Sitting of Friday, 20 June 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1751600792021434 ·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 and Speaker's Certificate 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presentation 3 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Grade Five Scholarship Examination Successful Candidates (Q.159/2024) 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Ministry of Health and Affiliated Institutes - Financial and Non-Financial Assistance Received (Q.192/2024) 9 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Proceedings Deferred (Q.224/2024) 2 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Homeless Families in Kolonnawa DS Division - Provision of Houses (Q.280/2024) 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Paddy Marketing Board - Purchase of Paddy (Q.310/2024) 8 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Acting Principals in Government Schools (Q.Unspecified/2024) 20 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Southern Expressway Interchanges (Q.Unspecified/2024) 9 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation - New Refinery in Trincomalee (Q.Unspecified/2024) 6 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Police Officers, Vehicles and Resources Availability (Q.Unspecified/2024) 13 speeches
- 13 Oral question Question under Standing Order 27(2): Aswesuma Welfare Programme (Leader of Opposition) 5 speeches
- 14 Oral question Question under Standing Order 27(2): Constitutional Commissions (Q.Unspecified/2024) 8 speeches
- 15 Procedural Personal Explanation - Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna 2 speeches
- 16 Debate Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations 81 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha moved for parliamentary approval of an Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2429/39 and already presented to Parliament with Cabinet approval. He also presented two sets of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act listed on the Order Paper, after which the question was proposed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act updates provisions unchanged since 2006, raising ad valorem stamp duty on immovable property from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per Rs. 1,000, with proceeds transferred to Provincial Councils and collection to be improved through digitization. He outlined several import-control Gazette notifications permitting, under specified conditions, phased imports of used cold-weather clothing, selected motor vehicle spare parts, regulated casino gaming equipment, and electric motorcycles. He also referred to the recently tabled Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as part of wider regulation of casinos and online gambling, and cited first-quarter GDP growth and improved confidence as evidence of economic recovery.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Deputy Minister said investor confidence had improved since the 2022 protests, citing Sri Lanka’s hosting of cross-border listing and actuarial conferences with foreign participation. He attributed progress to anti-corruption efforts, digitization, administrative efficiency, reduced political interference in public institutions, and faster implementation. He also referred to strengthened social protection, higher elders’ allowances, additional support for schoolchildren, and assistance to farmers and fishing communities, stating that delivery would continue to be strengthened.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned whether the Deputy Minister would be able to execute the matters he had outlined, and sought clarification on whether this would be done from within his current position or outside it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to retain the Simplified VAT mechanism for exporters, arguing that its removal would harm cash flow in apparel, coconut, rubber, tea and other export sectors already facing post-COVID and supply pressures. He requested tax relief and incentives for pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone, citing progress toward domestic production and exports. He also criticized the Government’s lack of local development and questioned its local council alliances, specifically calling for action on complaints and reports relating to the Kurunegala Municipal Council Deputy Mayor. He further asked the Minister of Power and Energy about delays in the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW solar project and the next Kerawalapitiya power project stage, saying stalled decision-making was holding back national progress.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Orders and Regulations as necessary updates to outdated laws, including changes under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act to revise long-standing thresholds and provide additional revenue to Provincial Councils. He said easing restrictions on electric bicycles and cautiously resuming vehicle imports would support economic activity without causing a foreign exchange crisis, and argued that investor interest and business confidence indicate economic stabilization. He also rejected Opposition claims about local authority gains, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to action against corruption, and said legal reforms are needed to align old legislation with current economic plans.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported timely legal updates, welcomed the National Minimum Wage amendment, and urged that wage increases be incorporated into basic salary to affect pensions and entitlements. He requested that imported Siddha medicines, especially from India, be classified as medicines rather than cosmetics under import regulations to reduce duties and improve access in the North and East. He also called for a legal regulatory framework for private educational institutions, including tuition centres, and asked that the Vavuniya Nursing Training School be placed under the supervision of Vavuniya District General Hospital with proper funding and resources.
