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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 9 October 2025

10th Parliament· 13 debates· 224 speeches· 61 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22973 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  11. 11 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion 34 speeches
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised concerns over a reported directive to change the name, colours and branding of the 1990 Suwaseriya Foundation established under Act No. 18 of 2018. He emphasized that Suwaseriya is a free, 24/7 pre-hospital emergency medical service serving large numbers of citizens, not merely an ambulance fleet. He urged that it not be politicized or altered by administrative directive, and said any change should be brought before Parliament through an amendment, while tabling images of the proposed logo changes.

      HealthcareParliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that past governments used fear and communalism to retain power and failed to build trust after the war, leading to economic collapse and stalled development. He said the current government is restoring domestic and international credibility, restarting delayed infrastructure, education and health projects, and taking stronger action against narcotics and organized crime. He also highlighted growth in exports, services and tourism, including the “Ruhunuring” initiative, and said further development programmes are being prepared, including in the North.

      Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Ikbal Muawiyath

      AI summary Hon. Ikbal Muawiyath said fears raised during the election campaign about his government oppressing people had proved misplaced. He argued that the government’s formation was necessary to confront the spread of drugs, underworld activity and other anti-social threats, and called on all Sri Lankans to work together to protect society and build a better future.

      Security & DefenceLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB

      AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka argued that, one year after the President and NPP received a large mandate, many election pledges remain unfulfilled. He cited promises on reducing fuel prices, electricity tariffs, VAT on essential and agricultural items, rice imports, paddy prices, fertilizer subsidies, teacher-principal salary anomalies, senior citizens’ interest rates, and local school access, alleging that outcomes have differed from campaign commitments. He also criticized the handling of issues such as the former Speaker’s qualifications, the wildlife census on crop damage, and the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, and said the Opposition had brought the adjournment debate to remind the Government of these commitments.

      Cost of LivingEmploymentAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB

      AI summary Vijitha Herath moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair during the sitting. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda assumed it.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB

      AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar welcomed the adjournment motion as an opportunity to outline the Government’s first year under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arguing that it has begun addressing corruption, drugs, economic instability and public distrust. He contrasted the Government’s record with past administrations, including references to communal violence, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Jaffna Library burning, while stating he would focus on current work. He said economic confidence had improved, ethnic and religious tensions had reduced, and development in the North was being accelerated through projects including the KKS jetty, Myliddy harbour, sports facilities, land title grants, return of military-held civilian lands, and proposed industrial zones in Iranamadu, Parantan and Mankulam.

      EmploymentCorruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan argued that economic recovery should not rely on higher taxation alone but on increased production, exports, and measures to improve incomes, particularly for poor, middle-class, plantation, and rural communities. He welcomed anti-corruption efforts and improvements in tourism and housing, but said these were insufficient without policies to reduce poverty, support small industries facing high electricity and tax costs, and ensure genuine guarantees for plantation housing. He also questioned rice price controls, arguing that enforcement against retailers is unfair unless mill-level prices are regulated, and requested a response on the New Villages Development Authority for Plantation Region.

      Cost of LivingEmploymentCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna defended the Government’s first year in office, contrasting it with what he described as failed promises and crises under previous administrations. He argued that predictions of economic collapse, religious restrictions, IMF disengagement, and renewed shortages had not materialized, and said the Government had rebuilt reserves, maintained economic stability, and avoided fuel, gas, and milk powder queues. He highlighted action against underworld activity, narcotics and corruption, claiming the law was being applied equally to powerful figures. He also cited increased welfare allowances and salaries, and said discussions were continuing on advancing the estate workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1,700.

      Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary The Minister rejected claims that trade unions had undermined the plantation collective agreement, stating that negotiations with employers were continuing to secure a livable income for workers and that the government would take necessary measures. He highlighted increases in education and welfare allowances, including Mahapola, student stipends, Grade 5 scholarship support, vocational training payments, and assistance for low-income and vulnerable children. He also noted expanded fertilizer support, including raising the general subsidy to Rs. 25,000 and providing coconut fertilizer at a reduced price following a 55,000 MT shipment.

      EmploymentAgricultureEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna highlighted government cost-cutting measures, including auctioning luxury vehicles, reducing MPs’ insurance benefits, limiting ministerial vehicles and fuel allocations, and proposing legislation to abolish MPs’ pensions. He said the Government’s five-year manifesto was only at its first milestone and claimed progress in establishing a new political culture and enforcing the law against previously influential figures. He also cited higher export earnings in January-August 2025 compared with the previous year, including increases in tea and coconut export revenue.

      AgriculturePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB

      AI summary (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan began to address the House regarding “NEVIDA,” but the provided excerpt contains no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or arguments to summarize.

      Employment Full speech →
    • The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary The Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure asks whether one minute can be allowed for another Member to speak.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna rejected social media claims concerning the New Villages Development Authority for the Plantation Region (NEVIDA), stating that they were false. He said NEVIDA would be further strengthened to meet the aspirations of the plantation community.

      InfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP

      AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was recorded in the provided excerpt.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP

      AI summary Jeevan Thondaman questioned the Minister about claims of misinformation on social media, citing a letter received by Mano Ganesan from the Presidential Secretariat indicating that certain institutions were among those to be closed. He sought clarification on the apparent discrepancy between the Government’s position and the contents of that communication.

      Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC

      AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam criticised the Government over the involvement of the TID in inquiries about a school sports meet decoration in Kilinochchi, arguing that such action contradicts promises to repeal the PTA and allow war commemorations. He said commitments on the Palaly Airport upgrade and the release of military-held private lands in the North had not been fulfilled, contrasting this with faster progress on Ratmalana Airport. He also raised concerns about alleged illegal military-backed construction on private land near Palaly and the Thayyiddy Vihara issue, urging the Government to act early on North-East commitments if it is to retain trust.

      Justice & Human RightsLand & HousingEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB

      AI summary The Minister responded to remarks by Hon. Ponnambalam, stating that the Government has decided to develop Palaly International Airport with budgetary allocations and procurement procedures in place, including runway improvements, a temporary shelter, and a planned terminal. He also said a report and committee process, involving ONUR and the Justice Minister, are addressing the Thayyiddy Vihara issue, with a solution expected within weeks.

      InfrastructureReligion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC

      AI summary The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam stated “One hundred and eight percent,” apparently referring to a figure in the ongoing parliamentary discussion. No further argument, proposal, or question is provided in the excerpt.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB

      AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that travelling to Switzerland to discuss federalism would not produce any practical outcome. He implied that such efforts are ineffective or irrelevant in the Sri Lankan political context.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB

      AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which Hon. Chanaka Madugoda vacated the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP

      AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman reviewed the Government’s first year against the President’s “Hatton Declaration” commitments to plantation communities, questioning progress on housing, land rights, public services, education, health, and plantation company accountability. He argued that planned housing “entitlement” certificates do not amount to legal land grants, urged land titles for all residents where they live, and criticized moves affecting the Norwood Divisional Secretariat and the possible closure of the New Villages Development Authority. He also raised concerns about halted or incomplete initiatives such as Grama Niladhari divisions, government takeover of estate medical assistants, STEM teacher training, creche breakfast provision, and scrutiny of plantation companies, while requesting action after a fire at Lakshapana Estate tea factory.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionLand & Housing Full speech →