Sitting of Tuesday, 23 September 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1758876121024768 ·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 President's Message on Navy Act 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports 5 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented by Members 6 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural: No-Confidence Motion and Speaker's Rulings 28 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question Q.1/2025: Natural Streams and Stream Reservations Protection 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question Q.2/2025: Divisional Hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation 8 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question Q.6/2025: Principals' Recruitment and Confirmation 8 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing 7 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question Q.8/2025: Mullaitivu District General Hospital 8 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question Q.9/2025: Sri Lanka Telecom Employment 6 speeches
- 14 Oral question Oral Question Q.10/2025: Alawwa Water Scheme 6 speeches
- 15 Oral question Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Unemployment and Vehicle Emission Testing 8 speeches
- 16 Procedural Procedural: Transition to Public Business 5 speeches
- 17 Debate Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill 57 speeches
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka, as Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, formally moved that the Bill be read a Second time. The Chair then proposed the question and called on Anton Jayakody to open the debate with a 15-minute allocation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported the Second Reading of the National Building Research Institute Bill, which gives statutory status to the existing National Building Research Organization after 41 years and renames it as an institute. He said the institution’s work in landslide risk management, geotechnical assessment, materials testing, environmental monitoring and structural safety needs legal backing, particularly because current reports and circular-based requirements have limited enforceability. He cited past landslide disasters, rainfall-related slope instability, expansive soil problems, and the institute’s monitoring network and risk mitigation projects as reasons for establishing a formal legal framework for safer and more sustainable construction.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, citing repeated disaster losses in Ratnapura and Kegalle from landslides and floods as reasons for strengthening preventive institutional capacity. He proposed adding a nominee from the Ministry responsible for Plantation Industries to the governing body, given the plantation-related nature of many disaster-prone districts. He also urged that NBRI officers be granted lawful land-entry powers for urgent inspections without requiring police accompaniment, and that local authorities be trained on construction and excavation limits to reduce landslide risks.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara supported the NBRI Bill as a long-delayed legal framework to regulate construction and reduce disaster risks, citing landslides in Aranayake, Haputale/Kabaragala, Meeriya Bedda, and Haldummulla, and noting that some displaced families still lack permanent solutions and basic services. He said stronger regulation is needed to prevent future vulnerability and improve institutional safeguards. He also addressed concerns about CEB reforms, stating that core electricity functions would remain fully government-owned, that there were no plans for mass layoffs, and that worker benefits would be protected. He called for greater transparency, efficient procurement, renewable energy integration, smart grids, smart meters, and AI-enabled forecasting to modernize the energy system.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara argued that the Government’s first year showed a new policy approach, citing improved performance at MILCO, Triposha and SriLankan Airlines despite earlier claims that they would fail or be sold. He said public debate should focus on substantive issues such as drug trafficking and illegal accounts rather than short-lived controversies. Referring to the Bill before Parliament, he said it would provide a needed legal foundation for the construction sector, help prepare the country for future challenges including natural disasters, and strengthen the relevant institution.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported giving the proposed National Building Research Institute a legal mandate but urged that its functions include assessment of flood risks and road planning in disaster-prone areas such as Batticaloa, where flood-damaged roads remain unrepaired. He also called attention to environmental risks from sand mining and ilmenite extraction permitted in areas such as Thirukkovil and Vakarai. He criticized the Government’s first year in office for failing to address Tamil people’s key concerns, including military-occupied lands, pastureland at Mayilathamadu Maathavanai, Forest Department land release, and unresolved human rights issues.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about the Government’s first year in office, alleging misconduct by NPP representatives and calling for police investigations into complaints against a Deputy Minister in Trincomalee and NPP organizers in Batticaloa and Chenkalady. He criticized the role of National List appointees and internal allocation of responsibilities within the Government, arguing that the public mandate should be respected. Citing World Bank, Central Bank and Verité Research data, he said unemployment, declining real wages and increased poverty showed that people’s spending power remained below previous levels, and requested that the data be placed in the Library.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, arguing that it gives a long-needed legal basis to an institution responsible for landslide risk mapping, early warnings, building safety assessments, construction criteria in hazardous areas, and related public safety functions. He contrasted this with past laws he said were used to consolidate power or benefit rulers, stating that the Government’s task is to repeal such laws while enacting necessary public-interest legislation. He also addressed unrest among CEB workers, saying the new electricity sector law keeps five successor companies fully state-owned, preserves employee rights and benefits, and already addresses many union demands, while rejecting demands he described as financially excessive or political.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake supported the Bill to regularize the National Building Research Organisation, noting its long role in disaster management and its importance in landslide-prone districts such as Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. He urged the Government to resolve issues arising from the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board through discussions with unions and the President, while also addressing the grievances of Development Officers and long-serving Police Sergeants awaiting promotion. He alleged past misconduct relating to CEB manpower workers and tabled a document alleging a Rs. 28 million financial fraud at the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation, requesting an investigation.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary The Hon. G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Bill establishing the National Building Research Institute, noting the NBRO’s past work on landslide hazard mapping and road-sector landslide mitigation. He argued that climate change has increased disaster risks and that the new institute should provide technical guidance, identify vulnerable areas, raise awareness, support mitigation, and enforce relevant laws. He also highlighted concerns over clause 12(1) and (2), which require owner consent for inspections of hazardous land or buildings, and noted that an amendment was expected.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa welcomed the NBRI Bill, noting the institution’s long existence since 1984 and the delayed move to legislate, and called for a long-term plan addressing climate, geophysical, maritime and aviation-related risks through international collaboration. He criticised the Government’s first year in office, arguing that it should focus on delivering promised benefits rather than blaming previous governments, and cited official statistics on declines in agriculture, fisheries and rubber while questioning import decisions affecting farmers. He also raised concerns over the Electricity Act, treatment of protesting graduates and Development Officers, job losses, factory closures, and pressure on the media, urging the Government to address the problems of workers and affected communities.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Dr. Najith Indika said the Government was advancing long-delayed legislation, including the NBRI Bill, as part of institutional reforms in its first year. He rejected claims that the new electricity reforms would privatize or fragment the CEB, stating that full State ownership would be retained, job losses would not occur except through voluntary retirement, and reforms aimed to improve efficiency, ensure adequate supply by 2028 and reduce tariffs by 30 per cent. He also argued that current public concern over narcotics reflected unprecedented drug seizures and enforcement activity, including in areas such as Hambantota and Colombo North, and said the Government’s priority was to defeat the drug menace while continuing development and relief programmes.
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara supported the NBRI Bill, noting that it followed a Cabinet proposal he submitted in 2019 as Minister of Disaster Management and emphasizing the NBRO’s role in regulating construction and assessing landslide and environmental risks. He cited past disaster responses, including the Aranayake Samasara landslide resettlement, and urged the Government to provide adequate funding to the institution. He asked whether the natural disaster insurance scheme under the National Insurance Trust Fund was still operating, called for its reinstatement, and requested action to relocate identified high-risk line-room residents at Dehigala Watta and Welawatta.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, citing recent landslides and building collapses in hill-country plantation areas, including the collapse of a school in Kenilworth Estate. He linked the need for such an institute to ongoing vulnerabilities in plantation settlements and referred to NEVIDA, established under Act No. 32 of 2018, as a body responsible for housing, water and other development services for plantation communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Bill to give the National Building Research Organization a statutory basis, arguing that previous governments had allowed it to operate without the necessary legal framework. He defended the Government’s first-year record, citing recent narcotics seizures and action against organized crime, and accused former administrations of enabling criminality and attempting CEB privatization. He said the current Government had reinstated interdicted CEB workers, halted privatization, and would keep the new electricity companies fully state-owned. He also stated that Development Officers could not be directly absorbed into the teacher service outside the lawful examination process, while promising fair priority for school-based DOs in addressing teacher vacancies.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa thanked contributors to the strengthening of NBRI and recalled support given to victims of the Saammasara Kanda landslide, before urging united legal and diplomatic action over the X-Press Pearl disaster and compensation for affected fishing communities. He highlighted a court ruling on disability access in railway station upgrades and called for all public construction to comply with accessibility standards. He also requested the urgent resumption of the stalled wildlife underpass between Ambanpola and Galgamuwa and urged implementation of the mediated settlement to absorb 16,600 school-based Development Officers into the teacher service. On power-sector restructuring, he said reforms should proceed while protecting the jobs of 23,000 CEB workers and called on the Government to honour commitments made while in Opposition.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB
AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported giving the National Building Research Organisation statutory status, noting its long operation through Cabinet decisions and its role in landslide, disaster-risk, geotechnical, environmental and structural services. He highlighted landslide risks across 14 districts, including 1,252 reported landslides in 2024 and pending casework in Nuwara Eliya, and called attention to staff, funding and equipment constraints. He also placed the Bill within the Government’s broader 2025 legislative programme, citing several recent amendments and laws, and said the Government would continue its policy agenda on stability, public services, and law and order.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary Lt. Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga supported the Second Reading of the Bill establishing the National Building Research Institute, stating that it gives legal personality and authority to the former NBRO after decades without a statutory framework. He said the Institute would be able to regulate and carry out building materials testing, environmental monitoring, geotechnical testing, hazard mapping, and landslide risk mitigation, particularly in the context of climate variability. He emphasized the need for proactive safety measures and research-based decision-making, while also briefly extending retirement and birthday wishes to a retiring Parliament official.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, recalling earlier efforts to formalize the NBRO, and urged that its approval processes facilitate construction through clear timelines, such as issuing approvals within two weeks. Referring to frequent landslides and floods in Kegalle, including the Saammasara Kanda disaster, he called for greater attention to disaster risk in the district. He also placed on record land donations from Debathgama Watta and other family-linked holdings for resettlement, waste recycling, temples, schools, and cemeteries, and requested government action to complete delayed title and acquisition processes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Bill as necessary to legalize and strengthen regulation of construction in flood-prone and disaster-risk areas, particularly by enabling mapping of landslide and other hazard zones so the public and authorities can identify risks before building. She cited landslide incidents and risk data from hill-country areas, including the fatal Buwelikada incident in Kandy, to argue that enforceable restrictions are needed. She also raised unauthorized constructions in Nawalapitiya, including on railway reserves, which she said have blocked historic storm-water drainage and now require costly technical guidance before a planned bus shelter can proceed. Responding to Opposition concerns, she defended provisions allowing police involvement when officials enter premises, saying enforcement and official protection are necessary for the law to be effective.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair. The House agreed, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha vacated the Chair and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva marked the International Day of Sign Languages, emphasizing that communication rights are essential to the dignity and inclusion of Sri Lanka’s Deaf community, and noted that a Sign Language Bill prepared by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities has been sent to the Legal Draftsman. He called for professional recognition and support for sign language interpreters, stating that lack of access to sign language marginalizes Deaf persons in education, health, and daily life. He also raised allegations of sexual abuse of four Deaf children at a school in Anuradhapura, urged strict punishment and systemic reforms in the governance of such institutions, and requested that the school be brought under the North Central Provincial Council while calling for unanimous passage of the forthcoming Bill.
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, arguing that the upgraded institution should focus on disaster prevention, climate-resilient construction, soil and mineral resource mapping, and integration with agencies such as the Disaster Management Centre. He sought clarification on the Government’s overarching policy framework for the Bill and proposed district or regional NBRI branches, mandatory pre-construction soil testing, stronger links with local Technical Officers, and Budget allocations for modern equipment and staffing. He also raised related implementation and safety issues, including monitoring silted reservoirs and landslide-prone areas, enforcing limits on sand and gravel transport, improving school-time bus services, empowering provincial and local authorities, and holding Provincial Council elections.
- The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna supported the Bill to give legal authority to the National Building Research Organisation, arguing that stronger institutions and enforcement are needed to reduce disaster risk, particularly landslides. He cited major past landslides and said failures to act on NBRO warnings, including before the 2014 Meeriyabedda disaster, showed the consequences of weak implementation and lack of resettlement options. He also highlighted human-induced damage from the Uma Oya project, noting Cabinet decisions on compensation, water supply, soil conservation and the Talpitigala reservoir. He outlined planned measures for high-risk plantation communities, including housing and land for 2,125 families, relocation of vulnerable schools, and Rs. 1,500 million for landslide mitigation works in Badulla.
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary M.A.M. Thahir supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, arguing that a dedicated institute is needed to reduce disaster-related losses and improve protection measures. He raised concerns about coastal erosion and economic damage linked to Oluvil Harbour in Ampara, saying around 10,000 fishing families are affected and calling for the harbour to be reorganized with safeguards for communities. He also urged the Eastern Provincial authorities to grant temporary transfers to HNDE-appointed English teachers, particularly Muslim women posted to distant Sinhala-majority areas, citing language barriers, hardship, and alleged bribery in earlier transfer processes.
- The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Second Reading of the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, stating that it would give legal status to the National Building Research Organization, which had operated under a circular since 1984. He argued that the proposed law would make the institution more orderly, regulated, and efficient, and contrasted the Government’s action within its first year with the previous lack of legislation. He also cited major landslide disasters in Kegalle in 2016 and national landslide deaths in 2017 to underline the need for a stronger institutional framework.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees (Mrs. Hemali Weerasekara)
AI summary Order was called as the sitting transitioned, with Hon. Chanaka Madugoda leaving the Chair and Hon. Mrs. Hemali Weerasekara, Deputy Chairperson of Committees, taking the Chair at 4.17 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem referred to the Supreme Court’s conviction of the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration for contempt of court over delays in implementing an Interim Order in cases challenging the proposed e-visa scheme. He said the petitioners had argued that a 16-year contract awarded without proper procurement could have cost Sri Lanka about US$ 3.4 billion, with further losses from delayed compliance, and noted that the main case is due to be argued on 20 November. He emphasized the judgment as a warning to public officials acting on orders in matters involving alleged fraud and outlined the Court’s findings on contempt and sentencing.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem requested the expedited submission of the Auditor-General’s forensic audit recommended by the Committee on Public Finance regarding the alleged loss from awarding a contract to a Dubai-registered company linked to VFS, noting its relevance to pending court proceedings. He supported the National Building Research Institute Bill but proposed that the Institute include representation from the Urban Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. He also urged urgent scientific action on recurrent flooding in Akurana, landslide-damaged school buildings in the Central Province, and inadequate firefighting capacity for high-rise buildings in Colombo.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB
AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported legislation establishing the National Building Research Institute as a statutory body, noting that the NBRO has operated since 1984 without an enabling Act despite its role in disaster prevention, geotechnical assessment, and construction guidance. He highlighted landslide risks across 14 districts, recent casualties, and past disasters such as Aranayake and Koslanda, arguing that the Institute should have legal authority to require concurrence, restrict construction, and transmit hazard maps to local authorities. He also said the law would regulate geotechnical reporting, address risks from high-rise and unstable-site construction, and give legal standing to building condition and impact assessments used in resolving disputes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB
AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas stated that Sri Lanka currently relies on foreign construction standards, including British, European, Indian, American, Australian and New Zealand codes. He said the proposed Act would support the development of Sri Lanka-specific codes of practice, in coordination with UDA, NBRO, CIDA and the National Physical Planning Department, tailored to local environmental conditions and wind loads.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, arguing that strengthening the NBRO is essential for landslide risk reduction and public safety in the hill country. He cited past disasters including Meeriyabedda, Kabaragala, and continuing risks in areas such as Haldummulla, Passara, Kanavarella, and Meedumpitiya, while noting unresolved permanent housing needs for affected families. He urged the Opposition to support the Bill in the national interest and also referred to future legislation against narcotics and underworld activity, particularly in relation to concerns about Tangalle.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute but argued that development and disaster-related governance must properly include the North and East. He questioned the Governor’s allegation against the Northern Province District Secretary under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and criticized delays and uncertainty over promised funding for Northern roads and the Vattuvagal bridge. Referring to Thileepan’s remembrance and post-2009 conditions, he said unmet basic needs drive demands for self-determination and pledged to seek Tamil political unity to press the Government for development in the Northern Province.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna urged Tamil unity and called on authorities to implement promised projects rather than only holding foundation-stone ceremonies. He referred to weapons reportedly found at a proposed playground site in Mandaitivu and alleged that excavations in areas such as Chemmany would reveal many skeletal remains. He concluded by commemorating Thileepan.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera – Acting Minister of Defence
AI summary The Acting Minister of Defence supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, stating that it would give legal authority to technical recommendations and certifications, particularly for construction in landslide-prone and hilly areas. He said the Bill aims to reduce disaster risks through mandatory geotechnical assessments, enforceable building guidance, early warning and response systems, inter-agency coordination, research and development, and environmental safeguards. He noted that disaster management has been placed under the Ministry of Defence for coordination, that the National Council for Disaster Management recently met under the President’s chairmanship for the first time since 2018, and that programmes are underway to relocate families displaced by landslides to safer areas.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- 18 Debate Third Reading: National Building Research Institute Bill 1 speeches
- 19 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination 15 speeches