Sitting of Saturday, 8 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22727 ·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 Papers Auditor-General's Report: Parts XVIII, XX, XXI, XXII 2 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Committee Reports 4 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Grant by Asian Development Bank to Colombo Municipal Council (Q.739/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Mob Violence Incidents Since 2020 (Q.1010/2025) 5 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Construction of Bridges Across Bryanthurai Kandam River and Heda Oya in Ampara (Q.1212/2025) 5 speeches
- 7 Procedural Question No. 1467/2025 (1) - Text not received 1 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Financial Assistance Provided to Public During COVID Pandemic (Q.1492/2025) 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Increase of Production of Grains and Yams - Allocations from Budget 2025 (Q.1467/2025) 3 speeches
- 10 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Benefits of Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and Negotiations on ETCA 3 speeches
- 11 Procedural Privilege Question: Breach of Privilege raised by Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake on 23.10.2025 3 speeches
- 12 Procedural Privilege Motions 1 speeches
- 13 Debate Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 79 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka made a brief procedural intervention indicating that the Opposition should speak first or begin the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva objected to the conduct of the Budget Debate, stating that it should commence with the Opposition. He questioned why the procedure was not being followed and insisted that the Opposition must be allowed to open the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a procedural point regarding the Budget Debate, stating that the first speech should be delivered by the Opposition. He cited past practice, including during the time of Ronnie de Mel, to support this position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara briefly recalled observing past Budget Debates from the gallery, including those initiated by Minister Ronnie de Mel. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is presented in the provided excerpt.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman raised a procedural clarification, noting that the debate initiated by the President was the Second Reading Debate, not the Committee Stage Discussion. He sought to distinguish the current stage of proceedings from a later committee-stage consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that while the Government has maintained macroeconomic stability under the IMF-backed reform path, the 2026 Budget lacks a credible growth strategy and offers little relief for the cost of living. He raised concerns over alleged politicization and selective action in anti-corruption efforts, citing the E-visa issue, container reports, double-cab procurement, and a People’s Bank building project, and called for suspensions or investigations where necessary. He also criticized changes to VAT thresholds, the absence of promised tax relief, and the planned property tax from 2027, while defending prior reforms on debt restructuring, public finance, the Central Bank, and state-owned enterprises. He warned against moves he described as undermining the multi-party democratic system and said Opposition protests would occur when necessary.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary The Minister of Health and Mass Media, speaking during debate on the Government’s second Budget, criticized Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva’s response as an attempt to undermine the Budget. He remarked that Dr. de Silva, described as an economic guide of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, should have been allocated more time to fully present his arguments.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister JJB
AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa argued that the previous administration, led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, failed to hold the overdue local government election by citing lack of funds, which he said amounted to suspending democracy. He said the current Government inherited a bankrupt and destabilized country in September 2024, with severe shortages, debt distress, downgraded credit ratings and loss of international confidence. He stated that within one year the National People’s Power Government stabilized the economy through fiscal discipline and public financial management, citing revenue collection above targets, government revenue rising above 15.3 per cent of GDP, expenditure contained around 13 per cent, and a primary surplus above 2.3 per cent of GDP.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget as part of a long-term policy framework aimed at moving from financial stability to a productive, inclusive economy, arguing that the Government met fiscal and macroeconomic targets in 2025 and is now targeting 7 percent growth and lower debt-to-GDP by 2030. He cited export, industrial, credit, tourism, IT and FDI growth as evidence of renewed investor confidence, and said reforms are under way on taxation, PPPs, investment protection, SOE management, MSME credit, digitization and the National Single Window. He also outlined measures for renewable energy, agriculture value chains, logistics, Customs modernization, public transport, disability inclusion, housing, waste management and improved ease of doing business, while contrasting these with what he described as past policy failures.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan criticized the 2026 Budget for allocating comparatively high funding to defence while underfunding education and failing, in his view, to address Tamil political aspirations or the ethnic question. He questioned delays in holding Provincial Council elections and implementing the 13th Amendment, and called for accountability through international investigations into alleged wartime violations. He also argued that development priorities in the North and East should focus on land, drinking water, livelihoods, and specific projects such as Kankesanthurai Port, Palaly International Airport expansion, salt pans, the Valachchenai paper mill, and cement-related industry, rather than land sales or tourism-led policies.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary K. Ilankumaran raised a point of order in response to Hon. Shritharan mentioning his name in connection with a land issue. He signalled a procedural objection or clarification regarding that reference.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna briefly responded to a reference made in the Chamber, stating that the person concerned had not mentioned the relevant member’s name. He requested that the matter be verified by checking the Hansard record.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that economic indicators are improving and that the 2026 proposals set out a roadmap for export diversification, SME support, health, education, public sector salaries, housing, and long-term growth. He rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims about vehicle allocations for MPs and doubts about the Government’s housing and growth targets, stating that funds were for essential government and local authority vehicles and that housing projects relied partly on community participation. He highlighted allocations of Rs. 654 billion for health, Rs. 704 billion for education, over Rs. 80 billion for MSME and startup credit, and additional funds for public servants’ salary increases, allowances, loans, and regularization.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake said the National People’s Power’s vision, “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” is being implemented through short-, medium- and long-term plans, with the 2025 Budget as the first phase. He described the Budget as a development roadmap rather than only an income-expenditure statement, and argued that the Government’s reforms have helped Sri Lanka emerge from crisis. He highlighted meeting revenue targets, maintaining the expected deficit, and avoiding supplementary estimates in 2025 as evidence of fiscal discipline.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. Vijesiri Basnayake
AI summary Hon. Vijesiri Basnayake supported the 2026 Budget, stating that it reflects the Government’s approach to fiscal discipline, revenue-expenditure management, and economic reform. He outlined key pillars including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, strengthening domestic production, support for SMEs, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization. He cited economic indicators such as 4.8 percent growth in the first half of 2025, reserves above USD 6 billion, improved ratings outlooks, and plans for trade agreements and integration into global value chains.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF
AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne said the Opposition would support government action against organized crime and drugs, but urged the Government to move beyond public statements and use effective administrative and law enforcement measures. He argued that while the Budget presents favourable external indicators such as a primary surplus, reserves and growth, its real test is implementation and household impact. Citing World Bank concerns and several 2025 allocations with very low expenditure—including rural infrastructure, customs and container facilities, digital ID work, and disability support—he claimed about Rs. 642 billion remained unspent and warned that a surplus achieved through stalled development would be harmful. He also noted delays in measures such as the proposed Investment Protection Act and called for assessment of outcomes rather than budgetary announcements.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the 2026 Budget demonstrates fiscal discipline, planned governance and political leadership following the 2025 crisis, citing execution of over half of planned spending, an expected improvement by year-end, and a 2.3 percent primary surplus. She argued that the Government is using the existing public service rather than political appointments, while funding salary increases, allowances, equipment and other reforms to improve service delivery. She rejected claims that democracy or multi-party politics are under threat, saying the Government is enforcing the law and implementing a five-year programme focused on institutional rebuilding, anti-corruption, vulnerable groups, debt sustainability and long-term reform.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Government’s first full-year Budget, arguing that it is intended to sustain recent macroeconomic stability and maintain medium-term growth after the economic crisis. He outlined six strategic objectives, including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt reduction, support for productive investment, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization, with measures such as merit-based public sector recruitment and integrating certain post-2016 recruits into the standard pension scheme. He also highlighted tourism and aviation constraints, including airport slot limitations, stalled terminal development, SriLankan Airlines restructuring, and plans to expand domestic aviation and tourism capacity.
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that fiscal discipline has reduced the deficit from recent highs and that 2025 revenue is expected to exceed the approved target for the first time in recent years. He attributed improved performance to stronger revenue administration, debt and cash management, and policy coherence, noting gains in the primary balance, exports, remittances, tourism, FDI facilitation, and capital expenditure execution. He highlighted tax relief through a higher personal income tax threshold, funding for public sector salary increases and property loans, and the restart of major infrastructure projects, and urged Parliament to approve the Budget.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government had moved from crisis conditions to fiscal and economic stabilization, citing improved growth, unemployment, exports, remittances, tourism earnings, revenue, and primary balance figures. He argued that anti-corruption and rule-of-law measures, including amendments to the National Audit Act and legislation on recovery of proceeds of crime with a dedicated Police unit, were central to restoring investor confidence and preventing past abuses. He also defended the Government’s capacity to meet future external debt service obligations, including in 2028, and outlined Budget proposals on disability allowances, accessibility improvements, tourism growth, rural poverty reduction, digitalization, and initial funding for a new National Cardiac Unit.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi welcomed the 2026 Budget, emphasizing its provisions for estate workers, including an increase in the daily wage from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750 from January. She said the increase was achieved through Rs. 200 from plantation companies and Rs. 200 from the Government, supported by a Rs. 5,000 million allocation as a daily attendance incentive. She described the inclusion of estate wage, housing, infrastructure, and land issues in the Budget as a historic development for hill-country estate communities and criticized those who had questioned the Government’s ability to deliver such an increase.
