Sitting of Tuesday, 5 August 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1754902606038704 ·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: Reports and Regulations 6 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Report: Public Finance Committee Report 1 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions 8 speeches
- 5 Procedural Point of Order: Mannar Wind Power Protest 3 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools 66 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide district-wise data on National and provincial schools, including numbers of teachers and principals, salary expenditure, and the average teacher salary. He also requested information on teacher shortages and vacancy-filling timelines, details of schools with fewer than 100 students by district, and figures for Grade 1 admissions over the past five years with projections for the next five years.
Education Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister provided a detailed response on school numbers, staffing, salaries, vacancies, and Grade 1 admissions on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education. He stated that Sri Lanka has 396 National Schools and 9,700 Provincial Schools, with 237,787 teachers and 12,567 principals, and placed district-level salary and school data in the Library. He reported 1,497 vacancies in National Schools, noted legal and policy-related delays to major teacher recruitment processes, and outlined recent and planned appointments including diploma teachers, English-medium teachers under “English for All,” and estate-sector Tamil-medium Teacher Assistants pending court proceedings. He also stated that 3,148 schools have fewer than 100 students and provided recent and projected Grade 1 admission figures, with further details in annexures.
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the adequacy of teacher salaries, noting that while only about 10% of teachers reach around Rs. 153,000, most earn between Rs. 53,000 and Rs. 80,000, and asked whether the Government would address the disparity compared with Central Bank salaries. He also raised concern over the decline in Grade 1 admissions from about 360,000 six years earlier to 298,000, asking what measures would be taken to correct it.
- Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna said education planning accounts for declining birth rates while reforms aim to ensure distance, poverty, and gender do not prevent children from completing 13 years of schooling. He stated that teacher salaries have seen substantial increases since 2016, including recent Budget adjustments aligned with comparable public service categories. He said the Government aims to place the Teachers’ Service among the ten better-paid public services and does not consider the current salary scale unfair.
Education Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked whether the forthcoming Education White Paper would provide a comprehensive modern policy, including areas such as AI and e-commerce, following consultations with all parties. He also sought specific information on how many schools with fewer than 100 students, particularly in districts such as Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, are expected to be closed in line with the President’s indication of practical school closures.
Education Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that the education reform programme, including the White Paper, is consistent with existing education policy and is not an abrupt change. He said the Government is not closing low-enrolment schools, but will reorganize schools with fewer than 50 students through a data-driven, participatory process involving public representatives and local administrative officials, with some such schools continuing in reorganized form to expand educational opportunities.
Education Full speech → - Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar asked the Minister of Energy to provide details on the salary entitlements and allowances of the Chairman and Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, comparing 2023 with the current position. He also sought clarification on whether salaries are paid separately by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited, and requested details of payments made to the Chairman, Managing Director and other Directors, including Board meeting fees, salaries and monthly allowances.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy provided salary and allowance details for the Chairman and Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited, including 2023 and current figures. He stated that the Managing Director’s salary and professional allowance increased by 25 per cent following Cabinet approval on 18 September 2024, while the Chairman’s CPC salary remained Rs. 100,000. He also clarified that the CPSTL Chairman draws salary only from CPSTL, the Managing Director draws a full CPSTL salary and 50 per cent of the CPC salary, and Board meeting payments are made only to specified non-executive directors.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar raised a supplementary question on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill due to be presented the following day, referring to amendments previously agreed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee and approved by Cabinet. He requested that the fully approved Cabinet text be provided to the Committee that morning under Standing Order 50(2), to ensure it matches the Committee’s consensus and the version tabled in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that he would provide the requested information. No further substantive policy position, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar requested the Minister to ensure that the Secretary sends the relevant document before 12.00 noon the same day. He said this would allow the Committee to consider it and complete the matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Anura Karunathilaka answered Question 569/2025 regarding President’s Fund payments for higher education. He said funds were granted for foreign scholarships between 2005 and 2014, tabling an annexure with recipient details, and listed annual totals amounting to payments for 263 individuals. He stated that an audit observed funds had been provided to children, relatives and friends of Ministers and Members of Parliament, but that available records do not identify who returned to Sri Lanka, so no legal or recovery action has been taken against scholarship recipients who may not have returned.
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara asked whether the Government would take swift action to recover money allegedly misused from the President’s Fund. He referred particularly to higher education benefits received by politicians’ children and relatives, claimed conditions had been violated, and noted that names of alleged beneficiaries had been raised in Parliament.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that the President’s Fund is intended to support poor people with health and urgent needs, while acknowledging concerns about its misuse. He said that no action had been taken from 2014 to 2025 to verify whether scholarship recipients had returned or fulfilled their obligations, and undertook to gather information on agreements and compliance before taking appropriate action.
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara raised a supplementary question on issues at the University of Ruhuna’s Faculty of Engineering, particularly the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering and Computer Engineering. He stated that about 1,000 students across six batches are affected by an academic staff shortage that is preventing the commencement of the fifth and sixth semesters, along with inadequate building facilities. He asked what immediate steps the Ministry would take to address these shortages and infrastructure deficiencies.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary Complaints about the University of Ruhuna’s Faculty of Engineering, including space constraints, have been raised with the University Grants Commission. Discussions are underway on issues including buildings and current semester arrangements, and a further meeting has been scheduled with academic staff, non-academic staff, and students of the Faculty.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa provided a written reply detailing vehicles held by local authorities, including 4,003 vehicles in total and 202 used by officers, with relevant representatives listed in annexes. He also named the nine Provincial Governors and gave the 2025 provincial development allocations, ranging from Rs. 8,358.60 million for the Western Province to Rs. 13,623.00 million for the Northern Province. Details on proposed projects, projects already funded, and per-project allocations were tabled in 13 annexes.
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana questioned the accuracy of the Minister’s reply that the Western Province has 4,003 vehicles. He sought confirmation from the Minister on whether the stated figure was correct.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Western Province has 4,003 vehicles.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana questioned the Minister’s response on vehicles of the Western Provincial Council, noting that it also included vehicles of local authorities. He asked what had happened to vehicles formerly used by Chief Ministers and provincial ministers in the absence of elected Provincial Council representatives, specifically whether they are now used by officials or have been disposed of with proceeds remitted to the Government.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary One vehicle, a jeep bearing number CAY-1981 used by the relevant Western Province subject Minister, has been identified under Circular 05/2024 for disposal as a luxury vehicle. The response notes that other vehicles are not detailed in the report, and that official cabs used by local authority chairmen are listed as the vehicles currently used by people’s representatives.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana clarified procedurally that his remarks were supplementary questions related to his first question, not a second question. He sought recognition from the Chair on that basis.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised a procedural concern that he was unable to hear the proceedings. He indicated that this prevented him from asking his question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana stated that he was unable to hear, apparently in response to proceedings in the Chamber. No policy position or substantive proposal was raised in the remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana informed the House that the second supplementary question would be asked by Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concern about a reported circular limiting attendance at Local Coordinating Committee meetings to one local authority representative per party. He argued that newly appointed local authority members are best placed to identify village-level issues and requested that more representatives be allowed to participate so that local problems can be addressed more effectively.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary No new circular has been issued on the matter, and proceedings are continuing under the circular introduced in 2018 by the previous Government. Further details were deferred to a later occasion when the Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government is present.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that any circular currently in force would continue to be followed until it is amended. He added that the relevant Minister would provide a detailed response later on matters concerning provincial local governance and vehicles.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe raised a point of order concerning Coordinating Committees, disputing the Minister’s statement that no new circular had been issued. He stated that new circulars had in fact been sent to Divisional Secretaries and Members.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary In response to Question 858/2025, the Minister listed the institutions under the Public Security Section and reported that, since the present Government took office, the Sri Lanka Police conducted 128 investigations and the Department of Immigration and Emigration 149, while three other institutions conducted none. He detailed the subject areas, arrests, cases filed and seizures, including firearm-related homicide and attempted murder investigations, protected animal killings, immigration and passport-related violations, 219 foreign nationals arrested by Immigration, and 2,089 firearms seized by Police up to 31 July 2025. He also stated that Immigration had not instituted prosecutions, with deportations and removals handled under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act, No. 20 of 1948.
- The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary Susantha Kumara Nawarathna asked a supplementary question regarding the Government’s response to narcotics trafficking, noting that numerous investigations had been conducted over the previous eight months and that weapons were being used in such activities. He requested details on the measures taken so far to curb narcotics.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that narcotics enforcement has been expanded through police searches across all divisions, with the Tri-Forces and Police Special Task Force jointly deployed to disrupt supply. He said the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board plans 6,134 demand-reduction awareness programmes this year, with about 3,000 already completed, and that school-based committees and Public Security Committees are being used to support prevention and public participation.
- The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary Asked whether the Ministry would take stronger action against foreigners who remain in Sri Lanka after their visas expire, noting that the Minister’s earlier reply acknowledged a large number of overstayers and that reports of such cases continue.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that enforcement action is being taken against individuals who overstay their visas. He said the Department of Immigration and Emigration has begun investigations and issued instructions to apprehend such persons.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, details were provided in response to Question 863/2025 on Piriven Education. The response listed the categories of Pirivenas, subjects taught, and current enrolment of 69,108 students, and stated that the 2025 Budget allocates Rs. 7,518 million for Piriven Education, comprising Rs. 210 million in capital expenditure and Rs. 7,308 million in recurrent expenditure. It was also stated that the Pirivena curriculum will be revised under forthcoming education reforms.
- The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked whether ongoing education reforms would extend to Pirivena education by incorporating modern subjects such as data science, computer science, IT, and internet connectivity. He noted that Pirivenas traditionally teach classical subjects including Pali, Sanskrit, and the Tripitaka, and that many monks educated in them later serve abroad as Dhamma propagators.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that Pirivenas teaching school subjects will undergo curriculum reforms in the coming year, including IT, computer science and internet connectivity, aligned with global standards. He added that revising the syllabi of other Pirivenas requires amendments to the 1979 Piriven Education Act, and that an advisory committee has been appointed for this purpose.
- The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked what action the Ministry would take regarding officials still handling Dhamma School and Pirivena-related services after the dissolution of the former State Ministry. He alleged that such officers were obstructing proposed amendments to the Piriven Education Act and sought clarification on the Ministry’s response.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary An advisory committee including Supreme Sangha Nayaka Theras and subject experts is considering amendments to the 1979 Act, with recommendations to follow. A technical subcommittee is also involved, and several discussions on syllabus revisions have already been held, with the process expected to continue without obstruction.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary In response to Question 867/2025, details were provided on 38 health institutions in Matara District, including 2024 figures for OPD visits, inpatient treatments and clinic visits, with a detailed annex tabled. It was stated that Deniyaya Base Hospital is 127 years old based on available records, and that plans have been prepared to construct a new 300-bed base hospital at a new site, with funding requested under Budget 2026. Interim measures at the existing site include stabilizing landslide-prone areas and managing internal space to maintain safe patient care.
- The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB
AI summary Asked where the proposed new Deniyaya Hospital will be located, noting that the historic existing hospital was originally built by the British for plantation workers. He framed the question in the context of the Government’s stated priority on health and increased health-sector funding.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Deniyaya Hospital currently functions as a “B” category Base Hospital, and facilities will be added to meet that status. The Minister stated that no decision has been finalized to change its classification, noting that Matara already has a District General Hospital, but the Government intends to provide the maximum possible facilities to the Deniyaya Base Hospital.
- The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB
AI summary Asked whether measures are in place to recognize and motivate medical officers, specialists, and staff who continue to serve in remote and difficult areas despite doctors leaving the country or moving to urban hospitals. He highlighted the commitment of the Medical Superintendent and hospital staff in such conditions.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Appreciation is expressed for health staff service, with emphasis on providing physical resources, technology, and adequate support staff as the best form of recognition. It is noted that the previous Budget increased basic salaries for all public servants, including health workers, thereby affecting overtime and allowances, and that further allowances may be pursued with the Ministry of Finance as economic conditions improve.
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation whether the Ministry is aware of settlements on State lands in the Manmunaipattu DS Division of Batticaloa District for which land grants or permits were issued between 1 January 2017 and 31 March 2025. He requested the number, names, and relevant details of such persons, and asked for reasons if the information is not available.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister tabled the requested register of persons residing on government lands for which grants were issued in the Manmunai Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division, Batticaloa District, from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2025. He confirmed the relevant point in the question and stated that the subsequent sub-question was not applicable.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary The Member asked the Deputy Minister whether the “Urumaya” programme is still being implemented. This was raised as a first supplementary question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the “Urumaya” programme for issuing freehold land grants has been temporarily suspended due to a legal issue. He said an expert committee appointed by the Cabinet has submitted its report, and the Cabinet will seek the Attorney General’s advice before resuming implementation.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah asked whether the “Urumaya” programme, which issues land grants, would be extended beyond Pradeshiya Sabha areas to low-income villages located within Municipal Council and Urban Council limits. He requested clarification on whether land grants would be provided to poor communities in those urban local authority areas.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the “Urumaya” programme is temporarily suspended, so he could not give a definitive response on it. He explained that within Municipal Council limits, occupants may receive long-term permits and obtain deeds only after completing payments under Crown Lands Ordinance procedures, while free grants under the Land Development Ordinance apply to farming communities in Pradeshiya Sabha areas. He said the Member’s request could be considered once a final decision on “Urumaya” is received.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala answered a question on narcotics and contraband smuggling along the north-western coastal belt, stating that such incidents are reported from time to time. He outlined ongoing measures including police and motorcycle patrols, intelligence gathering, Navy-assisted raids, roadblocks, joint Navy-Police operations, checks at fisheries harbours, monitoring of previous offenders, coastal surveillance by the Police Narcotics Bureau, community awareness programmes with the Ministry of Fisheries, and procurement of ATV/UTV vehicles for coastal patrols.
- The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns about intensified smuggling along the coastal belt, including narcotics, pharmaceuticals, injections, chemicals, and agricultural inputs, noting that seized quantities may be less than actual inflows. He said enforcement is weakened by procedural and custody issues after seizures under the Customs Ordinance, with goods sometimes handed to Police or Excise instead of Sri Lanka Customs. He asked whether a dedicated Sri Lanka Customs office would be established in the Puttalam District to regularize and streamline seizure handling.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the matter raised concerning Customs procedures would be discussed with the Department of Customs to establish a formal process. He clarified that his earlier statement related to operations by the Police Department with the Navy, but undertook to address the Customs-related issue separately.
- The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Ajith Gihan asked the Minister to address Indian bottom trawling and reports of narcotics and contraband being brought in by large boats, noting difficulties in thoroughly inspecting such vessels. He requested a special short-term integrated operation in the affected zone and an expedited action plan to enable arrests.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that integrated search operations involving the Tri-Forces had recently been launched around Kalpitiya. He said an integrated action plan would be formulated with the Ministry of Fisheries, the Navy, Tri-Forces and Police to prevent the inflow of narcotics and contraband.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Madhura Senevirathna tabled an answer stating that Matale District has 310 government schools. It reported that 14 schools conduct A/L Technology, 19 Mathematics, and 20 Science streams, with relevant lists submitted as annexes. The answer outlined measures to promote these streams, including student awareness programmes, career guidance, directing O/L-qualified students to relevant A/L streams, filling teacher vacancies, conducting camps, and training and deploying teachers.
Education Full speech →
- 7 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular 14 speeches
- 8 Procedural Procedural: Standing Order 31 Matter and Question 27(2) on Transport Committee 7 speeches
- 9 Debate Ministerial Statement: Lanka Sugar Company - Pelwatte and Sevanagala Sugarcane Farmers 3 speeches
- 10 Debate Ministerial Statements: Trade and Commerce Issues in Jaffna District 11 speeches
- 11 Debate Ministerial Statement: Medical Faculty Suspension at Kotelawala Defence University 10 speeches
- 12 Procedural Privilege Matter: Alleged Weapon Possession 15 speeches
- 13 Procedural Procedural: Motions and Standing Order 91(1) Discussion 12 speeches
- 14 Procedural Procedural: Sittings of Parliament Motion 2 speeches
- 15 Procedural Privilege Motion: Suspension of Live Telecast 2 speeches
- 16 Debate Debate: Resolution to Remove Inspector-General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon 100 speeches
- 17 Debate Debate: Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Regulations 21 speeches
- 18 Procedural Procedural: Justice and National Integration Regulations 1 speeches
- 19 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Koralaipattu Central Divisional Secretariat in Batticaloa 21 speeches