Sitting of Thursday, 7 August 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1755509552009433 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening of Parliament and Chair Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Reports and Petitions 13 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Arable LRC Lands in Monaragala District (Q.2/2025) 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Projects Approved with Indian Government Assistance - Eastern Province (Q.3/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: E.L. Irfan and K.S. Nishfar - Compensation for Boat Accident (Q.4/2025) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Combined Allowance for Public Health Midwives (Q.7/2025) 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Land Granted to Private Plantation Companies from State-Owned Lands (Q.9/2025) 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Specialist Doctors' Services in Sri Lanka (Q.10/2025) 6 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Graduate Officers in Government Service (Q.11/2025) 2 speeches
- 13 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Taxes on Imported Electric Vehicles and Issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University 11 speeches
- 14 Procedural Ministry Statements: Gampaha Wickramarachchi University and Teacher Recruitment Procedures 14 speeches
- 15 Procedural Ministry Statement: Release of Tamil Political Prisoners 4 speeches
- 16 Procedural Personal Explanation by Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan 2 speeches
- 17 Procedural Points of Order - Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill 9 speeches
- 18 Procedural Bills Presented: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill 1 speeches
- 19 Procedural Sittings of Parliament and Adjournment Resolution 2 speeches
- 20 Debate Bills of Exchange (Amendment) Bill - Passage 3 speeches
- 21 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country 91 speeches
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Moved the adjournment of Parliament. The motion “that the Parliament do now adjourn” was proposed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake moved an Adjournment Motion on the country’s current economic status, arguing that the Government has restored macroeconomic stability after the recent crisis and is now seeking faster growth and reform. He cited improved GDP growth, private credit expansion, investor confidence, FDI approvals, export diversification, tourism recovery, and management of US reciprocal tariffs through diplomatic engagement. He urged Parliament, including the Opposition, to support the Government’s economic programme and use the House’s financial powers to consolidate recovery and deliver benefits to the public.
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary India and China were identified as major potential tourism markets, and the Government is preparing programmes to attract travellers from those countries. The speech also stated that the economy is stabilizing and called for unity in building a prosperous nation.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon seconded the Adjournment Motion and argued that Sri Lanka’s economy has shown recovery since the formation of the new government in late 2024, citing improved GDP growth, lower unemployment, near-zero inflation, higher savings, credit growth, and equity market activity. He said the external sector was strengthening through a higher current account surplus, increased exports and services receipts, gradual normalization of vehicle imports, and a managed exchange rate around Rs. 300 per US dollar. He also noted that US tariffs had been reduced from 44% to 20%, and stated that fiscal stability was being restored through improved revenue collection while continuing spending on social sectors, wages, pensions, and priority infrastructure.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri questioned whether increased government revenue is being used to ease the cost of living for ordinary citizens, while expressing concern over unclear terms of the proposed India agreement. He criticized the Government’s responses on past corruption allegations, including the bond scam, sugar tax fraud, onion fraud, and a former President’s son’s rocket project, saying they lacked names, specifics, or action beyond proposed forensic audits. He demanded accountability, recovery of stolen assets, and warned against any attempt to “whitewash” past wrongdoing, placing the Prime Minister’s written answers on record in the Library.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticized past and present political alignments, alleging that those responsible for corruption and economic collapse were protected and that current promises to resolve the crisis have not been made practical. Addressing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake upon his entry to the Chamber, he demanded a concrete programme for delivering promised relief, including support for workers, schoolchildren, and access to medicines. He called for clarity on how state revenue would be distributed to meet public needs and warned against a return to political deals, stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would oppose such practices.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy
AI summary During the economic debate, the President argued that opposition predictions of government collapse due to regional conflicts, Middle East tensions, or United States tariff policy had not materialized. He criticized the Opposition for, in his view, framing political and economic developments around expectations of crisis, and urged them to engage within a more realistic political framework. He also referred to claims about an alternative “August” or “December” President, dismissing them as unfounded.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that the matter under discussion would be postponed to 2027.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy
AI summary President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said Sri Lanka’s 44 per cent U.S. tariff was derived from the bilateral trade imbalance formula rather than domestic policy failure, and that negotiations by a government team had reduced it by about 20 percentage points, though no final agreement had been signed. He outlined concurrent economic pressures from the IMF programme timetable, the U.S. tariff issue, and the possible loss of GSP Plus in 2027, stating that IMF reviews had proceeded with tax adjustments and tranche approvals. He defended electricity and fuel pricing as cost-based and formula-driven, with targeted subsidies where needed, and said discussions with the EU on GSP Plus involved repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, amending the Online Safety Act, and investigating disappearances and crimes.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Proposed that the day’s parliamentary sitting continue without the usual lunch adjournment.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka continued his speech in his capacities as President and Minister of Defence, Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Digital Economy. No substantive text of the continued remarks was provided, so the specific arguments, proposals, or policy points raised cannot be summarized from the available excerpt.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka affirmed the right of political actors to organize meetings, speak to the public and build movements, but warned that the Government would act against any alleged conspiracies, underworld activity or attempts to create anarchy. He cited the seizure of a T-56 weapon in Kiribathgoda and the discovery of 80 hand grenades in Vavuniya, saying investigations were ongoing and that new laws would be introduced if existing laws were insufficient. He rejected claims that the arrest of the Navy Commander was based on LTTE testimony, stating it followed a court order, and cautioned against spreading conspiracy theories, including remarks about the Cardinal and the Easter Sunday attacks. He said the Government’s priority was reconciliation and economic rebuilding, invited constructive proposals from the Opposition, and stated that political criticism would not be obstructed.
