Sitting of Wednesday, 20 August 2025

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Parliament Opening and Announcements 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers Tabled: Annual Reports and Performance Reports 3 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Citizens' Petitions 6 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: NMRA Data Deletion Incident (Q.1/2025) 11 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) 7 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Staffing at Gallassa Maternity and Children's Hospital (Q.5/2025) 7 speeches ▸
7. 7 Procedural Procedural Item: Speaker Directions and Questions Stood Down 9 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries 9 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Tamil Qur'an Translations 4 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II 5 speeches ▾
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK

      AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation about delays in Phase II development of the Jaffna/Palaly International Airport. He argued that extending the runway would allow larger aircraft, increase passenger and baggage capacity, and support diaspora travel, tourism, and economic activity in the North and East. He requested details on the status and timeline of rehabilitation works, government plans to expand services, Indian funding for Phase I and requirements for Phase II, constraints on securing further funding, and compensation payments to landowners affected by airport expansion.

      Foreign AffairsInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB

      AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said Jaffna International Airport currently operates two daily flights to India and has shown improving revenue and operating profit, but expansion for larger aircraft would require major infrastructure investment and further feasibility studies. He said terminal improvement works are proceeding in stages under procurement procedures, with temporary passenger facilities already installed and further works expected around October. The Government intends to develop Jaffna as a commercially sustainable international airport, initially targeting safe runway rehabilitation to accommodate about 130-seat aircraft by mid-next year, while decisions on larger expansion, financing, and any further land acquisition will depend on demand, feasibility, and consultations with relevant agencies.

      InfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK

      AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about unpaid compensation for lands already acquired for the airport and requested that affected persons be paid. He also asked for the passenger baggage limit to be increased from 15 kg to 30 kg and proposed a modest runway extension to accommodate A-320 aircraft, arguing that this would improve passenger capacity and foreign exchange earnings. He sought a clear timeframe and assurance from the Minister on implementing these measures.

      InfrastructureLand & HousingPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Jaffna airport runway will be rehabilitated to handle approximately 130-seat aircraft, with completion expected by mid-2026. He said further expansion for larger aircraft is not currently economically viable, noted that baggage allowances are determined by airlines, and indicated that reduced embarkation fees could be considered. He emphasized developing Jaffna as a stable and viable international airport while avoiding mistakes associated with Mattala.

      InfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
11. 11 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Temporary Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists 2 speeches ▸
12. 12 Debate Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules 79 speeches ▸
13. 13 Procedural Second Reading Passed: Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill and Sports Regulations 2 speeches ▸
14. 14 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: NMRA Medicine Supply and State Land Leasing 13 speeches ▸