Sitting of Thursday, 19 June 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1751430648025512 ·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 and Speaker's Certificate 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented 3 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented 7 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Batticaloa Municipal Council Drainage Systems (Q.1/2025) 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Sri Lankans Departed for Seasonal Employment in South Korea (Q.3/2024) 10 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Community-Based Water Projects in Monaragala District (Q.4/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Re-lease of Land in Mahaweli C Zone to Informatics (Pvt.) Limited (Q.5/2025) 9 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 7 (918/2025) - Deferred 3 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Wild Elephant Conservation and Red Data Book 5 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Questions: Land in Wattala and Sri Lanka Railways Income 4 speeches
- 11 Oral question Question under Standing Order 27(2): Medicine Procurement Delays 2 speeches
- 12 Oral question Question under Standing Order 27(2): Pallimunai Land and Military Camp Issues 8 speeches
- 13 Procedural Ministerial Statements 7 speeches
- 14 Procedural Motion on Hours of Sitting and Leave to Introduce Bill 2 speeches
- 15 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority 58 speeches
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake formally moved that Parliament adjourn, initiating the adjournment motion. No substantive policy argument or proposal was presented beyond the procedural motion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera moved an Adjournment Motion calling for urgent legal amendments to allow matters identified by COPE to be promptly referred to the Attorney-General for legal action. He cited the Special Audit Report on the failed Step 2 of Phase III of the dairy cattle import project, stating that a USD 11 million advance was paid in 2018 without a performance bond for 15,000 cattle that were never imported, causing an estimated State loss of about Rs. 2.11 billion. He also referred to COPE findings on the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and argued that such audit findings show the need for stronger accountability mechanisms.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera presented the COPE report on the National Gem and Jewellery Authority for 2022 and 2023, along with its 2024 performance review. He noted recommendations on planning deficiencies, human resource issues, amendments to the NGJA Act, and regulatory, licensing, import/export, fee, gold import, and valuation matters in the gem and jewellery sector. He requested Members from both sides to contribute constructively to the debate based on the reports.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake seconded the Motion to debate COPE-related reports, focusing on the Special Audit Report concerning advance payments for the Phase III import of 15,000 dairy cattle and related failures since 2014. He said the project involved major expenditure and advance payments but did not deliver the expected cattle or outcomes, while earlier imports had caused disease outbreaks and losses due to inadequate feasibility and management. He urged modernization of NLDB farms, stronger breeding, nutrition, disease control, vaccination, breeder associations, and incentives for liquid milk consumption, with the goal of achieving milk self-sufficiency by 2030 and preventing future fraud and corruption.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper questioned the specificity of the Motion on referring COPE matters to the Attorney-General, noting that it did not identify the legislation requiring amendment and that existing mechanisms may already allow action. He also clarified that, under Section 66A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, the method of electing a Mayor is decided by a motion of members present, not by the Presiding Officer’s discretion, and said he would table the reference. He urged the Government to address the economic and security implications of the Israel-Iran conflict and Gaza crisis, including tourism, labour migration to Israel, fuel prices, and regional spillover risks, while also raising procedural concerns about the previous day’s adjournment.
