Sitting of Friday, 12 September 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1758618446023035 ·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 Papers Tabling of Papers: Auditor-General's Report and Government Regulations 2 speeches
- 2 Committee report Committee Report: Public Finance Committee on Budget Estimate of CIABOC 1 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions: Various Citizens' Petitions (Multiple Ministers) 5 speeches
- 4 Procedural Point of Order: CIABOC Report (Hon. Harsha de Silva) 1 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Ceylon Fisheries Corporation Fish Purchases (Q.2/2025) 10 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Condominium Management Authority Objectives (Q.3/2025) 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Co-operative Development Functions (Q.4/2025) 47 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Economic Centres Details (Q.5/2025) 12 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Objectives (Q.6/2025) 11 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Questions: Stood Down (Q.7/2025, Q.8/2025, Q.9/2025) 9 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Wanawasala and Aruwakkalu Waste Projects Current Status (Q.10/2025) 8 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: E-Visa Fraud Forensic Audit (Q.2 Second Round/2025) 6 speeches
- 13 Oral question Questions by Private Notice: Issues in Education and Higher Education Sectors (Standing Order 27(2)) 88 speeches
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella rose to a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella raised a point of order under Standing Order 91(c) concerning remarks made during the previous day’s debate on violence against women. She objected to a statement by the Minister for Women and Child Affairs implying that Opposition women Members, including herself and Hon. Rohini Kaviratne, entered Parliament through family patronage, arguing that both were elected by the people. She said the remarks disrespected their parliamentary membership and the voters of Kandy and Matale.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about teacher shortages, inadequate university infrastructure, and their impact on students’ rights, degree quality, and future employment. He requested a categorized report on teacher vacancies in National and Provincial schools and a timeframe for filling them. He also asked about appointments for Dharmacharya-qualified candidates who passed the 2019 examination, including whether petitions before the Public Petitions Committee would receive priority. He further questioned why School Development Officers who have been teaching for several years have not been absorbed into the teaching service under previously proposed conditions, citing precedents and their service during the COVID-19 period.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition acknowledged and expressed respect for the Speaker’s statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa indicated that he would read from prepared remarks and possibly add further comments. The provided excerpt is too brief to identify the substantive issue, proposal, or question being raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa indicated that he would read from prepared remarks while also emphasizing certain points. No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or demand is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested permission or an opportunity to proceed, without making a substantive policy argument or proposal in the recorded remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned why Development Officers attached to schools cannot be absorbed into the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service, citing precedent for absorbing trainee graduates into the service. He alleged that the Government had broken promises made while in Opposition and sought to table a Cabinet memorandum by the Prime Minister in support of his point.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition requested permission to table a document or material before Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he had already asked four questions and intended to ask three additional questions. The remarks were procedural, indicating his continuation of questioning during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa briefly assures the House that he will proceed and tells others not to be afraid. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand is raised in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition requested that the Government table the unpublished expert committee report on issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, including infrastructure, professorial vacancies, recruitment irregularities, and curriculum revisions. He also asked for a faculty-wise nominal roll of academics with qualifications, and sought clarification from the University Grants Commission on whether recruitment irregularities occurred and what action had been taken. He further raised concerns about inadequate clinical training facilities at Kalutara District General Hospital for the University of Moratuwa Faculty of Medicine, warning that deficiencies such as insufficient beds and lack of minimum standards could affect accreditation, graduation, and internship appointments.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he was raising questions in response to serious issues in the education sector. He requested permission to ask a supplementary question after the relevant answers were provided.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Time was sought to provide an answer to the question raised. The member stated that a response would be given in due course.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa raised a procedural objection regarding the use of Standing Order 27(2), arguing that the question submitted covered too many broad issues across education and higher education rather than a specific matter of public importance. He stated that such questions should identify and analyse a defined issue and allow the relevant Minister adequate time to respond. He urged the Leader of the Opposition to frame future 27(2) questions more narrowly, citing past practice by then Opposition MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake as an example.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa objected to the manner in which questions on education were being raised, saying they did not produce useful work for either those asking or answering. He proposed that education issues be taken up in a dedicated debate, even for six hours if necessary, while respecting Standing Orders and parliamentary traditions. He requested the Leader of the Opposition to reconsider the approach to such questioning so Parliament could function more effectively.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested the Speaker to grant him one minute to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa sought the Speaker’s permission to raise matters listed on the Order Paper during the allocated 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. slot under Standing Order 27(2).
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa began to raise matters concerning national and provincial issues, noting the time available in the sitting. The excerpt is incomplete and does not contain the substantive details of the issues, proposals, or questions he intended to present.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested the Speaker’s permission to raise a matter he described as being of national importance. No further details of the issue were provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked the Speaker for permission to address Parliament. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of Order. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose to a point of Order. No substantive issue or argument was recorded in the provided speech excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order regarding a question he had submitted under Standing Order 27(2). He argued that allegations of fraud and corruption in Jaffna and the North constitute a matter of urgent public importance and requested permission to complete his submission without interruption.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna requests the opportunity to complete his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order during the proceedings. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was presented in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested a further opportunity to speak after the Minister had been allowed to respond to his question. The intervention was procedural, seeking equal time to follow up in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa stated that he had an additional opportunity to speak and requested that it not be omitted. He noted that he had raised a question of national importance concerning education.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa briefly sought the Speaker’s permission to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the recorded remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa clarified that he was not posing questions. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand was raised in this brief intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary The Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected to a characterization that the matter he raised was not of national importance. The intervention appears to challenge the prioritization or procedural treatment of his earlier issue in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought permission to raise matters related to education, specifically referring to the Dharmacharya Examination and issues concerning the University of Moratuwa. The intervention appears to signal questions or concerns he intended to pursue on those subjects.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected that his microphone was being turned off and said he was not being allowed to speak. He requested that the microphone be given to him so he could address the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa requested that he be given the microphone.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Requested that the microphone be provided so he could address the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated his willingness to comply with the direction or instruction being given. The remark was brief and did not include any substantive policy argument, proposal, or question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake used the metaphor of being “like a betel nut caught in a mill” to convey that he felt trapped or pressured by circumstances. No specific policy proposal, question, or legislative issue was raised in the quoted remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected to a point or statement made in the chamber and requested 30 seconds to respond or clarify the matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested an additional 30 seconds to continue or conclude his remarks. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he had raised several education-related issues, including matters concerning those who passed the Dharmacharya Examination, problems at the University of Moratuwa, issues at the Wickramarachchi institute, and concerns affecting teachers. The remarks appear to introduce or list pending educational grievances requiring government attention.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa briefly introduces the next topic concerning teacher trainees, indicating a shift in the debate or questioning to issues affecting that group. No specific proposal, demand, or policy position is stated in the provided excerpt.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected to the characterization of issues affecting teacher development officers as not being of national importance. He argued that the Government had sought their support during the election and should now treat their concerns as a nationally significant matter.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa criticized the Leader of the Opposition for allegedly misunderstanding the Standing Orders relating to raising “a matter of urgent national importance.” He urged the Opposition Leader to understand the procedural requirements before posing such questions in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought to raise a question under Standing Order 27(2) but noted that the relevant Minister was absent to respond. He asked whether he would be informed that the answer would be provided only after a month.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the feasibility and sustainability of increasing Sri Lanka’s official reserves from US$6.1 billion in August 2025 to the IMF EFF target of US$7.2 billion by December 2025. He asked the Minister of Finance to clarify whether the reserve build-up would come from durable inflows such as exports, remittances, tourism and FDI, or from borrowing, swaps, IMF tranches, import compression, higher interest rates, or short-term portfolio inflows. He also sought transparency on gross versus net usable reserves, related liabilities and repayment risks for 2026-2027, including implications for ISB holders and macro-linked bonds, and asked what contingency plans exist if the target is not met.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament that the response to Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s Question raised under Standing Order 27(2) would be provided at the next sitting on Tuesday.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 14 Procedural Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Bill Presentation 4 speeches
- 15 Papers Bills Presented: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill 1 speeches
- 16 Debate Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) 41 speeches
- 17 Adjournment Adjournment 1 speeches