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Rishad Bathiudeen posed a brief question asking whether DCB funds had been provided. No further context, proposal, or argument was included in the recorded intervention.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka addressed concerns regarding DCB funds and stated that the issue would be resolved at the next Budget. He explained that allocations were made by district in proportion to the number of MPs, and indicated that each MP in a district should submit proposals corresponding to the allocated funds.
Public Finance Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member stated that proposals had been submitted. No further details on the content, purpose, or recipient of the proposals were provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka acknowledged that there were shortcomings in the process for allocating funds to MPs after the Budget and said he would correct them. He explained that district allocations were intended to allow every MP to submit proposals, but the process functioned unevenly across districts, and he undertook to ensure the problem does not recur next year.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera stated that the circular under discussion was incorrect.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka stated that efforts would be made to double the relevant figure or commitment being discussed. The remark indicates an intention to increase the target beyond its current level, though the specific subject is not identified in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that the referenced circular was incorrect and had not been implementable. He requested that it be changed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said the Government would review and, if necessary, amend criteria for project allocations, noting that local government elections after the March 21 Budget delayed project implementation until after May 6 due to Election Commission restrictions. He stated that all 2025 budgeted funds would be released despite delays, that 2026 funds would be available from January, and that MPs would be treated equally in submitting district development proposals. He also indicated that the next Budget may include a concessionary vehicle scheme for MPs during their term, and urged the Opposition not to create political or economic instability, referring to claims about possible US tariff increases.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva briefly stated that he had been drawn into the matter under discussion, without elaborating further on the issue or making a substantive policy argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka briefly invited the other member to continue speaking, indicating that he could hear them. He also noted that the proceedings were being brought to a close.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva addressed the President directly, stating that while the Opposition respects him and is willing to work for the country, it had already clearly set out what it believes needs to be done. He noted that political exchanges may include minor remarks from both sides and referred to discussions in the Lobby about challenging the Government.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka disputed comments attributed to Harsha de Silva regarding tax increases and their economic impact, arguing that such statements could create unnecessary uncertainty. He said vehicle imports had been reopened and cited US$ 1,268 million in letters of credit already opened, with expectations of US$ 1.5–1.8 billion by December, while noting the need to secure dollars to manage pressure on the rupee. He stated that the country could be stabilized and that the next Budget would focus on remaining gaps in daily life, including the economy, food, education, health, roads, and services.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan outlined Sri Lanka’s recovery from the 2022 economic crisis, citing improved exports, remittances, reserves, inflation, debt levels, employment and GDP growth in 2023-2025 under reform and IMF-supported stabilization measures. He warned that trade deficits, domestic imbalances, possible US tariffs on apparel, skill shortages and brain drain could threaten the recovery. He called for stronger export contributions from the Northern and Eastern Provinces, export diversification, reduced reliance on narrow markets, restructuring of loss-making SOEs, promotion of PPPs, and stronger social protection.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe argued that the Government has moved Sri Lanka from stabilization toward growth, citing improved fiscal performance, external stability, export growth, manufacturing expansion, private credit growth, and rising investor interest under the IMF programme. He rejected Opposition claims about the NPP’s economic management and said current appointments and policies reflect rule of law, meritocracy, digitization, better governance, and efforts to expand market access while improving domestic competitiveness. He stated that social indicators such as poverty, employment, and real wages will take longer to improve, and called on the Opposition to support legal reforms, changes in political culture, and accountability for misuse of public funds rather than making statements that could deter investors.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that the country is moving in the right direction and urged against fearmongering that could hinder progress. He called for Opposition support to help advance Sri Lanka’s growth.