Sitting of Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22573 ·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 Auditor-General's Report - Tabling and Printing 2 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented - Annual Reports and Ministry Reports 5 speeches
- 3 Committee report Sectoral Oversight Committee Reports 2 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions Presented 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) 8 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) 7 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Questions: Irrigation Department Tanks and Land Reform Commission Lands - Kalutara District 9 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage - Galle District 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District 11 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Transfer of Resources - Northern Province (Tabled Answer and Deferred Question) 4 speeches
- 13 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan 10 speeches
- 14 Procedural Ministry Statement: Security of Former Presidents 2 speeches
- 15 Procedural Privilege Matter: Submission of False Information to Constitutional Council 27 speeches
- 16 Debate Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading 70 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports moved that the Bill be read a Second time. The motion was formally proposed for the House’s consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Jeevan Thondaman rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman began raising three questions about an appointment referenced by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekera. He stated that the Governors who provided recommendations had not done so in a personal capacity, indicating a challenge to how those recommendations were being characterized.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne supported the Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with WADA standards and protect fair competition and athlete health. He noted practical issues including the absence of local testing laboratories, reliance on overseas facilities in Malaysia and Qatar, delays in results, and the need to address not only athletes but also coaches and suppliers involved in doping. He said 67 athletes had tested positive between May 2011 and May 2025 across several sports, and outlined measures including awareness programmes, athlete and coach allowances, and broader development of a sports economy to reduce incentives for doping and support athlete participation.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, noting that they update the 2013 law by shifting doping violations from High Court criminal prosecution to disciplinary adjudication within the anti-doping framework. He argued this aligns with international practice but criticized what he described as policy inconsistency, contrasting the decriminalization of doping sanctions with recent Penal Code amendments on child discipline. He also questioned the Government on implementation of Justice K.T. Chitrasiri’s recommendations for reforming Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance, asking which measures had been carried out.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, stating that they are needed to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with updated WADA requirements and strengthen SLADO’s international recognition. He cited recent SLADO data showing continued anti-doping violations and argued for improved education, testing, results management, infrastructure, human resources, and accredited laboratory capacity. He also criticized misinformation circulated on social media about an unpassed bill relating to school discipline, noting that existing circulars and legal frameworks already address corporal punishment.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa linked the debate on prohibiting doping in sport to the broader need to teach children right and wrong, arguing that parents and teachers must be able to guide children while all forms of cruelty and degrading punishment are eliminated. He called for an inclusive, non-partisan dialogue to create a legal framework that protects children from violence while allowing humane correction. He also raised education-sector concerns, including the incomplete teachers’ salary increase, high interest rates under the “Guru Seta” loan scheme, and delays in integrating 16,600 development officers into the teacher service, urging prompt implementation of the court-mediated process.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe supported amendments to the 2013 anti-doping law implementing the UNESCO Convention, saying they would align Sri Lanka with international standards on sample collection, testing, education, research, and cooperation. He emphasized the need to reduce testing delays, expand awareness among athletes, coaches, medical personnel and teachers, and protect athlete health from the serious effects of doping substances. He warned that non-compliance could damage Sri Lanka’s reputation and lead to WADA sanctions affecting athletes’ participation and the hosting of international events.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, stating that coaches and other team personnel who facilitate doping should also be punishable, and that Sri Lanka needs international cooperation and local testing capacity to enforce the law effectively. He raised concerns about wider drug abuse, including in public transport and schools, and called for stronger action against the drug trade and those financing it. He also urged the Health and Sports Ministries to address shortages of sports medicine specialists, sports infrastructure, and human resources in the North and East, and requested staffing approval to make non-functional rehabilitation centres in the Northern Province operational.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka’s domestic framework implemented through SLADO with WADA’s 2024 revisions. He argued that strong anti-doping rules and international engagement are necessary to protect athletes and improve sport. He also raised concern about links between sport, drugs, organized crime and political influence in sports bodies, citing historical examples of crime-politics connections and warning that such networks have entered the sports sector.
- Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake argued that sport in Sri Lanka had been politicized and distorted during the Rajapaksa era, citing alleged political interference, violence, and the murder of Wasim Thajudeen as examples of abuse. He said the government was seeking to restore the rule of law, investigate corruption, and remove political and criminal influence from sports administration. He called for fair opportunities and facilities for athletes, stronger action against doping and narcotics networks linked to sports and politics, and broad public support to reform sport and combat organized crime.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda stated his party’s support for the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport. He briefly responded to a previous Member’s remarks but did not elaborate further.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the anti-doping Bill but said the Government delayed responding to WADA’s non-compliance finding, risking Sri Lanka’s participation under the national flag and access to international sports support. He called for athlete and coach education on prohibited substances, tax relief on sports equipment, and free access to district sports facilities to support grassroots athletes. He also urged stronger support for smallholder tea growers and staffing in the Smallholder Tea Development Authority, requested the tabling of the report on the release of 323 containers linked to drug allegations, sought clarification on the future of Sathosa, and called for adequate security for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage clarified that Sri Lanka’s WADA non-compliance issue was not due to negligence, stating that the Government had followed the required Cabinet, Attorney General’s Department, and legislative processes. He rejected claims that the issue had led to bans on hoisting the national flag, loss of international participation, or funding cuts, noting that Sri Lanka does not receive WADA funding.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda rose on a Point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary The Member argued that if the relevant risk had been identified, the Government should have acted sooner rather than waiting until a suspension occurred. He said institutions should have been given timely awareness and guidance during the observation period.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Second Reading of the Bill amending the Convention against Doping in Sport framework, explaining that it updates the 2013 Act establishing SLADA to align with WADA requirements, including provisions on Therapeutic Use Exemptions, disciplinary and appeals processes, and governance rules. She said anti-doping efforts must be accompanied by social measures to build resilience among children and athletes, reduce pressure to win at all costs, and engage schools, youth clubs, parents, coaches, and media. She also linked the issue to wider drug abuse, stating that stronger law enforcement and community involvement are needed to protect young people.
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the anti-doping amendment but criticised delays in passing it, arguing that inefficiency had cost Sri Lanka opportunities to host international sporting events and gain foreign exchange. He called for greater investment in sports science, including a Sports University, accredited domestic anti-doping laboratory facilities, structured coach certification, and stronger use of biomechanics and analytical tools. He also urged that coaches be held accountable where athletes use banned substances on their advice, and said small stipends were insufficient to achieve future Olympic success.
- The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne outlined increased financial support for athletes, stating that assistance has expanded from Rs. 10,000 for about 900 school-level athletes to tiered monthly payments of up to Rs. 100,000 for national-level competitors, with an additional Rs. 60,000 for nutrition. He said coaches are now also being paid at approximately one-third of the athlete support level. Addressing concerns about coaching standards, particularly in schools, he proposed bringing foreign coaches to Sri Lanka to train larger numbers of local coaches rather than sending small groups overseas.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad seconded the motion before the House, after which the question was put and agreed to. Following the decision, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara took the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the Government against claims of inefficiency, stating that its mandate is to achieve “system change” through economic democracy, anti-corruption measures, social reconciliation, and long-term development toward high-income status. He argued that first-year fiscal and monetary stabilization has restored confidence, citing increases in Customs revenue, total state revenue, remittances, exports, the current account surplus, and a higher-than-targeted primary surplus. He said the Government’s long-term goal of sustaining 6–7 per cent growth to reach high-income status by 2050 requires confronting challenges such as drugs, organized crime, bankruptcy, and social decay, and pledged continued action against underworld and narcotics networks.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri supported discussion of the Anti-Doping Amendment Bill but criticised the Government for not providing details on claimed investments raised under Standing Order 27(2). He questioned the reliability of sending doping samples abroad in the absence of local testing facilities and asked whether the reforms adequately protect sports integrity from external influence. He also challenged the Government over alleged reversals on electricity tariff promises, criticised its sports policy and rural school sports neglect, and accused it of failing to act on earlier pledges to punish corruption.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the Anti-Doping Amendment, stating that it updates the 2013 framework to align with international conventions and WADA requirements while meeting domestic needs. He rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims about legal wording affecting children and allegations against Deputy Minister Geetha Jayasinghe and Minister W. A. Samarasinghe, citing a court order that declined to name them as suspects. He also referred to ongoing investigations into the Wasim Thajudeen murder, alleged false claims by former party associates, a reported sale of a parliamentary seat, and the container matter, urging that inquiries proceed without interference.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported the Anti-Doping Amendment as part of the Government’s sports policy and its action plan to combat illegal drugs, match-fixing, fraud, and corruption in sport. She said SLADA must be strengthened to comply with WADA standards, promote clean victories, and improve Sri Lanka’s ability to host international sporting events. Referring to 67 athletes currently banned for prohibited substances, she called for education, training, institutional coordination, and athlete support for nutrition and basic needs alongside long-term reforms.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi said the Government is allocating substantial funds, particularly to the North and East, to develop sports facilities and ensure children across the country receive equal support, while also noting the importance of basic financial assistance. She stated that the Government supports proposals such as sports schools and a Sports University, and framed these initiatives as part of creating a fair and equal environment. She invited the Opposition to engage in fair democratic competition without breaching rules, arguing that political contestation should take place on an equal and lawful basis.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that its delayed enactment had affected athletes and urging speedy implementation. He highlighted the completion of sports complexes in Mannar, Vavuniya and Omanthai, and requested hostel and related facilities for athletes using them. He sought the reallocation of funds that lapsed during the economic crisis and election period for school and public sports grounds, small schools, and registered sports clubs in Mannar and Vavuniya. He also requested urgent rehabilitation of divisional sports facilities in the war-affected Vanni region and proposed raising the upper age limit for Northern Province Sports Officer recruitment from 35 to 40 years, with Higher Diploma qualifications recognized.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka with global anti-doping standards by moving away from criminal punishment toward a dedicated regulatory mechanism with institutional coordination. He said the amendment would help regulate supplements and banned substances, protect athletes domestically and abroad, and enable joint action with agencies such as the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority. He raised concerns about the misuse of cannabis-related products such as Madana Modaka among schoolchildren, including online sales and gaps under the Ayurveda Act, and called for stronger controls through this or related legislation. He cited international anti-doping cases involving Maria Sharapova and Lance Armstrong to illustrate proportional treatment based on intent and facts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill but argued that anti-doping enforcement must be accompanied by broader reforms in school sport, nutrition, coaching, and discipline. She called for regularizing assistant sports trainers deployed from 2015 to 2019, addressing teacher and principal pay anomalies, resolving teacher shortages, and protecting teachers who enforce school discipline amid reports of drugs and banned substances entering schools. She also urged alignment of teacher training and child-protection laws, culturally appropriate disciplinary reforms focused on rehabilitation, and stronger systems to identify and support children with special educational or mental health needs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the Gazette amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport, arguing that Sri Lanka must align with global anti-doping standards while expanding sports opportunities beyond urban schools. He linked the lack of a strong sports culture to the spread of drugs, underworld activity, betting syndicates and match-fixing, citing recent drug and weapons seizures in Hambantota and calling for investigations into alleged political and criminal networks. He stated that the government would not protect traffickers and would work through district and security mechanisms to eradicate drugs and organized crime. He also referred to the Wasim Thajudeen murder investigation, claiming renewed inquiries would pursue justice and help remove criminal influence from sport.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, arguing that anti-doping measures are necessary to ensure fairness in increasingly competitive professional sport, while noting that some athletes may inadvertently use banned medicines for medical reasons. He said sports development also requires grassroots infrastructure and financial support for athletes, referring to proposed facilities in the North, including an international stadium in Jaffna, and defending the Rs. 10,000 stipend for athletes. He also raised a request from Sri Lankans in Saudi Arabia to resume a direct Colombo–Jeddah air service, particularly for Hajj, Umrah and urgent family travel, and said discussions were under way with SriLankan Airlines, Saudi authorities and relevant Ministers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that debate on prohibited stimulants should remain focused on doping in sport rather than broader political accusations about drugs and crime. He urged the Government to concentrate on lawmaking, coordination, investment facilitation, sports development, and implementation of useful proposals regardless of party origin, while also delivering promised justice for the Easter Sunday attacks. He raised concerns about school-related policies, social issues, and bureaucratic delays, and called for stronger support for Sri Lankans in Italy, including restoration of the driving licence conversion MoU and improved consular services in Rome.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the urgent amendment to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with WADA requirements after delays had made existing law non-compliant. He argued that Parliament was an appropriate forum to discuss the national drug crisis, citing large seizures in 2025 and alleging that organized networks with past political protection had enabled narcotics to reach schools and children. He called for cross-party support for law enforcement, due process in investigations including the 323-container issue and the Thajudeen case, and a unified national effort to dismantle drug networks and protect children.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported the amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport and emphasized sport as a means of post-conflict coexistence, urging equal sporting opportunities and facilities across all provinces while avoiding politicization. He proposed dedicated funding for athletes with disabilities, including a 10 per cent allocation from Sri Lanka Cricket resources for disabled cricketers and support for disabled war heroes to participate in international events. He also called for comprehensive reform of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 to reduce ministerial control over selections and associations, strengthen independent governance and audits, establish clear election mechanisms, and give greater attention to football.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed the Chair in place of Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, noting that doping can lead to bans and annulled results, while using the debate to criticise Opposition responses to issues of narcotics and past criminal investigations. He defended the Government’s mandate to ensure public safety and referred to ongoing inquiries into the Wasim Thajudeen murder, alleging past suppression of evidence and questioning the conduct of former administrations and Opposition figures. He also rejected claims that the Government intended to jail teachers, stating that education-related proposals could be amended or withdrawn and citing existing circulars, including Circular 12/2016, prohibiting corporal punishment in schools.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan responded to concerns raised about renewing driving licences for Sri Lankans working in Italy, stating that previous governments had failed to create a process. He said he had raised the matter in Parliament and that the Foreign Affairs Ministry, following discussions with Italian diplomatic officials, expected to establish a renewal process within about two months. He rejected the Opposition’s criticism as inaccurate and said the Government was taking steps to address the issue for Sri Lankans overseas.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary During the debate on the amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport, Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth highlighted serious sports infrastructure shortages in several Divisional Secretariat areas of Ampara District, particularly Navithanveli and Pottuvil. He requested the Government to allocate State land and develop public or school grounds in areas such as Vattiveli, Kalappukattu, Sarvodaya Pura and Urani, and to improve existing poor-quality fields used by local clubs and schools. He also asked the Sports Minister to provide sports equipment and support for the Eastern Province, and to appoint a permanent Sports Officer for Pottuvil to help develop local athletes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the amendments to the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, stating they were developed through consultations with WADA, Cabinet procedures, and legal advice to reduce ministerial control, align sanctions with due process, and strengthen anti-doping education and testing. He rejected Opposition claims that the Bill had led to international bans, loss of flag status, or funding problems, citing recent and upcoming Sri Lankan participation in international competitions. He also outlined “Mission Olympics” athlete and coach stipend schemes, anti-waste measures, regional sports infrastructure projects, and plans for new regulations and a forthcoming Sports Act to improve governance of national sports federations while keeping competitions active.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage clarified that athlete selection and logistical arrangements are the responsibility of sports federations and their selection committees, while the Ministry may only fund or facilitate. He highlighted government support for para-sports, including engagement with India’s visually impaired cricket sector and investment in accessible equipment and infrastructure. He said the Ministry is pursuing inquiries and legal action involving several federations, and presented the Amendment Bill as a measure to strengthen the sports governance framework; the Bill was then read a Second time, referred to Committee, and reported without amendment.
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage moved that the Bill be read a Third time and sought leave to correct typographical, printing, grammatical and numbering errors, along with consequential amendments. The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a Third time and passed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 17 Procedural Motion to Amend Standing Orders of Parliament 4 speeches
- 18 Adjournment Adjournment and Adjournment Questions 8 speeches