- The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Government’s economic direction, arguing that legitimate businesses are stable, prices are easing, incomes are rising, and illicit trade is being curtailed. He supported the Stamp Duty Order increasing the duty from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per Rs. 1,000 after two decades, stating it would assist Provincial Councils and fund local services, and backed regulated reopening of previously restricted imports including vehicles, spare parts, used clothing and electric vehicles. He also referenced past allegations over contaminated paediatric medicines under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and rejected claims of political deals, asserting that National People’s Power-led local administrations would proceed on principle.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka’s economic strategy should focus on export-led growth, faster investment facilitation, and practical revenue reforms to reduce debt and raise incomes. He proposed improving valuation and taxation of long-term land leases to foreigners, saying this could raise significantly more revenue than the proposed stamp duty increase without burdening Sri Lankans. He also called for fairer treatment between public and private sector workers, including EPF returns, and suggested raising migrant worker wage benchmarks to increase remittances by about USD 1 billion annually. He urged the Government to cut red tape, speed up land allocation and approvals, and use investment incentives such as tax holidays and qualifying payments to generate future revenue.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified media reports that around 700 vehicles were stuck at the port, stating that about 4,020 imported vehicles were parked there as of 10.00 a.m. and that the issue was not due to SLPA charges or yard facilities but to Customs procedures and related Gazette requirements. He said Sri Lanka Customs, the Controller General of Imports and Exports, and the Attorney General’s Department were discussing a solution, which was expected shortly, while noting Customs is not under SLPA control. He also referred to global disruptions and the Iran–Israel conflict, stating that a requested parliamentary debate had not proceeded because the proposing Member was absent, and placing the conflict in the context of Israeli actions against Iran and Gaza.
- Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake argued that the escalating Israel-Iran conflict should not be fuelled by other states and called for urgent negotiations, while noting risks to Sri Lankan citizens abroad and possible economic effects such as rising oil prices. He linked the conflict to the unresolved Palestine question, stating that the failure to establish a free Palestinian state alongside Israel has prolonged instability and led to severe humanitarian consequences. He urged responsible international action, criticized the justification of military escalation as self-defence, and cautioned against blaming entire populations for the actions of their governments.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda opposed the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that increased stamp duties would burden tenants, lower-middle-income households, and small businesses operating on leased premises. He also responded to a prior allegation concerning Hon. Namal Rajapaksa by tabling CIABOC Secretariat records which he said showed payments made to Hon. Ananda Wijepala. He further raised concerns about alleged politicization of the National Youth Services Council and requested that trained probationary officers in the youth sector be absorbed to strengthen NYSC operations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika addressed Opposition criticism of the NPP forming local authority administrations with support from other members after the 06 May 2025 local government elections. He argued that, having won the largest number of councils and being short of a majority in some, the NPP was entitled to seek support from individual councillors to establish administrations, while accusing the SJB, UNP and SLPP of forming post-election coalitions to block NPP chairmanships. He cited examples such as Colombo MC, Kuliyapitiya PS and Udubaddawa PS to argue that allowing parties with smaller vote shares to combine after the election and take control would undermine the electoral mandate.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva objected to off-topic remarks under Standing Order 91(e) and criticised the Government for opposing key economic reform laws during the crisis, including measures on Central Bank independence, public finance, public debt and economic transformation, while now relying on those frameworks. He supported digitising tax payments but questioned a tender for 15 million polycarbonate ID cards, proposing cheaper temporary cards and legal changes if a physical card is needed alongside a Unique ID system. He argued that stabilization is insufficient without investment-led growth, called for verification of claimed FDI inflows, and raised concern over factory closures and the unresolved U.S. tariff issue before the expiry of the 90-day window. He urged the Government to prioritise jobs, incomes, investment and poverty reduction, citing Department of Census and Statistics figures that a four-member family in Colombo needs Rs. 70,328 per month to survive.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB
AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera spoke in support of the government during debate on an Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that the NPP inherited a bankrupt economy and has restored stability and reserves. He rejected Opposition claims that industries are collapsing and alleged political “deals” in local authorities, citing recent local election gains including Colombo and Galle. He criticized previous administrations for factory closures, tax concessions to associates, unpaid tax arrears, and conduct that he said damaged tourism and investment, while stating that the current government is rebuilding public and investor trust.
- The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB
AI summary Nishantha Perera stated that the Government had increased foreign reserves to USD 6.5 billion by building confidence and attracting dollars while saving rupees. He said the administration was practising fiscal discipline, citing the President’s return of unspent foreign travel funds, and argued that tax revenue was being directed to education, health, and rural roads.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara opposed the proposed doubling of stamp duty, arguing it would burden land purchasers and small businesses at a time when the private sector is under pressure. He criticized import policy as inconsistent, citing onion imports affecting Anuradhapura farmers and traders, earlier rice import duties, and the differing treatment of petrol and diesel engine imports. He also questioned government claims of anti-corruption, referring to allegations involving a government MP’s intervention in an illicit liquor case.
- The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha denied allegations concerning an incident at the Welipenna Police, stating that he intervened only to oppose an illegal act by an officer and to seek justice for an individual. He said the Opposition and media reports had misrepresented the matter, and rejected the claim that he attempted to secure the release of an illicit brewer.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara alleged that the Government was using threats and political deals to secure local authority positions, citing the Galle Municipal Council and Medawachchiya Pradeshiya Sabha, and claimed officials and members were being pressured or induced to influence outcomes. He said the Opposition had acted openly in uniting against harmful government decisions, unlike what he described as government manipulation of procedures. He also raised concerns over dairy production, fertilizer pricing and availability, including urea packaging and import risks due to regional conflict, and asked for a contingency plan to protect farmers and the dairy sector.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Orders and Regulations, including the revision of the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, and argued that the Government is pursuing economic recovery through investment, reserve growth and public administration reform. He rejected Opposition allegations of political deals and selective anti-corruption action, stating that the NPP Government would protect public officers acting lawfully while proceeding against corruption regardless of political affiliation. He urged MPs alleging bribery in local councils to complain to the Bribery Commission, defended officials such as Mahinda Siriwardana, and said disputed claims about CIABOC salaries had already been clarified. He also tabled documents concerning a former SriLankan Airlines officer seconded to the Presidential Secretariat and requested that they be placed in the Library, linking the matter to broader allegations of misuse and money laundering.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando addressed the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that doubling stamp duty on lease agreements is primarily a revenue measure and should be presented as such. He warned that higher duties could encourage informal, unstamped lease agreements, increasing disputes and adding to court backlogs. He urged the Government, if it intends to “update” the law, to introduce digital or e-stamping systems similar to those in India and Indonesia to simplify compliance and reduce evasion.
- Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando urged modernization of stamp duty payment and document registration processes, citing practical difficulties for lawyers in obtaining bank slips and referring to India’s digital stamp duty system with online payment, automatic calculation and QR-code printing. He tabled a document on the Indian model and argued that procedural modernization is preferable to merely increasing fees. He also responded to Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala’s challenge on local authority voting procedures, stating that the relevant Local Authorities Guidelines Compendium refers to an “open vote” and that any dispute over its interpretation should ultimately be resolved by court.
- Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees recognizes Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage and allocates 11 minutes for his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage spoke during debate on an Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, but focused mainly on local authority control and the Government’s broader mandate. He argued that where the National People’s Power has won the majority of wards, it should form administrations to implement Government programmes, and accused the Opposition of attempting to distort local council outcomes for political advantage. He also defended the Government’s economic record, citing recovery from negative growth in 2022 and 2023, and stated that corruption had been curbed and legal processes were proceeding against those responsible.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, stating that resumed imports of winter clothing would benefit low-income hill country residents and that permitted imports of tourism-related sports equipment would support areas such as Ella and Haputale. She also linked increased stamp duty revenue to local authority development and defended the NPP’s formation of administrations in local councils as necessary for service delivery. She rejected Opposition criticism, arguing that the Government’s actions, including import relaxations and local authority control, were intended to provide practical benefits to the public.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized NPP MPs from Jaffna over unreleased lands, saying that as Government members they should facilitate access directly rather than petition the President, and raised complaints from unemployed University of Jaffna graduates regarding alleged unfulfilled election promises on appointments. He alleged inaction on corruption complaints involving Northern hospitals, including Jaffna Teaching Hospital and Chavakachcheri Base Hospital, and called for proper financial statements on Patients’ Welfare Society funds and donated medical equipment rather than only internal audits. He also raised concerns about deaths and alleged medical negligence at Mannar, Dickoya, and Jaffna hospitals, and described his earlier efforts at Chavakachcheri to expose missing donated equipment and inadequate hospital facilities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised a point of order to reject a claim by Hon. Archchuna that he had made false campaign promises to graduates and deceived them. He stated that the NPP Government had met graduates, explained the country’s situation and employment issues, and had not misled them for votes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the NPP’s formation of administrations in local authorities after the recent elections, arguing that support from independents or individual members of other parties reflected the public mandate and was not “deal politics.” He contrasted this with alleged Opposition party arrangements and disciplinary action against councillors, and said the NPP’s approach was to use democratic means to advance its political programme. He also cited economic indicators, including current account surpluses, tourism growth, remittance increases and a lower policy rate, to argue that stability and growth were emerging under the Government. He criticised Opposition figures for earlier defending Keheliya Rambukwella over the fake drug import issue and urged patience for the Government to implement its policies.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order stating that there was no quorum in the House and requested that the quorum light be checked.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB
AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando defended the increase in stamp duty under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and related regulations, arguing that the NPP Government would manage tax revenue prudently and direct benefits to the public. She contrasted this with alleged misuse of public funds and tax benefits under previous administrations, including at local authorities, and rejected Opposition criticism regarding taxation and local council control. She also stated that the Government works cooperatively with public officials and would continue its programme despite Opposition challenges.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka supported the import and export control regulations allowing imports of used clothing, vehicle assembly parts, electric motorcycles, and sports equipment, arguing they would benefit consumers, local businesses, vehicle assembly, tourism, and related markets. He also backed the Stamp Duty Order increasing duty on immovable property from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per Rs. 1,000, stating the additional revenue would support local authorities through Provincial Councils and reduce burdens on central government expenditure. He criticized past misuse of public funds and tax evasion, and concluded by referring to the Poson celebration in Digamadulla as an example of inter-communal unity under the NPP Government.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported the updates to stamp duty and import-export control regulations, framing them within the Government’s wider economic and administrative programme. He argued that the NPP’s consolidation of control in local authorities reflected public confidence and denied any political deals, saying the Government’s commitment was to national rebuilding and development. He also raised allegations of police misconduct in a narcotics-related incident, calling for action against unlawful and corrupt officers while criticizing related media reporting and expressing regret for any misunderstanding.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported the objectives of the Stamp Duty Order and import/export regulations but questioned whether increased stamp duty revenue would be sufficient for local authorities to progressively bear staff salary costs, and urged that other revenue streams be restored to local bodies. He criticized the Government’s conduct in forming local authority administrations and argued that public confidence, particularly among Muslims, had declined despite earlier support for the NPP. He also condemned Israel’s actions against Iran, recalled Iran’s assistance to Sri Lanka, and urged the Government to express support for Iran and pay greater attention to issues affecting the Muslim community, including representation and past arrests under the PTA.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to allegations raised by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda regarding payments made to Mr. Ananda Wijepala when he served as Director of the Secretariat of the Committee on Eradication of Corruption. Citing the tabled documents and appointment letter, he stated that the cited Rs. 1.2 million amounted to Rs. 45,115 per month over 30 months and consisted of allowances, including a telephone allowance and fuel entitlement, while the officer’s regular salary continued to be paid by his ministry. He argued that the same documents showed similar allowance arrangements for other officials and challenged those making allegations to remain in the Chamber to hear the response.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala rejected allegations raised by another Member and argued that a previous commission targeting Ananda Wijepala and Anura Kumara Dissanayake was politically motivated and intended to remove their civic rights. He stated that the Court of Appeal and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings rendered that commission unlawful or inoperative, vindicating those targeted. He also questioned recoveries to the Treasury arising from Bribery Commission investigations involving the Rajapaksa family and referred to CSN ownership in that context.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala cited several alleged Rajapaksa-related corruption cases, stating that Rs. 1,528 million from the CSN case was credited to the Treasury, Rs. 35 million was taken from the Urban Development Authority for the construction of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s parents’ tombs, and Rs. 208 million was recovered in relation to Basil Rajapaksa’s Malwana house. He argued that these recoveries indicate a substantial total amount linked to corruption allegations and referred to documents concerning the “Siriliya Saviya” account.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala alleged irregularities in the “Siriliya Saviya” bank account associated with Shiranthi Rajapaksa, citing alleged false information, missing mandate documents, suspended transactions, and balances and transaction totals under investigation. He stated that the Criminal Investigation Department had investigated the matter but that the file was now with the Attorney General’s Department, and demanded that the investigations be resumed under the National People’s Power Government.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that the final circular dated 14 June 2025 from the Commissioner of Local Government does not specify whether votes to select provincial chairmen should be by open or secret ballot, but instead directs action according to the Commissioner’s legal powers and responsibilities. He argued that decisions on the voting method fall within the Commissioner’s discretion under the relevant law, and that Members disputing that authority should challenge it in court rather than raising unsupported claims in Parliament.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda stated that he remained in the Chamber because he expected the Deputy Minister to inquire into the matter, and said the document he tabled was produced at the request of Government members. Referring to the previous day’s Hansard, he argued that the individual concerned had served as Director of the Rehabilitation Authority while also chairing the Bribery Commission, but had been seconded and drawn no allowance. He urged Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala to review the Hansard record, while saying the Opposition should not use the matter for false allegations and that the Government should focus on delivering its promises alongside combating corruption.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that he heard the relevant Minister say the previous day that an allowance had been received. He questioned whether a Chairman would have worked for Rs. 45,115 and suggested the matter be discussed after checking the Hansard record.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The member requested that a separate parliamentary debate be scheduled on the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. He noted that the subject Minister had also raised the matter and asked the Presiding Member to allocate time for such a debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB
AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda supported the Orders under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, while criticizing the Opposition for raising unrelated political arguments during the debate. He argued that recent local authority results show growing public support for the National People’s Power and said the Government has begun stabilizing a country it inherited in economic and social crisis. He also said the NPP has plans for youth development, village-level reconstruction, and broader participation in local governance, rejecting claims that support from others in local authorities amounts to political deals.
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the revenue measures under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act but urged the Government to direct increased customs and vehicle import revenue towards development in the war-affected Northern and Eastern Provinces, particularly the East. He called for clearer details on Indian-funded development, pre-harvest Treasury allocations for paddy procurement, guaranteed prices, storage facilities, and paddy-drying machines for farming areas in Ampara District. He also criticised ruling-party Muslim MPs for disparaging past Muslim leaders, defended prior collective action against racism during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa period, and said the Opposition would support good governance while raising concerns affecting Muslim and Tamil communities.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development
AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s revenue and import-control measures, arguing that they should be assessed within the broader macroeconomic stabilization programme rather than in isolation. He cited 2025 revenue targets and collection performance by Customs, Inland Revenue and Excise, rejected Opposition claims about vehicle-related tax revenue and investor flight, and said over USD 650 million in FDI had arrived since the Government took office. He said the stamp duty increase applies only to immovable property, restores an earlier rate, and will support Provincial Councils, while stressing that salary payments are separately provided for. He also referred to IMF, Central Bank and Government assessments of economic stabilization, recent growth figures, and the intention to move toward higher growth while eventually concluding the IMF extended facility.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved for approval of Regulations (No. 1) under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, as published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2434/12 of 29 April 2025 and presented on 3 June 2025. The motion was put to the House and agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved for approval of Regulations (No. 2) under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2435/02 of 05.05.2025 and presented on 03.06.2025. The motion related to regulations made by the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies under the relevant sections of the Act, and it was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
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