating to family law, foreign marriages, citizenship and spouses separated by overseas employment, and referred to recent government measures on political privileges, pensions and illicit assets. She additionally noted the National People’s Power’s control of the Colombo and Nuwara Eliya councils and described the election of Vrai Kelly Balthazar as Mayoress of Colombo as significant for reconciliation and women’s political leadership.
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran urged the Government to address unemployment among Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medical graduates, noting that increased university intakes and limited public appointments have created a growing backlog. He proposed creating about 7,043 new cadre positions, including Medical Officers and Community Medical Officers, based on district population needs, and called for expedited appointments for current and upcoming graduates. He also recommended adjusting university intake to match available training resources and job opportunities, protecting traditional apprenticeship-based knowledge, and developing indigenous medicine through tourism and export links.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Member clarified that the debate concerned Gazette No. 2429/51, issued under Act No. 49 of 2024, listing 53 countries whose judgments may be recognized, registered and enforced in Sri Lanka, rather than a new Bill. She said the framework would assist Sri Lankans abroad, particularly in matrimonial matters such as divorce, while excluding criminal penalties, taxes, fines and penal orders, and noted safeguards including time limits, objections, appeals, and court powers to set aside registrations. She also responded to Opposition criticism on public service performance, stating that the Government was pursuing economic stabilization, efficiency improvements and anti-corruption action, and called for more responsible conduct by the Opposition in relation to international crises and parliamentary debate.
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed noted the All Ceylon Makkal Congress’s performance in recent local authority elections and argued that the current local election system is flawed, citing alleged political interference in forming a council administration. He questioned whether Opposition-led councils in the North and East would receive government funding and support, stressing that local authorities need resources for roads, preschools, sanitation and livelihood development in war-affected areas. He also requested the Education Minister to issue long-delayed original certificates to over 1,000 teacher trainees from several training colleges, and called for the historic Mannar saltern to be modernized in response to the national salt shortage.
- The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the regulations under the Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024, noting that Sri Lanka would recognize specified court judgments from 53 countries, including Australia and Canada. He used the debate to argue that the NPP Government had strengthened law enforcement and ended selective application of justice, contrasting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s conduct with that of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He also defended the NPP’s post-local election conduct, citing its victories in 267 of 340 local bodies and saying secret ballots in council administrations were sought to protect members from intimidation.
- The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Sunil Rathnasiri stated that the National People’s Power would continue to lead the country for many decades into the future. He concluded by expressing confidence in the party’s long-term political dominance.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Orders under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, stating that recognition of judgments from 53 countries would help address difficulties faced by Sri Lankans, particularly in enforcing foreign divorce decrees. He urged the Government to consider legal reform allowing divorce by mutual consent, noting that current Roman-Dutch law requirements oblige parties to lead evidence even where both spouses agree. He also called for action to protect judges from defamatory social media attacks, including through a possible Select Committee, and requested a review of the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the regulations on foreign judgments, long requested including by Opposition Members, would complete the legal framework needed to give effect to such judgments once approved from the Gazette. He also criticized the Opposition for shifting debate to recent local authority election outcomes, particularly in relation to the Colombo Municipal Council, and for challenging and allegedly intimidating public officials such as the Provincial Commissioner of Local Government over lawful decisions.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The sitting was briefly interrupted for the change of presiding officer, with the Chair noting that the Speaker was expected to arrive. Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha left the Chair and the Hon. Deputy Speaker assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that the controversy over local authority mayoral and chairman elections concerned the discretion of the relevant official under Section 48A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, rather than the regulations cited by the Opposition. He challenged the Opposition to identify any regulatory requirement that a pre-meeting poll must be conducted openly, stating that the Act permits an open or secret ballot for electing a Mayor or Chairman. He also referred to outcomes at the Colombo and Kolonnawa Municipal Councils, saying some councillors from the Opposition supported the National People’s Power due to concerns over candidate suitability and allegations before the Bribery Commission.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the regulations under the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, stating that Sri Lanka must align with international legal norms given its global connections and citizens living abroad. He linked the debate to broader claims that the current administration has improved public life, cultural participation, and inter-communal harmony. Referring to Colombo Municipal Council election results, he argued that voters had rejected divisive politics and endorsed the National People’s Power, while noting that local election voting patterns can be influenced by neighbourhood-level candidate preferences.
- 7 Procedural Procedural: Adjournment Motion Dispute and House Adjournment 54 speeches