Sitting of Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22594 ·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 Announcements 9 speeches
- 2 Committee report Committee Reports 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 8 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural Matters: National Police Commission and Standing Orders 29 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers 18 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: UN Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka 8 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question No. 1 – 1180/2025: AWOL Service Members 11 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya 27 speeches
- 9 Oral question Second Round Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions 16 speeches
- 10 Procedural Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service 11 speeches
- 11 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: National Police Commission Powers 8 speeches
- 12 Debate Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) 84 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary The Minister moved a Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 36.609 billion under Head 117 to reallocate anticipated savings from highway and railway allocations that cannot be spent in 2025 due to suspended foreign disbursements, lender issues, contractor disputes, and project delays. He said approval is needed to redirect these funds, mainly to reduce the Road Development Authority’s high-cost domestic bank debt, while also noting reallocations already made under Financial Regulation 66 for rural roads and SLTB depot improvements. He cited stalled projects including flyovers, Indian railway upgrades, Chinese-financed expressway works, and the BIA terminal project, and stated that negotiations on the Central Expressway financing with China had been pursued following the 2022 suspension of disbursements.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised a point of order concerning the scheduling of an urgent Adjournment Debate, noting that another Adjournment Debate was already fixed for the following day. He requested that the urgent debate be held at 3.30 p.m. on Friday, indicating that this had previously been agreed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Agreed to the proposed parliamentary schedule for Friday, noting that eight Private Members’ Motions were listed but only seven could be taken after one Member agreed to postpone. He stated that Private Members’ business would run from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., followed by the Adjournment Debate from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to media descriptions of a fatal road accident that emphasized the driver was a woman, arguing such framing is inappropriate and undermines efforts to encourage women’s participation in industry. He requested that reports refer simply to the “driver” rather than “woman driver.” He also informed the House that the Opposition’s requested Adjournment Debate would be held on Friday from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the reallocation of Rs. 36.609 billion for debt servicing under the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry, arguing that funds could instead address road bottlenecks, widening projects, and rural road carpeting. He raised concerns over delays in Kankesanthurai Port development, BIA Terminal 2, and restricted airspace affecting tourism, and called for accountability for additional costs and project delays. He also demanded collection of alleged unpaid taxes on crude palm oil imports, safeguards to ensure new investor visas bring genuine foreign exchange, and stronger incentives for diaspora investment. He urged the Government to improve project planning, assess loan feasibility before budgeting, and prioritize practical measures to increase dollar earnings and reduce future supplementary estimates.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake challenged an earlier claim of clear corruption in the 100,000-kilometre road programme and demanded that details be provided. He also questioned the consistency of forming a government with the same individuals, including Ranil Wickremesinghe, who were associated with the alleged corruption.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar stated that his side would support action against wrongdoing, including any effort by the Government to produce evidence and bring back Arjuna Mahendran. He said payments under the 100,000-kilometre road programme should be based on condition assessments and actual work completed, as discussed at the Sectoral Oversight Committee. He objected to an official allegedly telling contractors that payments would depend on a “complaints committee” and asked that the matter be examined and payments made according to due process.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Thanura Dissanayake supported the Supplementary Sum for the Ministry of Transport and Highways, explaining that funds must be reallocated from delayed foreign-financed projects, including the Gatambe and Kohuwala flyovers, to works that can proceed immediately. He outlined planned transport improvements, including procurement of five DEMU train sets, 5,000 fans, toilet upgrades, 12,000 rails, air-conditioning for locomotive cabins, and better conditions at Ratmalana Workshops. He defended the “Dream Destination” bus terminal and railway station upgrades as comprehensive modernization rather than cosmetic work, and called for public-service-oriented leadership to rebuild an efficient, people-friendly transport system.
Infrastructure Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Supplementary Sum for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, arguing that unutilized allocations arose because foreign-funded projects stalled after the 2022 debt standstill while domestic counterpart funds remained idle. He said the funds should be reallocated to productive uses, including reducing the Road Development Authority’s domestic bank debt of about Rs. 310,639 million as at 31 July 2025. He attributed the need for the transfer to past fiscal mismanagement and cited the stalled BIA Terminal 2 project and its alleged Rs. 60 billion delay cost as an example, urging approval to support debt reduction and project implementation.
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Supplementary Estimate, stating it reallocates funds to more suitable projects and reflects improved financial management. He contrasted current transport investments with alleged past mismanagement, citing audit-reported overpayments in 2023 SLTB bus procurement, and said the government is upgrading railway stations, rebuilding bridges, improving SLTB depot facilities, and renovating the Pettah bus terminal while avoiding political use of SLTB resources.