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Jeevan Thondaman sought to question the Minister on whether the basic wage would be increased and, if so, by what amount. He objected to interruptions and asked that he be allowed to finish his question, referring to the time and courtesy given to another speaker.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified, on a Point of Order, the Government’s role in increasing plantation workers’ daily wages despite an existing collective agreement. He stated that employers had agreed to add Rs. 200 to the daily wage after Government-facilitated discussions with stakeholders, and that the Government would provide a further Rs. 200 for 14 days, not 28 days.
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim criticised the Government for reversing positions it had taken before coming to power, including promises to recover stolen funds, bring back exporter-held dollars, reject IMF conditions, and resolve debt issues quickly. He argued that the economy is now being managed under IMF direction and said the Government has failed to deliver on pledges of discipline, rule of law, social justice, and anti-corruption. He questioned delays in appointing a Special Committee on the 320 containers issue and alleged irregularities in the expedited procurement of cabs, asking why normal tender procedures were not followed.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim criticized the Government, arguing that the JVP had abandoned its earlier commitments to Marxist and social democratic principles associated with past leaders such as Somawansa Amarasinghe. He claimed the Government was instead following the IMF’s policy path and said the 2026 Budget had failed to address the public’s key concerns.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget as people-centred and argued that improved public finance management and restraint by rulers enabled relief for the public. He rejected Opposition criticism on the rule of law, citing arrests in the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder investigation and non-interference in police work, and said the e-visa issue is before the Supreme Court with future action to follow legal outcomes and the Auditor General’s recommendations. He also highlighted the Rs. 1,500 million allocation for the “The Whole Nation Together” anti-drug programme and requested Opposition cooperation through district, divisional and village-level structures.
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi defended the President’s Budget, arguing that Opposition criticism ignored clarifications already given and failed to recognize the circumstances under which the first Budgets were prepared. He said implementation of the 2025 Budget was progressing better than in previous years, with district-level progress expected around 70–80 per cent, and described the 2026 Budget as continuing that work. He highlighted proposed measures including public-sector digitisation, recruitment of 75,000 public servants, support for casual workers, and interest support for senior citizens’ deposits, framing the Budget as aimed at stabilising institutions and improving livelihoods.
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi defended the 2026 Budget as part of the NPP Government’s planned economic programme, contrasting it with previous administrations which he said lacked strategy and led the country to bankruptcy. He highlighted allocations to strengthen the public service, including funding for vehicles and machinery, digital access, arrears clearance, public servant property loans, allowances for teachers, principals and railway gatekeepers, and support for estate worker wages. He emphasized the restoration of full pension rights for public servants recruited after 2016 and noted ongoing action on pension anomalies and the planned commission on public sector pay and pensions. He also cited salary increases, higher festival advances, and regularisation of temporary and contract workers as key Budget measures.
- The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that it combines economic development with social justice and specifically addresses the needs of more than 1.6 million persons with disabilities. He highlighted allocations for a Rs. 10,000 monthly disability allowance, accessibility improvements in public facilities and transport, day-care protection centres for children with intellectual disabilities, education support payments, and university policy reforms. He also noted plans to enforce the 3 per cent public-sector employment quota for persons with disabilities and provide private-sector wage subsidies of up to Rs. 15,000 per month for 24 months.
- The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna (Medical Doctor) Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna welcomed several Budget 2026 proposals, including a National Cardiac Institute, entrepreneurship measures, public–private partnerships, investor visas, and digital initiatives, but questioned whether allocations such as Rs. 200 million for the cardiac institute were adequate. He alleged serious financial irregularities in Northern Province health projects, citing audit reports on Point Pedro Hospital, unapproved works, private bank accounts, missing records, and contracts, and called on the Government to act on its anti-corruption promises. He also criticised the Budget’s debt burden, noting large allocations for debt service, interest, and principal repayment, and argued that limited funds remained for development.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe rose on a Point of Order, indicating an intention to raise a procedural matter before the House. No substantive issue or argument is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna objected to an interruption being treated as a Point of Order and asserted his right to continue within his allotted speaking time. He asked that the time taken by the interruption not count against his stopwatch-measured speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that language used in Parliament carries significance and urged Members to safeguard each other’s dignity when speaking in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe objected to a word used in the chamber and called for it to be withdrawn. He stated that members who do not know the proper manner of speaking in Parliament should learn it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe criticized other members for engaging in improper or undignified language in Parliament. His remarks did not raise a specific policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said he would not describe the Budget as bad, arguing that it should be judged by the public and characterizing it as being in the Government’s “honeymoon” period. He complained that the Budget had not provided for the North, citing poor roads and difficulties faced by schoolchildren, and objected to Tamils being labelled as terrorists. Much of the intervention involved disputes over speaking time, interruptions, and remarks later expunged by the Chair.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara defended the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a structured Budget based on inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive economic strengthening, rural poverty eradication and digitization. He highlighted a Rs. 25 billion allocation, including Rs. 1 billion per district, to strengthen rural economies, and argued that the Government is operating collectively and ethically while rejecting Opposition claims of authoritarianism. He criticized ethnic nationalist politics in the North, citing Budget allocations and ongoing infrastructure work there, and responded to concerns about official travel and vehicles by saying overseas delegations are limited and state vehicles are provided for public service rather than private permits.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Nanda Bandara said the country was in a process of rebuilding and urged Opposition Members to support it, even verbally, by offering constructive criticism rather than mockery. He also stated that an unspecified matter “must be removed clearly.”
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam welcomed the 2026 Budget, framing it as a comprehensive post-bankruptcy development plan focused on inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty reduction, digitalization and housing. He argued that allocations such as public sector salary increases, education funding, village-level housing, Kankesanthurai Harbour development, Vattuvagal Bridge rehabilitation and Nintavur auditorium completion benefit all regions rather than particular ethnic or geographic groups. He urged MPs to move away from North-South or ethnic divisions, and emphasized the Government’s stated priorities of eliminating narcotics, underworld activity and corruption while creating a peaceful environment. He also defended measures such as the estate workers’ wage increase and questioned the Opposition’s record on delivering development to northern areas.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman welcomed the Budget proposal allocating Rs. 5,000 million for plantation worker wage increases but sought clarity on whether the proposed Rs. 200 is an attendance incentive or an increase to the basic daily wage. He questioned what discussions had been held with plantation companies, whether they had agreed, and urged that any basic wage increase be formalized through a Gazette amendment from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,550. He rejected calls for his resignation for raising these questions, citing past unfulfilled promises on plantation wages, housing, and land titles.
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman urged the Government to closely monitor plantation companies over wage commitments, warning that firms may reduce workdays or impose conditions while appearing to grant increases. He argued that repeated daily wage hikes are not a sustainable solution and called for a shift to productivity-linked income models, including pilot outgrower or revenue-sharing schemes, while addressing the future of JEDB and SPC. He questioned the sustainability of the Rs. 5,000 million allocation for a Rs. 200 attendance incentive, asked that it be tabled in Parliament at the final stage, and suggested legislating an annual Rs. 200 increase if the policy is to continue. He also highlighted infrastructure gaps in Upcountry schools, hospitals, roads and housing, and questioned the allocation and relocation of housing resources intended for Nuwara Eliya.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe clarified the Government’s position on plantation workers’ wages, noting that waiting for the existing Collective Agreement process would delay any increase by about one and a half years. He said that, following discussions with planters’ associations and in line with the President’s Budget commitment, Rs. 200 will be added to the basic salary and a further Rs. 200 paid as an attendance incentive, with the Government reimbursing the latter amount. He stated that the measure is funded in the Budget and will take effect from 1 January after the Budget is passed, amounting to an additional Rs. 10,000 per month for workers completing 25 days of work.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman stated that estate wage increases can be implemented not only through Collective Agreements, but also through the Wages Board and Parliament, as done previously. He expressed support for the Minister’s efforts to secure the increase and said he would back action against companies if they obstructed it, while rejecting calls for his resignation over the issue.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that after years of disagreement between unions and planters over a Collective Agreement, the Wages Board settled on a daily wage of Rs. 1,350 for plantation workers. He said Rs. 200 would be added to the basic wage and a further Rs. 200 provided by the Government, amounting to an additional Rs. 10,000 per month for 25 working days. He called for collective action if plantation workers do not receive the promised increase.
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Jeevan Thondaman stated that estate workers would attend work if companies provided 25 days of employment, addressing the Minister directly. He implied that the issue lies with the availability of sufficient work days rather than workers’ willingness to work.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel said the 2025 Budget provides a plantation workers’ wage increase without the pre-Budget protests seen in previous years, with Rs. 200 from the Government and Rs. 200 from companies based on attendance, as part of efforts to reach a Rs. 1,750 daily wage through negotiations. She rejected Opposition claims that infrastructure and housing in the hill country were neglected, citing road carpeting projects in Badulla, Haputale, Bandarawela–Poonagala and Thampetenna, and housing work in Poonagala. She argued that the National People’s Power Government is using public funds for the welfare of Upcountry communities and addressing longstanding needs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe defended the 2026 Budget presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arguing that the Government had restored economic conditions to 2019 levels within a year and improved indicators such as poverty and unemployment. She highlighted allocations for poverty eradication through Praja Shakthi, district-level development, education, housing, children leaving care, rail gatekeepers’ allowances, and support for vulnerable groups. She also rejected Opposition criticism, stating that the Budget demonstrated fiscal discipline and that public funds would be managed for public benefit.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the 2026 Budget, describing it as part of the National People’s Power Government’s mandate following the 2024 elections and as a continuation of a new political culture without misuse of public funds or undue privileges. He argued that the Government inherited a bankrupt economy and damaged systems after decades of mismanagement, and said the 2025 Budget had met its financing targets and received international recognition. He rejected Opposition criticism as unfounded and stated that the 2026 Budget aims to reduce rural poverty, strengthen the economy, improve health, promote environmental sustainability, and develop safe, efficient and sustainable transport, with economic benefits reaching all levels of society.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage defended the 2026 Budget as setting a broader national economic and social vision beyond short-term price measures. He said implementation delays in areas such as Gampaha were due to shortages of technical officers, vehicles and functioning public buildings, and supported Budget proposals for public service recruitment, rehabilitation of facilities, transport provision and digitalization. He also rejected Opposition claims on unspent agriculture funds and rising poverty, stating that concessional loan schemes are being implemented and that World Bank data shows poverty declining from 2024.
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that references to the World Bank should be supported by specific data rather than used as a general justification. He called for evidence-based discussion, implying that policy claims or decisions in the debate should be backed by concrete figures and sources.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Asked the relevant official or minister to clarify the data source being relied on, specifically requesting disclosure of any 2025 data cited.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage said the Government’s economic model had already been outlined in the first Budget and would be further reflected in the next Budget. He stated that the Government’s aim is to build a “prosperous country—beautiful life” by empowering families, villages, divisions and districts, with public participation, state institutions and political leadership working together.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that Sri Lanka’s recent economic stabilisation was largely due to measures taken before the current Government assumed office, including the IMF programme and Indian assistance, and said the Government is now constrained by IMF conditions despite election promises such as a 30 per cent electricity tariff reduction. He criticised the loading of CEB legacy debt onto consumers under cost-reflective pricing. He also alleged serious irregularities in the transfer of Lanka Transformers Limited shareholdings to an insider-controlled trust, claiming substantial public asset losses and dividends paid to a small group. He called for a full forensic audit, referral to CIABOC, and legislative reforms to prevent abuse of State-owned enterprise and employee-trust structures.
- 14 Debate Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 (continued) 3 speeches
- 15 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Suspension of Development Projects Approved by Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha 16 speeches
- 16 Oral question Oral Question: Kalutara District Sports Complex - Maintenance 2 speeches