Sitting of Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Parliament Opening and President's Message on Navy Act 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports 5 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Petitions Presented by Members 6 speeches ▸
4. 4 Procedural Procedural: No-Confidence Motion and Speaker's Rulings 28 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question Q.1/2025: Natural Streams and Stream Reservations Protection 7 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question Q.2/2025: Divisional Hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts 5 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation 8 speeches ▾
   • The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC

     AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources whether the Ministry was aware that fishermen M.F. Mustakeen, N. Gunapalasingam, A. Radha Krishnan and Premasiri, who departed from Vedithalthivu for deep sea fishing on 7 July 2024, were returned to Sri Lanka from India after 194 days. The question sought clarification in the context of compensation for the affected fishermen.

     Employment Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB

     AI summary Four fishermen who went missing after leaving Point Pedro in July 2024 were rescued by Indian fishermen, detained by Indian authorities, and repatriated to Sri Lanka on 25 February 2025 through the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at a cost of Rs. 344,424. The Minister stated that no compensation was paid because they returned safely, noting that government compensation applies to deaths from natural disasters while fishing, with separate insurance and foreign-vessel collision compensation mechanisms available in relevant cases.

     Public FinanceEmploymentForeign Affairs Full speech →
   • The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC

     AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe asked whether the Ministry would compensate four Point Pedro fishermen for reported losses totalling Rs. 3.1 million, including damage to an engine boat, nets, gear and GPS equipment. He also requested details on the amount each fisherman would receive, noting that insurance coverage may differ among them.

     Public FinanceEmployment Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB

     AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to a question on assistance for four affected fishermen, stating that compensation for damaged boats and equipment could be examined if the details were clearly provided. He noted that fishermen enrolled in relevant insurance schemes may be eligible for benefits of Rs. 1 million, Rs. 1.5 million, or Rs. 2 million, and asked for accurate written details to consider any further relief through the Ministry.

     EmploymentPublic Finance Full speech →
   • The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC

     AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe raised the case of four Point Pedro fishermen who, after departing with Coast Guard clearance on 07.07.2024, suffered engine failure, drifted at sea, and were ultimately rescued by Indian fishermen before returning after 194 days. He noted that local fishermen’s representatives had alerted Fisheries officials and offered to cover fuel costs for a search, and that over Rs. 300,000 was later spent to bring the fishermen back from India. He asked whether the Government would establish a special immediate rescue protocol for fishermen who go missing or face natural disasters at sea.

     EmploymentForeign AffairsSecurity & Defence Full speech →
   • The Hon. Speaker procedural
     Full speech →
   • The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC

     AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe briefly requested that the matter under discussion be considered in the interests of all fishermen across the country, not only a specific group. The intervention framed the issue as a national concern affecting the fishing community generally.

     Agriculture Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB

     AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the incident involving missing fishermen occurred under the previous Government and that Navy searches, including aerial searches, had failed to locate them at the time, leading to the belief that they may have drowned. He said it was only later discovered that they had washed ashore, and that his Ministry is taking steps to provide justice and relief to affected fishermen while pledging measures to protect fishermen in future.

     Justice & Human RightsForeign Affairs Full speech →
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission 6 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies 6 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question Q.6/2025: Principals' Recruitment and Confirmation 8 speeches ▸
11. 11 Oral question Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing 7 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Oral Question Q.8/2025: Mullaitivu District General Hospital 8 speeches ▸
13. 13 Oral question Oral Question Q.9/2025: Sri Lanka Telecom Employment 6 speeches ▸
14. 14 Oral question Oral Question Q.10/2025: Alawwa Water Scheme 6 speeches ▸
15. 15 Oral question Oral Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Unemployment and Vehicle Emission Testing 8 speeches ▸
16. 16 Procedural Procedural: Transition to Public Business 5 speeches ▸
17. 17 Debate Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill 57 speeches ▸
18. 18 Debate Third Reading: National Building Research Institute Bill 1 speeches ▸
19. 19 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination 15 speeches ▸