Sitting of Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1755860432040633 ·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 Certificate 1 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions under Article 121(1) - Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill 1 speeches
- 3 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Sectoral Committee Reports 7 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions Presented by Members (Citizens' Petitions) 10 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Drainage Infrastructure - Batticaloa (Q.3/185/2024) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Petroleum Corporations and Companies (Q.5/623/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: SLTB Bus Journey Cancellations (Q.6/1075/2025) 4 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Park Properties Fraud Investigation (Q.7/1081/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Government Management Service Recruitment (Q.9/1091/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Q.10/1102/2025 (Deferred) 3 speeches
- 11 Oral question Second Round Questions: Tea Production/Export and M-Class Locomotives (Tabled and Deferred) 9 speeches
- 12 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Tellippallai Base Hospital Financial Irregularities 5 speeches
- 13 Opening Ministerial Announcement: National Youth Conference Statement 2 speeches
- 14 Papers Bills Presented: National Building Research Institute Bill 1 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations 90 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake requested permission to present or table a Question under Standing Order 27(2) despite being unable to do so at the scheduled time due to signing court documents. He asked that the relevant Minister provide a response if the question could be tabled before the main business commenced.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake clarified to the Speaker that the relevant matter or session had not yet commenced, noting that one hour remained before it was due to begin.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake stated that he did not expect an immediate answer and therefore tabled the question for later response.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, stating that it would create a single regulator for gambling, betting and casinos, replace existing fragmented laws, introduce licensing and standards, address illegal activity including money laundering and terror financing, and support Sri Lanka’s efforts to exit the FATF grey list by March 2026. He said the Authority would also address social harms, protect children, regulate emerging forms such as online gambling, and exclude the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board. He also presented regulations under the State Debt Management Act, explaining that they would strengthen oversight of guarantees, on-lending, lender agreements and financial leasing by state entities through the Debt Management Office and related coordination mechanisms, with the aim of improving transparency and reducing public debt to 95 per cent of GDP by 2032. In addition, he introduced a direction under the Foreign Exchange Act concerning capital account outflows, noting that temporary controls introduced in 2020 were maintained through 2024 as part of economic stabilization.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Deputy Minister’s claim that there is no government money printing, arguing that money creation occurs daily and asking whether it is asset-backed or implies monetary contraction. He also raised concerns about the Central Bank Governor or representative serving on bodies such as the Gambling Regulatory Authority and engaging in government-related negotiations or promotion, saying this may undermine the Central Bank’s independence established by Parliament. He urged that such anomalies be corrected constructively.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Monetary financing of fiscal deficits was distinguished from routine Central Bank monetary operations such as open market operations and reserve management, with the clarification that recent changes in reserve and broad money do not amount to Government money printing for expenditure. The statement affirmed adherence to financial discipline under the State Finance Management Act and the State Debt Management Act.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim requested the Deputy Speaker to reset his speaking time, stating that he had not yet begun his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake briefly requested the Deputy Speaker to allow him 15 seconds to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised questions to the Deputy Minister on the distinction between money printing and asset-backed monetary expansion. He also queried the implications for Central Bank independence if it is placed on or linked to the Gambling Regulatory Authority, and called for joint action to address related anomalies.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim argued that while gambling regulation is necessary, the proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill is flawed and risks politicization, monopoly formation, weak revenue collection, and inadequate control of online gambling and money laundering. He proposed greater independence for the regulator, reduced ministerial control over appointments and rule-making, inclusion of tourism representation, bringing lotteries under the Authority, and stronger enforcement, taxation and penalty powers. He also questioned whether proposed borrowing for the Central Expressway from China Exim Bank and the Treasury complied with the State Debt Management Act, and asked for clarification on its impact on external public debt and debt servicing. He further raised concern that foreign reserves had declined in 2025 despite IMF inflows, tourism, exports and remittances, citing lower-than-expected multilateral disbursements.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the economy is strengthening, citing domestic and international data and assessments by institutions including the IMF. He criticized what he described as repeated false alarms and unfounded claims about the economy being raised before the House.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe criticized former governments and economic advisers for failing to implement proposals contained in the 2016 Budget, arguing that many pledged reforms remained undelivered. He listed areas such as industrial policy, tax administration technology, debt management, SOE reform, digital identity, anti-dumping legislation, land banking, tourism branding, SME finance, labour law changes, and commercial dispute resolution as examples of past failures. He said the present government is now implementing several of these measures, including GovPay, public debt management reforms, anti-dumping provisions, women’s employment-related labour reforms, SOE KPIs, and forthcoming initiatives on industrial policy, land banking, tourism branding, and MICE development.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam was called to speak and allotted 16 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam criticised the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill for permitting gambling on ships and in Colombo Port City, arguing that foreign-flag vessels could obtain permits to operate in Sri Lankan waters and create national security and geopolitical risks. He questioned the Government’s revenue rationale, citing non-collection of the USD 100 casino entry levy from 2015 to 2023, and warned of social consequences if Sri Lanka becomes a regional gambling hub. He also addressed the recent hartal in the North and East following the death of a youth in Mullaitivu, calling for a transparent legal process and reiterating requests to release military-occupied schools, public buildings, and civilian lands where they obstruct civilian life.
- Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha clarified that the Bill’s reference to “shipboard” casinos does not imply selective or automatic licensing, but brings such activities within a regulated framework. He stated that licences would be granted only after assessing factors such as economic, social and tourism impacts, and rejected claims that the Bill permits indiscriminate approvals. He also said the Government intends to address shadow share markets operating outside regulated exchanges, emphasizing that the objective is legal regulation rather than permitting unlawful or harmful activities.
- Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam clarified that he was not opposing regulation and sought a direct response from the Minister on the scope of the Bill. He asked whether, once enacted, it would allow foreign-flagged ships to obtain permits to operate gambling in Sri Lankan waters, noting that licences had previously been issued only for onshore casinos.
Law & Order Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that unlicensed operations are not limited to ships but also occur onshore. He clarified that under the Bill, Sri Lanka-registered ship operators may apply for licences, but approval would be determined by the relevant Authority according to specified criteria and would not be automatic.
Law & Order Full speech → - Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker called on Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne to speak and allocated her 10 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne argued that gambling, including shipboard, onshore and online operations, already exists in Sri Lanka and that the Bill seeks to regulate rather than introduce it. She outlined the historical and policy background, citing earlier laws, failed attempts since 2010–2013, and the 2022 Committee on Public Finance recommendation for a dedicated authority modelled on international practice such as Singapore. She said weak regulation had led to lost tax revenue, money remittances, and risks of money laundering, and highlighted clauses on supervision, revenue collection, responsible gambling, AML/CFT enforcement, online gambling regulation and licence suspension. She urged Members to support the legislation as a mechanism to control an existing unregulated market and collect due revenue.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary Hon. Deputy Speaker called the next item in the debate and allotted 12 minutes for Hon. S.M. Marikkar to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s debt management, citing public debt of about USD 106 billion by 31 March and asking why debt had risen despite claims that repayment was manageable. He called for a clear policy on loss-making State-owned enterprises, public sector recruitment, FDI outcomes, tourism revenue, port development including Kankesanthurai, and measures to strengthen debt servicing capacity before 2027. He also asked the Government to report specific results from presidential foreign visits and clarify claims about money printing, Treasury balances, and their inflationary implications.
- Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha clarified the distinction between Central Bank currency issuance and monetary financing of the Treasury through purchases of Treasury securities. He stated that the latter had not occurred and that the Treasury surplus reflected normal Treasury cash operations, including revenue, refinancing of existing debt, and maintaining a cash buffer, rather than “money printing.”
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake responded to criticism linking him to port sector issues, stating that the Government is rebuilding institutions affected by corruption and mismanagement rather than producing immediate results. He cited a reported 66 per cent increase in Sri Lanka Ports Authority profits in the first half of 2025, from Rs. 14,691 million to Rs. 24,418 million, and urged Members to acknowledge progress and not undermine port workers and professionals.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker recognized Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha to speak next and allocated him 10 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka’s debt problem lies not in borrowing itself but in the unproductive and poorly governed use of loans, contrasting this with countries whose high debt levels finance productive assets. He said the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, and the establishment of a Debt Management Office would centralize borrowing, debt servicing, guarantees, and reporting across public entities. He emphasized that the framework is intended to improve transparency, clarify repayment capacity and revenue generation from loans, and support fiscal discipline and debt sustainability.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker suspended the Sitting for lunch until 1.00 p.m. and noted its subsequent resumption. He then called on Hon. Faiszer Musthapha to speak, allocating him 12 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as an improvement on the 2010 framework, arguing that gambling is already legitimized and should be regulated transparently to attract tourism and foreign exchange while ensuring oversight. He identified concerns including ministerial direction over the Authority under Clause 77(1), the need for tourism sector representation, stronger regulation of online gambling, and clearer definitions for digital gambling, junkets, software, machines, and casino games. He also proposed updating provisions on cash desks and “currency” to accommodate electronic transactions and urged amendments to reduce ambiguity, strengthen accountability, and attract reputable operators.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker calls on Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Labour, to speak next and allocates him 12 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as a measure to regulate existing gambling activity rather than expand it, and said the Government would consider constructive proposals. He rejected Opposition claims about public borrowing, stating that the Government would borrow only within legal, IMF and fiscal discipline frameworks for productive projects and public benefit, unlike past borrowing that he said failed to create adequate assets. He also described the North-East hartal as unsuccessful and argued that recent election results showed public rejection of divisive ethnic politics, while affirming the Government’s commitment to transparency and responsible governance.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government for increasing taxes and revenue without delivering promised relief, including reduced electricity tariffs, timely fertilizer subsidies, fair paddy prices, rice market reform, and public services. He alleged that farmers’ incomes had fallen while rice imports continued, and questioned the Government’s management of state revenue and cost-of-living issues. He also warned against politicization of the public service, police, military and judiciary, citing concerns over appointments, transfers and law enforcement, and argued that such institutional interference and public insecurity would deter investors. He further criticized proposed tourism measures such as issuing driving licences at the airport, saying they could harm small and medium local tourism operators.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act and Foreign Exchange Act and the proposal to establish a Gambling Regulatory Authority, arguing that formal regulation is needed to replace informal political control. He reported fertilizer subsidy payments of about Rs. 13.8 billion, ongoing Yala paddy harvesting of over one million metric tons, and government paddy/rice procurement through the Paddy Marketing Board, Sathosa, and bank-backed working capital facilities for millers. He also outlined broader government measures, including capital spending on development works, recruitment to fill public service vacancies, salary and pension adjustments, a higher private sector minimum wage, and action on estate worker wages.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees (Mrs. Hemali Weerasekara)
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees called the House to order and indicated that she would take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as a timely measure. He then questioned the Minister about recent rice imports, asking whether the imported stocks were distributed only through Sathosa or also sold as animal feed, to bulk buyers, or wholesale outside Sathosa.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that rice imports had been liberalized and were carried out by private entities. He clarified that Sathosa did not divert imported rice for animal feed, and that all rice purchased by Sathosa was sold for human consumption.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad asked the Government to disclose the full cost structure of the new Sathosa-branded rice programme to assess whether Treasury-funded costs or below-cost pricing could distort competition with private traders. He expressed support for the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, citing earlier gambling legislation and the need to secure tax revenue, while questioning how entry fees, winnings taxes, licensing, online betting enforcement, and investor confidence would be managed. He urged that casino regulation be oriented toward attracting foreign high-spending tourists, supported by international expertise and a fully digitized reporting and tax platform.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad asked the Government to outline the action plan for achieving the President’s reserve targets of US$7 billion in 2025 and US$15 billion by January 2028, emphasizing that such questions should receive constructive answers rather than political accusations. He also questioned whether projected Customs revenue growth would be adequate if vehicle imports resume, citing increases from US$600 million in 2022 to a projected US$2.3 billion in 2025 despite the previous vehicle import ban.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Sathosa is procuring paddy despite lacking functioning mills, using accredited suppliers for milling and selling rice at controlled prices, with allocations of Rs. 10 billion to the Paddy Marketing Board and Rs. 5 billion to Sathosa to expand purchases. He detailed production costs, stating that 1.6 kg of paddy is needed for 1 kg of rice, with conversion costs around Rs. 35 per kg, and said Nadu rice is sold at about Rs. 230 per kg. He also stated that casino entry fees will be US$50 per person and that a 14 percent tax on winnings will be withheld at payout. He added that the Government aims to raise reserves to US$7 billion through tourism, FDI and other inflows, while strengthening state enterprises and maintaining a state role in supply chains to stabilize prices.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, stating that it replaces the limited 2010 Casino Business (Regulation) Act with a comprehensive regulatory framework and an independent Authority empowered to license, renew, suspend and cancel licences. She argued that casinos had operated for years without effective regulations, noting that the first licensing regulations were issued only in 2022, and highlighted offences and safeguards in the Bill, including restrictions involving minors and requirements for expert board membership. She said the Bill represents a legal advancement over ministerial control and that any shortcomings could be addressed through future amendments.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy defended the Opposition’s role in scrutinizing government and argued that casino regulation should be comprehensive, with stronger parliamentary oversight and less discretionary power concentrated in the subject Minister or President. Referring to Clause 79, he sought clarification on whether definitions of gambling and social gambling would apply to temple charity auctions, school raffles, or card games at funerals, and who would be taxed in such cases. He also criticized policy inconsistency on cannabis cultivation zones and urged that taxation be directed at those profiting from gambling under a coherent regulatory framework.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha clarified that broad definitions in the Bill do not amount to automatic authorization or licensing, and that the relevant Authority will determine permitted activities and conditions. He rejected claims that net foreign assets had collapsed under the Government, stating that overall foreign assets of licensed commercial banks and the Central Bank had increased since it assumed office, and contrasted this with negative NFA figures from 2015 to 2018. He said reserves may fluctuate during stabilization but exchange rate stability had been maintained while funding essential imports, and outlined plans to reach US$7 billion in reserves through exports, remittances, FDI, and possible market intervention. He also stated that broad money growth reflected normal banking activity rather than arbitrary monetary financing, and tabled supporting data.
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, stating that they would strengthen debt discipline through the Public Debt Management Office and the Public Debt Coordinating Committee and help prevent unproductive or corrupt borrowing. He argued that public debt should be assessed for repayment capacity and directed to productive investment, citing past projects such as the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium and Hambantota International Conference Hall as examples of poor returns. He also criticised the previous day’s hartal, alleging coercion by some local officials and claiming that Tamil, Muslim and other communities largely rejected it, while asserting that the Government was protecting minority rights and advancing development in the North and East.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Opposition supports regulating gambling but argued that the proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority must be independent, with key appointments approved by the Constitutional Council to prevent excessive ministerial control. He proposed allowing casino gambling only for foreign passport or visa holders while prohibiting Sri Lankan citizens from participating, citing practices in countries such as Singapore and China. He also questioned reported plans for cannabis cultivation on BOI land in Mirigama and criticized the Government for reversing earlier positions on gambling, cannabis, rice and salt imports, while stating that the Opposition would support constructive policies aligned with public promises.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka needs formal regulation to protect vulnerable groups and prevent gambling-related outflows of money. She linked the Bill with the Public Debt Management Act regulations and Foreign Exchange Act orders as part of broader financial management reforms aimed at accountability, debt discipline, and compliance with international practice. She stated that stronger rules are necessary for Sri Lanka to manage borrowing, meet repayment obligations, and move toward financial stability by 2028.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj stated that establishing a regulatory authority to supervise gambling is a necessary and timely measure in a rule-of-law state. She described the initiative as fulfilling a long-neglected responsibility.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the regulations under the Public Debt Management Act and Foreign Exchange Act, arguing that the 2022 debt crisis exposed misuse of borrowing, weak transparency, and inadequate legal frameworks. He said the 2024 Public Debt Management Act and related regulations, including the establishment of a State Debt Management Office and Committee, respond to World Bank and IMF recommendations for structured borrowing and repayment oversight. He also cited recent economic indicators, including tourism growth, higher Customs revenue, Ports Authority profits, and FDI commitments, as evidence of economic and political stabilization.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando supported regulating casinos and gambling to attract foreign exchange, tourism and investment, citing the City of Dreams Sri Lanka project and Melco Resorts’ concerns about legal and regulatory uncertainty. He argued that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill gives extensive control to the Minister, including over appointments, removals, capital requirements, funding, staffing, directives and regulations, undermining the stated independence of the regulator. He urged a stable and credible framework to reassure investors and warned that political inconsistency and excessive ministerial control could deter investment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that regulated gambling, including casinos, online gaming, ship-board casinos and junket operations, would help standardize the sector, reduce social harm and strengthen tourism. He said tourism remains a major source of foreign exchange, with Sri Lanka having passed half of its 2025 target of three million arrivals, and linked entertainment regulation to economic expansion. He also defended the Government’s economic management, citing improved revenue and tax performance, rejecting Opposition claims on money printing, and referring to negotiations that reduced a US reciprocal tariff from 44 per cent to 20 per cent.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, while potentially useful for investment and jobs if properly regulated, is inadequate on anti-money laundering and foreign-exchange safeguards and risks enabling cash-based illicit flows through casinos. He called for mandatory use of authorized banking channels, limits on large cash transactions, player accounts, clear CTR/STR thresholds, and regulation of junkets and VIP promoters, citing FATF obligations, the 2025 mutual evaluation, IMF Article VIII, and practices in Singapore, the UK, the US and Macau. He also urged that sports betting be explicitly covered by the law, referring to recent cricket-related betting concerns and sponsorships by betting entities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister spoke in support of the debate on regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and Public Debt Management Act, and the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, while responding to recent political claims by the Opposition. He rejected reports of government MPs crossing over and criticized Opposition references to “mafias,” saying such networks had developed under their own past political activity. He also said the recent hartal in the North and East had failed, argued that people were rejecting divisive politics, and urged political actors not to misuse religion in local political campaigns.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe defended the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill as a necessary measure to regulate existing gambling activity rather than expand it, rejecting Opposition criticisms over definitions, institutional independence, and the exclusion of the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board. He said the Bill would register and license operators, including online and ship-based gambling, require platform approvals, strengthen record-keeping and tax collection, and impose penalties for unlicensed activity. He argued that regulation is needed to prevent money laundering, criminal activity, corruption and political interference, protect minors and problem gamblers, and secure public revenue in the context of economic recovery and debt restructuring.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns about the implementation of the Public Debt Management Act, particularly the transfer of debt management functions to the Ministry of Finance and the need to recruit qualified professionals for the new Debt Office. He argued that loan viability, risk premia, debt sustainability, reserve accumulation, and SriLankan Airlines’ financial position require clearer policy direction, especially ahead of IMF reviews and the resumption of debt servicing from 2028. He also welcomed the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill but urged that it be made practically operable, with clear provisions on payments, taxation, repatriation of winnings, digital gambling definitions, record-keeping, stake limits, and junket operations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera outlined the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, noting that it would replace existing gambling-related laws and establish a regulatory body to license and supervise all gambling activities, including online and offshore operations. He said the Bill aims to ensure revenue collection, transparency, prevention of crime and money laundering, protection of children, and proper record-keeping for tax assessment. He also highlighted age restrictions, penalties for unregistered operations, and the transfer of licensing powers from ministerial discretion to an Authority with representation from finance, tax, police, financial intelligence, and expert fields.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana supported the need to regulate gambling but criticized the Government for having previously opposed casinos and related industries while now advancing regulation. He argued that tourism policy is inconsistent, citing restrictions on water sports, nightlife and live music, and said tourism-dependent communities such as Negombo continue to suffer from debt after the Easter attacks and COVID-19. He further questioned the Government’s claims of economic recovery, saying increased revenue is mainly from taxation while public protests continue, hospitals lack supplies, and vehicle permits for doctors remain unresolved despite large-scale vehicle imports.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the Gaming Regulatory Authority Bill, the Foreign Exchange Act Order, and the Public Debt Management Regulations, arguing that all three establish frameworks needed for development and to prevent past policy failures. He said gambling, including online platforms, should be registered, licensed, taxed, and subject to social safeguards, with licences revoked for non-compliance. He also backed higher outward investment limits for listed and unlisted companies to help Sri Lankan firms earn abroad, and said the debt regulations would impose prudent controls on guarantees, approvals, and maturities following the 2022 default.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Moved two amendments on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to Clause 5 of a Bill. The amendments revised wording on page 4 to require action in accordance with written law, including the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, and to provide for making rules and issuing guidelines. The amendments were agreed to, and Clause 5, as amended, was ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna moved two amendments to the Bill, revising wording on page 7 to refer to identifying, minimizing, and managing risks associated with gambling. The amendments were agreed to, Clause 6 was approved as amended, and Clauses 7 to 76 were ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Moved amendments to Clause 77 of the Bill to revise the wording on the Authority’s rule-making powers and to delete a specified line on page 52. The amendments were agreed to, Clause 77 was passed as amended, Clauses 78 to 80 along with the Enacting Clause and Title were approved, and the Bill was reported with amendments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Moved the Third Reading of the Bill, as amended, and sought leave to correct typographical, grammatical and numerical errors and make consequential amendments. The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a Third time and passed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Moved two government motions for parliamentary approval: regulations under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2443/14, and an order under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2441/14. Both instruments had Cabinet approval and were agreed to by the House.
Public Finance Full speech →
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development Goals 10 speeches