Sitting of Wednesday, 20 August 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1756378373069107 ·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 Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Tabled: Annual Reports and Performance Reports 3 speeches
- 3 Petitions Citizens' Petitions 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: NMRA Data Deletion Incident (Q.1/2025) 11 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Staffing at Gallassa Maternity and Children's Hospital (Q.5/2025) 7 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural Item: Speaker Directions and Questions Stood Down 9 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries 9 speeches
- 9 Oral question Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Tamil Qur'an Translations 4 speeches
- 10 Oral question Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II 5 speeches
- 11 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Temporary Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists 2 speeches
- 12 Debate Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules 79 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading and presented related items on the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill and regulations under the Sports and Judicature Acts. Addressing the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, he said the amendment would bring 1,097 Samurdhi banks and 335 community-based bank societies, with about 4 million members and Rs. 250 billion in transactions, under Auditor General oversight through Article 154 of the Constitution and the National Audit Act. He argued this was necessary to improve transparency, address pending audit inquiries and allegations of fraud, and protect public funds and employees. He also noted the continued growth in welfare applicants, including 3.74 million Aswesuma applications, and said the scale of poverty assistance required a reassessment of past approaches.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi raised an urgent concern that clinical placements at Neville Fernando Hospital for final-year medical students of the University of Moratuwa may have been stopped, urging the Education and Health Ministers to resolve the matter to avoid delays in degree completion. He questioned the Sports Ministry’s reform agenda, particularly the delayed regulations promised for Sri Lanka Cricket, and asked for clarification on governance, funding, and accountability issues involving SLC. He also sought answers on the suitability of Sanath Jayasuriya serving as national Head Coach while facing ICC charges, the status of the proposed Polhena cricket stadium, and the Ministry’s use of over Rs. 400 million reportedly provided by SLC.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi urged the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to introduce legal provisions preventing sports club office-bearers from simultaneously holding positions in national sports federations. He argued that such overlapping roles do not benefit national sport and called on the Minister to focus on mobilizing youth for national contribution rather than serving political interests.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna responded to a matter raised by Hon. Withanage, stating that the professorial unit for the University of Moratuwa was established on scientific grounds. He said the recommended site, 52.111/1, was unavailable, so the unit was located at Nagoda, and assured Parliament that there would be no delay and students could graduate on time.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the regulations previously promised within two weeks had now been brought before Parliament for debate. He indicated he would respond in detail to the remaining issues later in the sitting if the relevant Member was present.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne defended the Ministry’s support for athletes, stating that nutrition allowances and air tickets for approved overseas tours are being provided across sports. He said new regulations under the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 will impose term limits on federation office-bearers to improve governance, reduce entrenched administration, and prioritize athlete development. He outlined plans for Olympic-focused squads for 2028 and 2032, foreign coaching and technical support in selected sports, expanded school sports funding, coach recruitment, athlete insurance, and development of sports tourism and the sports economy.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that poverty-alleviation programmes such as Samurdhi/Aswesuma require clearer communication in all languages, stronger monitoring, evaluation, and reforms to ensure funds improve household livelihoods rather than being misused. He called for equal sports facilities and opportunities in the North and East, including completion of long-delayed stadium projects in Kilinochchi and Vavuniya. He also urged the Government to establish and implement a national resettlement policy for war-displaced persons and to stop arresting UNHCR-assisted returnees for alleged illegal departure decades earlier, warning that recent arrests had reportedly led UNHCR to suspend repatriation.
- The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran raised a point of order disputing claims that the Government is arresting people returning from India. He stated that returnees were produced before court according to law and released the same day, and urged Members not to spread information that could discourage people in India from returning.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would bring 1,097 Samurdhi Community-Based Banks and 335 unions under government audit to strengthen transparency, accountability and state oversight. He cited audit findings that these funds had remained outside annual financial statements and Auditor General review, and alleged past misuse of Samurdhi and Divi Neguma funds for political and unauthorized purposes. He also referred to broader NPP government measures on public financial management and public service reforms, including salary increases, disaster loan increases and a proposed national salary structure.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi alleged that certain trade unions and independent leaders were attempting to undermine the public service for political purposes, while the Government was strengthening it, protecting state enterprises, and paying due allowances and advances. He urged public servants not to be misled and stated that the amendment under discussion would ensure proper auditing of Samurdhi banks.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported regulating and safeguarding the Rs. 250 billion in Samurdhi beneficiaries’ savings under the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, but argued that Samurdhi or Aswesuma payments are insufficient amid high living costs. He presented a household cost estimate to question whether the Government has reduced essential expenses and criticised suggestions that money printing has no inflationary impact. He urged the Government not to cut welfare benefits before the “economic war” is won, called for new recruitment to sustain the Samurdhi administration as staff retire, and proposed using beneficiaries’ savings for genuine empowerment programmes that help families become self-reliant.
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended lawful action against illegal entry while outlining the Ministry’s household empowerment programme targeting two million low-income families over five years, supported by central government, World Bank and ADB funding. He said the Samurdhi amendment is needed because Rs. 250 billion in 1,097 Samurdhi banks and related community organizations have lacked adequate audit, discipline and accountability, enabling misuse and corruption. The amendment would insert Section 28A to apply the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018, to Samurdhi Community-Based Bank accounts, and he linked it to the government’s broader anti-corruption and economic stabilization efforts.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Welcoming the audit provisions for Samurdhi Community-Based Bank and Union accounts, Chanaka Madugoda called for modernising Samurdhi banks, addressing staffing shortages, and working closely with Samurdhi Development Officers. He argued that the Aswesuma selection process has excluded some genuinely needy households and proposed allowing Divisional Secretaries to recommend and decide on overlooked cases under clear guidelines. He also urged mechanisms to ensure community access to school playgrounds, provide financial assistance for poor students selected for overseas sports tours, and address employment uncertainty affecting former contract staff recruited by the Land Reforms Commission between 2020 and 2023.
- Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda called on the Government to regularize the services of employees whose terms had only been extended for six months, noting that COPE had recommended placing them permanently in a suitable project. He urged the Health Minister to amend a circular that suspended health sector employees’ leave entitlements for local and overseas travel under the Establishments Code, saying it affected 66,255 employees. He also criticized the closure of the Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board, arguing that the institution should have been strengthened through better administration rather than shut down.
- Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam raised a point of Order to correct an apparent mischaracterization of his earlier remarks. He clarified that he had referred to people or refugees returning to Sri Lanka through international airports, not to persons arriving illegally by sea.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported the Sports Law regulations, arguing that they are intended to depoliticize sports bodies by barring elected representatives and ministers from holding or contesting key positions in sports associations and by limiting presidents and secretaries to eight years in office. He said the Government is creating systems to identify and nurture young athletes earlier through schools, district-level pooling, advisory structures, and pathways toward events such as the 2028 Olympics. He also criticized practices where officials benefit from overseas travel while athletes lack support, and said the regulations would prioritize athlete welfare and proper allocation of facilities.
- Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof, during debate on the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, urged the Government to reschedule the 2025 GCE Ordinary Level Examination because its announced start date falls on the first day of Ramadan in 2026. He also requested permanency for long-serving civilian contract workers in Army establishments, citing unresolved applications and age limits, and called for intervention over reports that Muslim nurses and midwives in Trincomalee are being barred from wearing cultural attire at work. He further criticised the Government for not implementing promised reforms and for engaging in public ceremonial practices it had previously opposed.
- Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill would update the 1956 Act by replacing references to the Rubber Controller and related bodies and funds with the current Director-General and Department of Rubber Development structure. He outlined plans to rehabilitate neglected rubber and coconut lands, expand rubber cultivation to new districts, meet sustainability certification requirements including EUDR-related standards, improve research, disease control, worker training and inputs, and target rubber exports of USD 2 billion by 2030. He also described fertilizer subsidy measures for tea and coconut, the use of a Russian fertilizer grant, a target of USD 1.5 billion in coconut exports by 2030, and the launch of a Northern Coconut Triangle programme covering 16,000 acres. He said the Government would rely on expert advisory groups and invited constructive proposals from the Opposition.
- Hon. Palani Thigambaram SJB
AI summary Palani Thigambaram raised a point of Order to question the Government’s commitment to increasing plantation workers’ wages to Rs. 1,700, noting that a year had passed since it took office. He asked whether discussions were ongoing, when the wage increase would be implemented, or whether the Government intended to shift to an outgrower model.
Employment Full speech → - Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Labour Minister and officials had discussed increasing plantation workers’ wages in line with the President’s Budget commitment, targeting Rs. 1,700. He noted that discussions with plantation companies were ongoing, with some citing constraints and others indicating possible increases, and that a collective agreement was needed. He called for support in finding a mechanism or new model that raises wages while sustaining plantation businesses and employment.
- Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena raised administrative issues in Moneragala District where four Grama Niladhari divisions have not been assigned to any judicial division, causing difficulties for land vesting, police cases, and Samurdhi recoveries. He requested that Inginiyagala be gazetted under Ampara, and Mulle-gama, Galgamuwa, and Nelliyadda under the Bibile judicial division. He also supported auditing of the Samurdhi/Community Banking network, citing large deposits and past irregularities, and urged amendments to ensure eligible vulnerable persons receive benefits and that the institutions have adequate powers to serve the public.
- Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif supported the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill and related sports regulations, stating that increased funding and revised governance rules, including term limits for sports body office-bearers, would revive village sports, improve public health, reduce drug use among youth, and restore merit-based sporting selection free of political interference. He said irregular Samurdhi recruitments under a 2017 programme had created employment insecurity and should be addressed within proper legal and welfare frameworks. He also asked the Government to prevent an alleged attempt by the Kamburupitiya Urban Council Chairman to transfer valuable council land to a private party. Responding to claims about Muslim nurses and cultural attire, he denied that there was a government policy of discrimination, said isolated issues would be taken up with the President and relevant Minister, and affirmed that the Government would address Muslim community concerns and oppose racism.
- Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised a point of Order requesting that the mosque inside the Mahara Prison compound be reopened. He added that, if reopening is not possible, a separate place should be allocated for worship and said they were prepared to build it.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam, during debate on the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, raised the case of 14 Samurdhi Development Officers from Paruthithurai/Maruthankerny who he said were denied Grade I promotions after passing a 2006 interview because their results were allegedly not received by the Ministry. He argued that, despite wartime disruptions, administrative lapses caused the officers to lose six years of seniority and benefits before being promoted only in 2012. He urged the Minister to grant them backdated Grade I promotions effective from 2006 and tabled their details.
- Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara supported amendments to the Samurdhi Act, arguing that past poverty alleviation schemes had failed to reduce poverty adequately and had encouraged dependency rather than self-reliance. He said the amendments would strengthen financial discipline and transparency in Samurdhi community banks, improve concessional livelihood credit, and require monitoring after loans are issued to ensure productive use. He also backed reforms under Aswesuma, including People’s Power Committees, reduced political interference, vocational training, market access, and village-level empowerment programmes aimed at reducing poor households by 2030.
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, during the debate on the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill and related Judicature Act regulations, raised concerns over the resignation of the JEDB Chairman, alleging pressure from the Ministry Secretary to allocate circuit bungalows and distribute JEDB land to associates. He called for an inquiry into the matter, noting that the Chairman had been appointed with presidential and Cabinet approval. He also alleged interference in the judiciary through transfers and restraints on judges, citing specific cases and appointments, and urged the Minister of Justice to address what he described as threats to judicial independence and democracy.
- Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake invoked Standing Order 83, arguing that personal conduct of judges or judicial officers should not be raised in Parliament except by substantive motion. He stated that transfers and discipline of judges fall under the Independent Judicial Service Commission, chaired by the Chief Justice, and that criticism of such matters targets the judiciary and the JSC rather than the Government. He requested review under the Standing Orders and, if necessary, by the Speaker, contending that such statements should not be made under parliamentary privilege.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna argued that Standing Order 83(1), which restricts references to the personal conduct of the President or Acting President, was not applicable in the instance under discussion. He stated that the Member had referred to official actions and the office, rather than to personal conduct.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that he had not directly attacked the judiciary, but argued that alleged wrongdoing affecting justice must be raised where it occurs. He said Parliament is the proper forum to raise such concerns to prevent injustice, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees indicated the matter would be referred to the Speaker.
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the instruments under debate, including State audit of Samurdhi/Community Banks, empowering Mediation Board mediators as Peace Justices, and regulations requiring sports bodies to meet qualification, reporting, and activity standards. He said the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill would mainly replace the “Rubber Controller” with a “Director-General” to reduce legal obstacles, particularly in court processes. He also recalled Sri Lanka’s long history in rubber cultivation, research, and trade, including the Rubber–Rice Pact with China, and urged that this legacy be used to revitalize the rubber sector.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka highlighted the decline of Sri Lanka’s rubber sector, citing reduced cultivated extent, falling exports, leaf disease, labour shortages, low wages, estate subdivision, and rising production costs, and urged government action to reduce costs, stabilize prices, and improve export earnings. He also raised concerns in the Galle tea industry, including inadequate green leaf supply, delayed and costly fertilizer distribution, weak replanting, and the continuing impact of the previous chemical fertilizer ban, proposing private-sector fertilizer distribution and a subsistence allowance for smallholders during replanting. He further noted a price decline and rising input and labour costs in the cinnamon sector in Galle District, while referring to earlier institutional measures taken to support the industry.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake addressed concerns over the arrests of Sri Lankan refugee returnees from India, including Ramasamy Thecharaja and Thecharaja Pushprani, stating that such arrests under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act were not Government policy and that those arrested had been released on bail. He recalled past parliamentary action to grant citizenship to 28,500 war-displaced refugees in India and said the Government welcomes returnees and will support their resettlement. He said relevant Ministers, including the Justice Minister, are being consulted to remove legal obstacles and prevent further arrests, while urging Members not to communalize isolated administrative errors.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that poverty alleviation schemes from food stamps and Samurdhi to Aswesuma have remained largely cash-transfer based and have not provided a scientific, time-bound pathway for beneficiaries to exit poverty. He said the Government should stop using welfare as a political tool and present a concrete programme including seed capital, microenterprise and self-employment support, knowledge assistance, and clear graduation timelines. He also linked persistent poverty to wider social problems, including crime, and urged the Government to implement a sincere plan to uplift poor households.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel spoke during the debate on the Samurdhi and Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Bills and Sports Act regulations, focusing on the need to develop sports among youth in the Hill Country and Uva areas. She said many schools and communities lack grounds, equipment, and coaches despite producing talented athletes, and criticized past reliance on election-time token support instead of sustained development. She highlighted the absence of a fully equipped ground in her electorate and the closure of the Diathalawa Polo Ground, and urged the Government to identify, train, and support local athletes, particularly volleyball players, to reach national and international levels.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir said poverty alleviation schemes such as Janasaviya, Samurdhi and Aswesuma have not sufficiently reduced poverty, and called for legal and administrative reforms, including restoring beneficiaries’ access to compulsory Samurdhi savings for education, illness, livelihoods or old age. He requested measures to address transfers and promotion grievances of Samurdhi officers, and compensation or assistance for the family of a Kalmunai Samurdhi officer who died of COVID-19. He also raised concerns that sports selection and support are affected by wealth, influence and ethnicity, and urged facilities and resources for athletes in Nintavur, including a standard outdoor ground and indoor sports complex, citing the area’s contribution to national kabaddi and athletics.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe supported the regulations under the Sports Act and amendments to the Rubber Control and Samurdhi Acts as part of the Government’s programme to update outdated laws and implement structural reforms. He argued that sports bodies had been politically controlled, that past decisions harmed the rubber industry in areas such as Kegalle, and that successive poverty-alleviation schemes from Janasaviya to Aswesuma had failed to lift families out of poverty. He stated that the Government was reducing public expenditure and pledged that the National People’s Power Government would eliminate poverty within four to five years.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri spoke during the debate on amendments and regulations relating to Samurdhi, Rubber Control, sports, and the Judicature Act, extending wishes to the Sri Lankan weightlifting team and noting Polonnaruwa’s contribution to the squad. He rejected Opposition criticisms on the treatment of past athletes and on judicial independence, arguing that the present Government has protected the judiciary. He said past poverty alleviation schemes from food stamps to Aswesuma had failed to eliminate poverty and cited income inequality and graduate migration as major concerns. He stated that, in addition to the President’s decision to recruit 30,000 public servants, the Government plans to recruit at least 62,000 more to address staff shortages and strengthen public services over the next four years.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake sought clarification under Standing Order 83 on the limits of parliamentary discussion concerning judges. Citing Speaker’s rulings from 1958 and 1997, he argued that not only judges’ personal conduct but also their administrative conduct in relation to court proceedings has been ruled out of order for debate in Parliament, with such references previously expunged from Hansard.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of Order under Standing Order 83(2), noting that its definition of “Judge” applies to the Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal, and Judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal appointed by the President. He argued that Hon. Chamal Sampath Dissanayake’s reference did not concern those courts and therefore fell outside that definition.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that, in addition to Standing Orders, parliamentary proceedings are also governed by Speakers’ Rulings. He explained that his citations were made on that basis.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne rejected an allegation that a Minister interfered in judicial transfers, stating that such transfers are handled by the Judicial Service Commission chaired by the Chief Justice. She argued that Hon. Archchuna’s claim was therefore incorrect.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that it had been clarified that magistrates and district judges can be transferred by a body that includes the Chief Justice. He referred to Hon. Kaushalya’s statement as providing that clarification.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Case law was noted as applicable equally to all parties in debate, not solely to the Government.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the debate on the Samurdhi and other amendment bills while urging action on long-standing service issues of Samurdhi Development Officers, including promotions, vacancies, MN-2 salary restructuring, Tamil-language departmental communications in the North and East, and faster pension and arrears payments. He also asked that newly recruited Samurdhi officers be absorbed properly into service and linked these measures to strengthening village-level economic development. On sports administration, he highlighted vacancies in the Eastern Provincial Sports Department and in Ampara District, arguing that they affect competitions, talent identification, training, and provincial performance. He requested facilities and funding for sports development, including a modern rugby ground at Palamunai, construction of the Sammanturai Sports Ground, rehabilitation of the Pottuvil–Pasarichenai ground and pavilion, and the appointment of an additional District Youth Services Officer for Tamil-majority areas. He briefly referred to the recent Hartal in the North and East and said the Government should examine its causes and respond accordingly.
- The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB
AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya supported the sports regulations being approved under the Sports Law alongside other Bills and regulations, arguing that they would place 73 sports associations under a clearer legal framework, limit key office-bearers’ tenures to eight years, and reduce politicization in sports administration. He cited examples from Kegalle District of politicians holding multiple sports association posts, contending that this had affected talent selection and discouraged genuine athletes. He also highlighted provisions for women’s representation and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and briefly defended the Government’s broader economic initiatives in agriculture, dairy and coconut cultivation against Opposition criticism.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB
AI summary A procedural motion was moved for Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara to take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed addressed the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, related registration amendments, and Sports Act regulations, focusing on implementation issues in welfare schemes including Aswesuma. He argued that the QR code-based beneficiary selection system has produced anomalies and called for selections to be made through Divisional Secretaries with Samurdhi officer support, while increasing and timely paying benefits through Samurdhi banks. He also requested the reinstatement of earlier social support payments for marriage, funerals, childbirth, hospital stays and housing, and urged action on Samurdhi officer shortages, promotions, and pending recruitments.
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara responded to concerns about the Embilipitiya Leadership Training Centre, stating that the Ministry is reviewing it, seeking transfer of its 35-acre land from the National Housing Development Authority, and has allocated funds to develop it into a multi-purpose, adventure-based training facility. He rejected claims of inaction and said the centre is already generating revenue under dedicated officials. He then turned to the Sports Act regulations, framing them within the Government’s broader commitment to sport.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised development and administrative concerns affecting Pottuvil and surrounding coastal districts during the debate on Regulations under the Law. He requested a modern sports ground on state land in Kalappu Kattu or Vattivelly, citing inadequate facilities despite local athletic achievements. He also urged action on Samurdhi Development Officer vacancies, promotions, salary scale issues, Tamil-language circulars, and payments due to families of deceased and retired officers. He further called for a fairer beneficiary selection method under Aswesuma and for urgent completion of court infrastructure and filling of staff vacancies in the area.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concern over reports that the Eastern Province Pre-school Office in Batticaloa may be moved back to Trincomalee, noting the added travel burden on pre-school teachers from remote areas including Paanama, Pottuvil, Akkaraipattu and Attalay Chandai. He requested the Minister to keep the office functioning in Batticaloa District. He also urged the expedited establishment of a model fishing village and boatyard in Kuda Kalliyadi to address recurring conflicts between fishermen and tourists and support local fishermen.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka supported the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would bring Samurdhi banks and community-based societies, holding about Rs. 250 billion in deposits, under national audit to improve accountability. He argued that past poverty alleviation programmes had been politicized and said the NPP Government would prevent Samurdhi and poverty-related schemes from being used for political gain. He linked poverty reduction to land titles, rural roads, transport, and local economic development, citing ongoing ministry programmes and Budget allocations, and referred to underserved villages such as Galamuduna in Udadumbara as examples of the need for rural infrastructure improvements.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised allegations of corruption and disciplinary issues involving the newly appointed Government Agent/District Secretary M. Piratheepan, tabling several letters and documents from past years and calling for action consistent with the Government’s anti-corruption commitments. He also referred to alleged misconduct in the Northern Province health sector, including cases involving doctors and a questioned building contract, and asked why action such as interdiction had not been taken. He proposed wider use of fingerprint attendance systems and cameras across public services, including Parliament, to enforce attendance discipline and equal standards for all public officials.
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB
AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna addressed the Presiding Member, but the provided excerpt contains no substantive remarks, arguments, questions, or proposals to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB
AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna addressed allegations made during debate on the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill regarding the resignation of the Janatha Estates Development Board Chairman. He stated that the former Chairman, Jayanta Nilakaratne, resigned for personal reasons and denied claims that ministerial or secretarial pressure was exerted to allocate state lands to associates. He said the Ministry would act against corruption in the JEDB and was prepared to disclose and pursue cases involving the capture of public estate lands by politicians or influential persons.
- The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported the regulations and amendment bills before Parliament, linking them to the Government’s policy of “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.” He argued that past Samurdhi policies had failed to reduce poverty and had been politicized, and said the amendment would bring Samurdhi community banks and societies under national audit to address alleged misuse of poor people’s deposits. He also connected welfare reform, rubber sector measures, and sports policy to broader decentralized and community-centred national development.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the reintroduction of Sports Law regulations aimed at depoliticizing sports administration, but urged adequate funding for high-performance and national athlete pools, including air tickets for junior athletes attending Commonwealth Games trials. He raised concerns over the weakening of Samurdhi services, alleged pressure on the JEDB Chairman over land-related files, and tabled an investigation report relating to reported CIABOC indictments. He also questioned a floating armoury licence, coal procurement delays, LPG pricing, the appointment of the Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman, and the impact of issuing tourist driving licences at the airport on local transport operators.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the regulations under the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, stating they had been gazetted, reviewed in Committee and brought before Parliament after extensive study. He outlined key provisions including eight-year limits for principal federation offices, mandatory women’s representation in relevant sports bodies, and disqualification of persons involved in fraud or corruption. He also described Ministry initiatives to strengthen sports federations, restore rugby, promote regional talent identification, revive cycling and boxing events, develop school grounds, and provide allowances for school, national and elite athletes and coaches. He said air tickets would be provided only for planned and approved events, rejecting ad hoc requests outside procedure and budget.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB
AI summary The motion moved the Bill through its Second Reading, referral to a Committee of the whole Parliament, Committee consideration, and Third Reading. Clauses 1 to 4, the Enacting Clause, and the Title were approved without amendment, and authority was granted to correct linguistic, typographical, grammatical, or numerical errors and make consequential amendments before the Bill was passed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
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