Sitting of Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22927 ·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: Amendment to Committee Stage Programme and Supplementary Estimates 2 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions: G.H. Janaka Kumara and W.T.B.S.J. Seneviratne 2 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question No. 880/2025: Request for Postponement 3 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question No. 827/2025: Request for Postponement (Second Round) 3 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question No. 880/2025: Grant of Urumaya Freehold Deeds - Manmunaipattu DS Division 2 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question No. 1063/2025: Import of Rice under Present Government 2 speeches
- 8 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Proactive Utilization of Opportunities Provided by Colombo Security Conclave 3 speeches
- 9 Procedural Privilege: Remark Made by Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe on 10.11.2025 3 speeches
- 10 Procedural Privilege Motion: Request to Raise a Question of Privilege 2 speeches
- 11 Procedural Main Business: Committee Stage Announcement 2 speeches
- 12 Debate Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads 155 speeches
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction under the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026 for the relevant expenditure heads, including Defence. He argued that national security is closely linked to the economy and warned against weakening defence considerations in pursuit of election promises. Referring to the post-war context and strategic areas such as Elephant Pass, Pooneryn and Mullaitivu, he urged that land decisions in the North and East prioritize national security, with alternative land or compensation offered instead of releasing lands considered vital for defence.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake challenged the Opposition to present a general policy proposal on which categories of land should remain under State ownership, noting that their side had governed for a longer period. The intervention sought clarification of the Opposition’s policy position on State land retention.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that decisions on matters of national security should be made by qualified security experts rather than by politicians. He named several political figures to emphasize that such decisions require professional expertise.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that security professionals are already addressing the relevant tasks, while acknowledging the concern that they may not be carried out properly. He asked the Member, as someone who had been in government, to provide a basic or substantial list of identified lands so they could be referred to security experts. He also requested that the relevant circular be sent to him and to the Minister of Defence.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to implement its promises on returning lands in the North only after identifying areas needed for national security, with alternative land or adequate compensation for affected owners where necessary. He said decisions should not be driven solely by election pledges and compared such sacrifices to past development projects involving displacement. He also questioned whether promises to serving and retired soldiers had been fulfilled, criticized remarks at the Ilmaha Viru Samaruma as diminishing war heroes, and raised concerns about police procurement allegations involving the IGP, including how evidence submitted to CIABOC allegedly reached the CID and the IGP.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister outlined the Ministry of Public Security’s institutions and defended its 2025 expenditure, stating that most allocations for the Ministry, Police, STF, NGO Secretariat, Police Training College and related programmes had either been spent or committed, with targets of around 80–95 per cent utilization by year-end. He said the Police had been depoliticized through the National Police Commission and thanked police personnel, while describing investments in quarters, vehicles, hospital facilities, emergency 119 capacity, training, and allowances. He also noted recent administrative changes bringing the Civil Security Department and Rehabilitation Department under the Ministry and referred to structural reforms such as establishing police criminal investigation divisions.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether the handling of the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya issue in Trincomalee, including police removal of a Buddha statue, was consistent with national security and religious coexistence. He proposed a President-led National Integration Committee and urged that the Amarapura Maha Nikaya Mahanayake Thero and relevant stakeholders be brought together at the Presidential Secretariat to resolve such disputes through leadership rather than police action. He also raised grievances affecting disabled war heroes, ex-servicemen, widows and parents, alleging that pension revisions approved in the 2025 Budget were being denied through Pensions Circular 02/2025 and decisions by the Director General of Pensions. He demanded immediate implementation of the Budget proposal, continuation of fixed allowances after age 55 for eligible families, and fair treatment in cases involving missing personnel, deaths outside active areas, and administrative delays in Medical Board processes.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said a court “B” Report has been filed on the Trincomalee incident, with the Magistrate ordering verification of documents and prohibiting changes to the temporary structure until the next hearing on 26 November 2025. He stated that stakeholders had reached consensus, boundary demarcation was being handled by the District Secretary, and the Government would not allow the issue to be used to create communal or religious tensions. He also said a committee on online credit operations is finalizing work under the Online Safety Act framework, a dedicated Police cybercrime division is planned, and no war veterans’ pensions or allowances have been permanently stopped, with only temporary database-related delays being addressed.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa proposed that Parliament issue a public statement advising citizens not to repay loans obtained from illegal online lenders charging exorbitant interest rates, and sought agreement from all Members on this position. He also urged the Government to address the welfare issues of disabled war veterans based on documents he had tabled. Referring to a temple-related incident in Trincomalee, he called for a national programme and a National Integration Committee to prevent similar incidents.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said national and public security had been assured over the past year, with recent incidents limited to clashes among organized criminal gangs, and argued that restored law and order had supported economic stability and tourism. He outlined the Defence Budget allocation of Rs. 455 billion across 25 institutions, including major allocations for the Tri-Forces, and said the Government had removed political interference from security institutions while maintaining regular National Security Council oversight. He emphasized a strategic shift toward maritime domain awareness, protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and operations against illegal fishing and drug trafficking. He rejected allegations against the Tri-Forces regarding drug trafficking and excessive presence in the North and East, citing narcotics seizures and tabling a residents’ letter requesting retention of an Army camp for local security.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed Public Security Ministry actions against narcotics and the underworld, but said shootings, deaths, illicit alcohol, illegal sand mining and illegal fishing remain inadequately controlled, particularly in Batticaloa. He said requests for security for people’s representatives had not been properly addressed and urged the Government to strengthen Police manpower and facilities, including more women officers in Tamil areas. He also argued that certain policing powers should be devolved through the Provincial Council system to improve local crime prevention, while noting the Navy’s role in controlling illegal fishing.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Dr. Elayathamby Srinath urged the Government to ensure fair and just processes in relation to the Chemmani massacre, incidents in Trincomalee, and land release matters. He said support would be extended for Government action if it delivers justice equally to all and helps build better governance in the future.
Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concern over the removal of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee by Police, arguing that religious sites should be protected in place rather than having objects removed, and warned against actions that could create communal or religious tension. He cited rising shootings and killings in 2025, including a recent murder in Meetiyagoda and the killing of a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, and called for stronger public security for citizens and public representatives. He also urged improved welfare, facilities, sanitation, mental well-being and promotion procedures for Police officers, while questioning whether transfers of OICs and other officers were being politicized despite claims of non-interference.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB
AI summary Hon. Rathwaththe supported the Appropriation Bill expenditure heads for the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, outlining the latter ministry’s mandate under Gazette No. 2412/08, including policing, immigration, drug control, NGO oversight, organized crime, and protection of women and children. She detailed measures for the Sri Lanka Police, including 4,447 promotions in 2025, planned recruitment, procurement of vehicles through Indian assistance, construction of 189 official quarters, increased uniform and footwear allowances, and expanded training. She also defended the Government’s “Rata Ma Ekaṭa” anti-narcotics operation and criticized the Opposition’s past and present responses to drug trafficking.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna criticized the Government’s handling of the underworld and drug crisis, arguing that it had politicized the issue and should publicly name and prosecute any politicians alleged to be involved, with Opposition support for genuine action. He objected to alleged attempts to politicize the Police and weaken the Police Commission’s role in transfers, while calling for modernization of police and intelligence services. He also urged greater representation of women, Tamils and Muslims in the Police through positive measures, and said adequate security for all Members of Parliament was necessary to enable them to speak against crime and wrongdoing.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the handling of the Trincomalee temple/statue dispute, arguing that the Police and relevant authorities should have acted through consultation and lawful procedures to prevent public disorder and communal tension. He alleged inconsistency and politicization in the Government’s approach to narcotics enforcement, CID and CIABOC investigations, and media communication, calling for impartial action rather than selective targeting of the Opposition. He also raised concerns over national security, military modernization, the impact of international resolutions on the armed forces, and several specific investigations and administrative actions, urging the Government to stop using law enforcement agencies as political tools.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Many Opposition claims are unfounded, particularly regarding the Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya matter, which is before the Magistrate with a status quo order and concerns land boundaries, not religion. He said Police transfers fall under the IGP’s constitutional powers and the relevant Commission, with no political interference, and argued that the Government has worked to depoliticize the Police and Immigration and Emigration leadership. He stated that the current Police leadership has improved public trust and is targeting illegal arms and narcotics supply networks, including political links and foreign nodes, rather than only minor offenders. He also defended the 2025.10.27 circular on limiting improper public dissemination of operational material, saying it was lawfully issued to protect investigations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, made a brief closing remark and thanked the House. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Chathura Galappaththi and allocated him 14 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi criticized the handling of the Trincomalee statue incident, arguing that protection should have been provided at the site rather than by removing the statue. He raised concerns over public security, citing 104 shootings, 55 deaths and 56 injuries under the current Government, and questioned the official response to the assassination of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wikramasekara, including the use of the “IRC-registered” label. He accused the IGP of failing to act on written threats against the Chairman and urged the National Police Commission to take disciplinary action, while also calling for disclosures on the Easter Sunday attacks. He further demanded that the Government table a report on the 323 containers, including those allegedly linked to drugs, and warned of possible links between arms, drugs and escalating violence.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Mujibur Rahuman to speak and informed him that he had 14 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s progress on investigations it had pledged to pursue, including the Easter Sunday attacks and the deaths or assaults of Lasantha Wickrematunge, Prageeth Ekneligoda, Wasim Thajudeen, Keith Noyahr, Poddala Jayantha, and matters relating to Dr. Shafi. Speaking during the expenditure heads for Public Security and Defence, he argued that despite a year in office, key cases had not advanced, citing the absence of progress in Lasantha Wickrematunge’s case and the lack of investigation into the assault on Poddala Jayantha. He also referred to court proceedings in the Thajudeen case, including a 2016 statement by a former Narahenpita Crimes OIC, and questioned the Government’s handling and publicity of a recent arrest said to be connected to that murder.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s commitment to prosecuting past crimes, alleging that officials implicated in the Thajudeen case and in manipulating related records now hold advisory or official positions, including at the Ministry of Public Security and the President’s office. He also referred to the Dr. Shafi case, citing CID findings tabled in court that he said identified a conspiracy by senior police officers and others to fabricate allegations for political purposes. He demanded to know how justice could be pursued while individuals allegedly involved in these matters remain in or are promoted within state positions.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law, asks rhetorically whether the persons being discussed should be imprisoned. The remark appears to press for accountability or legal action in relation to the preceding debate context.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman criticized the Government for promoting police officers allegedly implicated in the Dr. Shafi case while claiming to oppose a “parallel criminal state,” and said Dr. Shafi’s 2024 complaint seeking redress had still not been investigated. He alleged that TID and CID were summoning individuals who speak on Palestine or raise issues about illegal Sabbath houses, questioning whether law enforcement was being influenced by a foreign mission. He also referred to the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that the Government had acknowledged possible State involvement and urging action on prior promises to investigate the alleged conspiracy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that only two minutes of speaking time remained.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman referred to prior debates about an alleged conspiracy, stating that his side still maintains that such a conspiracy occurred. He questioned the Government’s position, particularly in light of the President’s statement that the State must investigate the State, and asked whether persons linked to the alleged conspiracy and the Easter Sunday attacks are now part of the Government.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that an additional three minutes had been allocated for their speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s handling of the Easter Sunday attacks investigation, arguing that promised deadlines had passed without identifying the mastermind. He said State Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera had been Eastern Security Forces Commander during key related incidents in 2018 and 2019, and that officers under him, as well as Jayasekera himself, were now connected to ongoing inquiries. He maintained that Jayasekera remaining in office created a conflict of interest and repeated the Opposition’s demand that he step aside to allow an impartial investigation, while accusing the Government of shielding individuals linked to the matter.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Hon. Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned why the Government has not sought an Interpol red notice for Sara Jasmine, noting that he believes she is still alive, while red notices are being pursued for underworld figures abroad. He urged the Government to act transparently and in accordance with the rule of law and justice, and alleged inconsistency between the President’s stated intention to dismantle a “parallel state” and the Government’s continued association with such elements.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe addressed the Deputy Chair but made no substantive remarks in the provided excerpt. No policy position, proposal, question, or demand can be identified from the available text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe was recognized to speak by the Hon. Deputy Chairperson during the parliamentary proceedings on 18 November 2025. No substantive remarks, questions, or policy positions are included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe challenged the State Minister’s statement that no case existed regarding the Trincomalee temple, citing CA Writ/1099/2025 filed by Rev. Thrikunamalaye Kalyanawansha Thissa Thero of Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Temple. He argued that a case is pending and criticized the Minister for being unaware of it, linking that lack of awareness to the dispute at the temple.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Lt. Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga to address the House and allocated him ten minutes for his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary Hon. Prageeth Madhuranga defended the Government’s handling of security-related investigations and criticised the Opposition for its attacks on security officials and ministers. Speaking during the debate on the Budget Heads of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, he outlined the Defence Ministry’s mandate, its 25 institutions, and the 2026 allocations, including Rs. 455 billion overall and specific allocations for the Navy, Army and Air Force. He said the Government is strengthening surveillance and monitoring capacity to secure Sri Lanka’s large maritime zones and maintained that the armed forces are now deployed only for national and urgent needs, unlike under previous administrations.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman briefly suggests that personnel or resources under discussion be deployed to build houses for Members of Parliament. The remark appears to be a proposal or interjection related to the use of available labour or deployment capacity for parliamentary housing needs.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga said the Government is expanding local and foreign training for service personnel, facilitating UN peacekeeping participation, and extending the 2026 Budget public service salary increases to the tri-forces. He rejected calls to reduce military presence in the North and East, citing 2025 military-supported community services such as assistance to religious sites, schools, housing, drinking water projects, medical equipment, and religious festivals. He argued that the tri-forces’ presence benefits local communities and stated that the Defence and Public Security Ministries have stabilized national security.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson and allotted 14 minutes to speak. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is contained in this procedural intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that national security must include public safety, energy security, food security, health services, and professional retention, citing shootings, power disruptions, agricultural imports, drug shortages, and emigration of professionals as areas of concern. He called for clearer government plans, stronger Navy and intelligence capabilities, and accountability over allegedly unchecked containers and narcotics-related incidents at the Port. He also accused the Government of politicizing anti-drug operations and applying detention orders selectively, while questioning contradictory official statements about an alleged “ice” factory in Nuwara Eliya.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala said issues raised by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa regarding STF officers’ grievances and recruitment had already been addressed earlier, with remedial steps underway. He rejected allegations linking the Government or Malimawa to drugs or the underworld, stating that law enforcement is being applied fairly and that any narcotics involvement would not be condoned. He alleged past links between Rajapaksa-aligned figures and underworld elements and said such connections, including recent matters involving suspects brought from Indonesia, would be investigated and presented with evidence if necessary.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson intervened procedurally to ask the Minister to conclude their remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala said Opposition members were making allegations against senior public officials, including the Ministry Secretary, Shani Abeysekara and the IGP, who were not present to respond in the House. He argued that these attacks intensified as fraud suspects were being arrested and investigations were continuing, and stated that the relevant Minister would provide clarification.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson noted that the relevant Minister was making a clarification.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the Government would not retreat from fulfilling its promises to the people. He also affirmed that racism and religious bigotry would not be permitted.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government over events at the Seethawaka Municipal Council, alleging political interference against an opposition councillor, and said this reflected a departure from promised democratic standards. In the Committee Stage debate on national security, he argued that the Government had weakened the armed forces and intelligence services, damaged morale and public trust in enlistment, and exposed the country to external pressure, including in relation to Geneva and accountability issues. He linked weakened intelligence to the Easter Sunday attacks and urged the Government to reassess its security policies, protect military personnel, and address what he described as imminent national security threats.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Defence and Public Security Budget Heads, stating that the Government has strengthened national and public security, professionalized the Police, and continued a nationwide anti-drug operation without political interference. He rejected Opposition allegations on police appointments, narcotics, and political manipulation, contrasting them with past incidents he attributed to previous governments and asserting that all suspects, including those linked to the Government, are being dealt with under the law. He cited allocations for defence, police staffing figures, promotions since 2020, and planned recruitments as evidence of ongoing institutional support and reform.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed some Budget measures but questioned the scale of Defence allocations, alleging that the military continues to occupy private lands in the North, use them for commercial activity, and operate businesses without transparent accounting. He urged the Government and President to release all civilian lands held by the forces, move a Mannar checkpoint to allow public development, reduce defence expenditure, and provide accounts for military-generated revenue. He welcomed more equal policing and anti-drug efforts but requested urgent repairs to the Mannar police station and action against online financial scams affecting rural people. He also called for repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and cautioned against using archaeology or religious claims to create ethnic or religious tensions.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera addressed recent discussion about the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 14 November 2025 between the Ministry of Defence, the Montana National Guard, and the US Coast Guard. He stated that it was signed transparently with Cabinet approval and legal advice, and tabled the MoU for Members to examine.
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that the Defence Ministry remains a central source of Tamil mistrust due to wartime abuses, continued militarisation in the North and East, and alleged links between security forces and the post-war drug trade. He cited high troop-to-civilian ratios, extensive military and naval presence on private land, and alleged police refusal to record complaints, urging the Government to stop denying these issues and address them with Tamil representatives’ cooperation. He also called for accountability for serious wartime crimes, which he characterized as genocide, arguing that credible investigations are necessary both for victims and for clearing those in the armed forces not implicated.
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that allegations of wartime abuses by the Sri Lankan military require a genuine international inquiry, stating that the State and military cannot credibly investigate themselves and that such a process is necessary to identify perpetrators and clear the names of others. He referred to reported travel bans on senior officers and their families and claimed that continued opposition to international accountability makes the current Government no different from previous administrations. He also alleged the JVP had helped mobilize support for the war and urged it, particularly in relation to the Defence and Public Security portfolios, to address these issues if it seeks to distance itself from past state conduct and build legitimacy among Tamil people.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera denied allegations by Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam that the Tri-forces were involved in criminal activities in the North and East, asking for specific incidents and individuals so action could be taken, while stating that identified cases had already been addressed. He said the Tri-forces remain disciplined and committed to national security, including in those regions. He also acknowledged that some lands remain under military use for strategic and security reasons, but noted that figures on released lands had been tabled and that further releasable lands had been identified for release in coming months and by the following year.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala responded to allegations raised by Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam concerning the police, stating that a general claim is difficult to investigate. He said that if a specific complaint is submitted, the authorities can examine the facts and conduct an inquiry, but no such complaint had been received to date.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam cited the assault on former MP Selvarajah Kajendren in Trincomalee as an example of alleged failures in law enforcement. He said suspects identified from viral video footage were arrested and remanded, but the same ASP later sought their release on bail in the High Court on the grounds that riots might otherwise occur. He presented the incident in response to a request for specific examples.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake raised a procedural concern about time management, stating that any excess time used by the Chair should be deducted from the relevant side and not from the Government’s allotted time. He also emphasized that, during the Committee Stage, replies should be made by the relevant Ministers as a matter of parliamentary practice, and urged the Presiding Member to take the next procedural step when a Member continues speaking after being asked to stop.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan defended the 2026 Budget allocations for the Defence and Public Security Ministries, rejecting allegations that security forces in the North are involved in drug trafficking or excessive checkpoint deployment. He said military camps and lands in parts of the Vanni had been released under the Government, and that naval personnel in Mullaitivu assist fishermen, prevent banned fishing methods, and help curb drug entry. He highlighted Government measures including arrests of drug traffickers, a planned rehabilitation centre in Oddusuddan, appointment of Tamil-speaking police officers, procurement of vehicles for Northern and Eastern police stations with Indian assistance, and Civil Security Department support for preschools.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that the Government has weakened police independence by sidelining the National Police Commission and allowing the IGP and political actors to influence OIC appointments, transfers, promotions, and Civil Security Committees. He raised concerns over reported police shootings, drug control statistics, and alleged links between ruling party members and drug-related cases, calling for enforcement without political interference or media spectacles. He also criticised the Government’s handling of the Easter Sunday attack investigations, saying it had come to power promising accountability but had not delivered meaningful progress.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake responded to a reference to his name, criticizing the use of personal or petty comparisons involving cricketing credentials and citing Muthiah Muralitharan’s career as context. He expressed regret over an incident in the Presiding Member’s district and argued that political leaders should calm rather than inflame communal or social tensions. He accused the opposing Member’s speech of attempting to stoke tensions and warned against politics reminiscent of the violence associated with Black July.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to concerns about the Dehiwala statue, stating that its removal occurred before the current Government took office and was carried out under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. He said the Government has allowed the statue to be returned and criticized attempts to link the Dehiwala and Trincomalee issues to religious extremism.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha emphasized the wide public role of the Police and public security institutions, arguing that Budget allocations should reflect their daily service in crime prevention, traffic regulation, public safety, immigration control and drug prevention. She said the Government is prioritizing drug demand reduction, rehabilitation, youth and school-based prevention programmes, and upgraded forensic facilities, while targeting importers, traffickers and manufacturers rather than only arresting users. She also cited action on illicit assets and ongoing investigations or court proceedings in major cases including Wasim Thajudeen, Upali Tennakoon, Keith Noyahr, Prageeth Eknaligoda and Lasantha Wickrematunge. She rejected claims of political protection in drug cases and warned against ethnic or religious divisiveness, particularly in diverse districts such as Kandy.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns over public and national security, alleging irregularities in police conduct, promotions, disciplinary processes, and the functioning of the Police Commission, including delays affecting retired officers’ pensions. He questioned expenditure on overseas investigations related to Ranil Wickremesinghe and warned that police staffing shortages, long duty hours, and upcoming mass retirements could undermine policing capacity. He proposed recruiting 10,000 unemployed graduates for office duties to release trained officers for field work, while also urging the Minister to address alleged misconduct, avoid association with dubious private operators, and protect temple land in Trincomalee.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the Public Security and Defence sectors are central to public safety and argued that the current administration has improved transparency and effectiveness, particularly in police-led drug operations. He cited figures on raids and seizures of heroin, ice, cannabis, hashish and cocaine, and called for national unity across North and South to combat narcotics while acknowledging that some officers may be complicit. He rejected ethnic blame over drug issues and recent social incidents, accused past administrations of politicizing the police and mishandling Easter attack investigations, and said the Government is working to rebuild investigations and depoliticize law enforcement.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected claims that military-run businesses and checkpoints have undermined the Northern economy, citing figures on Army-operated cafeterias, shops, tailor shops and salons and stating that any operations outside camps should be stopped or transferred to local people. He argued that a false narrative was being promoted domestically and internationally, including in Geneva, and said the NPP has a broad Tamil mandate in the North through MPs and local councillors. He urged MPs not to fear national reconciliation, criticised nationalism-based politics, tabled a 2002 Hansard extract from Nimal Siripala de Silva on arrests and remand practices, and expressed support for reconciliation while acknowledging the work of the Police and Armed Forces.
- 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 or argument was stated in the provided extract.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna sought leave to speak by raising a point of order under Standing Order 92(2), noting a discrepancy in the English copy where it appears as 91(0).
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna’s remarks were cut off almost immediately after he began speaking. He appeared to be introducing a point by invoking religious belief and referring to Sinhala children, but no substantive argument, proposal, or question was developed in the provided excerpt.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna objected to interruptions and referred to fallen Sinhala soldiers as “war heroes,” noting that he and his family used that term. He cited his presence in Jaffna and his father’s connection to Jaffna as context while addressing issues related to the war and its casualties.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned the Government’s progress in delivering justice for victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, citing the Presidential Commission of Inquiry Report and statements by Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne that the CID had “almost identified” the perpetrators. He asked why, if the alleged mastermind or those responsible had been identified, information had not been submitted to court or the Attorney-General and the law enforced. He accused the Government of failing to implement PCoI recommendations despite election pledges to the Catholic community, and referred to a letter from the National Catholic Committee for Justice to Easter Sunday Attack Victims and an additional query regarding a Rs. 30 million apartment in Dehiwala.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman briefly referred to a person’s prior involvement in inter-university activities or an inter-university body. The remark appears to be contextual rather than a substantive policy argument or proposal.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana accused government-side figures of hypocrisy over drug-related allegations, saying some who had accused others were themselves linked to individuals arrested by Police and had sought their release. He warned against politicizing such incidents through mutual finger-pointing and urged the Government to work together with others to ensure justice and fairness.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that profitable plantation companies should fund the Government-mandated wage increase for estate workers from their own profits, rather than receiving part of the Rs. 5 billion Government allocation. He proposed that the saved funds be used to further increase workers’ wages, while Government support should be limited to loss-making private and state-owned plantations to ensure the increment is paid. He also emphasized that estate land and the “Ceylon Tea” brand belong to the state and the people, not to plantation companies.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala intervened briefly to point out that another person was present on the side of an unwell female Member. The remark appears to have been a procedural or observational comment during proceedings rather than a substantive policy contribution.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that estate plantation companies, rather than public funds, should bear wage increases for workers, given their profits from state and public assets including the “Ceylon Tea” brand and estate infrastructure. He requested minimum security for leaders of constituent parties in the SJB, citing long-standing political risks, and urged resolution of delayed Police Sergeant promotions to Sub Inspector, which he said have remained unresolved for over a decade. He also proposed reallocating Rs. 7.5 billion from the Rs. 12.5 billion machinery and vehicle allocation, including MPs’ vehicles, to expand relief loans for SMEs affected by parate execution, noting that many are unable to access bank support due to CRIB listings.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper clarified that he had a total of 22 minutes to speak, including time allotted to him by Hon. Rauff Hakeem. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was raised in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, informed the Chair that the 10 minutes allocated to Hon. Rauff Hakeem had been transferred to him, indicating that this may not have been communicated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that SMEs are unable to access proposed bank-based relief because of CRIB-related restrictions. He urged the Government not to proceed with the planned vehicle allocations and requested that at least half of the Rs. 12.5 billion allocated for cabs and departmental vehicles be redirected as relief for SMEs.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper stated that he was concluding his remarks and would not address the Easter Sunday attacks at that time, as Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana had already spoken on the matter. He indicated that he would take up the issue on another occasion.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna condemned reported remarks alleging that the LTTE leader and cadres were involved in drug trafficking, defending them as revered figures for many Tamils and criticizing Government members for using Northern votes while making such claims. He argued that Tamil militancy arose from discrimination, including past university admissions policies, and rejected accusations that Northern Tamil politicians are racist. He also raised grievances affecting Tamil-speaking communities in Puttalam and Trincomalee, including garbage dumping in Puttalam, and said he was prepared to apologize for the LTTE’s expulsion of Muslims from the North while continuing to speak for Tamil-speaking Muslims.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the continued scale of defence allocations nearly 16 years after the war, arguing that funds should be redirected toward education, vocational training, elderly care and war-affected communities, and urging reconsideration of defence spending in the 2027 Budget. He called for further release of military-occupied private lands and camps in the North and East, citing Batticaloa locations and Valikamam North, and said recent road openings did not amount to meaningful land release. He also challenged Government claims about the limited extent of Army-run civilian businesses and criticized Government MPs for not, in his view, advocating sufficiently for Tamil land release issues.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam raised a point of order responding to remarks made by the Leader of the House while he was attending a parliamentary Sinhala class, stating that he would address them under Standing Orders the following day. He rejected allegations linking the LTTE to drug smuggling, arguing that no cases had been filed over 30 years and criticizing the Government for not presenting evidence in court or permitting an independent international inquiry.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera responded to a claim by Hon. Rasamanickam about tri-forces operating commercial facilities in the North, stating that Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s clarification was correct. He provided figures indicating limited Army-run canteens and tailor shops: 10 canteens in Jaffna, 12 in Vanni, six in the Eastern Province, and one tailor shop each in Jaffna and Vanni.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Vihara in Trincomalee has a documented history since 1951 and that its related Dhamma school, land allocation, fence, and temporary sales hut had received approvals or no-objection letters from relevant authorities. He tabled several documents, including registrations, Coast Conservation and other agency approvals, and later removal orders issued in 2025, noting that a writ application is pending in court. He questioned police intervention during the laying of a foundation stone for Dhamma school construction and urged that the matter be handled through proper legal and administrative procedures rather than political pressure.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara requested additional time to speak amid an interruption. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was made in the recorded excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Police action in cutting the fence of a locked temple to remove a statue that was reportedly later returned for “protection” at 6 a.m. Addressing the President, he said the incident had unnecessarily inflamed nationalist sentiment and asked that those who influenced the Police be identified and appropriate action taken.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose to raise a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was presented in the recorded text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Raised a point of order under Standing Order 91(0) regarding time management in debate, arguing that the final speaker is disadvantaged by allocated speaking time. Requested that the remaining speaking time be displayed on the parliamentary TV feed from the start of each speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a point of order to respond after his name was mentioned by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara. He stated that a police complaint had already been lodged regarding the incident and argued that the act in question was unlawful under the Coast Conservation law.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Minister of Digital Economy
AI summary President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the Trincomalee incident, stating that law enforcement must proceed carefully while preventing nationalist groups from creating communal flashpoints. He said the disputed land issue is before court, with interim arrangements made for surveying and demarcation between Coast Conservation land and temple land, and urged that the matter not be further agitated. He also said defence planning should be aligned with realistic security threats, noting that the Government does not anticipate a large-scale internal war or foreign invasion requiring an oversized conventional military posture.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary An amendment to the Appropriation Bill, 2026 was moved at Committee Stage on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Planning to revise the Ministry of Defence allocations. The proposed figures set recurrent expenditure at Rs. 370,513,000,000 and capital expenditure at Rs. 61,922,000,000.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair asked whether the Committee agreed to the matter under consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend the Schedule for Head 103, Ministry of Defence, inserting a decreased recurrent expenditure allocation of Rs. 370.513 billion and an increased capital expenditure allocation of Rs. 61.922 billion. Both the amended recurrent and capital expenditure provisions were ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam called for a Division on Head 103 and requested that the record reflect that the same vote would apply to Heads 222, 223 and 224. The intervention was procedural, indicating his voting position across those expenditure heads.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary Mr. Chairman asked whether Divisions would be requested on each Head under consideration, seeking clarification on the procedure for voting during the Committee stage.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam requested that a vote be taken only on Expenditure Head 103 and that the result be recorded for Heads 222, 223, and 224 as well.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair recorded an objection and conducted an electronic vote on Ministry of Defence Head 103, as amended. Parliament approved the Head by 101 votes to 9, with no abstentions, and the relevant recurrent and capital expenditure allocations under Programme 01 were agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Schedule. The Chair then announced Programme 02 allocations for Development Activities, including recurrent expenditure of Rs. 7.303 billion and capital expenditure of Rs. 9.958 billion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, under Head 103, Programme 02. The intervention was procedural and did not include further substantive explanation or policy argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair asked the Committee whether it agreed to the matter under consideration, seeking procedural consent to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend the Schedule under Head 103, Programme 02 of the Ministry of Defence by setting recurrent expenditure at Rs. 7,303,000,000 and increasing capital expenditure to Rs. 11,958,000,000. The capital allocation was increased by Rs. 2,000,000,000 in line with Budget Proposal No. 30, and both the recurrent and amended capital provisions were ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam stated that he would not request a Division but asked that his opposition to Heads 222, 223, and 224 be formally recorded.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair proceeded through the Committee Stage votes for defence-related expenditure heads, stating that objections would be recorded. The allocations for Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force operational activities—covering both recurrent and capital expenditure—were put to the Committee and agreed to, and each item was ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, to Head 320 by deleting lines 7 and 8 on page 15. The amendment seeks to transfer the Department of Civil Security’s recurrent allocation of Rs. 24,487,000,000 and capital allocation of Rs. 78,000,000 to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, in line with Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2458/65 of 18 October 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Members agreed to the question put before the House. The response indicates assent, and the matter was carried without recorded objection.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Moved a Committee Stage amendment to the Appropriation Bill, 2026, on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Planning, relating to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. The amendment proposes substituting the ministry’s allocations on page 31 with Rs. 200,278,090,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 18,418,000,000 for capital expenditure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to insert the increased sums for recurrent expenditure of Rs. 200,278,090,000 and capital expenditure of Rs. 18,418,000,000 into the Schedule, and both amended expenditure items were ordered to stand part of the Schedule. The Committee then proceeded to Head 189, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, noting Programme 01 operational activities with Rs. 18,849,000,000 in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 2,838,000,000 in capital expenditure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, Ananda Wijepala moved an amendment to Head 189 to revise the allocation for Programme 01, Operational Activities, to Rs. 19,640,090,000 recurrent and Rs. 3,178,000,000 capital. The amendment reflects transfers required under Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2458/65 of 18.10.2025, moving provisions for the Office of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation and the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations from Head 189 to the relevant ministries.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to insert the increased allocations for Head 189, Programme 01, in the Schedule, including Rs. 19,640,090,000 for Recurrent Expenditure and Rs. 3,178,000,000 for Capital Expenditure. Both amended expenditure items were ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam requested a Division on Head 225 during the committee stage proceedings. The remarks indicate a procedural call for a formal vote, followed by the Division Bell.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, to insert provisions under Head 320, Department of Civil Security, Programme 01 for operational activities. It seeks to transfer Rs. 24,487,000,000 in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 78,000,000 in capital expenditure to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, following Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2458/65 dated 18 October 2025.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed without division to insert the allocated sums for Head 320, Programme 01, Operational Activities, into the Schedule. The approved amounts were Rs. 24,487,000,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 78,000,000 for capital expenditure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that the Committee report progress and seek leave to sit again, indicating a procedural request to adjourn the Committee stage and resume proceedings at a later time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- 13 Adjournment Adjournment 1 speeches