Sitting of Monday, 10 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22753 ·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 Annual Report and Reports Tabling 4 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions Presented 3 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Vavuniya-Kilinochchi Section of Northern Railway Line – Dilapidated Railway Crossings (Q.1085/2025) 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Civil Security Department – Annual Income and Expenditure (Q.1113/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Questions – Second Round: Kalawewa Railway Station and I-Road Project in Matara District (Q.1221/2025 and Q.1304/2025) 8 speeches
- 6 Debate Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading 151 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that the 2025 Budget does not sufficiently reflect the promises made in the NPP manifesto and by the Government before taking office, including pledges on housing, worker protections, fuel and electricity prices, VAT relief, and investigations such as the Easter attacks. He said public expectations were high because the Government received its mandate amid economic collapse, but the Budget contains mostly intentions rather than concrete delivery. He urged that recovery requires specific measures to raise revenue, attract foreign direct investment, create jobs, advance technology, and expand production, warning that poverty could rise further if the economy faces another shock.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government’s implementation record following the previous Budget, saying proposed legal reforms, including laws on inter-institutional information exchange, investment protection, and amendments to the Paddy Marketing Board Act, had not been enacted. He argued that several budget allocations for education modernization, scholarships, vocational training, sports, tourism promotion, and beneficiary empowerment had seen little or partial expenditure, describing unspent public funds as a failure of administration. He urged the Speaker and Government to ensure that presented Bills and allocated development funds are acted on promptly rather than remaining unimplemented.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka indicated the allocation of speaking time, stating that the Member would have 26 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government’s implementation capacity, claiming that overall expenditure execution was only about 15 percent and that some items had virtually no spending. He cited numerous resignations of officials from state institutions as evidence of administrative failure, tabling a list of 26 resigned officers, while contrasting this with his experience in previous ministries where he said public officials were effectively managed. He argued that the issue lay not with the public service but with Government leadership, which he described as unable to work constructively with officials.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that Sri Lanka had been returned to macroeconomic normalcy before the present Government assumed office, citing the 2024 Annual Economic Review and World Bank assessments on inflation, growth, exchange rates, Central Bank independence, debt restructuring and reforms. He said the Government’s Budget followed IMF parameters too closely and should give greater attention to poverty, Aswesuma applicants and households vulnerable to economic shocks. He criticized Ministers for remarks about welfare applicants, for discouraging protests despite previously opposing development projects, and for allegedly using policing, prosecutions and political lists as tools of retaliation. He also questioned the Government’s handling of Sri Lanka’s international image, referring to a US travel advisory and the President’s comments at the UN in the context of tourism promotion.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe requested an additional five minutes of speaking time from the Chief Opposition Whip.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka briefly requests that two additional minutes be granted for the proceedings or for a speaker’s time allocation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that Sri Lanka’s development depends on expanding production, particularly through greater investment in agriculture, seed development, and agricultural experimentation. He said he would table supporting details and cited the United States’ progress as an example of the importance of developing improved seeds and related research.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that criticism or verbal attacks would not cause the Government to fall. The remark was a brief political assertion defending the Government’s stability.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary The member argued that recent cooperative election results indicate declining support for the Government and challenged it to hold Provincial Council elections, criticizing references to pending delimitation as a delaying tactic. He used a supermarket analogy to question the Government’s capacity to manage supplies and governance, saying essential items were lacking and warning of failure.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that Sri Lanka’s development requires expanding production and industrial exports, particularly through trade zones and electronics manufacturing. He cited the 400-acre Millaniya trade zone project initiated under a public-private partnership during his tenure, questioned why it was absent from the President’s development plan, and raised concern over plans to re-release the land to Dhammika Perera. He said his export strategy was grant-funded and called for at least 5,000 acres to be developed for electronics manufacturing, noting past local industrial capacity such as transformer production in the 1980s.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe said that his side had not had the opportunity since 1994 to implement policies associated with earlier leaders such as D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, John Kotelawala, J.R. Jayewardene, R. Premadasa, Gamini Dissanayake, and Lalith Athulathmudali. He stated that, from the Opposition, they would assist the Government and offer an export strategy developed with grant support, before being interrupted as his allotted time had ended.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe requested an additional minute to continue his remarks. The Chair instructed him to conclude, indicating the allocated speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe indicated that the Government had allotted him ten minutes to speak and thanked the Chair. The Speaker then intervened and stopped him before he could proceed further.