Sitting of Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1752660241032216 ·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 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Performance Reports 9 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 7 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms 18 speeches
- 5 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order on Question Time Conduct 22 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions to Prime Minister: Pension Disputes and FDI 11 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: National Hospital Kandy (Q.614/2025) 7 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Fish Catch, Import and Export (Q.637/2025) 18 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Ragama–Peralanda Tank Development (Q.6511/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: CIABOC Cases Against Politicians (Q.712/2025) 7 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Velanai DS Division Post Office (Q.950/2025) 7 speeches
- 12 Oral question Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Paddy Purchase, Rice Import, Horticultural Crops; Question of Privilege 13 speeches
- 13 Procedural Procedural: Questions of Privilege and Parliamentary Conduct 18 speeches
- 14 Papers Papers: Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill 3 speeches
- 15 Procedural Procedural: Setting Sitting Hours 1 speeches
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) 146 speeches
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa formally moved that Parliament be adjourned. The motion was then proposed to the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam sought an assurance that Members would be protected under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act when participating in the debate on the Easter Sunday attacks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam moved a motion alleging that the Government has failed to deliver promised accountability for the Easter Sunday attacks and other human rights violations, and demanded that key reports, including the Presidential Commission report, be tabled and its recommendations implemented. He asked specific questions on alleged Attorney General’s Department intervention in bail for Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, DNA reports relating to Sara Jasmine, a missing police firearm allegedly linked to the attacks, and the failure to arrest certain suspects. He also raised wider concerns about alleged state and intelligence links to armed groups in the East, witness protection, and unresolved cases including the Joseph Pararajasingham murder. He proposed establishing a special prosecutor’s office with international assistance to conduct independent investigations and ensure justice for victims and national security.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana seconded the Motion and called for an update on investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, noting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s pledge to ensure justice. He asked what recommendations of the Presidential Commission report had been implemented during the Government’s ten months in office and requested that at least one implemented recommendation be tabled. He also questioned whether requests from the National Catholic Committee for Justice to Easter Sunday Attack Victims had been considered, and sought transparent reporting to Parliament on specific investigative leads, including the FBI-provided IP address, the release of an individual despite military concerns, and inquiries relating to “Matale Saharan.”
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned delays in investigations into alleged figures and incidents connected to the Easter Sunday attacks, including references to “Abuhind,” Jameel, Asad Maulana, “Sale,” Army intelligence officers, and Sara Jasmine. He asked why statements given to the Presidential Commission and claims made in the Channel 4 programme had not led to completed investigations, reports to Parliament, or arrests. He demanded that relevant officials be questioned and suggested sending an official team to France if Asad Maulana could not be brought to Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned the reliability of the DNA testing related to Sara Jasmine, noting that only one of three tests identified her and asking why the Government could not conduct another test. Referring to the Easter Sunday attacks, he urged consideration of the National Catholic Committee for Justice to Easter Sunday Attack Victims’ document, called for an independent international investigation, and requested implementation of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry recommendations. He said the Government had a duty to provide justice to the victims and at minimum disclose who was responsible.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government had not abandoned investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and corrected what he described as a misrepresentation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s remarks. He outlined the attacks’ casualties, the number of suspects arrested and indicted, and the sequence of investigations and commissions, including the Malalgoda Committee, the Parliamentary Select Committee, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, and later committees on the Channel 4 allegations. He stated that previous governments had failed to adequately investigate key disclosures, while the current Government has begun a structured investigation in line with the President’s pledges and is prepared to refer earlier reports to the CID and, if necessary, table them in Parliament.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara informed the Chair that he would allocate part of his speaking time to the Minister. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister reported on ongoing CID investigations linked to the Easter attacks and the Vavunativu police murders, stating that ballistic and recovered-weapon evidence now connects the killings to weapons associated with Zaharan’s network and that several associates have been arrested and indicted. He said serious doubts remain over whether Pulastini Mahendran alias Sara Jasmine died in the Sainthamaruthu blast, and that investigations are also examining prior intelligence failures at the Taj Samudra and allegations that former Eastern Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan had prior knowledge of the Easter attacks. He tabled an annex identifying 43 recommendations from the Presidential Commission report requiring implementation outside the Police Department, said efforts are under way to bring key witness Asad Maulana to Sri Lanka, and stated that disciplinary action and further legal measures will be pursued to address extremism, racism, and any politically motivated support or non-action by intelligence-linked actors.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa renewed the Opposition’s call for a new mechanism to investigate the Easter Sunday attacks, citing earlier parliamentary debates and Standing Order 27(2) questions. He urged the Government to adopt a six-step plan endorsed by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, including a reconstituted commission with local and foreign experts, a permanent investigation office, criminal prosecutions, a special court, and a State Prosecution Office. He said the process must be impartial, involve international assistance such as Scotland Yard or the FBI, and restore public trust, particularly among victims and the Catholic community.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Easter Sunday attacks occurred under the previous Yahapalana Government and argued that former ministers now making proposals could have acted when in office. He emphasized that victims included both those killed and injured in the attacks and the Muslim community affected by subsequent anti-Muslim hostility. Addressing the motion’s call for a special prosecutor with international assistance, he said an investigative-prosecutorial model is incompatible with Sri Lanka’s adversarial legal system, but the Government is moving to establish an independent Prosecutor’s Office to avoid perceived conflicts involving the Attorney-General. He stated that investigations can be conducted by the CID, international assistance may be sought where appropriate, and prosecutions should proceed through Sri Lankan courts to deliver justice and closure.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam argued that Sri Lankan law permits forms of international participation in investigations, citing the OMP Act and a Supreme Court determination on a Private Member’s Bill involving foreign observers or judges. He reiterated his call for a Special Prosecutor’s Office on human rights violations, questioning the capacity and impartiality of the Attorney-General’s Department where the State itself is implicated. He also said the Government had not responded to elements of his Motion, including concerns relating to the Chemmani mass graves.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that six years after the Easter Sunday attacks, victims had still not received justice despite repeated political promises and investigations. He questioned what new action the Government had taken, including efforts to bring back “Sara” from India, reveal alleged masterminds above Zaharan, and disclose information referred to in commission and FBI-related material. He accused successive election campaigns of exploiting the attacks and urged the Government to fulfil its manifesto commitments, seek international investigative assistance where necessary, and swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala raised a Point of Order denying a social media claim quoted by Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara that allegedly linked him to a statement about the Dalada Perahera. He asserted that he had never made such a statement, urged Members to act responsibly in the House, and demanded that any claim attributing the remark to him be supported with a link.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara responded to a reference to his name by stating that if false claims are being made on social media, the Deputy Minister concerned should take action by lodging a complaint with the CID.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government is committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the Easter Sunday attack victims, noting that the Presidential Commission report was handed to the CID on 20.04.2025 after allegedly not being referred by the previous Government. He stated that investigations have been restarted and strengthened without political interference, with professional CID and intelligence officers reinstated, while sensitive findings cannot yet be disclosed. He rejected the need for a special prosecutor’s office with international assistance, arguing that Sri Lanka’s legal and security institutions have sufficient capacity and that trial-expediting reforms are already being pursued.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister noted that pension increases for retirees from 2016 to 2019 would begin from 10 July 2025, with interim payments already made pending full recalculation. Addressing the Easter Sunday attack investigations, he said the Government had been in office only nine of the 63 months since the attack and was pursuing investigations while withholding sensitive details to avoid compromising them. He rejected Opposition claims of political witch-hunts, cited several remand cases as lawful processes, and said the Government had an electoral mandate to deliver justice for victims and enforce the law.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe thanked the Member who brought the Motion, saying such pressure on the Government was appropriate, but urged that criticism not be based on false premises. He stated that the Government was accountable to the people and rejected claims of arbitrary rule or political deals. Referring to Pillayan and India’s concerns, he said action would be taken against anyone involved if wrongdoing was found, asserting that the Government’s only “deal” was with the people.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka challenged the Government’s claim that public officials are non-partisan, alleging that senior police, CID and Defence Ministry officials had appeared at political press conferences at the Government’s Pelawatte office before receiving key appointments. He argued that these officials are aligned with the Government and questioned claims about accountability failures, noting that the same CID leadership was in place during the period when intelligence reports and incidents relevant to the matter were recorded.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe rose to a point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Clarified that no individual’s name was mentioned in the preceding remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe briefly objected to the Chair’s reference to “the Hon. Deputy Minister,” noting that he had spoken immediately beforehand and questioning the ambiguity of the reference.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka objected to his allotted speaking time being reduced. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in the quoted remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe briefly interjected to ask the relevant Member to identify who served as Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and as Chairman of SriLankan Airlines during the period under discussion. He suggested those names should also be placed on record as part of the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Government’s handling of police and CID appointments and investigations, alleging political involvement and selective disclosure of information. He referred to inquiries connected to the Easter Sunday attacks, including claims about seized bank accounts and funding, and challenged the Government’s position on ISIS involvement. He also criticized statements by government figures about possessing “files” on MPs and raised concerns about national list appointments.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka briefly intervened to tell the Minister to pose a question if he had one. No substantive policy issue, legislative matter, or proposal was raised in the remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the claim about possessing “files” on everyone was made by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, not President Anura Dissanayake. He emphasized that the remark should be attributed to Mahinda Rajapaksa in the relevant context.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned whether the current party was connected to individuals linked to the Easter Sunday bombings, citing claims about Ibrahim’s funding role. He referred to Presidential Commission findings that called for investigations and indictments against those involved in the attacks, conspiracies, and dereliction of responsibility, and questioned the propriety of assigning related investigations to officials against whom allegations exist. He also cited a court matter involving the Secretary in charge of Police to argue that unresolved allegations could undermine confidence in the investigative process.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake briefly questioned why an apology had been made to a Minister. The remark appears to be an interjection seeking clarification rather than a substantive policy statement or proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary The Hon. D.V. Chanaka briefly responded to an interruption by questioning why he should apologize to another Member. He denied an unspecified allegation or implication before being interrupted again.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake briefly challenged another member’s remark, asking whether they had just said “sorry.” The intervention appears to seek clarification of the member’s statement rather than to advance a substantive policy argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake noted that an apology had just been made to Minister Ananda Wijepala for a misstatement. The intervention appears procedural, drawing attention to the correction rather than advancing a substantive policy argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Clarifies that the earlier reference was to alcohol consumption, not drug use.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that police had withdrawn two of three alcohol-related charges against an individual because he was the Secretary in charge of Police. He questioned whether officials found by a Presidential Commission to have shirked responsibility could properly investigate accused persons, suggesting such investigations would be used to secure acquittals. He stated that his side did not trust the proposed investigation concerning their national list candidate.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka alleged that in 2019 funds were deposited into a national list candidate’s bank account and questioned whether the relevant party was aware of the matter. He further claimed the candidate threatened the police when facing arrest and sought clarification on whether that conduct was known at the time.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Asked whether the relevant party knowingly supported the matter under discussion and demanded a direct answer.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake asked for clarification regarding a Presidential Commission report referenced by Hon. Chanaka, specifically inquiring which President had appointed that Commission.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka referred to a matter from Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure and stated that he could identify the Supreme Court judges involved if required. The intervention appears to relate to clarification of a previous point rather than a substantive policy proposal.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake interjected to seek clarification on which President appointed the Commission under discussion. The remark was a brief procedural question aimed at establishing the relevant context of the Commission’s origin.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka questioned whether it was improper to refer to which President appointed Supreme Court Judges. His intervention arose amid interruptions, indicating a procedural or political dispute over mentioning presidential responsibility in judicial appointments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake questioned the relevance of criticisms directed at Secretaries based on a Presidential Commission report. He specifically asked which President had appointed the Commission, indicating that this context was important to the discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka argued that, despite numerous intelligence reports before the attacks, officials in the CID and related security positions should be held responsible without needing further inquiry to establish accountability. He criticized the Government for allegedly giving political platforms and posts to officers whom commissions or findings had suggested should face criminal action for dereliction of duty.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam rose on a point of Order. No substantive argument or proposal was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the Chair on the procedural basis for allowing the Leader of the House to intervene repeatedly during his speech. He asked which Standing Order permitted the Leader of the House to stand and express views multiple times at will.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to the Leader of the House being allowed to interject at any time under Standing Orders. He argued that this was unfair unless the same opportunity was granted to other Members as well.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake clarified that his brief interventions in the House were made with the consent of Hon. Chanaka and the Chair, not by virtue of his position as Leader of the House. He added that such opportunities would be available to others if they became Leader of the House, and expressed the wish that Hon. Rasamanickam would also have that opportunity.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that the Chief Opposition Whip was not being afforded the relevant opportunity, raising a procedural concern about participation or speaking rights in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam briefly states that something is not being provided to another individual as well. The remark appears to add to or clarify an ongoing exchange, without specifying the subject in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Sunil Watagala responded to a point raised by Hon. Chanaka concerning a Presidential Commission report, alleging that the answer given was knowingly incorrect. He clarified that the report was delivered under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, not Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka stated that the commission in question was appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena, while its report was submitted during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala briefly commented that the opposing side appeared to be acting in a coordinated manner. The remark was procedural and did not raise a substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka’s remarks consist only of an address to the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, with no substantive argument, proposal, question, or policy issue presented in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka stated that the commission in question was appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena and that its report was received during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure. He noted that His Eminence the Cardinal accepts only that report and urged the Minister to accept it as well.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake noted that the relevant document available is the Imam report, and said that Anura Karunathilaka had also referred to it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the names referred to by Hon. Chanaka do not appear in the available Presidential Commission reports. He stated that the references are instead found in a separate committee report led by an Imam, which he described as “Ranil’s committee,” and argued that it should not be treated as a Presidential Commission report.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that the debate and Motion should not undermine ongoing CID investigations and judicial proceedings relating to the Easter Sunday attacks, noting that fresh facts reports had been filed in the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. He said the victims’ concerns are already before courts, cited Supreme Court fundamental rights case SCFR 191/19 in which he was involved, and emphasized that compensation orders and requests for intelligence-related information reflect the victims’ aspirations. He criticized the Motion for focusing on reports, bail for Pillayan, Sara Jasmin’s DNA evidence, international assistance, and missing weapons, saying these issues were disconnected from the central judicial process, and also requested correction of the wording from “Easter attack” to “Easter Sunday attack.”
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka rose on a point of Order. No substantive argument, question, or proposal was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka responded to Minister Anura Karunathilaka’s claim that certain material was not in the Presidential Commission report. He requested the Minister to read pages 117–120 and 145, stating that those pages record prior information received by the CID Director and DIG and allege that failure to act contributed to the attack.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the matter being cited was not contained in the Presidential Commission report but in the Imam Committee report. He challenged the other party to identify the specific volume and location supporting their claim.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka tabled specific pages (117, 118, 119, 120 and 145) of a Presidential Commission report and requested that they be read.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam rose to raise a point of Order. No substantive argument, question, or proposal is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam briefly sought time to clarify a point raised by another Member regarding the content of his own Motion. He stated that he was not replying to the Motion itself, but requested a fair opportunity to explain the specific issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam clarified that his Motion concerned the Government’s alleged failure to ensure justice for serious human rights violations from the Easter Sunday attacks to the Chemmani mass grave revelations, not the remanding of Pillayan. He reiterated calls for the Easter Commission report to be presented to Parliament, raised the need for an international investigation, and questioned Sri Lanka’s technical capacity regarding DNA evidence linked to Chemmani and “Sara.” He also said he had only sought clarification on reports about possible bail for Pillayan, noting the Minister had denied them and that MPs are entitled to seek such clarifications.
- 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 argued that the Easter Sunday attacks were part of a wider political and security failure, alleging that conditions of anti-Muslim sentiment and instability were cultivated after 2015 to enable the Rajapaksas’ return to power. He accused the then Government and later administrations of ignoring intelligence warnings, failing to prevent the attacks, and not conducting proper investigations, including sidelining officers such as Shani Abeysekara and Ravi Seneviratne. He linked the attacks to subsequent economic damage, especially the collapse of tourism, and said the current Government has revived stalled cases and seeks judicial proof of the planners and operators behind the attacks.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized remarks by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala and urged authorities to first locate Ishara Sewwandi before pursuing claims regarding Sara Jasmin’s DNA. He then raised concern over ongoing excavations of alleged mass graves at Chemmani, citing reports of victims’ remains and limited government presence at the site. Referring to Section 12(d) of the Office on Missing Persons Act, he questioned whether the OMP had exercised its powers to seek court orders for excavation or observe the process, and urged the responsible Minister to act and properly operationalize the OMP.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Chemmani mass grave excavations are proceeding under court orders without obstruction, with work having commenced on the 26th. He said the Office on Missing Persons is observing and providing necessary support, including financial assistance, and that personal security has been deployed to the site.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem briefly responded that the point being made may be correct. No substantive proposal, question, or policy position was elaborated in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara briefly intervened to assert that a preceding statement was factual, correcting the wording from “may be” to “it is true.” The remark appears to have been a clarification or affirmation within an ongoing exchange rather than a substantive policy argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem challenged the Government’s response to an unspecified matter, stating that although a statement may have been issued, no representative had visited the relevant location. He urged the authorities to verify the situation directly by making inquiries.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara argued that the Office on Missing Persons was necessary to uncover and verify details related to missing persons cases. He implied that without the OMP’s involvement, Parliament and the public would lack access to such information.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that information regarding Chemmani had been provided to court. He assured the Member that the relevant work was being carried out.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem cited Section 11(e) of the Office on Missing Persons Act, noting that it empowers the OMP to establish committees, divisions, and units and delegate functions to them. He urged that these committees be appointed, stressing that the matter has international significance.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the matter is progressing well and that all necessary assistance is being provided. He added that committees would be appointed if the need arises.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem questioned the Government’s inaction on alleged mass graves linked to past violence, including sites at Hokandara, Gampaha, Matale and Sooriyakanda. He argued that even graves said to contain slain JVP members had not been excavated, and called for those sites to be investigated as well.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law, characterized the matter under discussion as effectively an inquiry into the government’s own failures or misconduct. The remark was a pointed procedural intervention, suggesting that those responsible were being called to account for their own actions.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem referred to the killing of over 150 Muslim Hajj pilgrims and their family members by the LTTE at Kurukkalmadam and stated that a related case remains dormant in the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court despite requests for excavation. He urged the Ministry and the Office on Missing Persons to take action on the matter.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Office on Missing Persons is re-examining the matter carefully and is present in an observer capacity. He indicated that action or attention is triggered when a complaint is made, though his remarks were interrupted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem questioned why the Office on Missing Persons is being limited to observation rather than taking more active steps. He implied the need for the OMP to move beyond passive monitoring and deliver concrete action on cases of missing persons.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law, stated that the matter under discussion must proceed according to the established procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticized the limited role being attributed to the Office on Missing Persons, arguing that when Sri Lanka’s international reputation is at stake, the OMP should not be reduced to a merely observational body. He characterized the situation as a serious tragedy.
- An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member called for the use of the Minister’s powers, without providing further details on the specific matter or statutory authority involved.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem stated that available powers are not being exercised because of fear, specifically fear of “pseudo-patriots” and “pseudo-nationalists.” He implied that political hesitation or pressure from nationalist actors is preventing decisive action.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara raised a point of order and objected to being lectured by Members whom he said had remained silent during former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure. He stated that he had previously addressed the Member respectfully but no longer intended to do so, and asserted that the Government would proceed with its work.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued that the Easter Sunday attacks require further investigation into alleged links mentioned in the Presidential Commission report, including “Abu Hinde” and “Pakkam Abu,” and called for key witnesses such as Saharan’s wife, Hadiya, to be examined without intimidation. He questioned the role of the Attorney General’s Department in objecting to her evidence and urged the Government to identify and disclose any “deep state” actors referred to by the President. Referring to B Report 35882/24 connected to the Channel 4 matter, he criticized the investigation for charging only a subordinate officer while not proceeding against two others, and demanded that the Government handle the inquiry transparently.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala raised a point of order stating that cases relating to the attack have been filed and are being heard in the Batticaloa High Court. He argued that earlier governments had misdirected investigations, and that if the Vavunativu Police post killings had been correctly identified at the time, the Easter Sunday attacks could have been prevented.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary Muneer Mulaffer said the post-2009 governments failed to promote reconciliation after the war and instead allowed communal suspicion to grow, citing incidents in Digana, Ampara, Gintota, Minuwangoda and Kuliyapitiya. He argued that investigations into the Easter attacks should punish all planners and perpetrators, while also examining media outlets and political actors that spread communal hatred through false narratives. He stated that the wider Muslim community had no motive for the Easter bombings, acknowledged Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s role in preventing further violence, and called for measures to ensure such communal unrest does not recur.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said the Easter Sunday attacks were an organised and networked crime requiring a comprehensive investigation, not a narrow attribution to a few individuals or extremist labels. He argued that past failures of governance had created public distrust in justice processes, and said the NPP Government would not obstruct investigations or allow the matter to be buried. He linked the attacks to “fear politics” and the pursuit of political power, citing severe economic, social and democratic consequences, and called on the Opposition to cooperate with investigative agencies rather than undermine or leak information.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman said the Easter Sunday bombings were a conspiracy involving elements of the State and noted that both his side and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s side had promised to identify the masterminds. He tabled the Malalgoda Committee report, the Imam Committee report on the Channel 4 broadcast, and evidence from former DMI head Chula Kodituwakku for investigators’ use. He argued that the Government, having received the public mandate after promising justice, now bears responsibility for finding and prosecuting those behind the attacks.
- Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman criticized President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government for not fulfilling election promises to identify and prosecute those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. He argued that the President had previously alleged State involvement and named possible actors, and demanded that the Government investigate and disclose who assisted Zaharan, who protected the perpetrators, and whether figures such as Gotabaya Rajapaksa or Suresh Sallay were involved. He also raised specific questions about the Sainthamaruthu incident, the death of Zaharan’s brother, and the alleged survival and removal of Sara, urging the Government to use investigators such as Shani Abeysekara and Ravi Seneviratne to bring the masterminds before the law.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Aruna Jayasekera raised a point of order to clarify remarks referring to him as former Eastern Commander, stating that only a small segment within intelligence, not the wider apparatus, had assisted an extremist group for political purposes. He emphasized that intelligence and CID units remain professional, citing their handling of the Arugam Bay incident, and said a criminal investigation is ongoing. He added that he fully cooperated with the CID, spending six hours giving evidence about events during the previous government and his own actions as Eastern Commander.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB
AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu described the Easter Sunday attacks as a politically motivated and divisive act that damaged inter-ethnic harmony, linking it to earlier episodes of communal conflict in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the impact on Batticaloa’s Zion Church and cited economic consequences, including declines in tourism revenue, employment, GDP growth, government revenue, investor confidence, the stock market and foreign investment. He said that if Pillayan is proven to be connected to the attacks, the government would allow legal action to proceed, and rejected allegations of political deals in the Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha while counter-alleging misconduct in Kaluwanchikudy.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister, speaking in the adjournment debate on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, recalled the deaths, injuries, and subsequent social distrust, particularly the suspicion faced by Muslim communities and women wearing Islamic attire. She argued that politicians had exploited language, ethnicity, and religion for power, drawing parallels with Sri Lanka’s war experience and global conflicts in which civilians became victims. She stated that the Government is committed to social justice, equal citizenship for Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, and ensuring justice and punishment for those responsible for the Easter attacks.
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam argued that where the State is itself implicated, including in the Easter attacks and alleged mass graves such as Chemmani, domestic investigations cannot command legitimacy and should be replaced by international investigations rather than only an independent prosecutor with foreign assistance. He said past failures in Chemmani and the Government’s position on war crimes prosecutions show victims cannot trust State-led processes. He also raised the detention of Mohamed Suhail Mohamed Rifai under the Prevention of Terrorism Act over a social media post about Palestine, questioned the legal basis for treating it as a PTA offence, and called for government intervention to secure the release of such detainees.
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam argued that responsibility for the Easter Sunday attacks and subsequent communal violence should not be placed solely on the current government, citing failures of the then government, including security lapses and attacks on Muslims after 21 April 2019. He called for justice for Christian victims while also highlighting the detention and hardship faced by Muslims under the PTA and other laws, stating that punishment should follow only where evidence exists. He warned against turning the attacks into a Sinhala-Muslim issue and said the Government’s present debate was a necessary step toward accountability and national security.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar linked the Easter Sunday attacks to a broader history of communal violence in Sri Lanka, thanking Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for helping prevent further unrest after the attacks. He recalled personal losses from the Zion Church and Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church bombings and said he had sought to protect Muslims in Jaffna amid fear and tension. He argued that decades of racism, pogroms, insurrections, and mass graves had harmed the country, and called for transforming Sri Lanka into a better country for future generations.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary K. Kader Masthan said the Muslim community had suffered continuing consequences from the 2019 Easter attacks and called for expedited investigations to identify and disclose the true mastermind, rather than continued political blame. He argued that post-attack fear and suspicion had damaged communal harmony, with Muslims facing collective punishment, arrests over Arabic materials, and other restrictions, while also acknowledging the Cardinal’s role in preventing reprisals. He raised concern over Customs obstacles to 20,000 Qur’an copies imported from Saudi Arabia and urged the Government to uphold its promises on justice, human rights issues, and repeal or reform of the PTA, citing the detention of a youth named Suhail.
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Eranga Gunasekara linked the ongoing Easter Sunday attack investigations to the broader demands of the 2022 people’s uprising, including accountability for corruption and rejection of racist or family-based politics. He said the government, led by the President and Cabinet with the security forces, is proceeding step by step to uncover the truth. He also stated that the government is reviewing more than 1,000 cases involving over 3,000 accused persons connected to the Aragalaya, including cases he described as politically motivated, with a view to legal re-examination.
- The Hon. Stepni (Stephanie) Fernando JJB
AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando said the Easter attacks harmed both Catholics and Muslims, causing 274 deaths and about 600 injuries, including 115 deaths and around 300 injuries at Katuwapitiya in her district. She argued that previous leaders had prior intelligence warnings but failed to protect the public, and said attempts to provoke ethnic violence after the attacks were restrained by Catholic leaders, including the Cardinal. She stated that the National People’s Power Government would investigate the attacks fully, punish all perpetrators, and pursue justice while promoting national unity.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government for failing, after nine months in office, to act on election promises to deliver justice for the Easter Sunday attacks, saying existing commission and committee reports should be properly reviewed and sent for legal action. He proposed appointing a dedicated police team to examine and collate all available evidence, and asked the Government to identify alleged State or intelligence-linked actors without casting suspicion on the wider intelligence community. He also urged inquiries into the funding and political links of the Ibrahim family, and contrasted the Government’s current positions on casinos and Easter justice with its earlier pledges in Opposition.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB
AI summary Minister Abeysena said the Easter Sunday attacks occurred under the Yahapalana Government and argued that responsibility lay with that administration, while noting that the current Government has been in office for only seven months. He stated that investigations into issues such as Sara Jasmine, “Sonic Sonic,” Jameel, Ibrahim, and alleged links involving security and political figures are ongoing, and cautioned that prosecutions should not be rushed without complete evidence. He said the Government is implementing reforms on depoliticizing education and policing, maintaining national security, and supporting victims, including by establishing a dedicated clinic at Katuwapitiya with home-visit nursing services. He reaffirmed that the judiciary and Attorney-General’s Department are independent, while saying the Government expects efficiency and remains committed to finding the truth.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said post-Easter political alignments had shifted, referring to former associates of Pillayan now seeking justice through ITAK. He alleged that, during UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s visit, he was prevented from speaking in Parliament despite requesting time as leader of an independent group to call for an international investigation into Chemmani. He criticized the Speaker’s refusal, through Right to Information responses, to release parliamentary videos, and urged the Speaker to act neutrally.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna alleged that mass graves such as Chemmanni reflect continuing injustices against Tamil people and criticised what he described as political theatre in Parliament. He referred to LTTE leader Prabhakaran and fallen fighters, expressed concern over Pillayan being in prison, and objected to remarks reportedly made by Minister Harshan Nanayakkara characterising the Chemmanni mass grave issue as hearsay. He argued that raising such matters in Parliament through adjournment motions should be protected under parliamentary privilege.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna protested that his speaking time had been reduced from six minutes to three minutes and requested an additional 20 seconds. He alleged that the reduction was due to the Government’s concern over what he might say, then concluded by thanking the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka condemned the Easter Sunday attacks and argued that they must be understood in the context of political extremism, failures in national security, and attempts by former power blocs to regain authority through fear and communal narratives. He alleged that false claims about an LTTE resurgence, including in relation to the Vavunativu police killings, were promoted with the involvement of some intelligence elements, while responsibility also lay with the Maithripala Sirisena–Ranil Wickremesinghe Government’s internal power struggle and inaction. He criticized former officials and Ministers who, despite prior warnings or responsibility at the time, now use national security arguments in Parliament.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, was in Batticaloa Prison in connection with the Joseph Pararajasingham murder case at the time of the Zion Church bombing. He highlighted an alleged remark by Pillayan to an associate immediately after the 9.05 a.m. explosion, suggesting prior awareness or identification of the attack as a suicide bombing.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the government is uncovering alleged links and actors behind the Easter Sunday attacks, including claims relating to Pillayan and associates of Zahran. He said the National People’s Power government, in office for six to seven months, has accepted responsibility for fulfilling its promises to reveal the truth and deliver justice. He pledged that the matter would be resolved within the government’s first term, rather than being left to a future administration.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural