Sitting of Monday, 30 June 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1752037071094166 ·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 Summoning of Parliament 2 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Presentation and Tabling of Reports and Annual Reports 9 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions: Presentation of Citizens' Petitions 3 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order and Debate Preparation on Fiscal Strategy Statement 25 speeches
- 5 Debate Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 77 speeches
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over the release of 323 import containers allegedly without proper Customs checks and tabled the President-appointed Committee’s report, which he said had not been presented to Parliament despite being submitted on 12 June 2025. He cited findings that Customs procedures were breached, including release of “red” containers without required scanning or physical examination, unauthorized release of “yellow” containers, lack of proper oversight, and removal of two containers before the relevant decision. He questioned why the report had not been published and why the CID and Bribery Commission had not begun inquiries, urging immediate publication and independent investigations while arguing that political responsibility rests with the President as Customs falls under his purview.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna stated that his name had been mentioned in relation to the “323 containers” issue and indicated that he had further matters to disclose. He alleged that, after a prior speech in Parliament, the CID summoned and intimidated him, and said he was afraid to speak further.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the Fiscal Strategy Statement presented under the State Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, saying it sets out targets and measures for stabilizing public finances. He emphasized fiscal discipline, reducing public debt from 119 percent of GDP in 2022 to 95 percent, keeping primary expenditure near 13 percent of GDP, and achieving a primary surplus of about 2–3 percent. He cited improved revenue performance by Inland Revenue, Customs, and the Excise Department in 2025, and said the Government would avoid past patterns of poorly evaluated expenditure while using public funds transparently and with restraint.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about the Chemmani mass grave, stating that around 33 skeletons, including those of children, had been recovered and calling for accountability for alleged wartime crimes while emphasizing that Tamil people seek justice, not separation. He criticized restrictions on access to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights during his visit and said victims’ families were prevented from being heard. He also alleged that he possessed information about the contents and origins of 323 containers, claimed he was facing pressure, legal action, and CID questioning over parliamentary statements, and invoked parliamentary privilege to argue that his speeches should not be investigated outside Parliament.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement, noting that it is being presented for the first time under the State Financial Management Act and focuses on revenue structuring, risk mitigation, and growth pathways. He argued that the NPP Government inherited a severely weakened economy and has prioritized stabilization, confidence-building, and disciplined fiscal management. He cited early 2025 improvements in export earnings and revenue collection above targets by the Inland Revenue Department, Excise Department, and Customs as evidence of progress toward strengthening public finance, production, and the external sector.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticised the 2026 Fiscal Strategy Statement under the State Financial Management Act, arguing that it lacks a clear fiscal strategy, innovative thinking, and a roadmap for wealth creation alongside fiscal discipline. He called for stronger policies to attract FDI, clearer incentives and processes for investors, and a rehabilitation framework for viable local enterprises facing debt recovery. He also questioned current tourism policy, urging the use of digital ID and digital platforms to collect reliable data on tourist spending and net economic inflows.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera said the Fiscal Strategy Statement is a medium-term framework for 2026–2030, distinct from the Budget, setting fiscal targets on debt reduction, primary balances and expenditure limits. He stated that tabling it annually before the Budget would improve clarity for ministries, enable evidence-based performance assessment, and strengthen parliamentary oversight through mechanisms such as COPE and COPA. He called on Members to engage substantively with the framework and identify any shortcomings for correction.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that the Government has moved away from its election platform by continuing IMF-linked and previous administration policies, particularly tax increases, without measures to raise incomes, support SMEs, or create jobs. He questioned the consistency and credibility of reported investment figures, GDP growth projections, and the status of promised reforms such as procurement digitization and transparent tendering. He also criticized policies on agriculture, imports, taxation, and gambling-related regulation as inconsistent, and asked how much of the 2025 Budget had been implemented and how the Government plans to meet external debt obligations, expand revenue, attract investment, and protect livelihoods.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara said the Government Fiscal Strategy Statement for 2026–2030, tabled under the State Financial Management Act, sets out a transparent plan to restore fiscal discipline after bankruptcy. He argued that the Opposition should scrutinize constructively rather than create panic over issues such as US tariffs, fuel supply concerns, or the “323 containers” inquiry, which he said the Government itself initiated. He cited export growth, revenue collection above targets, and medium-term debt and guarantee limits as evidence of progress, presenting the Statement as a practical strategy to strengthen public finance and governance.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka said the special sitting should have produced clear Government plans for 2026–2030, but instead heard attacks on the Opposition, while Sri Lanka remains constrained by the IMF programme and vulnerable to another economic setback. He urged coordination between the President and the Finance Ministry, and called for contingency plans on external shocks, including Middle East conflict risks to tea exports and migrant workers, alternative markets, and US tariff issues. He criticised broken promises and policy outcomes on electricity tariffs, food prices, “Clean Sri Lanka,” the “Monkey Census,” apparel factory distress, and low priority for agriculture despite food insecurity. He said the Opposition supports economic recovery but expects the Government to continue the IMF path while providing relief and strengthening food security and economic resilience.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchchi
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchchi supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 by linking it to the State Financial Management Act’s requirements for transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline and evidence-based budget oversight. He said the FSS provides Parliament and the public with a five-year fiscal strategy, borrowing and spending parameters, and a basis for assessing performance before the annual Budget. He argued that such a framework would prevent past ad hoc financial mismanagement, including in State-Owned Enterprises and essential imports, and pointed to page 12 of the FSS as setting out revenue measures, expenditure rationalization, SOE reforms or privatizations, prudent development spending and public sector workforce rationalization.
- Hon. Chandima Weerakkody
AI summary Hon. Chandima Weerakkody defended the Presidential committee report on alleged Customs wrongdoing, stating that it was appointed by the President to determine whether misconduct occurred and to recommend corrections if necessary. He urged members not to politicize or prematurely publicize the report before the President acts, contrasting it with past controversies such as the Central Bank bond issue. He argued that the Government should focus on transparent policy, good governance, and democratic reforms rather than what he characterized as sensationalist opposition politics.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva addressed the adjournment debate on the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026, questioning whether the Government’s medium-term fiscal framework can deliver development when it projects growth falling from 5% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025 and averaging about 3.1% through 2030. He argued that the cap on primary expenditure at 13% of GDP and slow capital expenditure implementation, despite a stated Rs. 1,400 billion allocation, would limit growth unless accompanied by significant domestic and foreign investment and economic reforms. He also contrasted earlier NPP-linked arguments on the IMF and “odious debt” with the Government’s present fiscal policy commitments, and called attention to unclear or inconsistent claims about investment inflows.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva addressed concerns about electricity sector reforms, including the proposed unbundling of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the role of a national transmission company and distribution companies. He cited the Supreme Court’s determination that such reforms are policy matters for Government and Parliament, not questions of constitutionality, and noted that concerns from the World Bank, ADB and JICA had been sent to the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committee. He argued that attracting domestic and foreign private investment is necessary if public capital investment is limited, and questioned whether the proposed amendments would restrict investment and thereby constrain growth beyond a projected 3 per cent.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement for 2026–2030, arguing that the Government has restored economic stability after the 2022 bankruptcy through improved fiscal management and renewed investor confidence. He cited growing interest from Tamil diaspora investors in the North, including proposed projects in poultry, export vegetables, coconut cultivation and industrial zones, as evidence of changing conditions. He also addressed the Chemmany mass grave investigations, stating that the Government has allocated funds for excavations, sought forensic support following the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ visit, and is committed to proper inquiries while continuing land releases and infrastructure work in the Northern Province.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Raising a Point of Order, Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna sought the attention of the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees. No substantive issue or argument was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Member raised a point under Standing Order 92(2)(b), objecting to the Chair’s earlier ruling on his reference to the Chemmany issue. He argued that while his remarks were ruled irrelevant, a Minister was permitted to speak about alleged injustice in the same context, and asked for equal application of procedural rules.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan said Sri Lanka’s economic failures stemmed less from choosing capitalism or socialism than from corruption, waste, mismanagement and discriminatory development, and he welcomed the Fiscal Strategy Statement and action against those accused of looting public assets. He urged the Government to rebuild the economy by reopening and rehabilitating closed industries in the North and East, including the Valachchenai Paper Mill and other factories affected by the war, to create jobs and reduce poverty, especially among female-headed households and migrant workers. He argued that past tax cuts under Gotabaya Rajapaksa caused major revenue losses and called for progressive, strategic economic action at national, provincial and district levels while noting that reported growth had not yet resolved poverty and price instability.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti defended the Fiscal Strategy Statement as a legally grounded framework under the Public Financial Management Act to guide the 2026 Budget, manage fiscal risks, and prevent arbitrary overspending, particularly in relation to SOEs, macroeconomic shocks, legal exposures, and local government entities. He said the Government had already taken fiscal sustainability measures including tax reforms, tax administration modernization, abolition of SVAT, and institutional reforms in revenue agencies, and requested that relevant pages of the Statement be incorporated into Hansard. He stated that the Government aims to resolve 2025 fiscal risks within the year, outperform revenue targets, and exit the IMF programme by 2028 while maintaining transparency. He also highlighted tourism, regional development in the North and East, revival of factories such as National Paper, and the need for rule of law and safeguards against narcotics and youth migration.
Public Finance Full speech → - Documents tabled
AI summary Documents tabled set out forthcoming Fiscal Risk Statement disclosures, including IMF SOE Health Check Tool assessments for 41 non-financial State-owned enterprises and associated risk ratings. They outline recent SOE risk-mitigation and reform measures, including cost-reflective utility pricing, liability restructuring, sectoral competition reforms, SriLankan Airlines and water sector restructuring actions, and governance strengthening across major SOEs. The documents also detail statutory Fiscal Strategy Statement requirements under the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, and policy measures to support fiscal sustainability, including new debt and fiscal management laws, tax base-broadening and indexation measures, personal income tax adjustments, and modernization initiatives at the Inland Revenue Department, Customs and Excise Department.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar said the Fiscal Strategy Statement is a statutory requirement under the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, but argued that it lacks clear methods, targets and timelines for achieving its stated objectives. He asked the Government to provide time-bound plans on poverty reduction, rising household expenditure, job losses among business operators, SME relief with the reactivation of parate law, debt reduction, urban cost-of-living pressures, electricity tariff policy, and IMF exit targets. He also questioned the alleged USD 1 million penalty over delays relating to the FAO research vessel, future borrowing needs to bridge the budget deficit, expected revenue and investment targets, and whether senior citizens would receive the promised additional 3 per cent interest on fixed deposits from 1 July.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement, arguing that it is needed to address Sri Lanka’s debt burden and guide economic recovery. He criticized past governments for imprudent borrowing and spending on non-essential projects, and urged that future borrowing be planned, limited to essential needs, and directed toward productive sectors such as local manufacturing, agriculture, transport infrastructure, and tourism. He highlighted the development of Kalpitiya as a tourism hub as an example of the current Government’s approach.
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Muhammad Faizal stated that previous governments’ foreign borrowing had raised public expectations but failed to deliver benefits. He argued that instead, the public was left facing greater hardship without fully realizing the consequences.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the Public Finance Management legislation as important to addressing past fiscal weaknesses, while arguing that Sri Lanka’s economic crisis also arose from tax cuts, lost foreign exchange inflows, conflict, political interference, and overreliance on debt. He urged the Government, beyond IMF conditions, to set clear targets and new measures to reduce the debt-servicing burden, raise revenue before repayments resume in 2028, and avoid returning to a debt-driven model. He also called for greater transparency in public finance, including disclosure on customs containers, international economic agreements, MPs’ salary arrangements, government vehicle auctions, and a shift to an online transparent tender system to curb corruption.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad expressed concern that current actions against medical professionals are creating fear among doctors and could undermine their ability to perform surgeries based on professional judgment. He compared the situation to the “Dr. Shafi” controversy and criticized social media attempts to justify the decisions. He also alleged that prison guards made derogatory remarks to a doctor’s daughter visiting the prison, arguing that professionals must be protected when necessary.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 as a framework for fiscal discipline, transparency, and economic stabilization under the IMF programme. He argued that the Government has maintained the IMF framework, completed debt restructuring, enacted financial governance reforms, and presented a Budget balancing expenditure control with public and development needs. He attributed the economic crisis to long-term fiscal mismanagement, weak revenue collection, corruption, and high-cost borrowing under previous administrations, and said the Government would broaden the tax base, strengthen anti-corruption enforcement, and pursue gradual growth from about 3.2–3.5 per cent upward.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted that his allotted speaking time appeared to have been reduced from 20 minutes to 16 minutes and requested the Deputy Chairperson of Committees to allow him the full 20 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 as a basis for medium-term planning but urged both Government and Opposition to use data and pursue continuity in economic policy, citing malnutrition, rising welfare dependency, household costs, and increased public debt. He argued that growth should focus on enterprises, especially SMEs, and proposed a one to one-and-a-half-year moratorium and a Private Members’ Bill to provide extraordinary relief and alternative repayment arrangements for vulnerable borrowers affected during 2020-2024. He called for a stronger restructuring model for SriLankan Airlines, protection for exporters and deemed exporters if SVAT is withdrawn, targeted SME lending at 8-10 per cent, and greater accountability of the Central Bank while preserving its independence.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake informed the House that he would also be using nine minutes of speaking time allocated by Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Government’s acknowledgement that all wage demands cannot be met through strikes, but urged stronger action to attract investment, including facilitating investors such as Sinopec and depoliticizing economic policy. He called for youth entrepreneurship, SME-led rice production to reduce imports, and productivity improvements in agriculture, citing lower paddy yields than regional competitors. Referring to IMF comments and the President’s statements on debt-servicing capacity by 2028, he argued that sustained reforms, fiscal discipline, better data, and accountable discretion for officials are necessary to make the current IMF programme Sri Lanka’s last.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose to a Point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was recorded in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order regarding quorum during the debate, noting that very few Government Members were present in the Chamber. He questioned the propriety of proceeding with the debate, which he said had been scheduled for the following week, and called attention to the low attendance despite public expenditure on parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Requested a correction that the relevant number should be twenty-one.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement, arguing that it is intended to prevent a recurrence of the 2022 economic collapse by strengthening fiscal discipline, protecting taxpayers’ money, and improving risk management over a five-year period. He cited recent revenue performance above targets, creation of a cash buffer for public sector salaries, increased BOI approvals and private sector credit, and infrastructure and transport measures as evidence of economic stabilization. He also referred to the Proceeds of Crime law and ongoing investigations into corruption and financial misconduct, while rejecting Opposition claims about investor flight and factory closures as inaccurate.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB
AI summary Aruna Panagoda supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026, arguing that it identifies fiscal problems, proposes measures to raise revenue, address gaps, strengthen legal frameworks, and restore fiscal discipline. He criticized the Opposition’s past record in government, alleging mismanagement, misuse of public funds, and attempts to undermine economic stabilization by discouraging investors. He said the Government is pursuing a new political culture based on accountability and urged the Opposition to assist rather than destabilize the recovery effort.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah expressed support for the Government’s efforts to rebuild the economy but urged faster action on economic stabilization. He called on the President as Finance Minister to directly engage the U.S. President to seek relief from increased tariffs on Sri Lankan apparel exports, warning of serious impacts on factories and SMEs. He also objected to requiring local authorities to fund an increasing share of staff salaries under IMF-related measures without first strengthening their revenue base, especially in war-affected rural councils. He further urged faster implementation of capital expenditure allocations, cautioning against excessive taxation and the relocation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs abroad.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika noted that the Special Sitting was convened to present the Government’s Fiscal Strategy Statement under the State Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, setting medium-term fiscal targets for 2026–2030. He said the statement is especially important after three years of economic contraction and amid the IMF programme, outlining targets by 2030 including a 2.3% primary surplus, revenue of 15.4% of GDP, expenditure of 19.2% of GDP, and a 3.2% budget deficit. He stated that the Government, nine months after taking office, is working to recover from the collapsed economy it inherited.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika argued that the current government has restored economic and political stability after inheriting a bankrupt country under IMF constraints, citing first-quarter growth of 4.8 percent, higher industry and services output, a Rs. 167 billion primary surplus increase, and rising tourism and remittances. He said these improvements were the result of a deliberate programme rather than accidental outcomes, and contrasted the government’s approach with previous reliance on tax increases and burdens on ordinary people. He rejected Opposition criticism as ad hoc, stating that the government is pursuing an orderly, long-term plan under the President’s policy framework while also seeking to strengthen social protection and living standards.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Dharmapriya Wijesinghe supported the Budgetary Position Statement for 2026 as a statutory requirement preceding the Budget, arguing that Opposition Members were using the debate for political criticism rather than addressing its legal purpose. He said past administrations had undermined fiscal discipline, transparency, democratic rights, and data integrity, citing alleged misuse of public funds, audit discrepancies, and inaccurate state data. He stated that the current government is seeking to correct these problems through reforms and that the statement provides a mechanism for structuring the forthcoming Budget and restoring sound governance.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Fiscal Policy Statement was presented as required under the State Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, and argued that it sets out the Government’s stabilization framework, including revenue mobilization, expenditure control, deficit reduction, risk management, transparency, and accountability. He rejected Opposition claims that debt was rising without a plan, stating that the Government is targeting sustained primary surpluses and managing borrowing within a ceiling of about Rs. 4,000 billion in 2025, with limited foreign borrowing and a greater reliance on domestic financing. He also said recent debt figures had been misrepresented, citing central government debt levels from 2023 to May 2025 and attributing some changes to exchange rate movements.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural