Sitting of Monday, 17 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22912 ·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 - Parliament Sitting 1 speeches
- 2 Opening Opening - Speaker's Chair Announcement 1 speeches
- 3 Papers Papers - Annual Reports and Committee Reports Tabled 4 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions - Citizens' Petitions Presented 3 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Questions and Supplementaries (Q.1-Q.4 and Standing Order 27(2) Question) 41 speeches
- 6 Procedural Procedural - Privilege Motion and Main Business Announcement 6 speeches
- 7 Debate Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage (Heads 110, 112, 228-236, 326) 24 speeches
- 8 Debate Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) 158 speeches
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna clarified a previous answer to Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, stating that no Minister has taken over government bungalows or official residences. He said Deputy Ministers are occupying official MP apartments at the Loris Housing Complex, while six government bungalows were allocated to the Bribery Commission, the Police Department, and the Ministry of Justice.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella focused on tourism during the Committee Stage Debate on the 2026 Budget, noting that Sri Lanka is behind its targets of USD 5 billion in earnings and 3 million tourist arrivals, and called for the delayed national destination branding campaign to be launched urgently. She questioned the delay in gazetting the announced free visa scheme for 33 countries, raised concerns over unregistered foreign tour guides, harassment incidents involving foreign women tourists, and inadequate marketing of Kandy as a destination. She also requested revival of the unspent Walkability Improvement Project funds for Kandy and urged measures to improve basic services at the Kandy Court Complex as part of justice sector modernization.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna welcomed the proposed contributory pension and social protection scheme for overseas workers, noting her related Private Member’s Bill, and urged implementation of stalled World Bank-assisted plans to develop the Knuckles conservation tourism zone in Matale. She clarified her absence from the Budget Second Reading vote and stated that her remarks on estate worker benefits were personal, while calling for any allowance or wage increase to be designed lawfully under the Public Financial Management Act. She tabled correspondence and an article relating to the Attorney-General’s view on the supremacy of the PFMA, and asked oversight institutions to verify whether proposed payments to estate workers comply with the law. She argued that the benefit should be broadened to Rs. 2,000 and extended beyond selected plantation companies and 25-day workers to include all estate workers and small and medium estate holders where legally possible.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama defended the Government’s estate worker wage proposal, stating that companies and the Treasury would each contribute Rs. 200 to support a Rs. 1,750 wage, with the allowance applicable according to days worked. He outlined the 2026 allocation for the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, totalling Rs. 58,500 million, and said capital spending would proceed prudently through due process following election-related delays. He highlighted court backlogs, weak infrastructure, and staffing shortages, citing issues in Pugoda and Gampaha courts, and noted measures including recruiting 50 State Counsel, providing research staff, appointing 13 committees, and implementing “Clean Sri Lanka” directions to streamline court records by 31 December.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns over tensions in Trincomalee following reports about the removal of a Buddha statue and said the matter remained unresolved despite ministerial comments. He urged faster deployment of workers already interviewed for jobs in Israel and called for increased payments to emergency inquest officers, citing the heavy travel burden in districts such as Badulla. He questioned recent disciplinary actions and appointments in the judiciary, asking for transparency in Supreme Court appointments and warning that inconsistent treatment of judicial officers undermines public confidence. He also highlighted severe prison overcrowding, urged rapid construction of additional accommodation through transparent tenders, called for fair resolution of the former Prisons Commissioner-General’s case, and requested full issuance of promised vehicle permits for public servants.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law (Minister of Justice) JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government is reviewing an increase to coroners’ allowances, while noting the post is a dignified public office rather than an income-generating role. He emphasized that the Judicial Service Commission is constitutionally independent under Article 111, that its decisions cannot be influenced by the Government, and that any grievances should be challenged through writ proceedings rather than unfounded public allegations. He also acknowledged prison overcrowding concerns, citing ongoing facility work including at Pallansena and the recruitment of 1,080 prison officers, while rejecting claims that magistrates act out of fear.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Raises concern over the conduct and powers of commissions, arguing that Parliament must speak on behalf of groups such as judges, doctors, and public servants who cannot directly defend their interests. Emphasizes that MPs should not remain silent if commissions act without limits or accountability.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Under Standing Order 91(i), Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a procedural concern about time allocation and the handling of Tamil-language points of order. He requested that the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members presiding be instructed to use headsets so that Tamil interventions are heard and Members are not asked to sit down because of interpretation or audio issues. He cited a prior occasion when he attempted to respond in Tamil after being named by Hon. Pradeep but was not heard.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary Dr. Prasanna Gunasena indicated that he would begin his remarks after the lunch adjournment. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was presented in this statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees (The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara)
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees announced the suspension of the sitting until 1.00 p.m. and, upon resumption, called Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena to speak. She informed him that he had 11 minutes for his contribution.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange position depends on exports, remittances, foreign investment and tourism, noting improved tourist arrivals and revenue compared with 2024 while emphasizing the need to increase visitors’ length of stay and daily spending. He outlined tourism-related measures, including improved management of the Ella train experience, district-level tourism coordination committees, and the issuance of temporary driving licences to foreign visitors at Bandaranaike International Airport, stating that only about 1.19 per cent of arrivals had obtained such licences. He also detailed revised Motor Traffic Regulations increasing licence-related fees, while noting recognition of international driving permits under relevant conventions and the Motor Traffic Act. He argued that rule of law, social justice and a stable environment are essential to further strengthen tourism and investment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa was recognized to speak and informed that he had 12 minutes for his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa said tourism policy should support both higher arrivals and higher earnings, calling for airport expansion, operational e-gates, better use of the Tourism Development Levy for promotion and local services, and a regulatory approach to protect small tourism operators rather than demolitions. He raised concerns about alleged politicization of the judiciary, including suspensions, transfers and promotions of judges, and urged transparent criteria to preserve public confidence. He also called for prison reform, faster lab reports, court digitization, attention to foreign convicts and overcrowding, and equal enforcement of drug laws. Referring to a recent incident at a Trincomalee temple, he urged the Government to intervene and resolve the matter fairly without allowing it to become an ethnic issue.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the Trincomalee Harbour Police removed a recently installed Buddha statue after receiving information about a security threat and concerns that night protection could not be ensured. He said police have been instructed to restore the statue with proper security, while discussions with chief incumbent monks and the District Secretary continue to resolve the matter and prevent nationalist incitement, with legal action to be taken where necessary.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa thanked the Minister for intervening but said video evidence showed police cutting a fence to remove a statue and alleged that two monks were assaulted. He requested an investigation into the incident and called for the law to be enforced.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva criticized the Government for not clearly articulating its foreign policy or linking it to the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. He acknowledged references to bilateral discussions and foreign visits but argued that these did not amount to a substantive explanation of policy priorities or spending rationale.
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy should be treated as an economic strategy focused on exports, investment, remittances, tourism and debt restructuring, noting the importance of relations with India and China during the debt crisis. He criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism’s online economic diplomacy content as outdated, citing references to 2018–2020 activities and non-functional links, including a QR code for the Office for Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs. He asked the Minister to clarify whether that Office exists and urged the Ministry to update its website as a practical platform for investors, overseas Sri Lankans and exporters.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed a Member that their allotted time had expired. The Chair then called Hon. Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, to speak and allocated him 11 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala defended the independence of the judiciary under the current Government, arguing that the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary are now functioning separately under a proper system of checks and balances. He rejected Opposition allegations of political interference in judicial transfers, stating that such matters fall within the independent Judicial Service Commission under Article 111J and not the Government. He also criticised past administrations for alleged interference with the judiciary and proposed considering amendments to Standing Orders to prevent statements protected by parliamentary privilege that could amount to offences if made outside Parliament.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake rose on a Point of Order during the sitting. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala objected to the raising of a Point of Order immediately after a member’s name was called. He asked the member to sit down and questioned the procedural basis for allowing Points of Order at that stage.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson managed the debate proceedings by informing Hon. Chamara Sampath that he would be given an opportunity to speak after the Deputy Minister’s speech. The Chair also notified the Deputy Minister that two minutes remained for his allotted speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala responded to statements about the Trincomalee incident, stating that the Police had acted and reported matters to the Magistrate’s Court under Section 106 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, making it a judicial matter rather than one involving political interference. He rejected claims that the Government was acting on a religious or nationalist basis or disregarding Buddhism, and urged the Opposition not to frame the incident as a communal or religious issue. He also asserted that the Government had maintained judicial independence.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake rejected the Deputy Minister’s claim that Opposition Members avoid questions, stating that they are prepared to respond and engage. The excerpt indicates he was responding after the lunch adjournment to remarks made during the Deputy Minister’s speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala clarified that his prior remark was not directed at the person being addressed, but at Namal. No substantive policy issue or legislative matter was raised in this brief intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake responds to a reference made by another member, saying that whether it was directed at Namal or himself, he was named and it was effectively the same issue. He argues that public support reflected in the 159 votes was a response to the eras of Mahinda Rajapaksa and Premadasa, and suggests that otherwise there would have been no need for a large group of Colombo lawyers to come to Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson directed the current Member to conclude without entering into debate. The Chair then called Hon. S.M. Marikkar to speak, allocating him 10 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary S.M. Marikkar argued that Sri Lanka urgently needs higher dollar inflows to meet ongoing foreign debt obligations and reduce the trade deficit, noting limited reserves and only modest increases in tourism earnings and worker remittances. He urged the Government to adopt more effective measures to attract investment, expand exports, and increase tourism revenue, including improving airport capacity and temporarily reopening Ratmalana Airport until the Katunayake Airport expansion is completed. He also called for better promotion of tourist attractions, higher per-tourist spending, and a more practical approach to aviation and tourism infrastructure constraints.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed a Member that only two minutes remained for their allotted speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar appears to raise a procedural query about his allotted speaking time, asking whether he had 10 minutes. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter is addressed in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the House that the allotted eight minutes for the speech had elapsed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar suggested that wildlife tourism could quickly generate revenue by renovating facilities, launching an online booking platform, and listing them on commercial travel sites. He questioned the Government’s claims on rule of law and public security, citing killings and shootings, the removal of MPs’ security, and alleging that the Minister in charge of Police continues to use STF and backup security. He also criticized public displays of drug seizures, calling for transparency on the destruction of seized drugs and for enforcement to be carried out properly rather than as publicity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara that he had two minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concern that the Government has no dedicated Minister for Buddhism and referred to constitutional provisions for protecting Buddhism. He alleged that Police removed a Buddha statue and assaulted a monk at a Trincomalee temple that he said had existed since 1951, and also cited the removal of a Buddha statue at the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council premises. He urged the Government to establish a proper programme to protect Buddhism, while stating that the rights of Tamil and Muslim communities should also be respected.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Samanmali Gunasingha objected to remarks made in Parliament, questioning whether an MP is permitted to make insulting statements in the Chamber. She raised a procedural concern about parliamentary conduct and the limits of speech during debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam to speak and informed him that he had 17 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to the Chair allowing a Point of Order, questioning the basis for permitting it and alleging procedural unfairness. He repeatedly requested the Deputy Chairperson to restore order in the House, stating that he could not proceed with his remarks amid interruptions and disorder.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose to raise a Point of Order. No substantive issue, argument, or request is included in the recorded excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to disorder in the Chamber, stating that he could not be heard or proceed with his remarks. He requested the Chair to control the disruption so that he could speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson reminded Hon. Archchuna to manage time and granted him an additional 15 seconds to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna objected to a procedural decision by the Deputy Chairperson, citing Standing Order 92(2)(a). He cautioned against granting such opportunities to the Government side, stating that it could reflect poorly on the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson allocated 17 minutes for Hon. Rasamanickam to speak, indicating the next turn in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to prioritize connectivity as the basis for tourism development in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, citing the need to commission KKS Harbour, upgrade Palaly International Airport, use Batticaloa International Airport, and advance the Talaimannar–Rameswaran ferry. He welcomed the concessionary airline ticket scheme for migrant workers but asked the Foreign Employment Bureau to address cases of workers travelling to the Middle East without proper visas and ending up imprisoned. He also questioned whether rising tourist arrivals are generating the projected revenue, stressing that tourism and foreign employment are major sources of foreign exchange.
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera made a brief interjection stating that the remarks being made were “giving me ideas.” No substantive policy proposal, question, or legislative argument was presented in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged Hon. Dilith Jayaweera to act in the country’s interest and turned to accountability for the Easter Sunday attacks. He cited the Cardinal’s stated lack of confidence in a domestic mechanism and said recent presidential remarks about the State investigating itself supported calls for an international investigation. He also linked this to long-standing demands by his party, representing victim communities since 2009, for truth and accountability, questioning why the Government would protect the Rajapaksas.
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera briefly affirmed that the persons or group under discussion were “very much part” of the matter being referenced. No further details, proposals, or questions were provided in the quoted intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam argued that command responsibility for wartime actions lay with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Head of the Armed Forces and Maithripala Sirisena as Acting Defence Minister. He questioned why others were seeking to protect the State and suggested this was driven by concern over retaining the military-related vote base, rather than a commitment to accountability.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam briefly noted that he had one minute remaining, indicating he was checking the time available for his speech. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was raised in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary At 2.21 p.m., the Deputy Chairperson made a brief procedural intervention noting the time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a procedural concern about the timing of his speech, stating that he began at 2.05 p.m. and questioning when the clock was started. He noted that he had been given the time at 2.04 p.m. and that it was still 2.21 p.m., implying a dispute over the allocation or calculation of his speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the member that 17 minutes had elapsed since they began speaking at 2.04 p.m., indicating the passage of allotted speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to fulfil commitments in its election policy statement, particularly regarding repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He requested that the committee report on the PTA be made public and shared with Members, and questioned the Government’s position on the Online Safety Act and its plan for accountability commitments made internationally.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on the Member speaking to conclude their remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s progress on issues raised in its election policy statement, specifically accountability and governance. He cited the lack of clear action on the Easter Sunday attack investigations, the formulation of a new Constitution, and the holding of Provincial Council Elections.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Susantha Dodawatta to speak and informed him that he had eight minutes allotted for his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta briefly thanked the Deputy Chairperson and made no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy arguments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala invoked Standing Order 91(e) during the sitting. The excerpt contains only this procedural reference and does not include any substantive argument, proposal, or question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson briefly intervened to manage proceedings, asking Hon. Sunil Watagala to take a minute and directing Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna to be seated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala said the Trincomalee incident had been reported by the Police to the Magistrate’s Court under Section 106 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and argued that Parliament should not debate a matter now before court. He warned that discussion of related incidents, including one in Dehiwala involving a Buddha statue, was being used to create racial and religious tension, and requested the Chair to intervene and stop the debate.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary No substantive speech content is provided beyond the opening address to the Chair. Therefore, no policy argument, proposal, question, or demand can be identified from the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Ajith P. Perera to address the House. No substantive remarks, arguments, or policy positions were made in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that the existence of a court “B Report” does not, under past Speakers’ rulings, automatically prevent Parliament from debating a matter on sub judice grounds. He objected to limiting the debate on that basis and added that such issues arise in the context of alleged anti-Buddhist sentiment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called Hon. Susantha Dodawatta to speak and informed him that he had eight minutes allotted for his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Justice sector Budget allocations, arguing that they address delays in the justice system through improved court infrastructure, increased staffing, digitization, and legal reforms. He cited allocations for court renovations, 2,871 new recruitments, audio-visual technology for courts, amendments to criminal and civil procedure, and recent laws including the Proceeds of Crime Act and the removal of presidential immunities. He also highlighted prison reforms, including biometric systems, modernization funding, community-based corrections, possible alternatives to remand incarceration, and Rs. 100 million for the Watareka open prison in Homagama.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera was recognized to speak and informed that he had 11 minutes allocated for his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera raised concern over an incident at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bauddhiraja Viharaya, linking it to what he described as Government rhetoric hostile to Sinhalese Buddhist practices and civilization. He argued that national unity, peace, and respect for Buddhist values are essential for tourism and other enterprises, and questioned why Police allegedly assaulted monks, including Kassapa Thero, in that context. He denied making a racist argument but claimed Government statements about religious practices may have influenced Police conduct and fuelled unnecessary communal tensions.
- Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala’s intervention is recorded only as prompting or noting laughter in the House. No substantive policy position, proposal, question, or legislative argument is reflected in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government for, in his view, undermining Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural traditions, particularly in relation to the treatment of monks and remarks about practices such as statue and snake veneration. He argued that such practices form part of Buddhist, Hindu and wider cultural heritage and warned that the public would oppose perceived attacks on them. He also accused the Government and leftist parties of abandoning past anti-imperialist and pro-poor positions, citing alleged agreements with the United States and the imposition of VAT on small traders.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed a Member that only two minutes remained for their allotted speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s Budget as fully liberal and disconnected from village-level realities, arguing that ruling party cadres cannot defend it among rural communities. He said he had intended to address issues in the tourism sector but instead focused on what he described as the Government’s failure to represent Sri Lankans, challenging Ministers to engage directly with villagers.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera described the Trincomalee incident as a sensitive matter that could escalate and criticized the Deputy Minister’s response as weak. He urged that the issue be approached from a common national civilizational perspective, without ethnic or religious divisions, and resolved in a way that preserves peace rather than relying solely on court action.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Amila Prasad and allocated him 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad, during the Committee Stage debate on the expenditure Heads of the Ministries of Justice and National Integration and of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, raised concerns about plantation workers’ wages and objected to the issue being framed as an inter-ethnic matter. He called on government representatives, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to participate in a public television debate on the subject and stated that the matter should be resolved directly.
- An Hon. Member
AI summary The member challenged government-side members to a debate, alleging that Parliament was being used to spread falsehoods among estate workers. He repeatedly called on any member, including the Member for Dompe, to indicate willingness to participate, and noted that the Leader of the Opposition was said to be attending.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad challenged members of the opposing side to allow or nominate someone, including the Leader of the Opposition, to respond in the House. He criticized them for disrupting proceedings and alleged that they lacked independence, claiming they would not act until receiving direction from Pelawatte.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad urged the Government to use digital tools to advance tourism, proposing a mandatory app or QR-linked profile for tourists to track preferences, movements, hotel check-ins, overstays, unregistered accommodation, and taxable activity. He argued that the Budget lacks funding or vision for such digitalization, despite tourism being a key foreign exchange earner directly benefiting communities. He criticized a proposed tourist licensing scheme, saying it could displace licensed guides, driver-guides, and tourist drivers, undermine private-sector-led destination development, and risk attracting lower-spending tourists, citing Thailand’s experience.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Hon. Deputy Chairperson called on a Member to conclude their remarks, indicating that the allotted speaking time or procedural limit had been reached.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson allocated eight minutes to Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath. The Chair then announced a change in presiding officer, handing over to Hon. (Dr.) Sellathtamby Thilaganathan, who took the Chair at 2.54 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath said the debate on the Justice and National Integration Vote had been diverted by Opposition claims of national danger, which he characterized as politically motivated and linked to events planned for 21 November. He defended the Government’s commitment to judicial independence, equality before the law, and the rule of law, arguing that past perceptions of influence by wealth or power were being addressed. He identified systemic justice-sector problems including case delays, prison overcrowding, crime, and staffing shortages, and cited planned recruitments of 2,871 officers, including 1,315 for the justice sector and 1,086 for prisons. He also outlined measures to expand access to justice, including new and upgraded Magistrates’ Courts and District Courts in several locations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka questioned the Government’s tourism performance, arguing that 2025 arrivals and revenue are below targets and below 2018 revenue levels, and called for stronger promotion aimed at higher-spending tourists. He criticized the use of tourism promotion levy funds, citing expenditure on Beira Lake restoration, and highlighted issues in tourist areas including waste and wastewater management, water supply, trained personnel shortages, and security concerns. He also raised justice-sector issues in Galle District, including inadequate lawyers’ chambers, difficulty obtaining case records, lack of computers and staff, delays in summons service, and broader case backlogs, especially in land cases. He proposed digitizing case records, equipping court registrars to implement electronic service, reconsidering school facilities for transferred judges’ children, strengthening professional standards for new lawyers, and establishing a court to serve Imaduwa and Habaraduwa.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna urged the Government to expedite investigations and prosecutions relating to the Easter Sunday attacks, media killings and attacks, Prageeth Ekneligoda’s disappearance, Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, and the Thajudeen case, stating that the Opposition would support efforts to accelerate justice. He also called for broader reforms to reduce long judicial delays that discourage citizens from filing cases. He questioned why recent understandings with China, India and the United States had not been fully presented to Parliament, despite earlier commitments to transparency, and asked the Tourism Ministry to address foreign nationals on tourist visas operating businesses in coastal areas to the detriment of local SMEs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Rs. 58.5 billion allocation to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, stating that it should be used to strengthen court infrastructure, staffing, and mechanisms to reduce case delays. She emphasized the need for adequate facilities for preliminary inquiries and greater support for quasi-judicial bodies such as mediation boards to resolve disputes and reduce court workloads. She also referred to digitalization and improved resources for court records, while asserting the independence of the judiciary and urging implementation of the allocation to uplift the justice sector.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi argued that tourism lacks sufficient concrete support in the Budget despite being a major foreign exchange earner, and urged assistance for small guesthouse operators, including limited permits to sell beer to tourists through local authorities. He requested licences or a turn system for 175 safari jeep owners excluded from Yala National Park operations, saying many are village youth who bought vehicles after working for larger operators. He welcomed some allocations for Jaffna, Arugam Bay and tourism institutions but called for broader district-level engagement, and proposed converting the old Tangalle Prison into a heritage tourism site and restoring Rohana Wijeweera’s house under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the widow of the person under discussion travels by three-wheeler, implying a contrast with any assumptions about her circumstances or entitlements. The remark appears to highlight the widow’s modest situation in the context of the debate.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Requested that Rohana Wijeweera’s home be restored and converted into a museum for tourists, and that a museum also be established at the old prison. He also asked for Members’ cab allocations to be provided, stating they are needed to carry out parliamentary work despite objections.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue is included in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Ramanathan Archchuna raised an urgent concern about the reported installation of a Buddha statue in a Tamil-inhabited area in Trincomalee. He objected to what he described as repeated false statements in Parliament on the issue and asked that the matter be noted.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi raised a point of order to correct the record, stating that he had not requested a cab for himself. He clarified that his request was for one of the allocated cabs to be provided to Mr. Wijeweera’s widow.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns over recurring communal and religious tensions, including disputes over temples and Shabbat houses, and proposed a race relations body with decision-making powers to handle such issues. He questioned the use of the TID and PTA-related processes against individuals commenting on these matters on social media, linking this to the Government’s pledge in Geneva to abolish the PTA. He criticized the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s response to Israel’s attack on Qatar for not naming Israel, and alleged excessive sensitivity to criticism of Israel. He also supported establishing an Independent Public Prosecutor’s Office, citing concerns about politically motivated prosecutions and the case of Hejaaz Hizbullah.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that the proposed replacement for the PTA has been drafted and is being translated into Sinhala and Tamil before release for public consultation. He also stated that the Independent Prosecutor’s Office is a manifesto commitment rather than a response to external pressure, and that a committee headed by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, including the Attorney-General and others, is examining it. He said objections from the Legal Officers’ Association and other public views would be considered, while the Government intends to proceed with its stated policy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Muneer Mulaffer emphasized national integration as essential to Sri Lanka’s recovery, linking past conflict, the Easter attacks, tourism decline, and economic hardship to the need for peace and reconciliation. He cited mechanisms such as the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, the Office on Missing Persons, and the Office for Reparations, and argued that public representatives should reduce tensions rather than exploit communal incidents. He also highlighted foreign remittances, tourism, international agreements, and new partnerships, including a recent MoU at the Saudi Chamber Summit, as part of efforts to attract investment and rebuild the economy. He urged the Opposition to use the Committee Stage debate on Votes to raise concrete shortcomings and proposals.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam criticized the Government’s handling of recent events at a viharaya site in Trincomalee, arguing that it should uphold coastal and land-use law, resist racialized pressure, and address what he described as historical State-backed demographic changes affecting Tamil-speaking communities. He called on the Ministry of Justice and National Integration to reverse past discriminatory measures and explain these injustices to the Sinhala public rather than backtracking. While supporting the proposed Office of the Independent Prosecutor as important for prosecutorial independence, he rejected its presentation as a mechanism to address alleged wartime genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. He stated that his party would support voting against the Votes of the Ministries of Justice and National Integration due to the Government’s failure to ensure justice for war-related victims.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara responded to concerns about an incident in Trincomalee, stating that the law is being enforced equally and that there is no separate legal standard for different ethnic or religious groups. He assured citizens in all regions that the Government would not permit racism or discrimination. He also referred to plans to establish a Director of Public Prosecutions, saying it would prosecute all crimes and questioning the link made between that office and war crimes.
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam challenged the Government’s position presented in Geneva that an Office of the Independent Public Prosecutor would address accountability concerns. He argued that alleged wartime crimes require an international investigation, asserting that a domestic mechanism is inadequate because the State was a party to the conflict and cannot credibly investigate itself.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned delays in the Sampur solar power project, including the absence of a tender process despite its inauguration during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit, and compared it to delays in the Dambulla Cold Storage Project. He criticized the Tourism Ministry’s engagement with industry stakeholders, promotion strategy, infrastructure shortcomings, online platform leakage, low tourist spending, harassment of tourists, and the handling of LGBTQ-related promotion. He also raised concerns over a reported CID visit to London without Attorney General involvement, called for justice in the Easter Sunday attacks, and demanded action over police conduct during a Trincomalee Buddha statue-related incident involving monks.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Member raised a point of order to clarify remarks attributed to him by Hon. Kavinda Jayawardhana regarding LGBTQ issues, stating that his comments referred to a Ministry-issued letter rather than his own initiative. He questioned the promotion of LGBTQ tourism in the context of claims that Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country and condemned the reported assault on monks in Trincomalee.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that the CID does not need prior permission from the Attorney General to conduct the investigation in question. He stated that the CID may proceed independently and seek the Attorney General’s advice only if necessary.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana said he was referring to reports published in Lankadeepa, Mawbima and The Sunday Times. He invited the Minister, as a lawyer, to clarify the legal position, stating that his remarks were based on those newspaper reports.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that he had not accused the Member of wrongdoing but was explaining the legal position on investigations. He stated that the Attorney General’s permission is not required for the CID to investigate, although legal advice may be sought if needed, and criticized media narratives suggesting conflict between the CID and the Attorney General.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Priyantha Wijerathna rejected the Opposition’s request for a further debate on estate workers’ wages, stating that the matter had already been addressed in the President’s Budget speech and debated from 8 to 14 November. He noted that the Second Reading of the Budget was approved on 14 November and argued that the Opposition, including Hon. Amila Prasad, had already had the opportunity to raise its points during that debate.
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Chithral Fernando raised a point of order under Standing Order 91(h), objecting to a Member being called “hypocritical” as an improper allegation. He also stated that characterizing the vote as being about estate wages was incorrect and requested a correction.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Priyantha Wijerathna responded to Opposition criticism during the 2026 Budget debate, arguing that previous governments were responsible for the economic decline, debt crisis, shortages, and neglected public infrastructure after decades in power. He said the current Government had stabilized the macroeconomy, improved the Treasury position, and was proceeding step by step through its first and second Budgets to implement its policy programme. He also noted that any unsuitable remarks would be removed from Hansard and said he was answerable to the House rather than individual Members.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Correcting a procedural point and recalling the violence in Parliament on 16 November 2018, the Member urged that such events not recur. He questioned reductions in capital allocations for justice infrastructure, seeking clarification on planned court complexes, and asked about legal spending and the status of cases relating to the X-Press Pearl disaster, including government-to-government engagement with Singapore. He also requested details on expenditure for police officers sent to the UK, called for disbursement or interim relief to families of the disappeared using funds allocated in the 2025 Budget, and urged expediting the process to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said the Government had restored macroeconomic stability with support from migrant remittances and tourism, and argued that current tourism performance and visitor spending should be assessed in light of exchange rate depreciation and regional comparisons. He stated that the main constraint on further tourist growth was airport capacity, not promotion, citing cancelled charter flight requests and announcing plans to commence Terminal 2 expansion next year. He also said the Government was enforcing the law against tourist harassment, regularizing beach and surf-related tourism activities, expanding tourism projects in the North and East, and using Tourism Fund allocations for training low-income youth for employment in the sector.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka clarified that his earlier remarks had been misinterpreted, stating that he had said trained workers are needed for training programmes. He emphasized that he was not opposing the matter under discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana urged the Ministry of Justice and the Judicial Service Commission to establish a new court complex in Matugama, citing severe overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and lack of basic amenities in the High Court, Magistrate’s Court and District Court serving a large population. He also highlighted critical overcrowding and unsafe conditions at Kalutara Prison, including poor officer quarters, inadequate sanitation, delays in drug analysis reports, restrictive bail practices and prolonged remand. He called for urgent inspections and remedies, with special attention to transporting children in probationary care separately from prisoners and improving conditions for under-18 detainees.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Chathura Galappaththi called for a consistent, non-partisan foreign policy supported by a permanent think-tank of local and international experts, and requested that the Government publish details of the reported 70 agreements and 150 investor discussions arising from recent high-level foreign visits. He questioned whether some diaspora engagements had served national interests and urged future visits to deliver clearer benefits. He also proposed expanding vocational education pathways from Grade 9 to address low-skilled migration, unemployment, and related social issues. Referring to tourism in Matara, he suggested reviewing restrictions on late-night entertainment in designated areas with sound controls, while balancing community protections.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government is improving foreign relations and reviving stalled partnerships while pursuing more transparent administration in foreign affairs and foreign employment. He reported record worker remittances, Sri Lanka’s recognition as a GCM Champion, efforts to increase the proportion of trained migrant workers, and reforms to address flawed previous agreements, including those relating to Israel. He outlined measures against foreign employment fraud, including a special police unit, an audit into SLBFE air ticketing irregularities, obtaining an IATA licence for direct ticket issuance, and work on pensions and migrant voting rights. He also noted budget savings, upgrades to consular facilities and mission transport, and the appointment of labour attachés based on service needs rather than political considerations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns about post-war land, religious site disputes, and alleged state-backed oppression in Tamil-majority areas, citing locations including Kurundoor Malai, Vedukunari Malai, Thayiddy and Trincomalee. He called on the Government and the Minister of Justice to cooperate with an international investigation into alleged wartime abuses, address enforced disappearances, and provide justice to families protesting in the North and East. He also demanded the immediate humanitarian release of 10 Tamil political prisoners detained under the PTA, noted deaths of prisoners over the past decade, and requested a humanitarian pardon or review in the case of Selvakumar Sathiyaleela.
Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported concerns about the poor condition of the Matugama court complex and urged the Government to prioritize relocating the Magistrate’s and District Courts to available government land. He raised concerns over High Court judicial promotions, stating that around 35 District Court Judges had been superseded and calling for transparent, criteria-based selection procedures rather than subjective decision-making. He also expressed concern that many fundamental rights applications were being dismissed by the Supreme Court at the leave-to-proceed stage, emphasizing the Court’s role as the sole forum for protecting such rights.
- Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised concerns about the composition of Supreme Court Benches hearing leave to proceed in fundamental rights applications and asked the Government to examine whether any pattern was affecting access to fundamental rights litigation. He urged the Minister of Justice to expand capacity, staffing, technology, and management at the Government Analyst’s Department, citing a backlog of about 30,000 samples and delays affecting criminal proceedings and detainees. He also called for urgent amendment of Section 9(a) of the Civil Procedure Code, saying its current form has concentrated money recovery and other cases in the Colombo District Court and enabled forum-related harassment. He further noted concern over unimplemented policy and law reform commitments, particularly constitutional reform and abolition of the Executive Presidency.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister defended the independence and legality of decisions by the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Justice, stating that removals or interdictions of judicial officers followed due process and could be challenged in court rather than through parliamentary allegations. He addressed operational issues in the courts, noting that photocopier hiring arrangements had been approved, requests for new courts would be referred to the JSC, and baseless fundamental rights applications should not burden the judiciary. He also explained delays in capital expenditure due to the Vote on Account, holidays, staffing gaps and procurement compliance, projecting 70–75 percent execution by year-end, and said recruitment to fill court vacancies was progressing despite constraints on new buildings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that foreign employment and tourism are critical foreign-exchange sectors and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take a more active, structured role in managing them. He questioned whether the 2025 target of sending 350,000 workers abroad is achievable, calling for stronger regulation of employment agents, engagement with stakeholders, worker and family welfare programmes, and implementation of a migrant worker pension scheme first proposed in 2015. On tourism, he noted that arrivals may recover to 2018 levels but revenue remains significantly lower, and called for analysis of tourist markets, higher-yield strategies, and better support for operators.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath responded to issues raised during the debate, stating that passports are issued abroad only to legally resident applicants and that foreign employment deployments, including to Israel, are now handled transparently without political interference. He reported record tourism and remittance performance for 2025, with tourist arrivals reaching two million and remittances expected to exceed USD 7.5 billion, while explaining pending measures on free visas, e-gates, and airport expansion, including required legal amendments and JICA-supported development. He also outlined tourism and infrastructure initiatives in the North and East, efforts to manage Yala jeep operations within wildlife limits, and noted that the Ministry had promptly condemned the September attack in Qatar.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Moved amendments to the Appropriation Bill 2026 at Committee Stage under the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, on behalf of the Minister of Finance. The proposed revisions set the Ministry’s allocations at Rs. 42,120,410,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 17,157,000,000 for capital expenditure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Moved a Committee Stage amendment under Head 110, Programme 01, to revise the Ministry of Justice and National Integration’s operational allocations to Rs. 4,500,710,000 recurrent and Rs. 5,681,000,000 capital. The amendment reflects the transfer of allocations related to the Office for Reparations, under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2458/65 of 18 October 2025, amounting to Rs. 879,590,000 recurrent and Rs. 343,000,000 capital, to Head 189 under the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister moved a Committee Stage amendment under Head 232 to revise Programme 01 – Operational Activities by setting recurrent expenditure at Rs. 18,760,800,000 and capital expenditure at Rs. 5,627,000,000. The amendment increased capital provision by Rs. 2,000,000,000 under Budget Proposal No. 47 for the Department of Prisons, and the recurrent expenditure allocation was agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Committee reported progress and obtained leave to sit again. Proceedings in Committee were adjourned at 6.57 p.m., with the Committee scheduled to resume on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- 9 Papers Papers - Annual Reports of Foreign Employment and Judges' Institute 4 speeches