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi stated that Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt.) Ltd. was commencing under special initiatives and outlined ongoing public transport improvements, including procurement of railway power sets, importation of 5,000 electric fans for coaches, sanitation upgrades, and road network development. He said the Supplementary Estimate was intended to address issues arising from previous governments’ economic policies and requested its approval by the House.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary During debate on the Supplementary Estimate for Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed allocations and feasibility work for the Kiraan Bridge and small bridge rehabilitation, but urged that remaining funds and further infrastructure needs in Batticaloa and the wider North and East be addressed through the Estimate or next Budget. He called for rehabilitation of bus stands and the Valaichchenai depot, establishment of a Vakarai sub-depot, improved rail schedules, a promised railway substation near Eastern University, and new ferry links for Paduvankarai, Poompuhar, Kinniyadi, Palugamam, Kaludawila and Perambaditheevu. He also requested recommencement of feasibility studies for bridges at Mandur, Kurumanveli, Nasivantheevu, Pankudaveli and Narippulthottam, arguing that basic transport infrastructure in war-affected Batticaloa areas is necessary to connect them with urban centres and build public trust.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Dr. Elayathamby Srinath stated that adequate construction and infrastructure facilities had not been provided and requested that the issue be addressed through the Supplementary Estimate for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and in the next Budget. He thanked the authorities for actions already taken and urged prompt attention to the remaining needs.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Accepted the need for the Supplementary Estimate but questioned increased allocations under the President’s expenditure head, including funds for “Clean Sri Lanka” and a research project. Raised concerns about the withdrawn Penal Code amendment in the context of incidents involving teachers and students, and argued that the Government should address disciplinary issues within its own ranks before legislating on children. Also questioned matters involving Arjuna Mahendran’s passport release, a delegation to a Geneva trade conference, disputes with doctors and lawyers over vehicle stickers, and the role of commission chairs in controversial policy proposals.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Criticizing government messaging on the Penal Code amendment, he said the matter should be discussed within the Government Parliamentary Group before tabling and argued that removing the relevant Chair would resolve the issue. He noted support for the Rs. 36 billion Supplementary Estimate and urged the Government to use funds, including allocations for industry and road works in Badulla, to deliver services rather than blame past governments. He rejected allegations of obstruction by the Opposition and called on the Government to govern responsibly for its term.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that all governments face administrative and fiscal burdens when in power, including the need to present budgets. He acknowledged the Government’s March Budget as a normal requirement of governance and urged it to act with that understanding.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the Supplementary Allocation for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation was a reallocation of already-appropriated funds to conclude or redirect stalled projects, reflecting improved financial management and transparency. She linked weaknesses in past project selection and management to the economic crisis and argued that the Ministry should become more people-centred, efficient, and responsive. She highlighted the need to improve public and school transport, road access to remote schools, safety and quality standards, accessibility for children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities, and better facilities at stations and on trains.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa addressed a Supplementary allocation under Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, arguing that the Government now supports expressways it previously criticized and asking for Ministry-level progress reports on Budget spending and public benefits. He criticized proposed changes to the National Police Commission, alleging they would reduce police independence and enable political control over transfers, appointments, and investigations. He also questioned the Government’s stance at the UNHRC, called for solutions for farmers, fishers, and workers, and asked for details on investment inflows and foreign exchange generation. He urged the Government not to use the police, armed forces, or intelligence services for political purposes and called for an investigation into the reported theft of 32 animals from a zoo.
- The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, stating that part of the remaining allocation would be used to settle Road Development Authority debt. He outlined ongoing transport and road development projects, including upgrades to Pettah transport facilities, A and B class roads, bridges, rural roads, Sri Pada access roads, and key routes in Nuwara Eliya District. He also noted allocations for safety barriers at identified danger points in the Central Highlands following road safety concerns. The speech contrasted these initiatives with criticism of the Opposition’s past record and asserted the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and accountability.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief to SMEs, including abolition of parate execution and restructuring or waiver of accumulated debt, citing widespread business closures and a specific case of excessive bank repayment demands. He also urged action against unregistered online lending operations and unlawful leasing repossessions, calling for stronger enforcement and lawful procedures. He further called for protection of the National Police Commission’s independence and said education reforms toward STEAM, robotics and AI should be accompanied by making History a core subject to preserve heritage and identity.
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected Opposition criticism on SME support, arguing that the crisis reflects long-standing weaknesses in banking instruments, collateral-based lending, and limited Central Bank capacity, while stating that the Government has issued circulars and coordinated banks through the Industry Ministry to assist affected businesses. He supported the Supplementary Estimate as a reallocation of Rs. 36 billion in unspent funds to reduce debt and interest costs, not as additional expenditure. He said transport and logistics reform is essential for economic growth and investment competitiveness, citing Sri Lanka’s weak World Bank Logistics Performance Index ranking compared with regional peers, and called for alignment of ports, buses, roads, and freight systems to support production and productivity.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Harsha de Silva rejected the characterization of Sri Lanka as “cursed,” arguing that economic decline followed blocked reforms and poor policy choices. He questioned whether the Public Debt Coordination Committee required under the Public Debt Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, had been established and had reported on the proposed US$500 million Exim Bank of China loan for the Central Expressway. He said the loan’s variable interest structure, with a 2.5% floor and 3.5% cap, disadvantages Sri Lanka compared with a fixed 2.5% rate or a symmetric band, and urged the Government to negotiate borrowing terms responsibly and in compliance with the Act. He tabled the PDCC recommendation and related Chinese bank documents.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, distinguishing it from previous supplementary allocations and framing it as part of fiscal recovery and disciplined revenue management. He cited revenue, tourism, remittance, export, customs, port, petroleum and telecom performance figures to argue that state income has improved despite a large budget deficit. He highlighted road and bridge development in Polonnaruwa, including the Kotaliyadda and Gallelle bridge projects, stating that tender savings were achieved by eliminating corrupt cost inflation practices.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva rose to raise a Point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva objected to a blanket allegation that previous governments set aside 10 percent of contracts for Ministers or Members. He said any such wrongdoing should be pursued through legal channels, but it was unfair to implicate all Members without evidence, and called on the Member to either withdraw the claim or name those responsible.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri stated that Rs. 3,000 million allocated in 2011–2012 for rehabilitating 53 roads in the North Central Province was misused by the contractor, Kanthi Construction, and the works were not completed. He said allegations that the then Chief Minister received money from contractors were revealed, and that COPA had made recommendations on the matter, which have been submitted.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva cautioned against generalizing about all members of a political party, stating that both good and bad individuals exist in every party.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna rejected broad allegations of corruption against past politicians, arguing that such claims damage honest public representatives and calling on those making accusations to acknowledge the JVP’s own political history and role in past violence. He said the Government should stop blaming previous administrations, investigate and prosecute any alleged corruption from 2010–2011 through the law, and focus on governing. He also criticized ministries for returning large unutilized allocations, stating that competence means completing public work without corruption rather than avoiding expenditure.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana raised a Point of Order under Standing Order 91(e), objecting that a Member’s remarks were straying from the subject under debate. He specifically argued that references to events from 1988–89 were unrelated and should not be continued.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka objected to interruptions during the debate, noting that those urging others to remain on topic were themselves digressing. He asked what the Point of Order was, seeking procedural clarification from the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB
AI summary The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha defended the Government’s record against Opposition criticism, arguing that the present administration is addressing the economic collapse, debt default, shortages, and governance failures inherited from previous governments. He rejected allegations regarding police appointments and institutional independence, while stating that the Government’s 159-member team would take collective responsibility and seek to correct mistakes. He outlined transport and infrastructure measures linked to the Supplementary Estimate, including modernization of 32 railway stations, renovation of the Pettah Central Bus Stand, development of 25 SLTB depots, import of buses for persons with special needs, procurement of 200 luxury buses and five DMU sets, and upgrades to rail equipment and roads. He said rural road, iRoad, World Bank-supported ICDP, bridge, and district-level projects were being funded, including Rs. 7,200 million for Ratnapura District, and stated that the Supplementary Estimate was a lawful reallocation to support recovery and development.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about poor facilities at the passenger terminal of Kankesanthurai Port, noting complaints from Indian tourists. He requested the Minister to address the issue urgently.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Funds have been allocated to renovate the Kankesanthurai jetty and provide passenger facilities. The Minister stated this in response to a concern raised earlier, noting that the issue had also been brought to his attention by a professor from Kandy.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticized reductions in transport-related allocations under the Supplementary Estimate and urged the Government to take responsibility for reviving rail and SLTB services, citing the closure of the profitable Ridithenna SLTB depot as an example. He requested urgent action by the RDA and Provincial Road Development Authority on several deteriorated iRoad and district road segments, and questioned reallocations from the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal, iRoad, and Getambe flyover projects amid congestion and stalled work. He sought clear timelines for the Kandy bus terminal components and progress on the Central Expressway up to Galagedara, including widening the road from Galagedara to Kandy. He also asked that unresolved contractor claims relating to Central Expressway Section 1 be settled before the Government proceeds with the loan and contract approval.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the Rs. 36,609 million Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, stating it reallocates funds following halted donor disbursements after the 2022 economic crisis and supports domestic debt servicing and ongoing infrastructure work. He said the Government had not borrowed for highways in 2025 and was continuing road, bridge, highway and rural transport projects within the approved Rs. 435,100 million allocation. He also highlighted deficiencies in mass transit, alleged route-level mismanagement in several Colombo District services, and said the Government’s policy was to develop sustainable transport as part of broader economic and environmental goals.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan objected to the proposed abolition or merger of the New Villages Development Authority for Plantation Region, established under Act No. 32 of 2018, arguing that it is needed to address development gaps affecting about one million plantation-region residents. He cited a letter from the Presidential Secretariat stating that NEVIDA is “under review,” contradicting assurances by State Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep that no such move exists, and tabled the letter in the Library. He urged relevant Ministers and MPs to intervene, stating that elected policymakers and Parliament, not officials, should determine the Authority’s future.
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar — Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to concerns raised by Hon. Mano Ganesan regarding the New Villages Development Authority for Plantation Region, stating that the Government has no intention of abolishing it. He said a committee led by the Prime Minister had decided instead to further develop and expand the Authority, and rejected criticism of the named Secretary’s attitude toward serving hill-country communities.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan thanked the Minister for his assurance and noted that the President’s letter, which he tabled, states the matter is “presently under review,” indicating recognition of an issue. He urged the Minister to pursue the matter decisively and not handle it in the manner he attributed to the State Minister.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB
AI summary The Government stated that it does not intend to abolish NEVIDA, but plans to improve and continue it. The member acknowledged that there may be broader systemic issues affecting the Authority and said the Government would address them.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB
AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to Mano Ganesan by noting that he had opportunities in earlier discussions to pursue changes. He stated that the Government would not abolish institutions serving the hill-country people and would instead protect and strengthen them.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan states that his party had pursued the issue even while in government and urges the Minister to continue the work already started. He raises concern about three named officials, suggesting they should step aside if they are unable to act in line with government policy.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB
AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Danushka Ranganath supported the Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 36,609 million for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, linking it to the Government’s policy agenda on economic stability, public services, rule of law, and anti-corruption. He said the Ministry is improving transport infrastructure, particularly through the “Path to Revival” rural roads programme, under which 1,619 roads have been identified this year at a cost of Rs. 25 billion, with further funding proposed next year. He also stated that a new iRoad phase will cover about 500 km nationwide, including 24 roads in Kalutara, and said stalled works from earlier contracts have now completed procurement and will be restarted and finished before year-end.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that reallocations in the Supplementary Estimate were necessitated by Sri Lanka’s 2022 debt default, which halted foreign loan disbursements and delayed projects, including the Central Expressway, resulting in about US$ 340 million in accumulated interest. She said the Central Expressway financing terms with Exim Bank of China changed after default from a dollar facility to a yuan facility, with a floating rate of 2.5–3.5 percent, and described renewed lender engagement under those constraints as significant. She also stated that the National Police Commission independently delegates powers to the IGP under the Constitution, and cautioned against parliamentary remarks that could place undue pressure on the Commission or police operations.
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that, despite claims of nationwide infrastructure development, many road projects in areas such as Yatiyantota and Kegalle remain stalled, particularly under the iRoad and “Laksha Mawatha” programmes, and requested priority action to complete them. He also urged the Government to procure smaller, durable buses suitable for remote, narrow and hilly routes rather than large coaches unsuited to such terrain. He further asked the Sri Lanka Tea Board to correct its public claim about a record tea auction price in Japan, noting that Avissawella Tea Factory had achieved a higher price in 2024 and should receive due recognition.
- The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran supported the Supplementary Estimate, arguing that unlike past governments which sought additional funds after inefficient use of allocations, the current Government is redirecting funds from stalled projects to alternative public-benefit purposes. He said allocations in the Northern Province are being used efficiently and noted that development work effectively began only about five months earlier, after the March Budget and the pause caused by local authority elections.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran said the Government had begun major development work in the North within the past five months, including urgent rehabilitation of the Vattuvagal bridge, initial works at the Nainativu jetty, and road improvements to support tourism. He argued that projects were being implemented transparently and without corruption, contrasting them with allegedly defective road works carried out under the previous Good Governance Government. He highlighted concerns over neglect of the Northern islands and higher goods prices there, citing a new fuel filling station in Neduntivu as part of efforts to address disparities. He also stated that increased funds would be allocated for the East in the next Budget and that development in the North and East would accelerate in the Government’s second year.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported the Supplementary Estimate under Head 117 for the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry, explaining it as a mechanism to use in-year savings or additional funds for priority work. He argued that applying savings toward future debt interest and amortization would reduce debt pressure and help restore international credibility for future renegotiations. Responding to Opposition criticism, he cited ongoing road carpeting projects in Matale District, plans for parking facilities at Riverston, and phased improvements to the Matale–Galewela road by end-2026.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary Amid discussion of transport and infrastructure development, Hon. Dinesh Hemantha argued that previous road and transport projects were undertaken without proper prioritization, contributing to SLTB losses while private operators benefited on selected routes. He stated that the Government is now focusing on village needs, allocating buses where required, improving depots and facilities, and implementing a broader programme intended to improve public services and livelihoods.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed the Supplementary Estimate and urged that transport allocations prioritize improved public transport, arguing that better SLTB bus and rail services would reduce congestion, fuel use, and hardships for commuters. He requested late-night bus connections from Batticaloa for passengers arriving by the Fort–Batticaloa train, expanded rail services to support tourism between Nilaveli, Trincomalee, Arugam Bay and Panama, and improvements to transport infrastructure in the East. He also thanked the Minister for starting work on the flood-damaged Mavadippalli bridge and called for rehabilitation of the Kittangi bridge, upgrading of the Kalmunai and Sammanthurai bus depots, and completion of several unfinished roads in Nintavur.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the National People’s Power Government’s first year in office, arguing that it has expanded public services while past governments increased public burdens and borrowing. He criticized the Ranil Wickremesinghe-SLPP arrangement after the 2022 crisis and rejected allegations against his party regarding arson, saying the then government failed to identify culprits despite paying compensation. He highlighted current government action on elephant fencing and transport infrastructure, including Rs. 375 million for rehabilitation of the Mee Oya bridge on the Puttalam-Mannar road and ongoing works on the Bathulu Oya-Karambai road.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Supplementary Estimate for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, saying that large reallocations and low project progress rates at district level reflected weak implementation and management. He urged the Government, ahead of the next Budget, to set clear priorities and ensure allocated funds are effectively executed. He also defended the Opposition’s role in past action against the then Chief Justice and said scrutiny of the Government’s policy statement “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” was a legitimate accountability function.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala cited World Bank data indicating that poverty had increased further from 24.986 per cent in 2024 and argued that poverty reduction must be a priority for national prosperity. He said the Government, having expanded from three MPs in 2022 to a large parliamentary mandate, should use that mandate to deliver livelihood programmes alongside anti-corruption efforts. He also referred to recent cooperative election results as an indication of changing public sentiment and urged the Government to focus on meeting the expectations of voters.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara requested the Presiding Member to allow Opposition Members a few additional minutes for speeches in future sittings. He argued that while the Leader of the House often speaks for 30 to 40 minutes, other Members are limited to about 4 to 5 minutes, and asked that this be addressed by mutual consent.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation seeks to reallocate savings within existing Budget provisions, not obtain additional funds, with about Rs. 36 billion to be directed to priority activities. He disputed Opposition claims regarding the President’s expenditure head and debt management, stating that allocations must be compared on a proper basis and that the Government is managing debt within targets to reduce it below 95 per cent of GDP. He also said the Government chose to proceed with and accelerate the Central Expressway work, while managing Exim Bank-related financing risks through negotiated interest-rate parameters.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the revived highway project but criticized the increase in its interest rate and the diversion of Road Development funds toward debt servicing. He requested that the IMF Extended Fund Facility technical reports in Sinhala and English be printed and circulated to all MPs. He urged the Government to review airport-issued driving licences for foreigners and visa-free entry arrangements, citing impacts on local tour drivers, tourism revenue, foreign exchange, and airport operations. He also criticized the Government’s handling of the Geneva resolutions, arguing that not calling for a vote weakened support from countries such as Russia, China, and India.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena responded to concerns on tourist driving licences issued at the airport, arguing with tourism and licensing data that the impact had been overstated and that driver associations had been consulted. He outlined progress and timelines for the Port Access Elevated Highway, several road widening and bridge projects, the Peradeniya–Galaha–Deltota road, and planned Colombo congestion improvements, while detailing Road Development Authority allocations and rural road programmes. Addressing the Supplementary Estimate, he said Rs. 33 billion of the Rs. 36 billion reallocation related to unspent local counterpart funds from stalled foreign-funded projects after 2022, describing it as crisis management rather than fault. He also cited improved financial performance in several state-owned enterprises and thanked officials involved before the estimate was agreed to.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved the motion that Parliament adjourn. The Presiding Member then proposed the question to the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
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