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe requested additional time to complete his remarks, noting that ten minutes had been mentioned and asking the Speaker for at least 30 seconds. The Speaker responded by allowing him 30 seconds to finish.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that Sri Lanka cannot develop or meet its debt obligations through borrowing alone without expanding domestic production and industry. He warned that the need to repay USD 6 billion next year could deepen economic decline and poverty if productive sectors are not revived.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly opened his contribution on the second day of the Budget Debate, stating his intention to participate. The Chair indicated that he could be granted an additional ten minutes if required.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to Opposition criticisms of the Government’s economic programme, development plans, and second Budget, arguing that some claims were unfounded. He said the Government had modified and was implementing IMF-related understandings, and noted that a U.S. travel-related statement on Sri Lanka had been corrected. He invited the Opposition to debate the Budget’s policy points and proposals substantively, while rejecting allegations relating to corruption campaigns, vehicle sales, and other claims.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Minister would provide a name later in the evening and criticized the Opposition for protesting in Parliament without a clear course of action. The Speaker intervened to note that no Member had been named and asked the Member to sit down.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to reactions in the chamber, stating that he had not named anyone while making a remark. The Speaker then instructed Members to allow proceedings to continue without disturbance.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe questioned why others reacted angrily when he referred to alleged vehicle assembly-related cases and books written about the bond scam. His intervention implied that these matters were already documented or subject to public allegations and should not provoke agitation in the debate.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised a point of order, addressing the Speaker to clarify that a preceding remark had not mentioned the Speaker by name.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe briefly disputed a preceding assertion in the debate, stating in response to the Speaker that the person in question “did not” do what had been claimed. No substantive policy issue, legislative matter, or proposal was raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe interjected to state that he had not named anyone during the proceedings. The Speaker responded that the Member himself had not been named and directed him to sit down and refrain from disrupting the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna attempted to raise a point of order during the sitting. The Speaker ruled that he had not been named and instructed him to sit down from the start of the speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that he had not named any individual, arguing that describing an incident was sufficient for those involved to identify themselves. The exchange occurred amid disorder, with a warning from the Chair that members obstructing proceedings could be removed from the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly stated that individuals are implicated or “get caught” when details of an incident are disclosed. No specific legislation, proposal, or policy demand was raised in the excerpt.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary A point of order was raised by Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law. The Speaker intervened immediately and directed him to sit down, so no substantive issue or argument was presented.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary The exchange occurred during discussion of the 2026 Budget, with Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe making a brief remark referring to someone having written books and questioning what further there was to discuss. The Speaker intervened to ask Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe to sit down and not disturb proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe began to speak on the strategic objectives of the 2026 Budget and requested that his remarks be kept on record. The exchange was interrupted when the Chair addressed another Member, ruling that Hon. Archchuna’s point of order was not valid.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the 2026 Budget as aligned with six strategic pillars including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, production, rural-urban equity and digitalization, while citing measures implemented in 2025 under economic stabilization constraints. He detailed proposals and allocations for public sector pensions, salary increases, regularization of temporary workers, housing and disaster loans, pension anomaly corrections, EPF/ETF and gratuity arrears in semi-state entities, and allowances for difficult schools and railway gatekeepers. He also highlighted private sector and plantation wage increases, including a proposed Rs. 5 billion allocation for a plantation attendance incentive, and referred to ongoing priorities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, government digitalization and social assistance.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa requested that an additional five minutes be given, likely to allow another member to continue speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government would continue strengthening the economy during 2026–2028 while reducing the cost of living and supporting farmers. He noted that implementation of the 2025 Budget had been limited to about six months due to late passage and elections, and that pending capital projects were at tender, procurement, or negotiating committee stages, with efforts planned to maximize execution in the next two months. He urged the Opposition to engage substantively in the Budget debate and argued that the Budget was intended to benefit the whole country.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a point of order, after which the Speaker recognized him to proceed. No substantive issue or proposal was stated in the provided exchange.