- The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported focusing the Adjournment debate on COPE’s findings regarding the NGJA and the 2014 dairy cattle import project, rather than other issues. He said Sri Lanka’s milk production remains far below demand, but the cattle import programme was mishandled, including alleged improper procurement, a Rs. 1.74 billion advance to Wellard Rural Exports without delivery of cattle, disease-related cattle deaths, and politically connected beneficiaries. He urged Parliament to debate COPE’s recommendations and called for firm legal action against those responsible.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to adopt contingency measures in response to the Israel–Iran conflict, citing risks to Sri Lankan workers in Israel, remittances, fuel costs, tea exports, shipping, tourism, FDI, reserves, inflation and poverty. He called for energy security measures, including supplier diversification and strategic reserves, and urged diplomatic engagement to de-escalate the Gaza crisis while supporting a fair two-state solution for Palestine. He also demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged assault on Colombo Municipal Councillor Uluwaduge Sandamali and raised a procedural concern that parliamentary rulings should be given before adjournment on a point of order, citing parliamentary authorities and Commonwealth principles.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake raised a point of order regarding Standing Order 40(2), stating that a Private Member’s Motion lapses if the Member does not move it when called and no other Member has written authorization to do so. He said no ruling is required in such a situation and cited a 2018 precedent involving then Opposition Leader Dinesh Gunawardena under Standing Order 19(1), urging adherence to Standing Orders.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi discussed the COPE findings on the dairy cattle import project, stating that despite audit warnings in 2018 and losses from earlier imports, authorities continued with the same supplier and paid a Rs. 1,749.6 million advance for 15,000 cattle without a performance bond, resulting in an estimated sunk cost of about Rs. 2,110.3 million by February 2025. He said the policy objective of increasing local milk production and reducing imports was valid, but the procurement process and implementation were flawed. He also referred to COPE concerns regarding alleged misuse of funds at the National Youth Services Council and Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and missing or non-functional equipment at the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, calling for investigations, accountability, restoration of technology, and stronger institutional systems.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake congratulated retiring public officials before raising allegations arising from the COPE report on the 15,000 dairy cattle import advance, specifically naming the current National Lotteries Board Chairman and calling for COPE to summon relevant officials. He alleged irregular salary payments, mishandling of a performance bond, and increased sitting fees at the National Lotteries Board affecting funds such as Mahapola. He also expressed concern that the remanding of the Commissioner General of Prisons could demoralize and paralyse state administration, urging the Justice Minister to appoint a committee of retired officers and ensure a fair inquiry. He framed his remarks as an attempt to correct administrative errors rather than attack the Government.
- The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that investigations into past frauds should pursue the main perpetrators rather than only minor actors. Referring to the Israel–Iran conflict, he said the Opposition should present practical alternatives instead of creating public panic over possible shortages. Turning to the dairy sector, he noted that Sri Lanka’s annual milk demand is about 801 million litres while domestic production is around 370–380 million litres, and called for strengthening local production capacity and avoiding past procurement failures.
- Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB
AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath alleged major irregularities in the dairy cow import project initiated from 2014, citing a Rs. 2,110.3 million unrecoverable loss, increased unit costs without fresh tender approval, and distribution of imported cattle to political associates rather than state farms. He also referred to unrecovered housing loan funds, including Rs. 26 billion outstanding nationally, arguing that such corruption and misuse of public funds contributed to the country’s economic crisis. He called for stolen public money to be traced, offenders prosecuted, and COPE to be given stronger enforcement powers, including authority to impose penalties.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran addressed the Adjournment Debate on the dairy cow import audit and COPE Report, highlighting inadequate domestic milk production, unallocated grazing lands in Ampara, and losses caused by earlier imports of poor-quality cattle. He urged the Government to assess the economic impact of the Iran-Israel conflict, assist efforts to end the war, and establish a mechanism to return or compensate jewellery pledged by Tamils in LTTE-controlled areas before 2009. He also questioned what investments and employment had been provided to the North and East since the Government took office, and called for non-discriminatory coastal protection measures in Ampara and Batticaloa, warning that selective groyne construction and proposed ilmenite mining could worsen sea erosion.