Sitting of Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Order of business

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

1. 1 Opening Opening: Amendment to Committee Stage Programme and Supplementary Estimates 2 speeches ▸
2. 2 Petitions Petitions: G.H. Janaka Kumara and W.T.B.S.J. Seneviratne 2 speeches ▸
3. 3 Oral question Oral Question No. 880/2025: Request for Postponement 3 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale 6 speeches ▾
   • The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB

     AI summary Ajith Gihan asked the Minister whether he is aware that the same commodities are being sold at varying prices and that substandard food and consumer goods are available in shops. He requested details on whether a programme exists to prevent unfit food and goods from entering the market, and, if not, the reasons for the absence of such measures.

     Cost of Living Full speech →
   • The Hon. Upali Samarasingha — Deputy Minister of Co‑operative Development

     AI summary Deputy Minister Upali Samarasingha said the Ministry, through the Consumer Affairs Authority, is taking measures under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, to protect consumers and traders by regulating unfair practices, standards, labelling and prices. He outlined enforcement actions including raids, legal action against substandard goods, public awareness programmes, Gazette notifications on product standards and packaging, and maximum price controls for selected essential goods such as rice, canned fish and bottled water. He also noted a regulatory gap regarding cosmetics such as skin whitening and hair creams, with the CAA coordinating with the Ministry of Health where necessary.

     Public FinanceCost of Living Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB

     AI summary Ajith Gihan raised concerns about food safety, citing high pesticide residues, non-compliance with pre-harvest intervals for fruits and vegetables, and unhygienic meat sales in open stalls. He asked whether the Government would introduce stronger, structured regulation and enforceable standards covering food, cosmetics and related consumer items to protect public health and address tourism-related concerns.

     AgricultureHealthcare Full speech →
   • The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB

     AI summary Upali Samarasingha said Sri Lanka lacks a comprehensive, harmonized national policy on food and related products across ministries, contributing to the entry of substandard medicines, contaminated foods, and unsafe preservation practices. He noted concerns over unhygienic meat display and said PHIs and Health Ministry guidelines are used, while the Health and Trade Ministries are working on an updated national policy and enforcement mechanism.

     Public FinanceHealthcareAgriculture Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB

     AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns that prices vary significantly between shops for the same branded goods, including imported items and agro-chemicals. He proposed that action be taken to ensure more uniform pricing for identical brands in response to public complaints.

     Public FinanceCost of Living Full speech →
   • The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB

     AI summary Upali Samarasingha stated that the main issue is the lack of a clear national policy and system governing prices and standards. He said discussions are under way with relevant regulatory bodies to create mechanisms ensuring fair pricing and quality for domestic products and fair market prices for imports, and that this work has already begun.

     Cost of LivingPublic Finance Full speech →
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question No. 827/2025: Request for Postponement (Second Round) 3 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question No. 880/2025: Grant of Urumaya Freehold Deeds - Manmunaipattu DS Division 2 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question No. 1063/2025: Import of Rice under Present Government 2 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Proactive Utilization of Opportunities Provided by Colombo Security Conclave 3 speeches ▸
9. 9 Procedural Privilege: Remark Made by Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe on 10.11.2025 3 speeches ▸
10. 10 Procedural Privilege Motion: Request to Raise a Question of Privilege 2 speeches ▸
11. 11 Procedural Main Business: Committee Stage Announcement 2 speeches ▸
12. 12 Debate Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads 155 speeches ▸
13. 13 Adjournment Adjournment 1 speeches ▸