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake objected to Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe selectively citing him or his side as examples and referred to earlier comments on VAT. He appeared to dispute the Minister’s characterization and sought to clarify his position in the context of the VAT discussion.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake rose on a point of order, noting that his name had been mentioned in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake stated that the previous remarks were not incorrect and that he was adding to them. He referred to a similar Budget presentation on 28 October 2016, noting that a proposal had been brought to reduce the VAT threshold.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order under Standing Order 91(1), arguing that a Member deviating from the rules may be called to order by the Speaker. He alleged that Minister Samarasinghe had improperly mentioned “Sujeewa Senasinghe” at the start of his speech and played an audio recording to support the claim, while objecting to the handling of his intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s anti-narcotics campaign, citing arrests linked to local councillors’ family members and calling for investigations into their assets and bank accounts, while questioning the timing of an IGP circular restricting publication of suspect photos and investigation details. He argued that the 2025 Budget had poor implementation, claiming many proposals were not carried out, capital expenditure progress was low, and several allocations in Anuradhapura-related projects showed little or no progress. He also said promised relief measures, such as a New Year relief pack, were not delivered, while large direct transfers such as funding for SriLankan Airlines were recorded as full progress despite not representing grassroots development.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake requested an additional two minutes to continue his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary A procedural request was made to the Deputy Speaker to grant another Member an additional two minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake warned the Government not to create continuous political crises or act vindictively, saying public anger could be reflected both on the streets and at elections. He argued that Uva and surrounding districts such as Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Monaragala have long suffered from inadequate roads, electricity and loss of farmland, unlike areas that produced national leaders and influential patrons. He also questioned whether leaders and Ministers from Anuradhapura, Kalutara and Badulla were adequately addressing local grievances, citing anger among onion farmers and urging Ministers to respond fairly to people’s concerns.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticised the implementation of the 2025 Budget, citing capital expenditure progress of only 24 per cent. Referring to the 2026 Budget Speech, he urged the President to allocate funds through Ministers and MPs, assign clear responsibilities, and ensure implementation achieves at least 90 per cent capital expenditure progress in the coming year. He also briefly referred to public criticism regarding a “doctor” travelling Business Class, but said that matter was not his focus.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that he would not make any further comment on the matter under discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that he regretted a prior wrongdoing and would not elaborate further. Referring to the Budget debate, he said that while the Government may praise its measures, Opposition Members have a role in identifying shortcomings, and he urged ministers not to respond to criticism by filing cases or making CID complaints against him.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that there was no point in continuing and ended his remarks with thanks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe raised a point of order objecting to a reference by Hon. Chamara Sampath to a Ministry Secretary’s ethnicity. He requested that Members refrain from referring to public officials by ethnicity or religion during debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said economic centres currently operate under inconsistent arrangements and noted unresolved audit queries relating to Rs. 1,100 million in government funds. He stated that the Government has begun regularising the centres and proposed a company structure to bring all 18 economic centres under one framework. He rejected claims that the centres were “encircled,” saying only Dambulla had such a situation due to farmers bringing produce, and added that Dambulla and Keppetipola were functioning well, citing current onion and potato prices.
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised a point of order or personal reference, noting that his name had been mentioned by another member. No substantive policy issue or proposal was presented in this brief intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake clarified that his earlier reference to a Secretary was due to not knowing the person’s name and was not intended as an insult or religious reference. He also noted that issues relating to economic centres would be taken up in an Adjournment Motion scheduled for the 19th.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB
AI summary Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya defended the 2026 Budget and the Government’s 2025 expenditure record, arguing that implementation was delayed by local government election restrictions but that substantial work had since begun, including agricultural infrastructure projects and housing in Kegalle. He said the Government had strengthened the Treasury by reducing corruption, delivered the public sector wage increase, and halted the New Year relief pack due to Opposition complaints to the Election Commission. He also clarified that proposed vehicle imports were for state institutions and temporary use by MPs, not permits, and highlighted health-sector plans including upgraded divisional hospitals and expanded local medical coverage.