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary The Second Report of COPE for the first Session of the Tenth Parliament was presented, covering inquiries into eight public institutions and alleging recurring misuse of public bodies contrary to their statutory mandates. The report highlighted issues including losses at the National Youth Services Council and Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment on politically linked events, irregularities at the Land Reforms Commission and Sabaragamuwa University, and major concerns over gold imports and revenue losses at the National Gem and Jewellery Authority. A proposal was made to restore gold import authority to a State entity such as the Bank of Ceylon to curb smuggling and tax losses, while the responsible Ministers were said to remain constitutionally accountable for decisions such as the release of seized gems before the 2024 Presidential Election. The speech also rejected allegations made against a National Lotteries Board official and cautioned public officials not to authorize actions outside their legal mandates.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa argued that COPE inquiries often become media-focused exercises that repeatedly question and shame officials without producing decisions, especially where issues arise from policy choices rather than administrative wrongdoing. He called for reforms to procurement laws and regulations, citing the prolonged debate over importing dairy cows as an example of systemic delay. He also urged that legal powers be given to act on COPE findings and cautioned against using COPE for political or trade-union pressure. Referring to a recent Presidential pardon controversy, he asked that accountability extend through the full chain of command, including scrutiny of the Justice Secretary’s role, rather than placing blame only on lower-level officials.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Called for Parliament to enact the necessary laws and move from debate to implementation. He urged procurement reform and practical delivery of solutions.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that Presidential pardons are based on lists prepared by the Prisons Department and forwarded through the Ministry of Justice, with the President approving them on recommendations rather than personally verifying each prisoner. He said an investigation by the CID is underway into a case where a person not on the approved list was allegedly released, and that responsibility should fall on those who effected any illegal release. He added that past releases, including cases involving serious offences, are also being investigated, while maintaining that action is being taken according to law and not to target officials.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe rose to raise a Point of Order. The Point of Order was not proceeded with, and no substantive argument or proposal was recorded.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa accepted the Minister’s clarification on the process but requested that both the approved list and the list submitted by the Prisons Department be tabled in Parliament. He stated that doing so would settle the issue, and added that a separate matter concerning a youth had already been cleared during the Yahapalana period and would not be pursued further.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that investigations are ongoing and related matters are before court, so details can be provided only after those processes conclude. He asked that the relevant Member clarify where he worked and how payments were made, noting that this issue is also under inquiry. He also referred to allegations involving gems and murders, saying there are sufficient fraud-related concerns and noting that Namal Rajapaksa had acknowledged them.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a Point of Order regarding a letter dated 18 June 2025 by the Commissioner General of Prisons halting all prisoner pardons until further notice. He said this had left thousands of prisoners, including those who had paid fines, unable to be released, and urged the Minister to correct the issue and ensure eligible inmates are released under proper procedures.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Presidential pardons have not been stopped, and no procedural change has been made to the existing pardon process. An illegal release allegedly made outside the President’s approved list is being investigated by the CID, and the public should not be misled about the matter.
- The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah referred to COPE and Auditor General findings on financial abuses, focusing on the failed import of 15,000 dairy cows and alleging waste, disease risks, farmer losses, and a USD 11 million corruption-related loss. He argued that those responsible should be punished and said Sri Lanka should reduce reliance on imported milk by developing modern farms, importing climate-suitable breeds, controlling cattle feed prices, and supporting cooperatives such as Yarlco. He also proposed reviving defunct chilling centres in the North and East, filling veterinary and related staff vacancies in Jaffna District, and providing medicines, equipment, and grazing land to strengthen local dairy production.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera raised concerns that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy response to the Israel–Iran conflict lacks clarity, noting its implications for Muslim communities, migrant workers, and economic ties with both countries. He criticized recent diplomatic appointments, saying most were non-career despite earlier pledges to rely on career diplomats, and questioned the propriety of appointing a retired Chief Justice as an ambassador. He also argued that the President’s visit to Germany, without meeting the Chancellor, reflected poorly on Sri Lanka’s foreign relations. Domestically, he denied allegations of a deal with the NPP over the Dodangoda Pradeshiya Sabha and accused the Government of using inducements and secret-ballot processes to influence local authority outcomes.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB