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticized the President’s economic address as lacking a data-driven roadmap on growth, exports, poverty reduction, FDI attraction and debt repayment capacity, especially given expected external debt payments of about US$ 5.5 billion annually from 2028. He welcomed the reduction of US tariffs on Sri Lankan goods to 20 per cent but urged further negotiations toward below 15 per cent, led by trade economists and negotiators. He demanded transparency on any “trade and security” understandings with the United States, including whether SOFA or ACSA were discussed, and called for the Foreign Minister to brief Parliament. He also argued that poverty, unemployment, factory closures and high living costs show that claimed macroeconomic gains are not translating into relief for the public.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe rejected claims that the President had spoken without data, saying the government had presented economic statistics and made progress in recent months. He clarified that BOI figures on SupremeSAT showed total revenue of Rs. 342.8 million, not the much larger amounts circulated in media, and called for corrections. He questioned discrepancies in SupremeSAT’s records, including a Rs. 12.104 billion satellite asset and related liability that later disappeared from accounts, and asked who financed the project. He said the government would investigate the satellite matter, alleged land transactions, and other suspected misuse of public funds through due process.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake said the Government’s capital expenditure was far below the Budget allocation of Rs. 1,420 billion, with only about Rs. 310 billion spent, and argued that growth depends on prioritizing capital outlays over recurrent spending. He called for disciplined use of public assets, including official residences, to avoid unnecessary costs. He also urged the Government not to directly run businesses, suggesting that capable operators manage factories such as Sevanagala, Pelwatte and Hingurana while the State benefits through taxes and broader economic gains.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake said the Opposition supports abolishing MPs’ pensions and proposed that even the reduced annual insurance benefit of Rs. 250,000 per MP be diverted to national development to rebuild public trust. He criticized recent road works on the Malabe-Athurugiriya route, alleging public funds were wasted by resurfacing roads and then cutting them again for water pipelines, and called for better coordination and electronic tolling on expressways. He urged the Government to urgently introduce a Cyber Security Bill and establish a Cyber Security Authority following reported cyber-attacks on banks. He also called for less focus on blaming past governments, credited former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s economic decisions for improving revenue, and urged unity around economic stabilization and development.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti rejected the Opposition Leader’s criticism that the Government lacked an economic plan, arguing that the country inherited severe economic instability and that recovery would be gradual. He outlined planned and ongoing industrial zones in Valachchenai, Ingiriya, Katunayake, Dambulla, Rambewa, Divulapitiya, Sooriyawewa and Raigam, citing expected investments, completion timelines and job creation. He said Cabinet had approved 38 projects across 19 zones and that District Secretaries had been directed to identify suitable unused land for further industrial development.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara - Deputy Chairperson of Committees JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara argued that the Government has moved Sri Lanka from bankruptcy toward economic stability through policy measures, citing GDP growth above IMF targets, reduced inflation, higher tax revenue, export growth, increased remittances, and new BOI-linked investment. She said recent tariff negotiations, wage increases for public and private sector workers, expanded Aswesuma benefits, and the “Artha” and “Praja Shakthi” programmes show a people-centred and inclusive recovery agenda. She urged the Opposition to stop spreading alleged falsehoods and support the Government’s economic programme in the public interest.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned inconsistent government statements on the “space suit/rocket” matter, emphasizing that both the Prime Minister and Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe had said no State funds were spent but had cited differing revenue figures, which he demanded be clarified. He also criticized Minister Samarasinghe for disputing information supplied through the Finance Ministry and argued that the government had previously dismissed investment-related claims. He further contended that economic indicators had worsened since the current government assumed office, citing growth, reserves, agriculture, industry, interest rates, and imports. He alleged inaction and selective investigation regarding the container fraud issue, calling for proper inquiries through institutions such as the Bribery Commission rather than delayed processes or commissions.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara - Deputy Chairperson of Committees JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara assumed the Chair as Deputy Chairperson of Committees after the Hon. Deputy Speaker left the Chair. This was a procedural transition in the sitting, with no substantive remarks or policy issues raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s economic narrative, arguing that official statistics obscure the hardships faced by the poor, particularly through indirect taxation such as VAT on items including schoolbooks. He questioned the low execution of the capital budget, saying only Rs. 337 billion of Rs. 1.410 trillion had been spent so far, and linked this to GDP performance. He also called for clarity on IMF-related policy commitments and whether duty-free imports of US vehicles are permitted, while urging the Government to move beyond anti-corruption rhetoric and past-blaming.