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi defended the 2026 Budget as a strategic economic plan rather than a forum for preferential politics, arguing that the National People’s Power Government had stabilised the economy and improved key indicators including growth, unemployment, exports, remittances, tourism earnings, revenue, and the primary surplus. He said the Budget is based on six pillars, including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty eradication, strengthening production, and digitalization. He highlighted proposed technology measures such as waiving government e-payment service fees from January 2026, allocating funds for data centres, AI and cloud capacity, broadband vouchers, telecom tower facilitation, an “AGNI” startup fund, and a Virtual Special Economic Zone, alongside energy-related initiatives in electrification, green hydrogen, and green ammonia.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised a point of order under Standing Order No. 91 seeking clarification on parliamentary practice after his name had been mentioned earlier in the sitting. He indicated that he had already raised a related point of order that morning and sought procedural guidance on the matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe stated that his remarks were intended to be placed on record and to contribute to improving practice. No specific policy issue, legislative proposal, or demand was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe stated that his intervention was not personal in nature and was made with reference to the Standing Orders. He indicated that the matter should be treated as a procedural point rather than a personal remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Citing Standing Order No. 91(h), Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that Members must not impute improper motives or refer to the personal affairs of other Members. He stated that when a Member’s name is mentioned, that Member has the right to raise a point of order under the Standing Orders, regardless of differing interpretations of any innuendo.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan welcomed positive Budget indicators and allocations for Batticaloa infrastructure, while arguing that economic progress also requires resolving the national ethnic question and addressing war-related accountability, disappearances, political prisoners, land issues, and alleged wartime sexual violence through credible investigations. He urged urgent action on North and East basic needs, including clean drinking water, kidney disease prevention, staffing wildlife offices to address human-elephant conflict, and resolving grazing land restrictions. He also raised concerns over The Finance Company PLC depositors, pension anomalies, and welcomed the stated decision to withdraw the Army from Maaveerar resting places.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it is built on the first Budget’s measures taken after an economic collapse and is organized around six strategic goals. He criticized Opposition claims that the Budget lacks planning, citing reported economic growth, Treasury improvement, and unmet basic needs in Hambantota such as access to safe drinking water and sanitation under previous governments. He highlighted targets including sustained GDP growth above 7 per cent, fair regional distribution of benefits, export diversification, review of trade agreements, and new free trade agreements under the 2025–2029 National Export Development Plan, while inviting constructive criticism on the Budget’s content.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath JJB
AI summary Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath supported the 2026 Budget, describing it as a comprehensive measure to rebuild the economy and respond to current challenges. He said the Government was willing to consider constructive Opposition criticism, but argued that the Budget already contains policy-based and statistical responses. He urged Members to understand the Budget properly and work together on its implementation.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody supported the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it shows economic stabilization, planned development, and preparation for 2028 debt obligations. He defended the decision not to issue vehicle permits to MPs, saying State-provided vehicles should be used for five years and returned, and said decentralized allocations are being released through a rules-based process to prevent past misuse. He also stated that anti-narcotics enforcement would be non-partisan and that the Government is working with officials to address long-standing agricultural market issues such as the onion problem in Anuradhapura.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody stated that the Government has structured programmes and Budget provisions planned for the coming year to address the issues under discussion. He described the Budget as aligned with the policy framework “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” and aimed at meeting public aspirations.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda criticized the 2026 Budget as a continuation of unfulfilled promises, arguing that Opposition MPs are unfairly denied decentralized allocations and that the Government has not delivered the transparency and reforms it pledged. He questioned the lack of disclosure on alleged agreements with India, commitments linked to US tax concessions, and the untabled Presidential Commission report on the 323 containers issue, while citing weak implementation of 2025 Budget measures including investment protection, quality certification, tourism infrastructure, digitalization, maternal nutrition, Thriposha, and pre-school teacher support. He urged measures such as a higher and more dignified allowance or cadre for early childhood educators, housing and land support for young couples, reduced taxes on construction materials, removal of VAT on school supplies, and concessions for students to purchase computers and tablets.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda questioned the Government’s credibility in promising 75,000 jobs, citing its failure to deliver 30,000 jobs the previous year and the halting of appointments for selected Sub Inspectors of Police. He expressed the hope that at least 70–80 percent of the 2026 Budget proposals would be implemented.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera supported the 2026 Citizen’s Budget, arguing that end-2025 fiscal and external sector data show macroeconomic stabilization, including higher-than-projected revenue, a reduced deficit, and stronger inflows from exports, remittances, and tourism. He defended the Government’s poverty and housing policies, citing plans for 70,000 houses and criticizing shortcomings in a previous housing project in Buttala while highlighting community-based low-cost housing in his district. He also noted allocations for addressing human-elephant conflict through environmental assessments, elephant corridors, and fence management, and for cultural and recreation facilities in Monaragala and Ampara.