Sitting of Friday, 26 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 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Auditor-General's Report and Annual Report of Bank of Ceylon 3 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Citizens' Petitions 6 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) 14 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) 6 speeches ▾
   • The Hon. Speaker procedural
     Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB

     AI summary The Minister stated that the Central Environmental Authority monitors ambient air quality and that Kandy is currently within national standards, with real-time data available through a new national air quality web portal launched on World Blue Sky Day. He noted that short-term air quality reductions between October and March can occur due to transboundary fine particulates and meteorological conditions, but said these are episodic rather than persistent local pollution sources. He outlined measures under the National Environmental Act, including vehicle and fuel emission standards, industrial emission controls, open-burning regulations, continuous monitoring, public advisories, the National Environmental Action Plan 2022–2030, and efforts through SACEP to revive regional cooperation on transboundary pollution.

     Environment Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB

     AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella raised concerns about reported air pollution in Kandy city, particularly around the Kandy Lake roundabout where heavy traffic and schools are located. She cited reports from the Kandy General Hospital of children receiving treatment for respiratory problems, including COPD, and asked what action the Minister would take to address the issue.

     EnvironmentHealthcareInfrastructure Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB

     AI summary Kandy’s air-quality indicators do not show persistent severe pollution aside from occasional transboundary events. The government will examine hospital-reported respiratory cases, considering other factors such as temperature and humidity, and take action if warranted.

     EnvironmentHealthcare Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB

     AI summary Raised concern that air pollution in Kandy may threaten its UNESCO World Heritage City status. Requested that the relevant authorities give due attention to protecting Kandy’s heritage designation.

     Environment Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB

     AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that the air quality portal provides real-time data and one-week forecasts under the national ambient air programme. He said an emergency response plan is in place and that authorities will monitor conditions and take necessary action.

     Environment Full speech →
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Land and Irrigation (Q.5/2025, 880/2025) 3 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) 10 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) 7 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Questions: Department of Irrigation and Community Infrastructure (Q.9/2025) and Education (Q.10/2025) 6 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Questions: Energy (Adani Power Plant) and Agriculture (Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority) 4 speeches ▸
11. 11 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Sugar Industry 7 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Question under Standing Order 27(2): Palaly Airport Allocations 5 speeches ▸
13. 13 Debate Ministerial Statement: Central Expressway Project 3 speeches ▸
14. 14 Debate Ministerial Statement: Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya Construction 2 speeches ▸
15. 15 Papers Appropriation Bill 2026 Presentation 1 speeches ▸
16. 16 Procedural Standing Orders Amendment (Standing Order 120) 5 speeches ▸
17. 17 Procedural Reference to Committee on Standing Orders 1 speeches ▸
18. 18 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) 81 speeches ▸