Sitting of Friday, 26 September 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1760588641001872 ·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 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Auditor-General's Report and Annual Report of Bank of Ceylon 3 speeches
- 3 Petitions Citizens' Petitions 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) 14 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Land and Irrigation (Q.5/2025, 880/2025) 3 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Misinformation and Hate Speeches on Social Media (Q.6 & Q.7/2025) 10 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Shabbat House and Religious Institutions (Q.8/2025) 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Questions: Department of Irrigation and Community Infrastructure (Q.9/2025) and Education (Q.10/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Questions: Energy (Adani Power Plant) and Agriculture (Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority) 4 speeches
- 11 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Sugar Industry 7 speeches
- 12 Oral question Question under Standing Order 27(2): Palaly Airport Allocations 5 speeches
- 13 Debate Ministerial Statement: Central Expressway Project 3 speeches
- 14 Debate Ministerial Statement: Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya Construction 2 speeches
- 15 Papers Appropriation Bill 2026 Presentation 1 speeches
- 16 Procedural Standing Orders Amendment (Standing Order 120) 5 speeches
- 17 Procedural Reference to Committee on Standing Orders 1 speeches
- 18 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) 81 speeches
- Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that Parliament be adjourned. The Speaker put the question to the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera moved an adjournment motion urging urgent action on the findings of COPE’s Fourth Report of the Tenth Parliament, including legal action against those responsible for wrongful directions and remedies to prevent recurrence. He said COPE is seeking to move beyond ad hoc inquiries by strengthening legal follow-up, introducing a scientific selection model for examining 457 state-owned enterprises, conducting written and online assessments, and convening institutions to address governance weaknesses. He highlighted recurring issues such as entities acting beyond their statutory mandates, weak planning and internal audit, poor coordination with the Auditor General, and attempts to evade audit scrutiny, citing examples including the Land Reform Commission and the Mahapola Trust Fund.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam seconded the COPE Chair’s motion and expressed condolences over the deaths of seven monks at the Naa Uyana Forest Monastery in Kurunegala. He argued that COPE must be reformed through scientific selection of institutions, stronger internal audit oversight, and amendments to Standing Orders and related laws to create a pathway for COPE findings to be referred to the Bribery Commission and Police. He said recent COPE examinations had shown malpractice linked to political decisions and some official complicity, and that future reports should lead to action rather than being shelved. He also welcomed the President’s UN address and the Education Consultative Committee decision allowing Muslim schoolgirls to attend school in culturally appropriate attire and in Sinhala, Tamil, or English media.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker called on Hon. Nalin Bandara to speak and informed him that he had 12 minutes allocated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha used the Adjournment debate on COPE to defend LTL as a profitable and technically capable enterprise, while calling for COPE scrutiny of current issues including alleged misuse of LRC land in Pasikuda, the release of Customs containers, flagged containers at Mideniya, and alleged VAT and CESS evasion on crude edible oil imports. He argued that public officials are being intimidated through investigations and COPE processes, contributing to administrative paralysis and service shortages, particularly in the health sector, and cited reported losses from emigration of medical staff. He also questioned the independence of the Bribery Commission, alleged politicization of law enforcement and police transfers, and raised concerns over a vehicle number plate tender allegedly tailored for a Chinese company, urging adherence to proper systems and a non-aligned foreign policy.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker recognized Hon. Jagath Manuwarna to speak next and allotted him nine minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna discussed COPE’s Fourth Report, emphasizing the need to pursue corruption investigations and strengthen COPE’s legal capacity to summon all 457 institutions under its purview. He highlighted alleged irregularities in Airport and Aviation Services expansion projects, including costly design changes, major consultancy payments, contract extensions, and politically driven alterations to the airport concourse roof design. He also referred to issues at the LRC, National Youth Services Council, and NMRA, stating that COPE would protect honest officials while pursuing accountability based on Auditor General reports and written submissions.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary Hon. Deputy Speaker called on Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran to address the House and informed him that he had 16 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran paid tribute to Thiyaga Theepam Thileepan and argued that Tamil rights issues remain unresolved, citing land settlement, political prisoners and militarization. He called for an immediate halt to the Kivul Oya project in the Mahaweli “L” Zone, alleging it would seize and submerge traditional Tamil lands, tanks, paddy fields and villages in Vavuniya North for the benefit of new settlers. He also urged the Government to stop the Mannar wind power project within residential areas, citing sustained local protests and prior discussions with the President, and demanded action against illegal fishing in Mullaitivu waters, questioning the inaction of the Navy and fisheries authorities.
- Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran urged the Government to expedite the resettlement of families who remain refugees. He acknowledged and welcomed positive steps taken by the NPP Government while requesting faster action on this issue.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - Hon. Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker suspended the Sitting for the lunch adjournment until 1.00 p.m. Proceedings later resumed with the Deputy Chairperson of Committees in the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana commented on the COPE report, highlighting major cost escalations in the Katunayake International Airport expansion project, where he said Rs. 16.728 billion had been spent on designs over more than a decade without completing the work. He also criticized changes to the NMRA medicine import approval process in 2022, alleging that a fast-track pathway enabled substandard and counterfeit medicines to enter the country, causing deaths and vision loss. He rejected Opposition criticism, linking former officeholders to the failures cited in the report and accusing them of attempting to undermine the Government through strikes and allegations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana rejected an allegation by Hon. Mujibur Rahuman that buses were not operating on the Mattakkuliya–Soyzapura 155 route. He stated that, as of the previous day, one private bus and six Sri Lanka Transport Board buses were operating around 20 trips on the route, and said the current Government was responding to public transport concerns.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka stated that he had initiated legal action against a television channel and social media figures over allegations linking him and his father-in-law to the underworld, and urged MPs to respond to accusations outside Parliament rather than relying on privilege. He argued that COPE should examine why major projects, including those funded by JICA and other development projects halted after 2015, failed or caused large losses. He also alleged serious irregularities in the release of 323 containers under the current Government, citing findings from a Presidential Committee report and calling for its tabling, a forensic audit, and CID and Police investigations into possible security and public health risks.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake expressed condolences over the deaths of seven monks in the cave collapse at the Naa Uyana Forest Monastery and then addressed COPE’s Fourth Report. He said COPE had examined numerous public institutions under its mandate and found instances of misuse, waste, and political interference by some officials. He alleged past misuse of public funds, land-related corruption, and the Central Bank bond scam, arguing that those who promised accountability had instead enabled corrupt figures to return to power. He maintained that during the past year efforts had been made to protect transparency and fiscal discipline and to avoid bankrupting State institutions.
- Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe said the Government had turned several state entities into profitable institutions, denied misuse of Mahapola Trust funds during its administration, and noted that the Mahapola stipend was increased while stalled Central Road works were restarted after settling dues. He cited revenue and expenditure figures for 2024 and 2025 to argue that fiscal management was improving without waste or corruption. He said the Government aims to reduce VAT from 18 per cent to 15 per cent by 2026/2027, avoid new taxes, narrow the Budget deficit, and pursue policies on public service efficiency, industrialization, social protection, rural empowerment, digitalization, infrastructure, and investment transparency. He also referred to COPE findings on past frauds and said an environment would be created to implement the report.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman argued that COPE findings should be followed by legal action to effectively reduce fraud and corruption, citing the Anti-Corruption Act and the Government’s mandate for transparency after 2022. He raised concerns about alleged selective enforcement and lack of inquiry in matters including the Mannar wind power project, the release of 309 unexamined containers, a liquor distillery licence, appointments in the Bribery Commission, and reported delays in corruption cases. He also questioned refusals to provide Right to Information details on Presidential Secretariat matters and warned that perceived shielding of government-linked individuals would undermine public trust in rule of law.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe said COPE has actively examined 14 institutions in the 10th Parliament and argued that its work should move beyond reporting to requiring follow-up action, legal proceedings, surcharges, disciplinary measures, and removals where public funds have been misused. She proposed that all 457 institutions be subject to written examination and inquiry, and that Ministers, Secretaries, officials, and politicians who ignore or cause breaches of COPE recommendations be held accountable. Citing expenditure under the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment’s “Vigamanika Harasara” and “Jayagamu Sri Lanka – Glocal Fair” programmes, she alleged misuse of public funds for electoral publicity and said COPE findings should support complaints to the CID and Bribery Commission.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa acknowledged Sri Lanka’s high ICAO aviation security rating but urged further strengthening of domestic aviation safety following several recent aircraft incidents. He proposed regional emergency response and search-and-rescue capacity, GPS tracking, improved radar, ATC and navigation coverage, decentralized maintenance, upgraded communications and weather systems, and expanded aviation human resources and digital safety technologies. He also called for a stronger, independent aircraft accident investigation mechanism meeting international standards, while noting that the measures may be costly but should be pursued to save lives.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi welcomed the Opposition’s proposals on aviation safety and said the Government would consider them, while linking national progress to the National People’s Power policy framework. Addressing COPE’s Fourth Report, she said COPE findings on State-owned enterprises should no longer end with debate or filing, but be referred where necessary to the CID and Bribery Commission to enable legal action against both officials and responsible political authorities. She assured law-abiding public officials that COPE’s purpose is not to demoralize them, and called for collective action against corruption while emphasizing public confidence in the law and judiciary.
- The Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah raised concerns that Batticaloa Airport, though gazetted as an international airport, lacks adequate facilities and has no foreign or domestic flight operations. He requested the resumption of Sri Lanka Air Force-operated low-cost flights to Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee, and Palaly, citing difficulties for travel to the North and East and the unreliability and high fares of private operators. He also urged the Government to engage Saudi Arabia to restore Saudia Airlines services to Sri Lanka and to pursue bilateral agreements to support pilgrims, migrant workers, investment, and wider economic cooperation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary COPE’s work and ongoing judicial processes were cited as evidence that accountability mechanisms are functioning, particularly against corruption in state institutions. The Deputy Minister rejected claims that he, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, and Mayor Ranjan Jayalal were to be arrested, stating that the case file and minutes contain no such decision and that the Mount Lavinia Court had found no disclosed offence warranting an arrest order. He warned against efforts to portray the Judicial Service Commission and Bribery Commission as politically influenced, arguing that such allegations undermine public confidence in independent institutions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Raised a Point of Order requesting that certain statements, if recorded, be referred to the Speaker and expunged from the record.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over the BIA Development Project tender process, citing past delays, consultant payments despite limited progress, and repeated extensions that he said appeared to accommodate deficiencies in Sojitz’s Power of Attorney documentation. He questioned the involvement of Sojitz and Larsen & Toubro, referring to alleged problems in other projects, and urged that the airport project not be undermined by further delays. He also called for action by the Bribery Commission regarding reported foreign currency and cryptocurrency holdings by public figures under the Anti-Corruption Act, and sought clarification on allegations about political links involving a Bribery Commission official, arguing that anti-corruption laws must be applied equally.
- The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary As a COPE member, Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah said the Committee had reviewed 14 of 457 institutions in six months and found Auditor General-reported cases of fraud, waste, and misuse of public funds. He focused on alleged corruption at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, citing the immunoglobulin scandal, adulterated eye drops, and irregular fast-track imports without required documentation, and called for expedited investigations and redress for victims. He also highlighted drug supply disparities affecting government hospitals and urged action on cadre revisions, promotions, and transfers to address staffing shortages in Northern hospitals.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Chandima Hettiaratchi proposed that Hon. Champika Hettiaratchchi take the Chair, addressing the Deputy Chairperson during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha formally seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Champika Hettiaratchchi took the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Congratulating the COPE Chair and team, Dr. Harsha de Silva raised concerns about a CWE tender to mill paddy and supply rice through Lanka Sathosa, alleging that revised conditions such as a 15,000 kg-per-hour milling capacity requirement exclude small and medium millers and may reduce the State’s due rice output. He asked why the tender permits only a 63 per cent rice yield when stored paddy could yield about 65 per cent, and placed the matter before the House as a possible corruption risk. He also referred to the COPF report on outsourcing online visa and passport services, noting that COPF recommended a forensic audit by the Auditor General and questioning delays by immigration authorities in responding to the amended draft audit report despite Parliament’s mandate for institutional cooperation.
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Government to take concrete action on the visa issue, noting that continued inaction could fuel suspicions over the allegations being raised. He also alleged that a tender relating to government paddy stocks had been structured to exclude small and medium rice millers and benefit selected large millers, contrary to the Government’s manifesto commitment to protect small and medium entrepreneurs. He called on the Government to revise its approach and ensure such millers are not displaced from the sector.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe said the debate on COPE’s Fourth Report should focus on strengthening public enterprise accountability rather than unrelated allegations. He argued that COPE is being transformed from a body that merely tables reports into one empowered, through amended Standing Orders, to refer suspected fraud or corruption to the Bribery Commission or the Inspector-General of Police. He said COPE and COPA are central to the Government’s accountability agenda, noting difficulties in obtaining information from officials and the need to identify political decision-makers behind wrongdoing.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticised the Government over unfulfilled pledges on the Central Bank bond issue, the Easter Sunday attacks, and anti-corruption, highlighting the case of 323 red-notice containers and calling it a major corruption concern requiring accountability. He objected to the handling of a proposed No-Confidence Motion against a Deputy Minister, said Members’ privileges had been curtailed, and stated that complaints would be made to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He also urged the Government not to weaken dental education at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, requested disclosure of the parliamentary canteen inspection report, and called for stronger protection, guidance, and social support for children.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that COPE’s historical mandate has been limited to reporting and has not adequately ensured the efficiency or profitability of State-owned enterprises, many of which she said were weakened by past political agendas and policy choices. She said the Government intends to change this approach by strengthening SOEs and expanding COPE’s authority, noting that 14 of 457 institutions under COPE have recently been examined and four reports tabled. Addressing the 323-container issue, she stated that similar releases had occurred previously, that the President has ordered an investigation, and that matters requiring further inquiry have been referred to the CID, while the Government proceeds with regulatory reforms.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi rejected Opposition claims that the Government is hostile to private enterprise, arguing that it opposes corrupt “models” used to divert or shield public assets. He cited the CEB’s shareholding in LTL and related audit disputes, alleging that corporate structures and litigation had been used to prevent proper public scrutiny despite State ownership. He also referred to COPE evidence on alleged pressure placed on public officials in the LRC and National Youth Services Council, and said the Government is enabling officials to resist corruption. He stated that LRC land alienation has not been generally stopped but legal action is being pursued where misuse is alleged, and called for support for accountability and protection of public funds through COPE processes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof criticized Government members for condemning protests despite having used protest politics while in Opposition. He raised concerns in Trincomalee District, alleging that elephant fences in Morawewa may restrict Muslim residents’ access to paddy lands and homes, and linked this to wider concerns over fishing permits, land issues, and the scheduling of a District Coordinating Committee meeting on a Friday. He questioned the Government’s development record after one year, rejected broad allegations linking people to theft or drug trafficking without evidence, and urged action against named offenders while calling for inclusive development for all communities in Trincomalee.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama addressed the adjournment debate on COPE’s Fourth Report, outlining procedural changes under the 10th Parliament’s COPE, including seeking written responses from all 458 institutions on Auditor General findings, issuing institution-specific reports, and proposing Standing Order amendments to enable referrals to the CID or Bribery Commission. He identified recurring governance weaknesses in State institutions and cited findings at the University of Sabaragamuwa, including alleged overpricing of book purchases, removal of soil from university land, and concerns linked to a recent student suicide and possible ragging. He also referred to procurement concerns at the National Youth Services Council and said COPE would pursue fraud, corruption, and illegality beyond mere reprimand.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary As a member of COPE, Hon. Thilina Samarakoon spoke on the tabling of COPE’s Fourth Report of the 10th Parliament under Standing Order 120 and said the Committee is pursuing institutional reform and accountability across 457 public institutions, with 14 already examined. He highlighted findings concerning the Land Reforms Commission, including alleged use of Rs. 350 million for an organic fertilizer project outside its legal mandate without proper feasibility work, and the sale of 25 acres at Hantana/Uragala Estate at a very low price before resale as residential plots. He said COPE is working with the Lands Ministry to improve land valuation, staffing, land inventories and project proposals, and would continue exposing misuse of public resources and recommending reforms.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about drug trafficking and alleged weapons entering the country through containers, calling for truth, accountability, and equal enforcement of the law. He linked these concerns to broader issues of public health, child protection, and policy consistency, referencing Sri Lanka’s promotion as an inclusive destination for LGBTIQ persons by the Tourism Development Authority. He also urged Members of Parliament to focus on legislation, oversight, national policy, and asset transparency rather than ceremonial involvement in minor local works, while noting continued public hardship over fuel, vehicle costs, and living expenses.
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised a Point of Order responding to remarks by Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra, arguing that her reference to crimes more serious than the 320/323 container incident effectively acknowledged the incident as a crime. He called for investigations and demanded that the House be informed whether weapons were brought in, by whom, and where they are, describing the matter as a grave threat to innocent lives.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order noting that his name had been mentioned in relation to the container issue. He stated that the matter required investigation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni welcomed the Fourth COPE Report, stating that COPE’s role is to identify shortcomings and guide corrective action rather than directly punish officials. He said COPE’s observations would support reforms at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, particularly regarding the Waiver of Registration process, which he argued had been improperly bypassed in recent years, leading to substandard and harmful imports. He rejected claims of shortages of analgesics and other essential medicines at the Colombo National Hospital, stating that supplies and procurement mechanisms are in place while maintaining regulatory standards.
- Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni stated that there is no circular preventing the external purchase of rarely used or urgently needed medicines, provided procedures are followed. He defended COPE’s role as identifying irregularities and corruption, rejecting allegations that it is targeting particular individuals or officials. He also questioned Members’ advocacy regarding certain power plants and companies, and noted that COPE had identified serious irregularities, including election-period recruitments, at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital for rectification.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe urged the Government to resume direct flights between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, including to Jeddah, citing high fares, long transit times, the needs of Sri Lankan migrant workers, and the cost of Hajj and Umrah travel. He also requested the revival of domestic air services from Ratmalana to the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the resumption of suspended seaplane services to destinations such as Batticaloa, Pottuvil, Arugam Bay, and Akkaraipattu. He argued these measures would support pilgrims, migrant workers, regional connectivity, tourism, investment, and foreign exchange earnings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe urged Members of Parliament to maintain decorum and speak responsibly, emphasizing that debates should focus on issues and solutions rather than personal conflicts. He expressed concern that disorderly conduct, fights, and foul language in the Chamber were witnessed by around 500 schoolchildren in the galleries, and called on the Chair to enforce order impartially.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe appealed for decorum in Parliament, noting that visiting schoolchildren could form a negative impression if Members engaged in disorderly conduct or used inappropriate language. He urged Members to conduct themselves carefully during proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha discussed the Fourth COPE Report, highlighting alleged irregularities involving the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund and SLIIT, including the use of funds and agreements that enabled SLIIT to become a private institution without returning profits to the Fund. He argued that corruption, misuse of public funds, and abuse of public property should not be treated as partisan matters, and called on all 225 Members to support transparency and accountability. He said COPE, COPA and the Auditor General’s Department are helping build a new political culture of fiscal discipline, and urged both Government and Opposition to contribute to long-term solutions for the public.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to act impartially on its anti-corruption mandate, including investigating past corruption and preventing future abuses regardless of political affiliation. He welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s remarks at the United Nations on Palestine, but called for action regarding Israelis in Sri Lanka who, he said, were causing visa and access-related problems. He strongly opposed additional wind turbine installations on Mannar Island, citing prolonged public protests, environmental and community concerns, and alleged tender and approval irregularities, and asked that the proposed 10 turbines be relocated to alternative sites in Mannar District rather than imposed on the island.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti responded to Opposition claims about the appointment of the CIABOC Director-General, stating that the appointment was made through the Constitutional Council process under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, and not by the Government. He noted that the current Commissioners were appointed before the Government took office and that the Director-General, High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, was selected by the Constitutional Council with no objection from Opposition representatives serving on it. He argued that portraying CIABOC as a political tool undermines the independence granted by Parliament and referred to legal remedies and provisions under the Act for challenging decisions or addressing improper allegations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti argued that greater independence in the public service and State enterprises has improved efficiency, reduced wastage and corruption, and increased profitability, rejecting claims that CIABOC is politicised. He cited COPE-related data showing several previously loss-making institutions recording profits or higher operating revenue in the first half of 2025, including Lanka Mineral Sands, Milco, the National Paper Company, and Airport and Aviation Services. He also referred to reforms in the gem and jewellery sector, including proposed institutional merger, public disclosure of licence details, and physical inspection procedures for import and re-export, and moved that the financial details be included in Hansard.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural