Sitting of Thursday, 13 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22816 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening and Papers 5 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions 3 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Kinniya-Colombo Main Road Widening (1350/2025) 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Curbing Illegal Fishing in Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts (1352/2025) 4 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Payment of Pension since 2020 (1354/2025) 4 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Heda Oya Water Supply Project Status (1395/2025) 8 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Recovery of EPF Contributions 3 speeches
- 8 Oral question Private Notice Question: Paddy Prices and Rice Imports (27(2)) 8 speeches
- 9 Procedural Privilege Matters and Procedural Issues 10 speeches
- 10 Procedural Sittings Motions and Adjournment of Debate Order 13 speeches
- 11 Debate Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) 84 speeches
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka opened the Opposition’s debate on the Second Reading of the Budget, arguing that the Government’s second Budget repeats unimplemented proposals from the previous year and reflects poor delivery, citing low capital spending and limited progress on several 2025 proposals. He questioned allocations and priorities, including funding for digitization versus vehicle imports, and asked why pledges on teacher salary anomalies, VAT removal on schoolbooks, women’s programmes, and education spending had not been addressed. He also criticized the absence of increased support for war-hero dependants and said sectors such as small tea growers, poultry farmers, and rubber growers had been neglected.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s 2026 Budget against Opposition claims that it is tax-heavy, IMF-driven, and provides insufficient public benefit, arguing that the administration has implemented fiscal discipline, economic democracy, and agreed reforms in a way that stabilizes the economy. He said the Government is restructuring and improving state-owned enterprises rather than privatizing them, citing Treasury assumption of legacy debts and a USD 174 million allocation for SriLankan Airlines, along with steps to clear guarantees and digitalize state institutions. He also justified tax measures including broadening the tax base, lowering the VAT registration threshold from April 2026, and introducing a national tariff policy, saying these are necessary for revenue, fair competition, and domestic industry protection.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih supported the Second Reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a continuation of fiscal stabilization aimed at directing resources to education, health, infrastructure, employment, and social welfare. He highlighted provisions including public sector salary and pension increases, recruitment for essential services through examinations, a daily wage increase for estate workers, school stationery support, university and Mahapola funding, and health investments such as a new National Cardiac Unit and assistance for Thalassemic patients. He also urged mandatory genetic screening with counselling for susceptible populations, while emphasizing implementation discipline, anti-drug rehabilitation and prevention measures, and inclusive growth through SMEs, digital infrastructure, and agricultural modernization.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa requested a government response on illegal online lending apps, citing harassment by such operators and the reported suicide of Gimhaya Sewwandi from Welagedara, Attanagalla. He named several alleged illegal loan apps, tabled a letter listing them, and asked what measures the Government will take to stop these operations and inform Parliament.
- The Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker directed that the issue raised by the Leader of the Opposition be brought to the attention of the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning. He then apologized to Hon. Kodeeswaran for the interruption and stated that the lost speaking time would be restored.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran requested two additional minutes of speaking time from the Deputy Speaker.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said the 2026 Budget is largely aligned with IMF-led economic stabilization but contains positive allocations, particularly for health, including funding for Thirukkovil Base Hospital. He requested further attention to Ampara District’s rural roads and irrigation needs, including rehabilitation of canals and tanks to expand paddy cultivation. He called for higher education funding for research, innovation and technology, and questioned the absence of separate ministries for Hindu, Muslim and Christian affairs. He also requested recognition and civilian control of Maaveerar Thuyilum Illams in the North and East for remembrance purposes.
- The Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker called on Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe to speak and informed him that he had 11 minutes allocated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary Minister Susil Ranasinghe responded to Opposition claims about omissions in the Budget, citing allocations for Hindu religious affairs, restoration of Hindu sites, rubber subsidies, small tea smallholders, and cinnamon development from the Budget documents. He argued that the 2025 Budget stabilized an economy in crisis and that the 2026 Budget shifts toward development through support for rural poverty eradication, entrepreneurship, village-level funding mechanisms such as Prajashakthi, and expanded low-income housing grants. He said housing funds would rise from about Rs. 3.5 billion to Rs. 10.2 billion, defended a community-driven construction model, and contrasted it with earlier housing projects he described as incomplete.
- Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne supported the Government’s second Budget, describing it as focused on fiscal discipline, poverty alleviation, production, exports, digitalization, investment, and protection of all communities. He defended the proposed estate worker wage increase to Rs. 1,750, including a Rs. 200 Government arrival incentive, and questioned Opposition criticism of that payment. He also highlighted allocations for tourism development, nature and heritage attractions, coastal and lagoon restoration under Clean Sri Lanka, and sports promotion, linking these measures to economic growth, public health, and a proposed sports economy.
- The Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker called on Hon. Palani Thigambaram to speak and informed him that he had eight minutes allocated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Palani Thigambaram SJB
AI summary Welcoming the Budget’s proposed wage support and Rs. 5,000 million allocation for estate communities, Palani Thigambaram asked the Government to clarify whether the Rs. 200 incentive will continue beyond 2026, whether it will be incorporated into the basic wage, and how the proposed allowance will be calculated. He argued that estate worker welfare must be paired with structural reforms, including allocating 10-perch land plots and converting workers into smallholders, while also requesting development of Hatton, dialysis facilities at Kiligama Hospital, and permanent buildings for local bodies and Divisional Secretariats in Nuwara Eliya. He defended past “good governance” initiatives for hill-country communities, opposed politically motivated administrative changes, urged continuation of the dedicated hill-country development authority, and said the Opposition would support Government measures that genuinely improve estate workers’ lives.
- The Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker called on Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna to speak and informed him that he had 11 minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna rejected claims that the Norwood Divisional Secretariat would be moved to Hatton, stating that government policy is to bring services closer to villages. He argued that the 2026 Budget builds on 2025 stabilization measures after the economic crisis, citing fiscal discipline, anti-corruption efforts, inflation control, improved revenue, debt restructuring, reserve growth, tourism recovery, welfare support, and reduced VAT. He outlined a forward agenda based on inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, a production economy, rural poverty eradication, and digitalization, with support for SMEs, youth and women entrepreneurs, expanded education assistance, international university links, and a Rs. 21 billion allocation for research and development.
- The Deputy Speaker
AI summary The Deputy Speaker recognized Hon. T.K. Jayasundara and informed him that he had nine minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara framed the 2026 Budget as part of a long-term development and fiscal sustainability plan, arguing that debate should address underlying political and economic philosophy. He criticised the Opposition, linking the UNP, SJB and SLPP to a decades-long economic model he said had failed since the 1977 Budget’s employment proposals. He defended the Government’s approach as a “people’s participatory economy” focused on human capital, citing the proposed Rs. 1,750 estate wage increase and post-tsunami railway reconstruction as examples of valuing collective national labour.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara concluded his remarks by reciting a short poem he said he had seen on Facebook, linked to a reaction to an Opposition MP’s speech. He stated that he omitted an inappropriate final word and replaced it with “laddaru,” a traditional Sri Lankan sweet, while presenting the poem as a critical comment on disunity and failure to engage with the Budget.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticised the Government’s Budget, arguing that it lacked meaningful allocations for key sectors and that the JVP–NPP had now adopted economic, foreign, and education policies it had historically opposed, including engagement with the IMF. He alleged that taxes, VAT, utility charges, and fuel prices remained burdensome despite prior promises to reduce them, while public spending was low and poverty had increased. He also challenged the President’s statement that public servants recruited after 2016 would not receive pensions, citing Public Administration Circular No. 21/2017 and appointment letters stating such posts were pensionable.
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Budget’s public sector salary measures, arguing that the actual increase for lower-level public servants is minimal and that promised measures, including implementation of the remaining Subodinee Salary Commission recommendations for teachers, have not been delivered. He said allocations for principals’ and difficult-area allowances, housing loans, and distress loans are inadequate, and requested that executive-grade officers who already received vehicle permits under previous governments be allowed to use them. He also claimed the Budget offers no meaningful relief to farmers, fishers, the private sector, entrepreneurs, or public servants, and challenged the Government to hold Provincial Council Elections without first amending the law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs moved that Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran take the Chair. The House agreed to the proposal, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Kodeeswaran presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB
AI summary Chaminda Lalith Kumara defended the 2026 Budget, stating that it builds on the practical implementation of the 2025 Budget and includes village-level supervision to prevent waste and involve the public in development projects. He rejected Opposition criticism as baseless, urged members to read the Citizens’ Budget materials, and highlighted allocations and programmes for agriculture, value chains, youth engagement, tourism, drug eradication, and public security. He cited ongoing work in Gampaha and Meerigama to mobilize officials and community representatives, and dismissed allegations against him and his party relating to narcotics as politically motivated smears.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB
AI summary Chaminda Lalith Kumara said accusations and social media attacks would not deter his movement or the Government’s work. He stated that complaints had been lodged with the Mirigama Police and the Computer Crimes Division, citing CIB 157/151, and thanked those who expressed concern. He affirmed that the Government would continue delivering benefits and “victories” to the people.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Citizens’ Budget as a stabilization-focused Budget prepared under heavy debt-servicing obligations, noting Rs. 4,495 billion allocated for debt service and increased capital expenditure compared with 2024. He rejected Opposition claims that the Budget imposed new taxes, stating that no additional people-borne taxes were introduced and that the 18 percent VAT remained unchanged since January 2024. He highlighted improvements in exchange-rate stability, lower Treasury bill yields, export growth, remittances, tourism earnings, and reserves, and said relief for vulnerable groups such as estate workers reflected deliberate policy choices.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticised the Government’s second Budget, arguing that previous allocations had been poorly utilized, citing the Thambuttegama Economic Hub as an example, and saying the Budget relied on statistics without execution or substantive reform. He questioned the fiscal outlook, Fitch’s CCC+ rating, claims on FDI, and revenue increases linked to vehicle import relaxation, while warning that lowering the VAT registration threshold to Rs. 30 million would burden SMEs and consumers. He demanded restoration of vehicle permits for specialists, academics and executive-grade officers, and challenged the Government’s investment record, particularly its failure to attract new investment to the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Second Reading of the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had moved the country out of a “lost decade” through fiscal stabilization, improved revenue collection, legal reforms and attention to inherited liabilities such as incomplete infrastructure contracts. He highlighted allocations for persons with disabilities under Aswesuma and for accessibility improvements in public institutions, as well as spending on education, Mahapola and bursaries, professorial units, medical facilities, the Ratnapura railway line and Rs. 21 billion for research and development. He also responded to criticisms on Hindu affairs by citing initiatives including the National Thaipongal festival in Jaffna, gazetting the Sabarimala Ayyappan pilgrimage, kovil and religious education funding, and the allocation for a National “Sri Lankan Day” festival.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake marked the anniversary of Rohana Wijeweera’s death and linked the NPP Government’s political programme to rule of law, social justice, and economic stability. He defended the 2026 Budget, citing improved reserves, exchange-rate stability, foreign investment, remittances, tourism arrivals, and upgraded credit ratings as evidence of recovery after the economic crisis. He emphasized Budget support for hill-country estate workers, including a proposed Rs. 200 Government contribution and Rs. 200 planter contribution in addition to the Rs. 1,350 daily wage, and rejected Opposition criticism of that measure. He also noted planned cost-sharing subsidies for Montessori teachers and for private-sector employment of persons with disabilities, and called for continued support for estate communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Proposed that Hon. Sagarika Athauda take the Chair as Presiding Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Health formally seconded the motion under consideration. The House then agreed to the question, after which the presiding Chair changed from Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran to Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka urged the Government to ensure high execution of capital expenditure in the forthcoming Budget, arguing that public expectations depend on implementation and citing earlier Budgets under Mahinda Rajapaksa as having achieved over 95 percent capital expenditure execution. He criticized the previous year’s low spending, alleging that allocations for essential drugs, hospital repairs, telecommunications towers, and other promises were largely not fulfilled. He also demanded an apology from the Sports Minister and the expunging of a remark from Hansard, stating it was insulting to visually impaired persons and to Parliament.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Budget gives particular consideration to vulnerable groups. He framed this as a key feature of the Budget’s policy focus.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka challenged the Government’s claim that the Budget contains no new taxes, arguing that widened VAT coverage and lower registration thresholds would increase the burden on consumers and small businesses despite promises to shift toward direct taxation. He criticised the removal of vehicle permit benefits for professionals and public officers, saying MPs had not received such permits since 2020 and urging priority for doctors in any vehicle imports. He also alleged that a tender for 1,700 cabs appeared tailored to one supplier through restrictive specifications, while urgent health procurement had been delayed. He further questioned the real value of proposed salary increases under inflation and called for the long-delayed Household Income and Expenditure Survey to be conducted urgently.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka argued that household food costs have risen sharply, placing public servants under financial pressure, and suggested the current cost may exceed Rs. 100,000. He said onion, pumpkin, potato, and finger millet farmers are unable to sell their produce and urged the Government to allocate funds and address these issues before a planned gathering in Nugegoda on the 21st.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe defended the 2026 Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s second Budget after the 2024 presidential election, arguing that it should be assessed as a strategic plan rather than only by its figures. He said the Budget is built around six objectives: fair distribution of benefits, export diversification, debt sustainability, productive economic development, poverty eradication, and digitalization. He criticized the previous administration and the Opposition for debt-driven governance, alleged responsibility for the 2022 bankruptcy, and failing to understand or support the Government’s economic roadmap.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB
AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government’s first year had demonstrated fiscal discipline through deficit reduction, curbs on unnecessary borrowing, and preparations for orderly external debt repayment by 2028. She said allocations prioritize health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, transport, estate workers, housing, and women’s empowerment, including a proposed Rs. 200 daily allowance for estate workers, Rs. 440 million for women’s empowerment, and 230 completed houses in Kalutara District. She criticized Opposition objections to the estate worker allowance and urged support for the Budget, presenting it as targeted toward vulnerable communities and national development.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Dr. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Budget’s proposed Rs. 200 wage increase for plantation workers and urged the Government to ensure it is paid without restrictive attendance conditions, including to workers employed for fewer than 25 days. He appreciated allocations such as Rs. 500 million for easing traffic in Hatton, the improvement in economic growth, and anti-corruption efforts, while stressing that social justice and welfare must reach all communities equally. He also called on the Government, given its parliamentary majority, to address Tamil political grievances by holding Provincial Council elections as an initial step toward devolution and a broader solution for the North and East.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the 2026 Budget as a continuation of the Government’s stabilization and welfare-oriented programme, citing 2025 gains in growth, inflation control, interest rates, reserves, remittances, fiscal discipline, and revenue administration. She outlined 2026 priorities including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, domestic production, rural poverty reduction, and digitalization. She highlighted measures such as attendance-linked top-ups for estate workers, public service and pension increases, women’s empowerment funding, concessional loans for overseas Sri Lankans, a Wages and Pensions Commission, health-sector strengthening, higher Mahapola scholarships, and Rs. 4,290 million for 2,000 plantation-sector houses under Indian-assisted housing efforts.
- Mr. Speaker (Change of Chair)
AI summary The Chair called the House to order and invited a Member to propose Hon. Imran Maharoof to preside at that stage of proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary A procedural motion was moved proposing that Hon. Imran Maharoof take the Chair. The House agreed, after which Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda left the Chair and Hon. Imran Maharoof assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that the Budget largely continues fiscal and open-economy policies begun under UNP-led governments, and welcomed continuity with fiscal discipline while urging the Government to acknowledge earlier stabilization measures. He questioned the presentation of a surplus despite planned borrowing, saying the liquidity buffer has an opportunity cost and should instead be used to lower interest rates and finance high-return development projects. He warned that rupee depreciation increases the debt burden, noted that several ministry allocations decline in real terms under IMF-related spending limits, and called for stronger investment, revenue growth, and pro-growth capital expenditure.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe, using Government time, responded to remarks by Ravi Karunanayake regarding foreign reserves. He rejected the claim that reserves had fallen to USD 4.2 billion, stating that official reserves were about USD 6.3 billion and cautioning against relying solely on a newspaper report.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka supported the Budget as a comprehensive programme benefiting all communities and sectors, arguing that the Government had restored political stability, strengthened the economy, and upheld the rule of law since taking office. He rejected Opposition criticism of the Budget and disputed a social media claim about road carpeting in the Knuckles World Heritage area, inviting verification on the ground. He also condemned opposition to wage and welfare measures for Malaiyaha Tamil estate workers, stating that the Government would pursue housing, land, and livelihood improvements to move them out of line rooms.
- Hon. E.M. Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayake expressed support for the President’s Budget Speech, describing it as reflecting economic revival, improved livelihoods, and renewed hope achieved within the Government’s first year. He contrasted this with what he characterized as the legacy of 70 years of previous governance and criticized members who did not accept that interpretation.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam said his party supports the Government’s campaign against drugs, but argued that it will fail in the North and East unless alleged military involvement in the spread of drugs is addressed. He claimed this problem stems from wartime counter-insurgency practices and persists due to the continued heavy military presence, citing reported refusal by police to record complaints and discussions at District Coordinating Committees. He criticized the Deputy Minister of Defence for denying the allegations and urged the Government to confront the issue as part of its anti-drug policy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy position was stated in the provided extract.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera made only a brief procedural remark, thanking the Presiding Member. No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or demand was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order, stating that his name had not been read.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera raised a Point of Order in response to allegations by Hon. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam. He rejected the claim that Tri-Forces personnel were involved in the spread of drugs, stating that he had rejected the same allegation the previous day and continued to do so.
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam’s brief intervention was an accusatory outburst directed at another member, stating that they “should be impeached.” No substantive policy argument, legislative proposal, or detailed grounds for impeachment were presented in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera rejected allegations that the Tri-Forces, or retired Tri-Forces personnel, were involved in drug distribution. He asked members making such claims to provide specific information to enable action, rather than speaking in general terms.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose to a Point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Invoking Standing Order 92(2), Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna questioned the procedure allowing a Deputy Minister to respond in the House if a Motion against a Deputy Minister cannot be brought. His intervention sought clarification on the application of the Standing Orders in that context.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had strengthened the economy since taking office, citing 4.8 per cent growth, efforts to reduce public debt, restored vehicle imports, stable reserves of about USD 6 billion, and renewed stalled State projects. He highlighted digital economy initiatives including GovPay, digital payment of traffic fines, the National Cyber Security Centre, upgrades to the Lanka Government Cloud, online access to official certificates and Presidential Fund benefits, and creation of a GovTech company. He said the 2026 Budget supports economic stabilization and development toward 2030 goals, with proposals such as Starlink services, a planned 5G spectrum auction, and vouchers for students in difficult areas to access online education, and sought parliamentary approval for its implementation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration moved that Hon. M.K.M. Aslam take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which Hon. Imran Maharoof vacated the Chair and Hon. M.K.M. Aslam assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara supported the Government’s second Budget, “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” citing Fitch Ratings’ reference to fiscal consolidation and noting claims of a Treasury surplus. He defended wage increases for estate workers and urged the Opposition to examine the Budget constructively rather than criticize it. He also highlighted Budget support for the livestock sector, stating that Sri Lanka imports 60 per cent of its milk needs and outlining a target to raise annual milk production by 1,200 million litres and meet 75 per cent of domestic demand by 2030.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella argued that the Government’s 2026 Budget does not adequately fulfil its policy commitments and that Parliament, under Article 148, must scrutinize public finance and implementation. She cited weak progress on 2025 Budget allocations, including no progress on a Rs. 500 million sports allocation and low ministry spending, and referred to Fitch’s warning on fiscal risks. She welcomed the Rs. 200 wage increase for the estate community while highlighting previous measures for estate workers, and called for greater funding for women’s empowerment, stating that the Rs. 440 million allocation is insufficient for women-headed households.
- The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the NPP Government’s 2026 Budget, arguing that it is viewed favourably by the public compared with past administrations and Opposition criticisms. He blamed earlier governments for slower growth and increased sovereign bond debt, and said the Government supports a responsible role for the State in economic management. He rejected claims of under-spending, citing high district fund utilization in Galle, and highlighted increased capital expenditure, public sector salary and pension measures, recruitment, administrative capacity-building, and the doubling of the Mahapola stipend to Rs. 10,000.
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Danushka Ranganath said the NPP Government’s first Budget had stabilized the economy and that benefits were now being directed to the public. He rejected claims that Rs. 1 million low-income houses could not be built, citing progress in Kalutara where 198 houses were approved, 147 completed and 82 handed over, with photographs placed in the Library. He also highlighted a proposed wage uplift for Malaiyaha Tamil plantation workers through a Rs. 200 company increase and a Rs. 200 Government attendance incentive, estimating an additional Rs. 10,000 per month for 25 working days and benefits for about 45,000 people in Kalutara.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath supported the 2026 Budget, stating that the 2025 Budget had contributed to economic stabilization through growth, lower yields, exchange rate stability, increased remittances and improved anti-corruption standing. She outlined the Budget’s priorities as shared growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, a production economy, rural poverty eradication and digitalization. She highlighted allocations for roads, expressways, road safety, irrigation, rural bridges and tank rehabilitation, as well as concessional housing loans for migrant workers through the SLBFE Fund, and said the Budget maintained fiscal discipline without raising taxes.
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the 2026 Budget, describing it as aimed at economic stability, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty reduction and digitalization. He rejected claims that the North and East had been neglected, citing major 2025 allocations to Ampara and Batticaloa, progress on the Gal Oya scheme, reconstruction of the Karaithivu–Mavadippalli Bridge, coastal park projects, and high fund utilization. He highlighted 2026 allocations for the Kalmunai Santhangeni Sports Ground, the long-delayed Nintavur cultural hall, and the Valachchenai fisheries harbour, while accusing some Opposition members of attempting to claim credit and inflame communal divisions.
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan argued that the 2026 Budget contains some welcome allocations for the North and East, including university hostels, irrigation modernization, housing, airports, rural development, and sports, but said many are inadequate or lack targeted implementation. He called for higher capital spending in education, locally aligned TVET programmes, restoration of war-affected village tanks, dedicated housing for displaced families and release of military-held lands. He also urged funding for Northern and Eastern tourism infrastructure, use of existing grassroots bodies for rural development, upgrades to the A-9, Trincomalee Port and Eastern rail links, and larger allocations for regional sports facilities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health 23 speeches