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera responded to criticism that the Government had fostered social hatred, rejecting generalization from an alleged incident involving Hon. Ratna Sri Wijesinha and citing cultural recognition in the Southern region. He supported the 2026 Budget, highlighting allocations to resolve Techno Park land issues, address Galle’s water supply deficit, pursue 7 per cent growth through tariff reform, export diversification, production, poverty reduction and digitalization, and maintain debt sustainability under the IMF framework. He also noted social sector measures, including funding for autism-related child development and day care centres at Lady Ridgeway Hospital and in districts, with further allocations planned for expansion.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera requested additional time to conclude and criticized the Opposition, stating that it had governed until late the previous year without delivering results. He argued that the Opposition is now concerned with its own political difficulties rather than public welfare.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The speech contains only a formal address to the Deputy Speaker and does not include any substantive argument, proposal, question, or reference to legislation, events, or policy.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point under Standing Order No. 91(6), arguing that speaking time is not being allocated fairly because Members listed later often receive less time when earlier speakers exceed their limits. He proposed introducing a visible timing system, similar to the European Parliament, where speaking time is displayed and microphones are cut off when time expires, to ensure equitable participation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna requested consideration of a system like that used in the European Parliament, where microphones switch off when a member’s allotted speaking time ends. He argued that such a measure would help preserve speaking time for members scheduled later in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that the Government inherited an already stabilized economy and must now focus on delivering promised reforms rather than attributing delays to elections or past crises. He criticized the 2026 Budget for low implementation of previous pledges, inadequate relief for farmers, teachers, principals, graduates, and public sector groups, and for continuing IMF-linked taxation, fuel pricing, and electricity tariff policies despite earlier promises to change them. He also called for concrete action on abolishing the Executive Presidency, introducing a new Constitution, and urgently holding Provincial Council elections using the Government’s two-thirds majority if legislative changes are required.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had stabilized the economy, increased reserves, improved remittances, exports and investment, and presented a stronger fiscal position. He cited Budget provisions for public sector recruitment, restoration of pensions, salary increases, regularization of temporary staff, assistance to pregnant mothers, reduced fuel and electricity costs, and higher wages for plantation workers. He also highlighted allocations for Ratnapura-related development, including flood studies, the Ruwanpura Expressway and Railway, and relocation of state quarters.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena — Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the 2026 Budget as a continuation of fiscal stabilization, citing projected revenue of Rs. 5,305 billion, expenditure at about 20.5% of GDP, a deficit of 5.1%, and progress on IMF-related primary surplus and debt reduction targets. He said meeting fiscal targets had helped secure debt restructuring benefits, including lower average interest rates for 2028–2035. Responding to Opposition criticism of rural road spending, he detailed implementation under the “Road to Revival” programme through the RDA and District Secretaries, stating that Rs. 2,039 million had already been spent under the RDA track and hundreds of roads were completed or ongoing. He also clarified that State vehicles provided for official use must be returned.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticised the 2026 Budget as a continuation of IMF-aligned open-economy policies while blaming previous governments, arguing that it favours business interests over farmers, pensioners, teachers and public servants. She cited rising central government debt, falling foreign reserves, rupee depreciation and unresolved pension anomalies as evidence against claims of debt stabilization and economic relief. She demanded attention to retirees’ pension discrepancies, the difficulties faced by teachers and principals, and the situation of potato, onion and other farmers who she said are unable to sell their produce.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna warned that, under the Public Finance Management Act, accountability for the relevant budget proposal lies with the Director General of the Budget rather than the Secretary to the Treasury. Referring to recent legal action involving public officials, she urged that unlawful approvals not be given and cautioned against exposing Treasury and other public officers to future legal jeopardy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna welcomed the inclusion of her Private Member’s Proposal to introduce a contributory pension for overseas migrant workers, noting their contribution to foreign remittances. She raised concerns about human-elephant conflict in the Matale/Rattota area, citing a recent elephant death and the prolonged presence of wild elephants without an effective relocation mechanism. She requested vehicles, offices, housing and facilities for wildlife and electric-fence officers, and criticized unspent allocations and inadequate support for wildlife management.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that it reflects fiscal discipline and restored macroeconomic stability, citing improved revenue, reduced deficit figures, and growth in exports, remittances, tourism earnings and grants. He criticized the Opposition for lacking substantive analysis and urged policy-based debate. He highlighted Budget proposals for tourism development, including the Hamilton Canal–Negombo lagoon zone, Uva tourism clusters, upgrading state bungalows, tourism workforce training, and airport improvements, as well as measures to expand digital payments and explore data-centre revenue opportunities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB
AI summary Eranga Gunasekara defended the Budget as a citizen-centred programme that has produced measurable results within nine months, citing economic stabilization, increased state revenue, stronger foreign reserves, a reduced budget deficit, and higher allowances such as Mahapola scholarships and plantation worker payments. He argued that the Budget’s progress rests on changes in political culture, fiscal discipline, and financial management, which he said reflect citizen empowerment rather than individual leadership. He criticized the Opposition for being unable to respond substantively to the Budget and for relying on outdated assumptions about the economy.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara JJB
AI summary Eranga Gunasekara concluded by supporting the Government’s “citizen Budget,” arguing that it was developed through public participation and is beginning to show results. He stated that the Government would continue working with the public to rebuild the country and improve citizens’ living standards.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticised the Government’s Budget as a continuation of the IMF Extended Fund Facility framework that the NPP/JVP had opposed in Parliament in April 2023, arguing that the Government should acknowledge it misled voters by previously rejecting IMF conditions while now implementing them. He questioned the absence of a post-2026 roadmap, including how reserves would reach USD 10.3 billion by 2027, and raised concerns about possible divestment of profit-making state entities such as Sri Lanka Insurance, Sri Lanka Telecom, Lanka Hospitals and Litro Gas. He also said promised VAT removals on school supplies and health services had not materialised, and cited rising inflation, World Bank poverty figures, and increases in public debt as evidence of continuing economic pressure.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran paid tribute to former MP Nadarajah Raviraj on the 19th anniversary of his death and urged Members to uphold the dignity and privileges of Parliament by avoiding unparliamentary conduct. Speaking in support of the Government’s second Budget, he argued that the economy had moved from contraction to about 4 per cent growth, with foreign reserves reaching USD 6 billion and significant cash holdings. He stated that the Government was meeting debt obligations, including a planned Rs. 1,878 billion in principal repayments in 2026, while pursuing economic stability and anti-corruption efforts.
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran stated that over half of total expenditure is being absorbed by debt servicing, with Rs. 2,617 billion in interest and Rs. 4,495 billion in total debt service, limiting resources for development. He rejected claims that the Northern Province received no allocations, citing Budget provisions for Mannar Hospital, pipe-borne water in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, road widening and rehabilitation projects, and Rs. 1,285 million to NAQDA for sea turtle hatching in Mannar and Jaffna.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed the Rs. 300 million Budget allocation to renovate a long-incomplete building in Nintavur, linking it to earlier efforts by late M.H.M. Ashraff and thanking officials and political leaders involved in securing the funding. He said the Opposition’s role is to raise public concerns, and questioned whether minority areas in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee had received promised development support, including Indian aid. He called for action on coastal erosion and the inactive fisheries jetty linked to Oluvil Port, compensation for affected landowners, improvements to the unsafe Kalmunai public market and municipal facilities, and the issuance of long-pending permits and better facilities for academics.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne defended the Government’s second Budget, rejecting Opposition claims that it lacks coherence or fails to meet promises, and said it is aligned with the NPP policy declaration, “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life.” She cited the President’s six stated goals, including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty eradication, and digitization, and highlighted rural road development, education reforms, and anti-corruption claims as evidence of implementation. She also referred to the plantation community’s historical struggles and said the Government had increased plantation workers’ wages by Rs. 1,750, presenting this as part of its commitment to uplift estate workers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna defended the Government’s 2025 and 2026 Budgets, arguing that delays in implementing 2025 projects were partly due to the Budget being passed only in March and to shortages of technical and administrative staff at village level. He highlighted proposals to recruit about 75,000 public servants through proper procedures, improve digital access in government institutions, and regularize certain appointments to strengthen delivery of development funds. He also rejected media reports that he had evaded court due to a warrant, stating that he had appeared through proper legal procedure and that the warrant had been recalled.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Dr. Sathiyalingam supported the 2026 Budget’s stabilisation efforts under IMF-backed fiscal management but argued that sustainable development requires equal treatment of all communities and stronger capital investment. He questioned the continued high Defence allocation of Rs. 455 billion sixteen years after the war, while education, agriculture, women and children, and social empowerment receive comparatively low allocations. He urged the release of lands held by state agencies in post-war areas, rehabilitation of tanks, support for SMEs, and targeted investment, port development, and tourism promotion in the Northern Province, including use of Indian assistance for Kankesanthurai Port. He also called for the Clean Sri Lanka programme to address corruption, drugs, racism, and alleged ethnic and language-based discrimination by state departments.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister proposed that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The House agreed, after which Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing it was designed to rebuild an economy and society weakened by the previous administration and to improve living standards. He said the Government had reduced corruption, waste and unnecessary expenditure while prioritizing programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka, anti-drug efforts, support for MSMEs, social protection, agriculture, industry, entrepreneurship, tourism and the digital economy. He cited improved reserves, ratings, remittances, the current account, the budget deficit and borrowing limits as evidence of economic stabilization, and rejected Opposition claims that the economy was collapsing.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj supported the Second Reading of the 2026 Budget, highlighting the Government’s decision to raise plantation workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1,750, including a Rs. 200 basic wage increase and a Rs. 200 Treasury-funded attendance allowance. He contrasted this with past wage struggles and previous increases under estate-sector political leadership, and challenged criticisms by Hon. Jeevan Thondaman regarding the wage measure. He also noted Budget allocations for estate-region infrastructure, including water supply, roads, transport, and tourism development, and thanked the President and Government on behalf of plantation workers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper criticised the 2026 Budget as repeating earlier promises while failing to reduce recurrent expenditure, arguing that capital spending has been cut to meet fiscal targets and that ministry allocations obscure the recurrent-capital split. He said promised capital projects in the Eastern Province, including the Rs. 150 million Kalmunai-Sandankeni indoor stadium, had not progressed, and questioned whether the new Rs. 300 million allocation for a Nintavur auditorium would be spent. He also criticised low capital allocations for Ampara and Batticaloa and challenged the Government’s reduction of the VAT registration threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million annually, saying it would bring more small businesses into VAT without clear revenue justification.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that VAT registration thresholds would raise costs for ordinary consumers, citing examples of small retailers and long-distance buses whose daily turnover could trigger 18 percent VAT and increase fares. He questioned whether the proposed tax approach was socially just and criticized the allocation of Rs. 5,000 million for plantation wage increases, arguing that profitable private estate companies should bear much of that cost. He concluded by criticizing the Budget Speech and the Government’s claims of economic stability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Labour requested one minute to clarify matters raised by Hon. Nizam Kariapper regarding plantation workers’ wages.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper requests that the relevant member be allowed to explain the matter, stating that the House needs clarification.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chandana Thennekoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennekoon stated that he would allocate one minute of his speaking time to the Hon. Deputy Minister.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe disputed Nizam Kariapper’s account of the plantation workers’ wage increase, stating that the agreement followed several discussions involving two ministries, the President, estate owners and other stakeholders. He said estate owners agreed to a Rs. 200 wage increase, while the Government agreed to provide a further Rs. 200 daily attendance incentive. He noted that around 100,000 plantation workers would benefit and that Rs. 5,000 million had been allocated for the measure.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Thennekoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennekoon supported the President’s second Budget, presenting it as aligned with six policy objectives including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty eradication, productive economic development, and digitalization. He highlighted allocations for irrigation, small tanks, rural roads, housing, education, and higher education, with particular emphasis on rural development in areas such as Kurunegala District. He also welcomed specific measures to address the human-elephant conflict, including funds for elephant fences, Wildlife Department vehicles and equipment, deployment of Civil Security Department officers, habitat improvements, and research into scientific solutions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad criticized the Budget for lacking measures to reduce essential prices, create jobs, improve the business climate, and attract sufficient investment to sustain the Government’s stated 7 per cent growth target. He argued that higher imports reflect increased consumption goods, especially food, rather than productive capital or intermediate imports, and said previous capital allocations were not effectively implemented in the field. He questioned whether the Government had funded forensic audits to identify corruption and urged it to grant financial independence to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. He also criticized the Government’s past use of students and graduates in political mobilization while now advising them to study and avoid mass recruitment expectations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the 2026 Budget, rejecting Opposition claims that it merely follows an IMF agenda and arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy, improved public finances, restored investor confidence, and achieved higher-than-expected growth. He highlighted Budget measures including concessional housing loans and a contributory pension scheme for migrant workers, as well as funding to raise plantation workers’ wages. He said the Government’s engagement with the IMF is focused on negotiating terms that protect welfare and citizens’ rights, contrasting this with the 2015 administration’s IMF-linked VAT increases, subsidy cuts, and privatization efforts.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, rejected the attribution of a remark to him and asked that the phrase “religious extremism” be removed from the parliamentary record. He clarified that he had not used the word “Muslim” and had referred only to the Eastern Province.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 7 Adjournment Adjournment of Parliament 2 speeches