AI summary Nihal Galappaththi argued that the Phase III dairy cow import project caused major public financial losses and failed to meet its objectives of increasing domestic milk production and reducing milk powder imports. Citing a 2025 Special Audit Report, media reports, and a 2018 Hansard adjournment debate, he alleged that Rs. 1.75 billion in advances, rising to about Rs. 2.11 billion with losses, was paid without proper procurement safeguards or recovery action, while farmers faced operational difficulties and imported cows had poor productivity and health issues. He said responsibility lay with political leaders and officials from the 2010–2020 administrations, naming several former Presidents, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and officials, and referred to allegations that cows intended for farmers were distributed to political associates.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka begins by noting his limited speaking time and indicating that he wishes to raise specific matters first. The provided excerpt does not include the substantive issues, proposals, or questions he intended to present.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala raised a point of order disputing claims that the Local Authorities Elections law requires an “open vote” before a Mayor’s election. He stated that any preliminary vote is conducted only at the discretion of the Provincial Commissioner, citing the Commissioner’s final circular, and challenged Opposition Members to identify any statutory provision to the contrary. He also objected to allegations that he had misled the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara said the COPE report revealed serious financial misconduct in dairy cow importation and distribution, including advance payments for animals that did not arrive and politically influenced allocation of imported cattle. He linked the decline of the dairy sector to cattle theft, unsuitable imports, and political misuse of officials, citing incidents in Gampaha and warnings from veterinary officers. He proposed that local authorities use mechanized equipment to harvest roadside grass for dairy feed or compost, arguing this could support national dairy self-sufficiency, and said the Government should enforce the law against those responsible for losses to public wealth.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Welcoming the debate on the dairy cow import scandal, K. Kader Masthan called for punishment of those responsible for alleged fraud involving the planned importation of 20,000 cows from Australia, of which he said only about 5,000 arrived. He urged that anti-corruption commitments not be undermined in local authority arrangements and that corrupt individuals not escape accountability. He also cited a Human Rights Commission finding that a PTA arrest over a pro-Palestinian sticker was wrongful, asked that such action not recur, and criticized the refusal of an adjournment debate on the Israel-Iran conflict. He condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, questioned Sri Lanka’s lack of condemnation, and called for the safe repatriation of Sri Lankans working in Israel, including after reports that a Sri Lankan nurse was injured.
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector underperforms despite substantial natural resources, citing low export earnings compared with hubs such as Hong Kong and Bangkok. Referring to COPE findings on the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, he said its outsourced planning, lack of rolling five-year plans, staff vacancies, and inadequate enforcement capacity undermine development and regulation. He proposed strengthening recruitment, filling key posts, improving exploration beyond traditional gem areas, adopting modern technologies, and rotating enforcement officers at least every four years to reduce malpractice, with the aim of reaching a USD 1 billion gem economy by 2027 and USD 5 billion thereafter.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued that alleged irregularities in dairy cattle imports should be investigated on the basis of the Auditor General’s findings, drawing a comparison with Opposition-led scrutiny of the e-Visa transaction and IMF-related anti-corruption requirements. He raised a legal interpretation issue under the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act on whether secret voting in mayoral elections can be determined by the presiding officer, suggesting judicial clarification if necessary. He also criticized the denial of an urgent adjournment debate on the Israel-Iran conflict and faulted the Foreign Ministry’s statement on Israel’s attack on Iran for not identifying the aggressor or invoking international law and non-alignment principles.
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa called for COPE to expose past corruption, including alleged fraud linked to dairy cow imports and local government bodies, and urged punishment and confiscation of illicit assets. He argued that Sri Lanka should have improved local dairy breeds using available technologies and fodder rather than pursuing imports that failed to increase milk production as expected. He rejected Opposition allegations of deals to form local councils, saying members from other parties had voluntarily joined the ruling side, and said voters in the East were moving away from communal politics toward a new political culture.
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Rishad Bathiudeen said wrongdoing identified in the COPE process should be punished, but cautioned against broadly branding people as corrupt while officials were jailed and politicians remained unaffected. He criticised the Government’s response to Israel’s attack on Iran, arguing that Sri Lanka should more clearly condemn Israel given Iran’s past financial assistance to Sri Lanka and ongoing debt repayments. He also rejected allegations concerning the Nintavur Pradeshiya Sabha and alleged that a supporting member in the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha chairman vote was unlawfully prevented from voting, saying his party would seek legal redress.
- The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga alleged serious procurement and financial irregularities in the dairy cattle import project, citing Cabinet decisions, Auditor General findings, the release of a 20 per cent advance without required securities, and a claimed fruitless expenditure of Rs. 2,110.3 million. He also raised concerns over the National Gem and Jewellery Authority’s relocation after building damage, stating that rent payments, procurement issues, conflicts of interest, and equipment damage caused avoidable losses when repairs would have cost far less. He said COPE’s scrutiny of such matters is intended to prevent waste and redirect public resources to welfare needs.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva supported expediting legal amendments to allow COPE matters to be referred to the Attorney General, and said similar powers should be extended to COPA and the Public Finance Committee. Citing the 2024 e-Visa issue and the dairy cattle importation programme, he argued that parliamentary committee findings should lead to legal accountability but cautioned against targeting only officials. He tabled documents relating to the dairy cattle programme and questioned why only the Secretary was being blamed despite involvement by multiple officials, Ministers, and Secretaries, calling instead for a full forensic audit to identify all responsible parties.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha Nanayakkara, Minister JJB
AI summary The Minister was allocated 21 minutes to speak. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Special Audit Report on the dairy cattle importation project indicated that about Rs. 21 billion in public funds had been spent without delivering a successful outcome, reflecting serious issues of fraud and misuse of public revenue. He argued that while the Government is committed to prosecuting corruption swiftly, cases must be investigated and filed according to proper legal procedures and evidentiary standards to avoid acquittals. He also highlighted the need to improve public legal literacy, referring to a proposed JURE Project with the Ministry of Justice, and said disputes over provincial council procedures should be taken to court. On foreign policy matters, including Israel and Iran, he said the Government recognized the humanitarian concerns but would follow parliamentary procedures for debate while focusing on domestic governance.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera sought clarification on how COPE findings can be moved into formal legal processes, noting public concern that inquiries do not always lead to legal action. He said COPE often hears from officials and former board members, while alleged wrongdoing may originate with political authorities, citing the dairy cattle matter and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority matter. He proposed that, before COPE reports are tabled, relevant legal authorities review them to identify possible legal steps.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister explained that findings raised before COPE require further investigation and legal assessment before they can become admissible evidence or lead to prosecution. He said COPE reports should be sent to the Attorney-General’s Department, which may decide to prosecute, refer matters to CIABOC, seek further information, or direct additional investigations, but this process can take months due to procedural and workload constraints. He proposed attaching an Attorney-General’s observer, a police investigator or observer, and a CIABOC officer to COPE to provide technical support, enable preliminary legal classification, and speed up referrals for action.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera expressed regret that an urgent motion under Standing Order 19 on the Israel-Iran conflict was not debated after his delayed arrival due to a minor accident. He urged the Government to reactivate the Permanent High Court at Bar mechanism for anti-corruption cases, noting that it was created under the 2018 Judicature Act amendments to enable day-to-day trials but has not received new cases in the past seven months. He also questioned the handling of alleged abuses in Presidential pardons, asking why prisoners unlawfully released under general pardons have not been taken back into custody despite officials being remanded.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara responded to points raised by Hon. Ajith Perera, stating that some matters are under CID investigation and should not be discussed in a way that could prejudice the process. He said anti-corruption work is progressing and that results are expected to become visible in about six weeks.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister discussed the Sectoral Oversight Committee report on the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and tabled the Ministry’s clarifications and progress note, noting that only 3.55 per cent of rough gemstones imported between 2022 and 2024 had been value-added and re-exported through official channels. He argued that large volumes of imported gems were moving outside lawful accounting systems through informal transactions, causing foreign exchange losses, and called for stronger investigations, including future forensic audits into licensing abuses. He outlined measures including institutional consolidation under a proposed Mineral Bureau, a technology-based gem valuation tool, airport VAT refund kiosks for tourists from 1 July, tax and duty incentives to formalize re-exports, and a broader national mineral policy covering value addition and resource management.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural