Sitting of Thursday, 25 September 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1759483897051145 ·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 Ruling on No-Confidence Motion 6 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented 16 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Answers to Questions 51 speeches
- 4 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy 13 speeches
- 5 Debate Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports 65 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister moved approval of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2449/60 of 15 August 2025 and presented on 12 September 2025, with Cabinet approval notified. He explained that the regulations relate to the earlier suspension of vehicle imports during the foreign exchange crisis following the economic collapse and said they are being brought forward as conditions normalize.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development JJB
AI summary Cabinet-approved tourism vehicle import concessions for 750 cars and 250 buses were extended by three months to 30 September 2025 due to technical delays in clearing vehicles, and the relevant Gazette was presented to Parliament for approval. The Minister said the Government has removed vehicle import restrictions in stages while maintaining economic stabilization as its first-year priority, citing controlled inflation, growth above earlier expectations, and increased private-sector credit. He urged reliance on official data and said investor confidence, legal reforms, and policy stability are necessary for continued growth under the Government’s development programme.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s decision to abolish the SVAT scheme from 1 October, arguing that it would create cash-flow difficulties, delays and higher costs for exporters, particularly MSMEs, and urged reconsideration or deferral until Inland Revenue digitalization is complete. He also raised concerns about future external debt servicing from 2028, the scope of Aswesuma as a poverty-relief programme, and the need for broader measures covering investment, production, savings and exports. He further criticized the Speaker’s handling of the Opposition’s attempt to move a No-Confidence Motion against a Deputy Minister, citing parliamentary reports, the Attorney-General’s position and Westminster and Indian precedents to argue there is no legal impediment to proceeding.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister clarified that the removal of the Simplified VAT (SVAT) mechanism is not merely an IMF requirement but is based on concerns that it is an unsound system causing revenue leakage and enabling fraud and corruption. He said, following Inland Revenue Department analysis, SVAT would be removed from the 1st of the following month and replaced with risk-based VAT refund processing. He stated that exporters should receive refunds within an average of 45 days, with low-risk claimants eligible within 20 days if they submit income tax returns, as part of efforts to improve revenue administration integrity.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena responded to concerns on fiscal stabilization by citing growth in tourism arrivals and earnings, remittances, exports, foreign direct investment, state revenue, and profits of selected state-owned enterprises. He argued that these indicators, along with stable currency management despite vehicle import-related demand, show progress toward strengthening the external sector and reducing the revenue-expenditure gap. He said the Government is working toward fiscal anchors for 2028 and beyond, including a 2.3 percent primary surplus, lower debt-to-GDP over time, and controlled gross financing needs, while also emphasizing asset declarations and recent narcotics seizures as part of governance and enforcement efforts.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that, under Standing Order 76(1), the Speaker could not revisit or re-decide the earlier rejection of the No-Confidence Motion against the Deputy Minister of Public Security. He cited the Attorney-General’s opinion and Secretariat reports indicating there was no legal impediment and that precedent allowed such a motion against a Deputy Minister as an office-bearer, and he tabled those documents. Referring to past no-confidence motions against Speakers, he stated that the Opposition intends to submit a No-Confidence Motion against the Speaker for allegedly violating Standing Orders and limiting Members’ accountability mechanisms.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB
AI summary Chaminda Lalith Kumara supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that facilitating vehicle imports would strengthen transport services needed for tourism. He said the Government is rebuilding and promoting tourism, including community-based tourism in villages, so that benefits extend beyond large hotels and reach rural communities. He highlighted initiatives in districts including Gampaha and stressed the need for reliable transport, accommodation, promotion, and a peaceful environment to sustain rising tourism indicators.
- Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara urged support for strengthening Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by promoting lesser-known local attractions, including areas such as Mirigama. He called for the use of Parliament’s mandate to amend relevant orders, laws and regulations, and encouraged local-level participation to develop tourism and contribute to national progress.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan outlined the sequence of import-control measures on motor vehicles introduced during the foreign exchange crisis and later relaxed through Gazette No. 2421/04 of January 2025, including limits on individual imports, registration deadlines, penalties, and re-export requirements for violations. He explained the March 2025 amendments requiring stronger authentication of vehicle import documents through banks, online verification, and Customs scrutiny. He noted that Bureau Veritas has been designated to issue inspection certificates for vehicle imports from all countries, presenting the regulations as a move to improve document integrity, reduce clearance delays, and support digitized trade procedures.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka defended the Government’s first year in office, citing economic stabilization, improved revenue, higher exports, tourism arrivals, remittances, foreign investment, reserves, lower interest rates, and a stable exchange rate. He linked these outcomes to what he described as a new political culture, restoration of the rule of law, action against organized crime and narcotics, and the President’s international engagement, including at the UN General Assembly. Responding to Opposition concerns about debt repayments in 2028, he said the Government had begun the process of rebuilding the economy to meet those obligations.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of suspected drug-contaminated containers at the port, citing intelligence reports on two Tehran-origin containers and questioning why 332 other containers were released without checks and why responsible officials or Ministers had not been investigated. He compared the response to failures over Easter Sunday intelligence, called for the full Presidential Committee report to be tabled, and demanded action to identify who authorized the release of containers allegedly containing drugs. He also urged strengthening the Navy’s anti-narcotics capacity, ensuring promotions for the 511 police cadre, and making advance arrangements for O/L and A/L examinations during the northern monsoon.
- Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected claims by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, stating that military officers and others are taken into custody only under court orders, including the remand of the former Navy Commander over intelligence-related actions. He said all container-related complaints are being investigated and argued that allegations on drug issues against the Government are politically motivated, noting the custody of Pohottuwa organizer Sampath Manamperi and stating that investigations into drug-linked persons are continuing.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala alleged that individuals linked to the Pohottuwa, including Sampath Manamperi, were involved in bringing drugs into the country and attempting to shift responsibility. He accused previous political actors of fostering underworld and drug networks with political patronage, stating that the public was aware of these links and that he would not continue the debate further.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa called for an investigation into Sampath Manamperi and said maximum punishment should be imposed if he was found involved. He demanded clarification on why action had not been taken on the UNODC intelligence report.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala said the Narcotics Control Unit had examined the matter based on received information and that a fresh investigation was underway. He stated that the Government investigates incidents rather than predetermining “drug deals,” and that any wrongdoing would be addressed according to law without serving personal agendas or pursuing political revenge.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order. No substantive issue or argument was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the Government’s economic management, citing increased revenue, export earnings, Customs income, port profits, reserves, foreign direct investment, and tourism earnings in 2025. He criticised previous administrations for neglecting export sectors, particularly coconut estates in Puttalam, and said the Government is expanding coconut cultivation and fertilisation across over 500,000 acres. He highlighted Kalpitiya’s tourism potential and said measures are being taken to improve safety, transport, and investor interest, while also supporting anti-drug operations in Puttalam in line with the President’s policy. He further referred to Government programmes on poverty reduction, education, public servant pay increases, and allowances for students and senior citizens.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad addressed a regulation under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, questioning why technical barriers affect vehicle imports for tourism and urging Government scrutiny of investment issues in the sector. He criticized alleged political involvement in school events despite earlier assurances, warned that proposed child-protection-related legislation should be studied against international examples, and raised concerns about impacts on teachers and schools. He also alleged pressure on police officers and private-sector actors, citing recent OIC transfers and the exclusion of Vidarshana Publishers from the Book Fair. He challenged Government MPs to publish one year of bank statements to support their anti-corruption claims and demonstrate transparency.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order citing Standing Order 91(i), which provides for offensive or disorderly words to be expunged from Hansard. He stated that he had been called “yakā” the previous day and requested that the reference be removed from the record.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna objected to what he described as abusive remarks directed at him and criticized the response as limited to requesting that the words be expunged. He argued that similar remarks made by him would have been treated as a much more serious matter, alleging unequal handling in the chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the amendment to the Imports and Exports (Control) Act regulations extending the relevant date from 30 June 2025 to 30 September 2025, while framing it within the Government’s wider stabilization programme. He cited improved economic indicators, including GDP growth and foreign reserves, and said the Government had restored international confidence while advancing agriculture, industry, tourism, and anti-poverty initiatives. He also criticized past administrations over alleged links to corruption, narcotics, and underworld activity, and said the current Government was acting through the rule of law to address those issues.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that the import control regulations are only a temporary response and called for coherent policies on vehicle imports, cross-border LCs, public transport, renewable energy, tourism transport, and export facilitation. He said declining public transport capacity is increasing reliance on private vehicles and fuel imports, and urged renewed attention to projects such as LRT and to renewable energy as a state policy. He supported a shift away from government-run businesses toward facilitation and public-private participation, citing telecom and sugar as examples, while raising concerns over productivity, wage policy consistency, and selective participation by foreign banks. He also warned that rising external debt repayments from 2028 require stronger export earnings, faster container clearance and approvals, and specific support for sectors such as apparel and tourism.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to engage the United Kingdom on trade agreements and pursue new export markets through free trade arrangements, citing a 6.6% decline in apparel exports as a concern requiring quick action. He also questioned delays in tabling the Board of Investment’s 2023/2024 accounts and called for the BOI to operate more efficiently, with a more private-sector-oriented approach to facilitating exports.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly reiterated his earlier request to the Labour Minister and Acting Finance Minister to ensure fair interest rates for small and medium-sized enterprises. The remark indicates concern over financing conditions for SMEs, though the intervention was cut off before any further details or proposals were stated.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala linked the tourism debate to the President’s recent UN General Assembly address, highlighting themes of improving Sri Lanka’s international image, combating corruption and transnational crime, poverty eradication, digitization, education, health, and ethical governance. He supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to permit the import of 250 small buses and 750 vans for tourism transport needs. He argued that improved transport and supporting facilities are necessary to develop cultural, ecological, agricultural, coastal, religious, sports, wellness, and culinary tourism, particularly given Sri Lanka’s geographic diversity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s handling of tourism, stating that questions he submitted to the Minister remained unanswered and arguing that the Foreign Affairs Minister could not adequately manage tourism without a strategic programme. He questioned claims of economic progress, alleging that increased revenue came through burdensome taxation on poorer citizens, and raised concerns about the use of state institutions, judicial and police transfers, and drug enforcement narratives. He also opposed provisions in the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill relating to corporal punishment, arguing that they could criminalize teachers and principals and undermine school discipline and cultural values. He urged the Government to reflect on whether it was fulfilling the expectations of underprivileged voters or external interests, including in its foreign policy posture.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Dewananda Suraweera defended the NPP Government’s record while speaking in the context of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that it inherited a bankrupt and criminalized state linked to drug networks and weakened rule of law. He cited increased state revenue, improved reserves, anti-drug and anti-crime efforts, and welfare measures including higher public and private sector minimum wages, pension increases, education support, Aswesuma expansion, and assistance for kidney patients. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s improved democracy ranking, World Bank recognition of recovery, President Anura Dissanayake’s election, and the President’s UN General Assembly speech calling for collective global action.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticised the Government for failing, after one year, to deliver on pledges in its manifesto, citing issues including prices of rice, fuel, electricity and essential goods, tax relief, recruitment targets, graduate employment, social security and pensions, Easter Sunday accountability, repeal or amendment of security and online laws, Provincial Council elections, and teachers’ salary anomalies. He questioned claims about investment, reserves, exports, tourism earnings and economic growth, arguing that the data did not support the Government’s presentation of progress. He also criticised the Government’s position on Palestine and relations with Israel, and urged it to answer these concerns and implement its promises in the coming year.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB
AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath supported the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations, No. 7 of 2025, arguing that they form part of efforts to stabilize the economy and strengthen Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. He linked the debate to the Government’s broader claims of recovery, national unity, inclusive parliamentary representation, reduced privileges for public representatives, and improved democratic standing, citing the President’s address to the 80th UN General Assembly. He criticized the Opposition for allegedly diverting from the subject and said the Government would continue its programme to develop tourism and elevate Sri Lanka internationally.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera said tourism growth should be viewed as the result of measures across successive governments, after setbacks from the Easter attacks and the pandemic, rather than attributed solely to the current administration. He highlighted continuing difficulties faced by small hotels and tourism operators, including unresolved loan burdens, taxes, electricity costs, water and municipal charges, and VAT, and called for targeted relief and stronger attention from the Tourism Minister. He also urged a proper development plan for Kitulgala water rafting in Kegalle District to support local youth and expand that tourism segment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake argued that drug trafficking and related crime had become embedded in politics, business networks, and parts of the public service, citing recent drug detections in Tangalle, alleged domestic methamphetamine production, and politically influenced police appointments. He said the government must pursue economic relief while dismantling this criminal nexus, including action against corrupt officials and politicians implicated in drug matters. He called for a broad public front involving citizens, politicians, public servants, and the business community to protect youth and prevent Sri Lanka from becoming dominated by methamphetamine addiction and criminal politics.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva disputed the Government’s claims on inflation, growth and economic recovery, arguing that stabilization began under the previous administration and that official growth projections remain inconsistent. He said poverty remains high, citing a CEPA survey, and questioned how the Government intends to reduce poverty and achieve high growth without private investment or fiscal space. He criticized the reversal of power sector reforms, warning that retaining full CEB ownership without private investment would undermine tariff reduction and energy planning. On rice imports and Paddy Marketing Board stock milling, he alleged that tender conditions disadvantage small and medium millers, questioned the reduced milling outturn standard, and argued that rice should not be imported while domestic stocks are being handled in a way that could create private gains.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB
AI summary Nihal Galappaththi defended the Government’s economic and social policy measures, saying they were aimed at stabilizing the economy, reviving collapsed businesses, and supporting domestic entrepreneurs, including through import-export regulations to allow vehicles for tourism transport. He listed increases in public and private sector wages, pensions, education allowances, farmer and fisher support, and welfare payments under programmes such as Aswesuma. He criticized the Opposition’s conduct and past governance, alleged waste in abandoned projects in Hambantota, and said ongoing anti-drug investigations should proceed without interference.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that the reported exit of HSBC and possible departure of Standard Chartered indicated serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s investment climate. He questioned the Government over unchecked containers leaving the port despite a UNODC warning, including whether they could have contained drugs, weapons, or explosives. He called on the Government to stop attributing blame, identify any politicians allegedly linked to the Middeniya container issue, and enforce the law while delivering on its election promises.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament
AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the vehicle-related import and export control regulations require timely updating to keep pace with changing technologies such as hybrids and electric vehicles, warning that delays in customs and related processes create costs for importers and congestion at the port. He rejected claims that a foreign bank branch closure signalled economic failure, citing ratings upgrades, stock market gains, higher exports, remittances, tourism receipts, FDI, and improved tax collection despite PAYE reductions. He also questioned why the Opposition had not used Standing Order 27(2) to raise narcotics issues, defended ongoing anti-drug operations, and asked the Pohottuwa to respond to alleged links involving a former provincial coordination secretary.
- 6 Debate Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations 19 speeches
- 7 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction 14 speeches