Sitting of Thursday, 11 September 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1758278142029989 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening and Speaker's Certificate 8 speeches
- 2 Procedural Procedural Matters and No-Confidence Motion Dispute 90 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) 145 speeches
- 4 Oral question Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Ministerial Statements 40 speeches
- 5 Procedural Ministerial Statements and Privilege Question 30 speeches
- 6 Debate National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate 179 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Moved the Second Reading of the Bill on behalf of the Minister of Justice and National Integration. She also presented two supplementary provision items under Head 123, Programme 02 and Head 171, Programme 02, after which the question was proposed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad raised a point of order, stating that his name had been mentioned in the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad denied the Prime Minister’s allegation that he had threatened a woman Member, stating that his remarks were not insulting or threatening and were made in response to his microphone being taken while he was speaking. He said his comments were a protest against obstruction of his speech and asked that the matter not be turned into a political issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya objected to remarks made by another Member, saying they were threatening and carried a gendered implication. She urged him and the SJB to understand the issue and align their conduct with their stated commitments on women’s rights.
Women & Children Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake condemned an insulting remark directed at Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra, arguing that failing to correct such conduct after it is identified is unacceptable. He recalled having warned during the Women’s Affairs Vote that the 22 women MPs should be protected, and said the person responsible had still not accepted fault even after the Prime Minister pointed it out, while also alleging that a related social media post was false.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe drew attention to a social media post or other published post, asking the House to examine its contents. No further substantive argument, proposal, or policy position is provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake briefly stated that a referenced item need not be shown, asserting that it appeared false. He suggested that the person concerned may not recognize his mistake.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad stated that his conduct was a reaction to another member’s action and that he would not have responded otherwise. He said he privately apologized to the member if his reaction caused discomfort and maintained that he did not escalate the matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya criticized the justification of a reaction to a woman’s speech by comparing it to victim-blaming narratives used against women facing violence. She argued that saying the response would not have occurred if the woman had not spoken further insults and blames the woman for the conduct directed at her.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe accused Hon. Amila Prasad of acting against his conscience, referring to a social media post stating “Lakmali, forgive me” as evidence that he recognized wrongdoing. He argued that the matter was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of conduct.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, speaking during debate on the National Audit (Amendment) Bill and Supplementary Estimates, criticized the Opposition for allegedly staging disruptions to generate media and social media coverage rather than engaging with the business before Parliament. He said the Government could defeat any no-confidence motion and accused the Opposition of pressuring the Speaker and seeking procedural pretexts. He also argued that Opposition members had failed to participate substantively in the previous day’s adjournment debate on agriculture despite requesting time for it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake criticized the Government’s handling of an Opposition adjournment debate, questioning why the relevant Minister was not present or expected to respond. He argued that failing to provide a ministerial answer undermines Parliament and wastes parliamentary time, staff resources, public funds, and allocated voting time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to a claim by the Chief Opposition Organizer that government members “speak and go,” saying the Opposition could be given two full days to speak if the government were allowed to reply the following day. He argued that such conduct was not the government’s practice and questioned whether the Opposition had remained in the chamber to challenge the government’s points on farmers.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to a procedural practice in Parliament, arguing that if members asking Oral Questions are not required to remain present, Ministers could likewise defer their answers to another day. He raised this as a point about consistency and accountability in the handling of Oral Questions.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that he would attend when required and provide answers.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake objected that the actions being taken amounted to overturning established parliamentary procedure. The intervention raised a procedural concern rather than addressing a substantive policy matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that no such procedure exists, addressing the Speaker. The remark appears to be a procedural objection or clarification, but no further details or substantive proposal were provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the day’s commotion resulted from the Opposition’s request to table two reports connected to their no-confidence motion. He demanded that the reports be presented without diversion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake sought the Speaker’s permission to briefly address the House. No substantive issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the procedural issue concerned the Opposition’s allotted time for an adjournment debate, noting that the rule provides 30 minutes. He said the Opposition had requested two hours the previous day but was absent when the debate took place later.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka noted that all speakers from his side had already addressed the matter on the previous day. No further substantive argument or proposal was made in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake argued that Ministers responsible for questions must be present to provide answers in Parliament. He said Members who cannot remain until an answer is given should not bring adjournment motions, and requested a ruling on whether Ministers are required for adjournment matters or Oral Questions.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka objected to diverting from the matter at hand and stated that the focus should remain on obtaining the two requested reports. He implied that additional explanations or unrelated narratives were unnecessary in that context.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary Two reports were tabled in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the issue was not about reports, and argued that the Opposition Leader did not understand the procedure for bringing a no-confidence motion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake criticized the Opposition Leader for allegedly disrupting proceedings and urged him to distinguish between a Censure Motion and a No-confidence Motion. He suggested the Opposition Leader should seek instruction on parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe criticized the Opposition for allegedly disrupting proceedings after the Speaker’s ruling and using the incident for publicity. He said the Opposition had requested additional time for a debate at the Business Committee but was absent during it, including the Opposition Leader, whom he argued should have remained to represent the public and respond to the Government.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary A point of order or intervention appears to refer back to an ongoing debate, but the provided extract is incomplete and contains no substantive policy position, proposal, question, or demand to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the issues raised in Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s 27(2) Question and the adjournment debate concerned the same matters: paddy production, fertilizer, and rice supply. He said those points had already been addressed in the debate and that he would provide the formal answer to the 27(2) Question the following day.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake instructed the Minister not to hand documents directly to other Members and to submit them instead to the Secretary-General. He noted that the documents would then be copied through the proper parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said the matter raised by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake under Standing Order 27(2) had already been the subject of the previous evening’s adjournment debate, and said he would refer to the Hansard after responding the following day. He criticized Opposition members for using parliamentary opportunities for publicity, leaving before replies are given, and making personal insults against government members. He pledged support to the Speaker in maintaining the dignity and orderly conduct of the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake requests that microphones be set up for participants on the Parliament Ground.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that he had proposed to the Speaker that a small stage be set up on the Parliament grounds in the morning for a television show.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson rose on a point of order during the sitting. No substantive issue or argument was recorded in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson briefly referred to the adjournment motion brought by Rohana Bandara on the previous day. The extract provided does not contain further substantive remarks, proposals, or arguments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson briefly interjected to request a few seconds from Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe in order to clarify a point. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly noted that another member had also spoken and then left the chamber. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in this remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson briefly requested time to respond, stating that they had listened to others and asking that his side also be given an opportunity to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson requested the Speaker’s permission to respond, stating that otherwise the House could be misled or diverted from the issue under discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe asks for the point of order to be stated, indicating a procedural intervention during the debate rather than advancing a substantive policy argument. No specific legislative issue, proposal, or demand is raised in the quoted speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson disputed the Minister’s claim that no Opposition MPs were present during the adjournment debate. He stated that Opposition Members were present while both Ministers were speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly remarked that another Member had left the Chamber after making a speech. The intervention appears to have been a procedural or rhetorical comment during the debate rather than a substantive policy statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe criticized Opposition MPs for moving and speaking on an adjournment motion before leaving the Chamber, leaving only one Opposition Member present by the end. He argued that this conduct wasted Parliamentary time, citing members who spoke on issues such as Polonnaruwa farmers and then departed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe objected to what he described as misuse of parliamentary time during adjournments. He argued that if the Opposition wished to make statements and leave without engaging, a separate day should be allocated for that purpose, emphasizing that such conduct was not consistent with parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson rose on a point of personal reference, stating that his name had been mentioned in the debate. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson responded to being named in the chamber, stating that he and his colleagues remained present while both Ministers spoke and answered questions, and left only afterward.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka objected that the Government was avoiding a direct response to the Opposition’s request for two reports, instead giving unrelated remarks. He clarified that Opposition MPs were not absent from Parliament but attending a Climate Parliament of Sri Lanka caucus meeting within the parliamentary complex.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the Government had accommodated the Opposition by extending an adjournment debate from 30 minutes to two hours, while limiting time on a Bill concerning the removal of privileges for former Presidents. He argued that the Opposition used the time to speak and leave rather than pursue solutions, contrasting this with how his side had handled adjournment motions when in Opposition. He urged Members to use adjournment debates responsibly and improve the quality of parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Opposition had wasted parliamentary time during the morning despite time being allocated to them. He referred to two reports mentioned by Gayantha Karunathilaka and alleged that the SLPP and SJB were acting together, while questioning why Ravi Karunanayake was not given time the previous day, possibly due to a scheduled question under Standing Order 27(2).
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe criticised Opposition Members for leaving the Chamber during a debate they had requested, arguing that this undermined parliamentary proceedings. He called for debates to be conducted according to parliamentary traditions and urged Members to stop insulting new and women MPs, wasting parliamentary time, and misusing public resources.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was presented in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake explained that although he had been allocated speaking time the previous day, he was unable to use it because he had to attend a meeting at an embassy. He noted this in response to the Minister having referred to him by name.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that a motion had been copied and submitted, implying a procedural or authorship concern regarding the motion before Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns about the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, arguing that the proposed Oversight Review Committee could undermine the independence and authority of the Auditor General’s Department and create uncertainty for public officers facing surcharges. He urged the Government to strengthen the audit framework without intimidating officials or weakening the State sector, and called for clear legal and administrative safeguards. He also criticized Government members’ conduct in Parliament, questioned the Prime Minister’s response to issues involving women MPs, and demanded answers on responsibility for the release of 323 containers.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy called for a clear investigation into the release of two ice containers under the current Government, asking who authorized their release and whether other containers were also involved. He said the Opposition’s no-confidence motion was linked to demands for transparency on the Easter Sunday attack investigations, including disclosure of the Attorney-General’s report and the Cabinet Secretary’s report, and questioned unresolved matters such as alleged funding by Ibrahim. He accused the Government and the Speaker of denying MPs access to information and undermining parliamentary privileges, and urged a transparent programme to identify and punish those responsible for the Easter attacks.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne raised a point of order under Standing Order 92(2)(a) to clarify remarks made by another Member, referring to Standing Order 83(1) on restrictions against raising the personal conduct of specified officeholders except by substantive motion. She said inappropriate remarks had been removed from Hansard after interventions by herself and the Prime Minister, and noted that Hon. Rohini Wijerathna had thanked the House for that action. She also stated that newly elected Members without political dynastic backgrounds should be able to challenge more experienced MPs.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy briefly requests the Deputy Speaker’s permission to respond, noting that another member had addressed him. No substantive policy issue or legislative matter is raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy stated that allegations involving harassment of women should be addressed through a proper and fair procedure, rather than prolonged public accusations. He argued that such matters should be concluded within Parliament and criticized the Speaker for limiting the Opposition’s ability to ask questions, urging that issues be discussed and resolved procedurally.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera supported the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it restores and strengthens the Auditor-General’s powers after limitations under the National Audit Act No. 19 of 2018. He said the amendment would allow audit findings on misuse, corruption, waste and abuse of public funds to trigger legal and surcharge processes, including referrals to an Independent Surcharge Review Committee and, where necessary, action through appropriate authorities. He also outlined streamlined appeal procedures and safeguards where a Chief Accounting Officer is implicated, while criticizing the Opposition for misrepresenting the Bill and delaying the debate.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera stated that the new Bill addresses conflicts of interest in imposing and recovering surcharges by allowing the Cabinet Secretary to issue a surcharge certificate where the Chief Accounting Officer is implicated. He said the Independent Surcharge Review Committee would then proceed, strengthening accountability and social justice, and urged the House to support swift action against misuse of public funds.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised the unresolved displacement of Tamil families from Mullikulam in Mannar District, stating that despite earlier resettlement in 2002, they were forced out again in 2007 and remain unable to return to their lands. He said over 1,500 acres of private lands, irrigation tanks, houses and fishing areas are occupied by the Navy, Forest Department and other authorities, while many families live in nearby villages or refugee camps in India. He urged the House to take immediate action to release the occupied lands and resettle the Mullikulam people without delay.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the amendments to the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018, and the related supplementary estimates, arguing that they aim to strengthen public sector audit governance, accountability, fiscal discipline, and the surcharge process. He placed the Bill in the context of Parliament’s constitutional control over public finance under Article 148, the role of the Auditor-General, and IMF-identified weaknesses following the 2023 programme. He also criticised past misuse of public funds and said the Government was seeking to correct public financial management through stronger audit and oversight mechanisms.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif supported the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, arguing that stronger audit mechanisms are needed to protect public funds, identify fraud or misuse, and strengthen parliamentary scrutiny through reports to Parliament and COPE. He also referred to supplementary estimates and said audit reforms would help prevent a recurrence of past financial mismanagement and improve accountability among public officials. He raised additional issues including the National Milad celebration, the Kurukkalmadam mass grave inquiry, revival of a halted Kandy District water project, alleged racist online content targeting Muslim MPs, and Government positions on the Mahar mosque land issue and recognition of Palestine.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana — Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs
AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana supported the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, stating that it addresses weaknesses in the 2018 Act by strengthening the Auditor-General’s powers, enabling disciplinary and investigative action, creating an independent Surcharge Review Committee, and allowing COPE and COPA intervention in surcharge recovery. He also explained a supplementary estimate for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, saying Rs. 1.5 billion previously allocated for festive relief would be repurposed, with existing funds, to provide Rs. 9 billion in nutrition vouchers for pregnant mothers. He said the programme would provide Rs. 4,500 per month for 10 months, plus an additional Rs. 5,000 in December, in response to reported levels of anaemia, low birth weight and low BMI among mothers.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof disputed a Government member’s claim that his earlier complaint about Muslim health staff in Trincomalee being restricted from wearing cultural attire was false, and submitted a union letter requesting permission for such attire to be recorded in Hansard. He urged the Government to address the issue rather than deny it, noting that related discussions and correspondence were already underway. He also raised the Muthunagar land dispute, stating that farmers who returned to cultivate lands after assurances at the District Coordinating Committee were arrested and assaulted, and called for restoration of the lands, compensation, or alternative land through engagement with the affected farmers.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif said incidents concerning nurses’ attire arose under the previous government due to actions by racist politicians and appointed officials. He stated that discussions had been held with Minister Nalin Jayatissa and that an early solution would be provided, while asking for evidence of any current wrongdoing by such officials so action can be taken.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Aravinda Senarath supported amendments to the National Audit Act and said they are needed to strengthen oversight by the Auditor-General, Audit Department and Audit Service Commission over fraud, corruption and misuse of public funds. He linked the reforms to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and international reform expectations, arguing that past governments bear responsibility and that the current Government is acting on its mandate through new laws, including the removal of former Presidents’ privileges. He said the supplementary estimates for the Ministries of Women and Child Affairs and Urban Development, Construction and Housing are intended to redirect funds toward restarting stalled projects and delivering public benefits, while also pledging further legal action on waste, corruption and narcotics.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda said the Opposition supports the original National Audit Act and its amendments, including the proposed Independent Surcharge Review Committee, while urging the Government to protect officials from political reprisals for performing audit duties. He requested that the A.K. Seneviratne report on the release of high-risk Customs containers be tabled in Parliament, and asked whether containers linked to the Middeniya ice incident were among the 323 red-channel containers allegedly released without physical examination. He also called for Budget funding to begin the second phase of the Magalla Water Supply Scheme to address water shortages in Galle, and asked the Government to examine inconsistencies in appointments related to the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service and Sinhala-special degree holders.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Anton Jayakody — Deputy Minister of Environment
AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported the second reading of amendments to the National Audit Act, arguing that they would strengthen fiscal discipline, protect officials acting properly, and enable action against corrupt public officers. He criticized past political interference in excise revenue collection and said the 2018 Act had weakened the audit function by not adopting proposed safeguards. He also defended supplementary estimates to restart the Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project, noting its halt after 89 per cent completion and allocations to provide safe drinking water to about 700,000 people, as well as funding for nutrition packs for malnourished pregnant mothers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala expressed support for strengthening the national audit framework, arguing that audit is essential for fiscal discipline across ministries and departments and should have adequate powers, including legal authority to act on findings. He said the Opposition supports empowering audit in the context of the National Audit (Amendment) Bill. He also welcomed the supplementary estimate for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, particularly additional maternal nutrition support such as the extra Rs. 5,000 festive-period allowance.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Government to take immediate action to address emerging issues affecting public security and living conditions. He warned that failure to act would worsen social hardship and cause problems to surface more broadly.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath supported the Supplementary Estimate connected to the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, stating that Rs. 13,285.6 million should be shifted from foreign to domestic financing to settle dues and resume the Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project. He said the halted project had left roads damaged and communities without drinking water, and that Rs. 3 billion in 2025 would help provide water to around 100,000 people in several affected areas. He also criticized the Opposition’s conduct in Parliament and defended the Government’s economic and welfare record, citing salary increases, welfare payments, reduced fuel and electricity prices, resumed projects, and planned poverty-eradication initiatives.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri spoke on the Bill and two Supplementary Estimates, emphasizing the need to adhere to established parliamentary procedure and customs. Referring to the National Audit Bill, he alleged that public funds paid as allowances to certain office-holders are redirected through bank accounts to party funds, despite claims that salaries and allowances are not personally taken. He requested that the Auditor-General examine such fund flows and called for legal provisions to prevent the concealment or diversion of public monies to political party coffers.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra raised a point of order citing Standing Order 91(c), objecting to alleged improper imputations made against the Prime Minister and asking for clarification. She argued that Members should not use parliamentary proceedings to raise personal matters, salaries, perks, or private affairs, and referred to Standing Order 83(1) and a previous objection to what she described as baseless personal allegations against the President and Prime Minister. She urged that the dignity of the House, grounded in the people’s sovereignty, be protected.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri stated that his earlier remarks did not name any individual and should be applied equally to all members. He called for relevant matters to be referred to the Auditor General to investigate concealed practices involving funds flowing into political parties, and urged that appropriate laws be used or enacted to stop such practices.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj defended the dignity and role of women MPs, rejecting sexist, ethnic, physical, and family-based attacks and stating that the 20 women Members represent the interests of women across the country. Referring to the Supplementary Estimates for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, she said Rs. 1,500 million is proposed to provide Rs. 5,000 nutrition packs to undernourished pregnant and lactating mothers over a 10-month period. She cited concerns over malnutrition, low birth weight, stunting, and wasting, and said around 160,200 beneficiaries would be identified from about 280,000 pregnant mothers, using funds saved after an earlier Aswesuma-related food concession was halted during the local election period.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka addressed the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, seeking clarification on how much of the proposed allocation for nutrition support packs would directly benefit pregnant mothers. He cited economic hardship, declining births and antenatal registrations, and World Food Programme findings to argue for urgent nutrition interventions, including unconditional cash top-ups for pregnant mothers and malnourished children and a daily meal for preschool children. He also raised concern over more than 5,000 child abuse complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority in the first seven months of 2025, calling for stronger child protection measures alongside nutrition support.
- The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara supported amendments to the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018, citing the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029 and the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment 2023 as grounds for strengthening audit enforcement and information-sharing with law enforcement. He outlined proposals to reform surcharge procedures, including replacing sole reliance on “negligence,” creating an independent five-member Surcharge Review Committee, and allowing the Auditor-General to initiate complaints where fraud, corruption or misuse is suspected. He argued that these changes would reduce political influence over surcharge decisions, address weaknesses in current arrangements for ministries and departments, and improve public financial management and service delivery.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns over the Mannar District Solid Waste Management Project, stating that a Rs. 77 million ADB- and municipal-funded project has been obstructed by a public institution and affected by objections from the Forest and Wildlife Departments, with further details to be tabled later. He urged the Government to give priority to nutrition, health and livelihood support for female-headed and war-affected households in the North and East, including pregnant mothers and communities facing gaps in Thriposha delivery. He also argued that domestic mechanisms and commission recommendations on wartime disappearances and killings have failed, citing ongoing protests by families of the disappeared and recent allegations by a former EPDP cadre, and called for an impartial international investigation to ensure justice and reconciliation.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB
AI summary Several laws have recently been passed to dignify politics, and the debate concerns the National Audit (Amendment) Bill and Supplementary Estimates for the Ministries of Urban Development, Housing and Construction, and Women and Child Affairs. The Supplementary Estimate for Urban Development, Housing and Construction seeks Rs. 13.3 billion in domestic financing to settle contractor dues and complete the Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project, intended to address drinking water needs for up to 700,000 families. The Supplementary Estimate for Women and Child Affairs provides Rs. 1.5 billion to grant a one-off Rs. 5,000 nutrition pack to 162,200 undernourished pregnant and lactating mothers during the December season, following the earlier suspension of the programme during the local election period. It also enables increased provision for nutrition packs through virement, raising the allocation from Rs. 7.5 billion to Rs. 9 billion without a new net allocation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the proceedings. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees vacated the Chair and Hon. Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported strengthening the National Audit framework, noting its long legislative history and arguing that Sri Lanka should undertake such reforms on its own rather than due to IMF pressure. He said the amendments should enhance the Auditor-General’s powers while ensuring fairness, judicial recourse, and a balanced approach to surcharge penalties so that public officials are not deterred from performing their duties. He also called for better remuneration for key public-sector oversight institutions, including the Auditor-General’s Department, CIABOC and the Treasury, and urged the Central Bank to explain how foreign reserves will rise from US$6.1 billion to the targeted US$7.2 billion before the IMF programme ends.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake warned that inadequate reserves ahead of macro-linked bond repayments could trigger capital outflows, rupee depreciation, and cost-push inflation, noting the fiscal impact of exchange-rate and interest-rate movements. He welcomed reports of closing 33 state entities but urged a clear plan for improving public-sector productivity without merely retrenching workers. He also highlighted that five major state-owned enterprises account for most state indebtedness and called for discussion on reforms to manage these fiscal risks.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged that profits and commercialization in state enterprises should benefit the public, opposing a proposed 8.7% electricity tariff increase and higher CEB distribution costs. He called for public-private partnerships, labour reforms, faster decision-making by Customs, the BOI and Port City authorities, and procurement reforms, citing delays in Health sector tenders. He argued that export growth and effective implementation of the National Audit (Amendment) Act, alongside better use of the 2025 capital expenditure allocation, are needed to reduce debt and strengthen the economy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana supported the Supplementary Estimate and amendments to the National Audit Act, citing improved fiscal stability, higher revenues, increased remittances, tourism, exports, and foreign direct investment. He focused on the Supplementary Estimate for maternal nutrition, stating that funds previously allocated for subsidized New Year nutrition packs would be redirected to undernourished pregnant mothers. He said about 160,200 beneficiaries would receive Rs. 45,000 over ten months, with an additional one-time Rs. 5,000 nutrition pack in December alongside the existing Rs. 4,500 allowance for pregnant and lactating mothers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB
AI summary Economic improvements were said to be yielding benefits to the public, with an expectation that further benefits would be delivered by 2026.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper welcomed allocations for pregnant mothers as an investment in national development, highlighting particular hardships faced by women in the North, East and upcountry. He urged that, alongside maternal welfare funding, resources be allocated to deliver justice for wartime atrocities, citing mass graves such as Chemmani and Kurukalmadam and the Justice Minister’s remarks. He proposed strengthening Sri Lanka’s maternal support schemes by drawing on examples from India, Bangladesh, Rwanda and Chile, and called for the next Budget to fully fund comprehensive support for pregnant mothers, including measures that make motherhood more compatible with education and careers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that many young women hesitate to have children due to concerns about their future lives and careers. He said motherhood should be encouraged and supported more strongly, acknowledging its unique role and the need to address career-related barriers to childbirth.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha — Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha supported amendments to the National Audit Act, stating that they are intended to strengthen public financial accountability, fiscal discipline, and the independence of audit following concerns over misuse of public funds and commitments under the IMF governance process. He explained that the Bill replaces the ineffective surcharge process under the Audit Service Commission with a Surcharge Review Committee chaired by a retired senior judge, enabling reviewed recovery action through Chief Accounting Officers or the Cabinet Secretary where necessary. He also noted provisions to increase penalties for withholding audit information and to operationalize a fund for audit capacity by allocating up to 15 per cent of audit fees.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary (Dr.) Anil Jayantha outlined proposed reforms to strengthen audit independence, identifying administrative independence and financial independence as key elements. He noted that some administrative functions would remain with the Audit Service Commission, surcharge decisions would be handled by a new Review Committee, and audit budgetary needs would remain accountable to Parliament through the Treasury to improve efficiency and public finance accountability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan thanked India for funding the Mannar General Hospital and welcomed India’s positions on human rights and meaningful devolution through Provincial Councils. He urged the Government to review the Mannar wind power project in light of a prolonged local protest, and called for internationally monitored investigations into human rights violations, including mass graves at Chemmani, rejecting purely domestic processes. He also supported anti-corruption action but demanded that it extend beyond Colombo to local authorities, citing alleged irregularities in Mannar Municipality projects such as the Panangkattukottu stadium and Pallimunai ground, and called for investigations and punishment of those responsible.
Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka JJB
AI summary The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka supported amendments to the National Audit Act, arguing that they strengthen procedures to address control weaknesses, corruption risks, misappropriation, and losses to the State. He said the amendments empower the Auditor General to initiate legal action, refer matters to law enforcement or regulators, and strengthen surcharge recovery through the Surcharge Review Committee, Chief Accounting Officers, the Cabinet Secretary, and possible reporting to COPE or COPA. He rejected concerns that the measures would discourage officials, stating that honest officials need not fear them, and urged all Members, including the Opposition, to support the amendments.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the National Audit (Amendment) Bill as part of anti-corruption efforts, but said past audit findings had wrongly affected resettlement lands in Musali and Manthai West by treating previously inhabited areas as forest. He supported supplementary allocations for pregnant mothers’ nutrition, housing and resettlement, while calling for increased future funding and urgent improvements to roads, electricity, water, and services in post-war areas. He welcomed India’s Rs. 600 million grant for Mannar General Hospital and urged action on releasing public and forest lands, including 10 acres at Poomoddai for a lawful garbage dumping site before the pending court matter.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu spoke in support of the Audit Amendment and Supplementary Estimates, particularly additional allocations for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to restore and expand nutrition, child care, livelihood and anti-domestic violence programmes. He cited the impact of the economic crisis on pregnant mothers, children, migrant women workers, orphans, school dropouts, child labour and drug addiction, and proposed inter-ministerial and 2026 Budget measures including clinics, vocational training and improved transport. He also referred to funding for the Urban Regeneration Programme and “Water for All,” especially in districts such as Anuradhapura, and commented on the passage of the Former Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill and the voting behaviour of Opposition Members.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman raised concerns over the January 2025 release of 309 Customs containers, citing a President-appointed committee report that said red- and yellow-labeled containers were released without scanning or physical inspection and that congestion had been artificially created. He questioned a Police statement that two containers suspected of containing methamphetamine were not among the 309, arguing that Customs had not yet identified the contents despite earlier complaints to the CID and Bribery Commission. He called for immediate investigations into who imported the containers, what they contained, and for the findings to be tabled in Parliament, while also questioning the appointment of a Customs official named in the report as Director General.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed the Supplementary Estimates and urged action on the long-abandoned Saudi-funded 500-house Nuraicholai tsunami housing scheme in Akkaraipattu, completed in 2009 but not handed over to beneficiaries. He called on the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, and relevant ministries to convene special meetings and allocate the houses to tsunami-affected families, while arguing that any court-ordered ethnic allocation principle should apply consistently to housing schemes nationwide. He also responded to a claim about Kalmunai District Coordinating Committee meetings, citing a 2024 District Secretary’s letter directing joint meetings for Kalmunai DS Division and Kalmunai North Sub-office at a common venue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti — Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti supported the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it restores powers and fiscal discipline that he said were weakened when the original National Audit Act was passed in 2018. He said the JVP had proposed amendments at that time, only some of which were accepted, and rejected claims that the current amendments were driven by the IMF, stating that similar reforms had been advocated before the IMF Governance Diagnostic. He also linked the Bill to wider anti-corruption efforts and defended Parliament’s decision to remove former Presidents from official residences on grounds of public expenditure misuse.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti — Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary The Minister argued that the Government is restoring fiscal discipline through amendments that reverse changes made in 2018, including raising fines for offences from Rs. 5,000 back to Rs. 100,000 and expanding the Auditor General’s scope to cover revenues as well as Consolidated Fund expenditure. He said the Bill strengthens the surcharge process by creating a Surcharge Review Committee and extending surcharge coverage to Ministries, Departments, and other entities, rather than only local authorities and universities. He maintained that these reforms are intended to prevent public financial misconduct and rejected allegations concerning his party’s internal salary contributions.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Noted that the individual in question served as a Permanent Secretary for life.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti — Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that the individual in question continued to serve as a Permanent Secretary. He alleged that the matter was not taken before court because others did not permit or facilitate such action.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Rishad Bathiudeen denied responsibility for the matter being referenced, stating that it was not carried out by him or his side. No further details, proposals, or demands were provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti — Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary The Minister argued that earlier governments weakened the audit legislation during its passage in 2018, despite changes in officeholders, and said the present amendments are intended to strengthen it. He recalled his 2018 Hansard position that the law needed effective enforcement powers, citing Kenya’s 2015 Audit Act, and stated that the Bill now empowers the Auditor General to complain directly to the Police, including in relation to Ministries and Departments.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti — Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that achieving full fiscal discipline requires more than the measure under discussion, referring also to the Penal Code and the Constitution. He said the Government was strengthening provisions that, in his view, had previously been weakened.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Clarifies that Mrs. Hema Premadasa is not occupying an official residence, having vacated it earlier with the President’s acknowledgement. It is also stated that Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe resides in a private residence.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti — Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
AI summary The Minister briefly clarified that his earlier reference concerned spouses generally vacating under the law. No additional policy proposal or legislative position was elaborated in this intervention.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka briefly intervened to clarify the record, stating that a female individual had already been named by another member. The remark was procedural in nature and aimed at correcting a prior statement rather than advancing a substantive argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that the Government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had restored and ensured Parliament’s financial control over the past year, which he said the public would value. The remarks preceded the Bill being read a Second time and referred to a Committee of the whole Parliament, where Clauses 1 to 5 were agreed to.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved amendments to the Bill on behalf of the Minister of Justice and National Unity, including revised wording on page 3 and a new requirement for the Surcharge Review Committee to publish semi-annual reports on the National Audit Office website. The proposed reporting provisions cover Auditor-General recommendations, surcharge determinations and variations, recoveries within time limits, interest details, and recovery actions initiated. The amendments were agreed to, and Clause 6 as amended and Clause 7 were ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved an amendment to Clause 8 of the Bill, requiring members of the Surcharge Review Committee to disclose material conflicts of interest before assuming duties and to recuse themselves from related discussions or decisions. The amendment was agreed to, Clause 8 was passed as amended, and Clauses 9 to 14 were also ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved an amendment to Clause 15 to insert a definition of “gross negligence” into the Bill, specifying conduct done with awareness of an unjust risk and disregard of reasonable care to avert it. The amendment was agreed to, the remaining clauses and title were approved, and the Bill was reported with amendments. He then moved the Third Reading and sought leave to correct linguistic, printing, grammatical, numbering, and consequential errors, after which the Bill was passed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary On behalf of the relevant Ministers, approval was sought for two supplementary allocations for the 2025 financial year. The first was Rs. 13.2856 billion in capital expenditure under the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing for the completion of the Kandy North Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project, and the second was Rs. 1.5 billion in recurrent expenditure under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs for nutritious food packages for expectant mothers. Both motions noted Cabinet approval and were agreed to by Parliament.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development moved the adjournment of Parliament. The presiding member put the question to the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 7 Adjournment Adjournment Questions 19 speeches