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the President’s claims of economic growth and stability, arguing that if revenues have improved the Government should provide promised relief, including reductions in electricity tariffs and removal of VAT on children’s books and essentials. He raised concerns over alleged illegal release of 300 containers and urged action against those responsible, while also disputing claims about rupee stability in the context of wider currency movements. He focused extensively on the sugar industry, stating that imports, taxes on local production, lack of fertilizer, unsold stocks, depressed ethanol prices, and failing machinery are undermining domestic producers in areas such as Moneragala, and called for tax reductions and measures to protect local cane farmers and mills.
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the NPP Government’s economic management, arguing that previous governments had burdened the country with debt, taxes, asset sales and communal politics, while the current administration had restored stability and avoided reckless borrowing. He cited reductions in US export tariffs, public sector salary increases supported by a Rs. 110 billion allocation, and higher tourist arrivals as evidence of economic improvement. He also highlighted tourism development in Kalpitiya, including road projects, as part of the Government’s practical efforts to support the economy and future generations.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva criticised the President’s economic and infrastructure agenda, arguing that the Government’s claims of changing IMF conditions were inaccurate and that it had inherited an improving economy rather than a collapsed one. He said IMF fiscal limits and the need for structural reforms constrained further borrowing, questioned slow capital expenditure implementation, and objected to Electricity Act amendments requiring full State ownership of CEB assets, arguing this would hinder private equity investment in transmission. He also sought clarification on the Sahasdanavi power purchase agreement pricing and raised concerns over procurement choices in the India-linked UDI/e-NIC project, urging consistent scrutiny of corruption and policy costs.
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim criticised the President’s claim of an Opposition conspiracy, arguing that conflicting statements within the Government over economic data indicated internal disunity rather than external destabilisation. He said the Opposition was not seeking to topple the Government but was ready to govern if the Government failed. He welcomed the reduction of US tariffs to 20 per cent and credited a joint effort by the Government, officials, the Ambassador, the private sector and the Opposition, while calling on the Government to disclose any conditions attached to the agreement and referencing India’s firm stance on sovereign interests.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Government’s increased revenue, including a 28 percent rise in the first half of the year due to higher VAT, has been achieved by burdening ordinary people. He criticized the prioritization of tax incentives for foreign investors while small and medium enterprises, which he said have collapsed, have not received necessary support.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera stated that he had been allowed to take two minutes from Hon. S. Udaya Gammanpila’s allocated speaking time, giving him a total of six minutes. No substantive policy argument or proposal was made in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that the President’s latest statement on the economy largely repeated earlier Throne and Budget speeches without showing whether promised relief, including reductions in electricity tariffs, had been delivered. He questioned the President’s participation in opening a casino after previously criticizing casino-based economic activity, and requested a transparent explanation of the investment, tax rate, and approval framework for the venture. He also asked the Government to reverse a policing jurisdiction change affecting several Grama Niladhari divisions in the Dehiovita Divisional Secretariat area of Kegalle District, saying residents are now inconvenienced by having to use the Dehiovita Police Station instead of Avissawella Headquarters Police.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concern over reported plans to move the Seethawaka Division ASP’s office from Avissawella Headquarters Police to Dehiovita. He said the relocation would require paying about Rs. 2 million per month in rent, contradicting the Government’s stated cost-cutting efforts, and requested that the move be stopped immediately.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government inherited a debt-defaulting and dysfunctional economy, with impaired banking, import, construction and capital project activity, and argued that it has since restored a measure of stability. He rejected Opposition criticism, linking it to accountability efforts over past corruption and mismanagement. He highlighted the continuing poverty and underdevelopment in the North after the war and the long-term marginalization of the plantation community, stating that the Government would prioritize economic stabilization, targeted subsidies, relief, livelihood improvements and development programmes for these communities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof criticized Government Members for speaking as though they were still in Opposition despite having been in office for nine months after promising rapid change during the elections. He argued that those now accusing the Opposition of obstruction had themselves organized protests and used trade unions while in Opposition, and urged the Government to govern responsibly rather than blame the Opposition.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the U.S. tariff imposed on Sri Lanka, initially 44 percent and later reduced to 20 percent, formed part of a wider economic and strategic pressure campaign in the Asia-Pacific region. Referring to the relevant U.S. order, he questioned whether Sri Lanka had made trade and security concessions to regain market access, despite the trade imbalance with the United States. He alleged that the Government had compromised national security and specifically the safety of Sri Lanka’s Muslim community by facilitating the entry of Israel Defense Forces personnel, and demanded that the Government state its position in Parliament.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper asked whether, in connection with the security agreement with the United States, the Government made any concession relating to the security of Sri Lankan Muslims.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concerns about inadequate electricity, limited drinking water supply, poor roads, and unresolved land documentation in tourism areas including Arugam Bay, Sarvodaya Puram, Pottuvil, and Whisky Point. He requested a permanent CEB office building in Pottuvil, local bill-payment facilities, expedited electricity connections, rehabilitation of access roads, removal of obstructing electricity poles, and prompt land ownership documents to enable hotel registration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. He also called for regulation and closure of an unapproved “Chabad House” linked to increased Israeli tourist activity, citing the need to maintain order, ethnic harmony, and tourism revenue.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy questioned whether alleged rackets in the health sector are continuing despite action against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and officials, citing NMRA pricing and registration practices that he said disadvantage local manufacturers compared with Indian imports, including the example of Clindamycin injections. He demanded explanations from NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama and asked why officials associated with previous arrangements remain in place. He also criticized the Government’s position on casinos, questioning the increase in licensed casinos, reduced licence fees, and the operation of “City of Dreams Sri Lanka,” and called for the President to explain the policy shift.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera rejected claims that the new Government is increasing the tax burden, citing tax relief measures in its first Budget including higher personal income tax thresholds, changes to withholding tax on bank interest, and VAT exemptions for milk products. He also defended the Government’s approach to school supply costs through a Rs. 6,000 allowance for children from low-income families. He argued that these measures show the Government is pursuing equitable relief while working to strengthen the economy and raise the country’s overall standing.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman opened with greetings to Zahira College and Hameed Al Husseinie College ahead of their “Big Match,” emphasizing its significance for tradition, sportsmanship and unity among two longstanding Muslim schools. He then responded to the President’s address, noting that it went beyond economic matters into political issues such as rule of law, corruption and economic liberalization, and questioned the consistency between the President’s current positions and those he had held previously in Opposition.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised a Point of Order before the Chairperson. No substantive argument, proposal, or issue is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera criticized a remark attributed to the President, stating that if the President had said statements made in Parliament were false and those made outside were true, then it implied the President lies in Parliament. He also objected to Hon. Mujibur Rahman’s comments as insulting to the President.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman argued that the President’s current economic positions contradict the stance he took while in Opposition. He said the President and his party had moved away from socialist and closed-economy policies associated with Rohana Wijeweera and accepted an open economy, which he characterized as aligning with his side’s position. He demanded that the Government acknowledge this shift truthfully and not mislead the public.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that the relevant person had admitted to lying. No further context, policy position, or proposal was provided in the excerpt.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman demanded that the Government table the report and full details on the release of 309 containers, questioning why 150 red-labelled containers and six salt containers allegedly loaded after the Gazette deadline were released while others remained held at the port. He alleged preferential treatment linked to persons close to the President or Ministers, tabled a list of 68 container numbers, and connected the issue to concerns over a rejected wind power tender later awarded to a presidential associate. He also called for investigations into the VFS and passport deals, noting that a promised forensic audit had not been carried out after nine months.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman said a challenge raised six months earlier remained unaddressed and questioned the Government’s claims on transparency. He cited the failure to appoint the Chairperson of the Right to Information Commission and alleged that requests under the Right to Information Act were not being answered, arguing that the Government had abandoned transparency.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Government’s economic stabilization efforts, citing the President’s statement and data showing increased FDI, foreign exchange earnings, tourism revenue, exports and remittances in the first half of the year. He argued that Sri Lanka’s poverty cycle requires higher investment, and said the Government is pursuing foreign and domestic investment while reducing public expenditure and directing tax revenue to welfare and capital development. He rejected Opposition criticism and stated that the Government is rebuilding the economy and advancing development based on measurable outcomes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural