Sitting of Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1758017450079419 ·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 Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Reports and Papers (Annual Reports and Performance Reports) 5 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Report: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill 1 speeches
- 4 Petitions Presentation of Petitions 4 speeches
- 5 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order regarding No-confidence Motion and Speaker's Ruling 16 speeches
- 6 Papers Tabling of Committee Report and Petitions (Second Round) 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) 15 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: University Admissions based on G.C.E. (A/L) Examination Results 3 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Tea Smallholder Contribution to Production (Q.1/2024) 8 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Questions: Stand Down (Q.2-117/2024 and Q.3-1253/2025) 5 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: UDA Projects in Gampaha DS Division (Q.4-1254/2025) 9 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Questions: Jaffna Massacre (Q. 2-117/2024) and Displaced Persons in Valikamam North (Q. 3-1253/2025) 7 speeches
- 13 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Private Lands in Vanni Electoral District and Leader of House Announcement 7 speeches
- 14 Debate Debate: Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading 41 speeches
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake reported on the status of responses to questions raised under Standing Order 27(2), listing how many questions from several Members had been answered and which remained pending. He then moved a motion altering the day’s sitting hours notwithstanding Standing Order 88, setting sessions from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., with adjournment at 5.30 p.m.; the motion was agreed to before proceeding to Public Business on the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that statutory post-office benefits such as residences, staff allowances, transport and related facilities have enabled misuse of public funds. He stated that the Bill does not affect the presidential pension under Article 36 of the Constitution, and that security for former Presidents is handled separately through Cabinet decisions and threat assessments. Citing Supreme Court cases involving former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Maithripala Sirisena, he said courts had found attempts to expand entitlements beyond the Act to be unlawful or unsupported. He urged support for the repeal as a measure to reduce wasteful expenditure, uphold equality before the law, and treat public funds as held in trust for the people.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara said his side would not oppose the Bill, noting public support and its link to the Government’s policy pledges, but questioned whether the Government was applying its “nothing denied to a citizen should be given to a ruler” principle consistently. He asked that the Chitrasiri Committee Report be tabled in Parliament, argued that modest and defined support for former leaders can be justified while misuse should be addressed, and stated that the related expenditure was very small relative to GDP and revenue. He also urged the Government to focus on wider governance and economic issues, including bank non-performing loans, delays in benefits reaching entrepreneurs after IMF-related measures, unresolved customs documentation, and youth unemployment.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the repeal of the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that special post-office benefits such as housing, secretarial allowances and transport allowances are inconsistent with equality under universal franchise. He stated that pensions and necessary security arrangements would remain separate, but that former Presidents should not receive privileges beyond those available to ordinary retirees. He framed the repeal as part of broader reforms to political culture and economic recovery following bankruptcy, citing public expectations, the Chitrasiri Report, and the Government’s pledge to treat politicians as ordinary citizens.
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported curbing excessive presidential privileges under the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, but argued that the wider issue is the Executive Presidency itself, which he said has enabled authoritarianism, abuses under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and impunity. He said reasonable pensions and security may be appropriate for former Presidents, but extravagant benefits are unacceptable during economic hardship and resources should instead support jobs, factories, and livelihoods, especially in the North and East. He also raised administrative concerns in the Eastern Province, urging action on volunteer teachers appointed late after wartime service, unemployment among traditional medicine graduates, reduced medical admissions under the district quota in Batticaloa, and significant vacancies in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Bill reducing former Presidents’ entitlements, arguing that it targets the official residences of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa while larger governance issues remain unresolved. He asked the Justice Minister to address alleged inconsistencies in cases involving Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando and to review prison conditions and remission policies, while also calling for faster police investigations into murders and fair promotions for Police and STF personnel. He urged equal application of the law on land encroachments and old criminal incidents, rejected politicized claims about a fatal Badulla bus accident, and said the Government should focus on justice, public security and people’s problems rather than evicting former Presidents.
- Hon. Chamal Sampath Dissanayake
AI summary Hon. Chamal Sampath Dissanayake urged the Government to act prudently when implementing popular election promises, warning that decisions taken out of hostility could provoke adverse public reactions. He argued that despite the rejection of Mahinda Rajapaksa electorally, many Sinhala Buddhists still retain respect for him, and said the Government should consider such political sensitivities. He also cautioned that political alignments and voter blocs could shift before the next election, and referred to events in Nepal to stress that governments must anticipate the consequences of their actions while rejecting political violence.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the repeal of the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, arguing that it is intended to change the political culture by ending excessive post-retirement privileges for former Presidents while maintaining their security and pensions. He said public funds and state property should not be used for personal benefit, and that rulers should be accountable under the law like public servants and ordinary citizens. Referencing past allegations and events involving former Presidents, he framed the Bill as part of a broader mandate to protect public resources and establish equal accountability, not as an act of revenge.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986, arguing that it implements the NPP’s electoral mandate to abolish excessive benefits for former Presidents and align public spending with the needs of ordinary citizens. He rejected claims that the measure is vindictive, stating it is a lawful and democratic correction of entitlements that he said have been misused or exceeded their intended purpose. He cited court rulings and examples involving former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and Mahinda Rajapaksa to argue that state residences, land, and renovation expenditures had been unfairly or unlawfully allocated. He added that while security for former Presidents remains a government responsibility, unlimited privileges should not continue.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka objected to allegations made under parliamentary privilege against Namal Rajapaksa, particularly claims linking him to drug networks. He stated that Rajapaksa had taken legal action and sent a letter of demand, and challenged government members to repeat the allegations outside Parliament where privilege would not apply. He said further legal steps would be pursued against relevant government members, including those connected to the police portfolio.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe rose briefly on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was presented in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that his party would continue making allegations about crimes against the country both inside and outside Parliament, despite defamation actions or letters of demand. He said they were prepared to defend their statements in court and challenged the relevant person to come to Parliament and respond.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka said his side did not oppose reducing privileges or entitlements for Presidents, Ministers, or MPs, noting that previous governments had also curtailed benefits such as vehicle permits. However, he argued that former Presidents and national leaders who face threats because of actions taken in office, particularly Mahinda Rajapaksa, must continue to receive adequate security. He alleged that the Government was targeting former security officials, including a former Navy Commander, through fabricated cases based on LTTE-linked testimony, and said he was tabling a Court of Appeal writ order relating to alleged pressure on an OIC to give statements.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the repeal of the Presidents’ Entitlements Act of 1986, stating that the Bill removes post-retirement benefits such as official residences, secretarial allowances, and widows’ entitlements, but does not affect former Presidents’ security. She argued that the measure fulfils the NPP’s policy commitment to abolish excessive presidential privileges and responds to public demands for equality, accountability, and a new political culture. Citing Supreme Court rulings involving former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, she said past use of office for personal benefit justified legislation to prevent misuse of public power and protect democracy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the Bill to remove additional benefits and perks granted to former Presidents, arguing that elected representatives should return to ordinary citizenship after leaving office. He linked the measure to the NPP’s electoral mandate to change what he described as an anti-people political culture, while saying lawful entitlements would remain. He urged all Members to vote for the Bill, stating that taxpayers facing economic hardship should not fund expanded privileges obtained through previous Cabinets.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the view that the Bill repeals statutory entitlements under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, but argued that it does not affect the President’s constitutional salary, pension and emoluments under Article 36. He raised concerns that the Bill lacks mechanisms to recover improperly used official residences or impose accountability, urging the Government to pursue legal action where state property or benefits were misused. He questioned the urgency given to this Bill compared with delays in holding Provincial Council elections and introducing broader constitutional and community-focused reforms, particularly affecting Tamil and Muslim communities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, arguing that lifetime official residences, allowances, staff salaries, and utility payments for former Presidents and their widows are unjustifiable while large numbers of citizens lack housing or land. She said the Bill ends the conversion of official perks into permanent benefits, while leaving former Presidents’ pensions and security unaffected. She framed the repeal as part of a broader policy of accountable governance, responsible use of public resources, and redirecting attention to housing needs, including among marginalized communities such as plantation workers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna supported revisiting former Presidents’ entitlements but opposed portraying all past leaders as corrupt, citing examples of leaders who donated property or made public sacrifices. He argued that post-tenure benefits should be regulated with modest limits rather than abolished entirely, and questioned whether pension entitlements should also be removed under the proposed approach. He further criticized the Government for focusing on cutting presidential perks while electricity tariffs were reportedly set to rise, and called for concrete action on underworld violence, political links to crime, and unanswered questions regarding the contents of 323 containers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala referred to a reported letter of demand from Namal Rajapaksa and said he would contest any defamation action, raising questions he said he would pursue in cross-examination. Turning to the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, he argued that Act No. 4 of 1986 created benefits for former Presidents and widows beyond what the Constitution protected and that these entitlements had been abused through official residences and state property. Citing a recent Supreme Court judgment, he said only salary, allowances and pension are constitutionally protected, and supported the repeal as restoring equality before the law.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna began by stating that he would shorten his allotted time and chose to speak in Sinhala, noting his Tamil identity. He challenged Members to indicate whether they considered Prabhakaran a terrorist, observing that no one raised a hand, and said he posed the question for a reason.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna said Northern voters had supported the Government because they believed it opposed repression, and argued that Tamil commemorations of Prabhakaran should be understood alongside Sinhala regard for Rohana Wijeweera. He alleged corruption in the North, including in Jaffna, and claimed the Government had failed to prosecute major fraud while filing 25 police cases against him after he exposed wrongdoing. He also criticized MPs who call for dissolving Parliament while enjoying parliamentary benefits, and demanded accountability for alleged misuse of state resources and politically motivated legal action.
Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, arguing that past Presidents had used public funds and Cabinet decisions to secure excessive post-retirement housing and privileges. He said such expenditure was unjustifiable when many citizens, including war-affected people in the North and communities in the Hill Country, still lacked housing and basic support. He stated that the Government would reduce wasteful privileges, redirect savings to public welfare, and pursue policies aimed at dignity, unity, and development for all communities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported removing excessive entitlements under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act but argued that the office of President must retain necessary dignity, security, and protection after retirement while the Executive Presidency continues to exist. He said the Government should abolish the Executive Presidency through a new Constitution rather than remove privileges piecemeal, and criticised attacks on former Presidents associated with the 1978 Constitution. He cited threats from drug mafias, the assassination of Janaka Perera after security was withdrawn, and unrest in Nepal to argue that former Presidents and their families may remain vulnerable because of decisions taken in office.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala — Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary Ananda Wijepala urged Opposition support for the Bill repealing certain entitlements under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, arguing it is intended to end excessive privileges for former officeholders rather than to target individuals. He said security for retired Presidents is handled separately through State mechanisms and threat assessments, and is not affected by the Bill. Citing staffing arrangements and 2024 expenditure figures for former Presidents and a former First Lady, he argued that past benefits had expanded without limits through regulations and Cabinet decisions, and that abolishing them was part of changing the political culture and setting an example to the public.
- 15 Debate Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill - Voting and Third Reading 3 speeches
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy 31 speeches