Sitting of Friday, 25 July 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1754382585021621 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening and Speaker's Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Reports and Orders 5 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee on Public Accounts: Second Report 2 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions Presented to Parliament 9 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Easter Sunday Attack - Officers Accused (Q.115/2024) 17 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Ambilanthurai–Kokkaddichcholai Road Reconstruction (Q.184/2024) 21 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Gulf of Mannar - Exploration of Gas and Oil (Q.199/2024) 15 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund - Investments in Share Market (Q.217/2024) 25 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Drafting of a New Constitution (Q.225/2024) 10 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Import of Vehicles Under Duty-Free Permits (Q.508/2025) 18 speeches
- 11 Oral question Second Round Oral Questions and Procedural Matters 13 speeches
- 12 Oral question Standing Order 27(2): Renewal of Pharmacy Licences and Training of Pharmacists 17 speeches
- 13 Oral question Standing Order 27(2): Central Bank Accountability and Medicine Procurement Delays 12 speeches
- 14 Procedural Committee on Ethics and Privileges - Referral Motion 2 speeches
- 15 Adjournment Vote of Condolence: Late Hon. Rajavarothiam Sampanthan and Others 2 speeches
- 16 Debate Condolence Debate: Late Hon. Members (R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana, Malani Fonseka) 41 speeches
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran briefly participated in the debate on Votes of Condolence for former Members of Parliament, expressing his intention to join the proceedings. No specific tribute, proposal, or policy issue was raised in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala supported the condolence motions for the late R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W.B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardena, and Malini Fonseka. He highlighted Sampanthan’s long parliamentary service, role as Opposition Leader, and defence of democracy during a constitutional crisis, and recalled the public service of Pilapitiya, Jayawardena, and Ekanayake through Parliament, Provincial Councils, and ministerial roles. He also noted Malini Fonseka’s contribution to cinema and her five years in Parliament, extending condolences to the families and communities of all those commemorated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi — Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs
AI summary The Minister paid tribute to the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, recalling her brief parliamentary service from 2010 and her major contribution to Sri Lankan cinema, theatre and television over a career spanning more than 150 films. He outlined her early life, key artistic milestones, and work across popular and art cinema, noting her significance in the centenary year of Sri Lankan cinema. He called for expanded academic study of her work and proposed establishing a national film and performing arts school and a national film archive to preserve Sri Lanka’s film heritage.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka paid tribute in a condolence debate to former Members Aberatna Pilapitiya, Lucky Jayawardena, W.B. Ekanayake, Rajavarothiam Sampanthan and Malini Fonseka, recalling their public service and contributions. He highlighted Pilapitiya’s development work in Kalawana, Jayawardena’s roles in the Central Provincial Council and water supply initiatives, Ekanayake’s service to Rajarata through provincial and ministerial posts, and Sampanthan’s national and international stature as a Tamil leader and former Opposition Leader. He also noted Malini Fonseka’s contribution to the arts and her constructive engagement on reviving the film industry, and extended condolences to the families of all those commemorated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem paid tribute during condolence motions to former MPs Aberatna Pilapitiya, Lucky Jayawardena, W.B. Ekanayake, Malini Fonseka and R. Sampanthan, recalling their parliamentary, provincial, ministerial and public contributions. He highlighted Pilapitiya’s role in UNP politics in Sabaragamuwa, Jayawardena’s service in Kandy and Udunuwara, Ekanayake’s work in the North Central Province, and Fonseka’s enduring contribution to Sinhala cinema and her collegial conduct in Parliament. He gave particular emphasis to Sampanthan, describing him as a statesman and leading Tamil parliamentary figure, noting his role in the TULF, post-1983 politics, the Indo-Lanka Accord process, the formation of the TNA, and his insistence that any North-East merger required Muslim consent.
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara paid tribute to former MPs Aberatna Pilapitiya, Lucky Jayawardena, W.B. Ekanayake, R. Sampanthan and Malini Fonseka, recalling their public service in Parliament, provincial councils, ministerial roles and other national contributions. He highlighted Pilapitiya’s service to Kalawana and Sabaragamuwa, Jayawardena’s Central Province and parliamentary career, Ekanayake’s ministerial work in highways, irrigation and disaster management, Sampanthan’s defence of parliamentary democracy and national unity, and Fonseka’s contribution to cinema and later parliamentary service. He conveyed personal and party condolences to their families.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported the condolence motion for five former Members, paying tribute to Aberatna Banda Herath Pilapitiya, W.B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardena, Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, and Malini Fonseka for their public service and extending condolences to their families, districts, parties, and communities. He gave particular emphasis to Mr. Sampanthan’s role as TNA Leader and Opposition Leader, describing him as a moderate political figure who advocated through democratic means for Tamils, Muslims, Catholics, and Sinhalese. He urged contemporary politicians to learn from Sampanthan’s approach by avoiding communal blame, addressing injustices democratically, and building unity between Tamil and Muslim communities, especially in the North and East.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne paid tribute to the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, noting her service as a UPFA National List Member of Parliament from 2010 to 2015 and her role in the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and at the Asian Women Parliamentarians’ Conference. She highlighted Fonseka’s influence as a pioneering actress who expanded representations of women in Sri Lankan cinema and inspired women and girls beyond Colombo. She conveyed condolences to Fonseka’s family and relatives present in Parliament.
Women & Children Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa offered condolences on behalf of himself, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to the families and parties of several deceased former parliamentarians. He recalled R. Sampanthan’s role as a democratic political leader representing Trincomalee, Malini Fonseka’s contribution to the arts and Parliament, W.B. Ekanayake’s service to Anuradhapura and support during the conflict period, Lucky Jayawardena’s work for Kandy and his party, and A. Pilapitiya’s service as Chief Minister, Governor, and public representative.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was seconded, agreed to, and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair, after which Hon. Chanaka Madugoda assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman offered condolences to the families of late former Members Lucky Jayawardana, Malani Fonseka, W.B. Ekanayake, and R. Sampanthan. He recalled their respective contributions to public service, culture, regional representation, and national engagement on the Tamil question, noting Sampanthan’s emphasis on service and equality among communities. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress, the United National Party, and the up-country community.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara paid tribute to several deceased public figures, focusing particularly on R. Sampanthan’s parliamentary career, role as a Tamil Opposition Leader, involvement in peace-related political engagement, and advocacy for Tamil people. He also recalled the public service of Lucky Jayawardana, W. B. Ekanayake and Abeyratne Pilapitiya in Parliament, provincial councils and ministerial roles, noting their contributions to their respective districts and provinces. He further honoured Malani Fonseka’s service as a National List MP and her contribution to Sinhala cinema, and extended condolences to the families of all those commemorated on behalf of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna paid tribute to former MPs being remembered, highlighting W. B. Ekanayake’s service in the North Central Provincial Council and Parliament, including his ministerial roles and work for the Anuradhapura District. He also commemorated Malani Fonseka, emphasizing her contribution to Sri Lankan cinema and cultural legacy. He extended condolences to the families of Ekanayake, Fonseka, and all former parliamentarians and ministers honoured in the sitting.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam conveyed condolences on behalf of his party to the families of the late former Members, recalling Malani Fonseka’s contribution to cinema, Lucky Jayawardana’s service in Kandy, W.B. Ekanayake, and Abeyratne Bandara Herath Pilapitiya’s parliamentary, provincial and gubernatorial roles, including his resignation during the Kalawana constitutional dispute. He devoted much of the speech to R. Sampanthan, describing his long parliamentary career, leadership of the Tamil National Alliance and Opposition, and commitment to Tamil political rights, devolution, reconciliation, accountability and a negotiated solution to the national question. He highlighted Sampanthan’s role during the Indo-Lanka Accord period, his legal challenge during the 2018 constitutional crisis, and his continued post-2009 advocacy for a democratic political settlement.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi paid condolences to the late A. Pilapitiya, R. Sampanthan, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana, and Malani Fonseka. He particularly recalled A. Pilapitiya’s service to Ratnapura, Kalawana, and Sabaragamuwa, including infrastructure work and public service roles, and also noted Lucky Jayawardana’s support to new MPs, Malani Fonseka’s cultural and parliamentary contribution, W. B. Ekanayake’s service to Anuradhapura, and R. Sampanthan’s role in Tamil political representation and inter-ethnic reconciliation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha joined the vote of condolence for several former Members, with particular focus on the late Hon. Abeyratne Pilapitiya of the Ratnapura District. He recalled Pilapitiya’s parliamentary career from 1960, his later service as a Deputy Minister and Chief Minister, and his contributions to tea cultivation, road development, and the establishment of the Kalawana Divisional Secretariat. He also noted Pilapitiya’s political magnanimity in allocating land for a statue of Sarath Muttetuwegama after an election petition led to the loss of his seat, and extended condolences to all bereaved families.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R. M. Jayawardhana JJB
AI summary R. M. Jayawardhana moved that Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne take the Chair, which was seconded and agreed to. Following the motion, Hon. Chanaka Madugoda left the Chair and Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna paid tribute to the late Hon. Abeyratne Pilapitiya, recalling his long political service as MP for Kalawana, Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunication, first Provincial Minister and Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa, Governor of Uva, and UNP organizer. He highlighted Pilapitiya’s education, family background, plantation work, and contributions to public life, while conveying condolences to his family following his death on 22 February 2023 at the age of about 97.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Condolences were expressed on the deaths of several former Members, with particular tributes to Hon. Lucky Jayawardana and Hon. R. Sampanthan. Hon. Mujibur Rahman recalled Jayawardana’s service to the Kandy District and Sampanthan’s long parliamentary career, including his role as Opposition Leader and his efforts to seek a political solution to the ethnic question within a united Sri Lanka. He stated that Sampanthan’s efforts were not fulfilled due to resistance from southern political parties and recalled the 2016 Independence Day singing of the national anthem in Tamil as a significant moment.
- The Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera
AI summary Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera supported condolence motions for former MPs Abeyratne Pilapitiya, Lucky Jayawardana, W. B. Ekanayake, R. Sampanthan, and Malani Fonseka, recalling their public service and contributions. He highlighted Pilapitiya’s work in expanding postal and telecommunications services and later roles in Sabaragamuwa and Uva, Jayawardana’s service to Kandy, Ekanayake’s work in the North Central Province and Parliament, Sampanthan’s commitment to a democratic solution to the North-East issue, and Fonseka’s contribution to cinema and Parliament. He extended condolences to their families and said their conduct and political ethics should serve as examples for current representatives.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake offered condolences to the families of several former public figures being commemorated by Parliament. He recalled R. Sampanthan’s representation of the North and East, W. B. Ekanayake’s service to Rajarata, Abeyratne Pilapitiya’s roles in Parliament, provincial government and as Governor of Uva, Lucky Jayawardana’s work in the Kandy area, and Malani Fonseka’s contribution to cinema and brief service as a National List MP.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan paid tribute to five former Members, focusing especially on R. Sampanthan’s long legal and parliamentary career and his efforts to secure Tamil political rights through constitutional reform and dialogue with successive national leaders. He said Sampanthan pursued equality and a political solution through moderate, bridge-building politics, including during the Constitutional Assembly process under the “Good Governance” Government, but died with that objective unfulfilled. He also offered brief condolences for Abeyratne Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake and Lucky Jayawardana for their public service, and for Malani Fonseka for her distinguished contribution to cinema.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha expressed condolences on the deaths of several former Members of Parliament, focusing particularly on former Kandy District MP Lucky Jayawardana. She recalled her personal acquaintance with him and outlined his political career, including service in the Uda Nuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, Central Provincial Council, Parliament, and ministerial roles related to transport, lands, urban planning, water supply and higher education. She conveyed condolences to his family and noted his long public service in the Kandy District.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella expressed condolences on the deaths of five former political figures, giving particular tribute to former Kandy District MP and State Minister Lucky Jayawardana. She recalled his public service in the Central Provincial Council and Parliament, his personal guidance to her, and conveyed condolences to his wife, sons, and the people of Kandy. She also noted the careers and service of Aberathna Bandara Herath Pilapitiya, Malini Fonseka, R. Sampanthan, and W. B. Ekanayake, extending sympathies to their families.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath expressed condolences on the deaths of former MPs R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana and Malini Fonseka. She particularly recalled Malini Fonseka’s service as a National List MP from 2010 to 2015, her work in parliamentary women’s and ministerial advisory committees, and her national and international recognition as a leading figure in Sinhala cinema. She also offered condolences to the families of Lucky Jayawardana and the other former Members, and prayed for their eternal peace.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika joined the House in expressing condolences on the deaths of former MPs Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana, and Malini Fonseka. He said he wished to make particular reference to Hon. R. Sampanthan, noting the significance of a young Sinhala MP from the South speaking about a long-serving political leader in Sri Lanka’s history.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika paid tribute to the late Hon. R. Sampanthan, noting his long parliamentary career from 1977 to 1983 and from 1997 until his death in 2024, his leadership of the TNA, and his tenure as Leader of the Opposition after 2015. He emphasized Sampanthan’s role in pursuing a democratic resolution to the national question, particularly through the TULF before the escalation of conflict, while noting the lack of sufficient support from the South. He also described Sampanthan as a principled, policy-oriented politician who separated public service from personal gain and said his contribution should be recorded with honour in Sri Lanka’s history.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake thanked the Supreme Court Bench for its judgment on the X-Press Pearl incident, noting its significance and the impact of the disaster on Sri Lanka. He stated that the Court had ordered compensation of US$1 billion and commended the judges, including a retiring senior justice, for acting within the law to safeguard national interests before moving the adjournment of the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 17 Adjournment Adjournment Questions 7 speeches