Sitting of Friday, 24 October 2025

Order of business

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

1. 1 Opening Opening of Parliament and Privilege Matter 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Tabling of Reports: Monetary Policy Deviation, Public Accounts Report, Public Finance Committee Report 4 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Petitions: W.P. Erandi Lanka Weerasinghe 1 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Mines and Minerals Regulation (Q.2/2025) 6 speeches ▾
   • Mr. Speaker procedural
     Full speech →
   • Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB

     AI summary Under the Mines and Minerals Act, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has authority to license mineral exploration, mining, transport, trading, storage and export, including gravel mining. The Minister said gravel mining approvals require recommendations from relevant bodies such as the Urban Development Authority, Department of Archaeology and Central Environmental Authority, with additional consultations where needed, and that GSMB officers supervise compliance with licence conditions. He also stated that amendments to the Act and revised penalties are being pursued to address unauthorized mining and illegal activities.

     EnvironmentPublic Finance Full speech →
   • Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB

     AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara questioned the implementation of mining guidelines issued under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2196/28, stating that approvals on private land are being misused in ways that damage ecosystems. Citing a halted rock-cutting project in Rathnaheeruwa, Kuliyapitiya East, he asked whether the Government will update or amend the guidelines to ensure proper procedures and environmental safeguards.

     Corruption & Governance ReformEnvironment Full speech →
   • Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB

     AI summary Existing laws allow intervention against environmentally harmful incidents, and specific cases raised can be acted on where environmental damage and public opposition are evident. Revisions to the legal framework are being discussed, with a view to introducing stronger measures to prevent such harm.

     Environment Full speech →
   • Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB

     AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara questioned the adequacy of Geological Survey and Mines Bureau supervision of mining activities, particularly on private land where local administrative recommendations are not required after environmental approval. He requested consideration of involving Grama Niladharis and a small local community group in supervision to reduce risks, noting that State land approvals already involve Divisional Secretary and Grama Niladhari input.

     Land & HousingEnvironment Full speech →
   • Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that environmental authorities can intervene even on private land when damage is significant, with action proportionate to the harm caused. He said the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau should inspect quantities and supervise activities, while Divisional and District Coordinating Committees and other agencies may be involved where there is serious environmental damage or public concern.

     Environment Full speech →
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: (Q.3/2025) - Question stood down 3 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: (Q.4/2025) - Question stood down 3 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) 5 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) 5 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Long-Distance Bus Services (Q.7/2025) 5 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: SLTB Bus Depot in Pottuvil DS Division (Q.8-9/2025) 6 speeches ▸
11. 11 Oral question Oral Question: Health Service Delivery - Supplementary Questions and Answers 9 speeches ▸
12. 12 Papers Tabling of Answers: Lakhanda Radio Service and Vocational Training Centres 2 speeches ▸
13. 13 Oral question Private Notice Question: Appropriation Bill 2025 Budget Execution 6 speeches ▸
14. 14 Procedural Point of Order and Procedural Matters - Budget-related Discussion 17 speeches ▸
15. 15 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Amendments to Appropriation Bill 2026 and Ministerial Reshuffle 12 speeches ▸
16. 16 Oral question Oral Answer: Human Rights Situation in Sri Lanka and Reparations (Q. raised 08.10.2025) 10 speeches ▸
17. 17 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency 9 speeches ▸
18. 18 Procedural Procedural Matters: Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Security Concerns 13 speeches ▸
19. 19 Procedural Personal Explanation and Privilege Matter: Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe 19 speeches ▸
20. 20 Procedural Security Concerns Raised by Opposition Members - Jagath Vithana Death Threat 21 speeches ▸
21. 21 Procedural Notice of Motion: Adjournment of Parliament 2 speeches ▸
22. 22 Adjournment Votes of Condolence: Opening and Lunch Suspension 3 speeches ▸
23. 23 Adjournment Votes of Condolence: Seven Former Members of Parliament 29 speeches ▸
24. 24 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election 13 speeches ▸