Sitting of Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22931 ·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 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Ministerial Consultative Committee Report on Energy Regulations 1 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 3 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Incidents of Domestic Violence Against Women from 2015 (Q.1/2025) 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: (Q.3/2025) - Stood Over 3 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Land Donated to Reggie Ranatunga Educational Scholarship Fund (Q.5/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Rangiri Dambulla Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited Frauds (Q.5/2025 - Second Round) 3 speeches
- 8 Procedural Oral Question: Lands Owned by Land Reform Commission (Q.?) - Procedural Stand Over 2 speeches
- 9 Procedural Procedural: Ministerial Statements and Parliamentary Business Management 29 speeches
- 10 Procedural Procedural: Ministerial Consultative Committees Motion 3 speeches
- 11 Debate Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) 160 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala moved the standard Cut-off Motion for the Committee Stage heads of expenditure and emphasized the wide administrative scope of the relevant Ministry, including Provincial Councils, local authorities, Divisional Secretariats and Grama Niladhari divisions. He criticized Government claims about the state of the economy when it assumed office, citing GDP and per capita income figures to argue that the crisis predated the current administration and that recent nominal growth reflected exchange rate effects. He raised concerns over delays and alleged irregularities in constituting local authorities after the Local Government elections, including defeated budgets and disputes in bodies such as Seethawaka, Anamaduwa and Mawathagama. He also urged the Government to proceed with Provincial Council elections, noting past errors under the Yahapalana administration and referring to the Attorney General’s view that a return to the previous electoral system could be enabled through Parliament.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna – Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
AI summary The Minister said Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha and similar hung local authorities show the need for dialogue on local government electoral reform, noting that limited amendments were previously made to allow elections following a Supreme Court direction and with party leaders’ agreement. He outlined public service measures since 2025, including Cabinet-approved recruitment of about 76,982 officers, graduate and teacher appointments, intakes to island-wide services, Management Service Officers, ICT, translators, librarians, drivers, technical officers, Grama Niladharis and registrars. He also said the 2025 Budget salary and allowance increases were implemented from April 2025 under circular 10/2025, with Rs. 330 billion allocated over 2025-2027, and referenced expanded training for public officers under an MoU with India’s NCGG.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake asked the Opposition to consider adjusting the parliamentary schedule on days when divisions are requested on Budget Heads, noting that multiple votes and divisions had extended proceedings the previous day and placed strain on staff. He proposed that, on such days, the House proceed to voting at 6.00 p.m. without holding the Adjournment Debate, allowing proceedings to conclude by around 6.30–6.45 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over pensioners, particularly those who retired between 2020 and 2024, and proposed a non-partisan committee, interim allowances, payment of arrears, and fulfilment of the pledged 15 per cent senior citizens’ interest scheme. He requested improved allowances and recognition for registrars, implementation of the Grama Niladhari service minute and related allowances, restoration of fuel support, and action against alleged politicization of welfare programmes. He also urged adequate benefits under Agrahara insurance, warned that proposed recurrent expenditure limits could weaken local authorities, and called for consultations with local council chairs. Referring to the Trincomalee incident and media allegations of narcotics links, he called for stronger action to preserve religious harmony, a National Cohesion Committee, proper law enforcement, and a survey and redeployment of surplus vehicles before any new vehicle procurement.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development
AI summary The Minister responded to Opposition concerns about procuring vehicles, stating that many existing State vehicles have been auctioned or are unsuitable for official use due to high fuel consumption and maintenance costs. He said the procurement process is proceeding with Procurement Committee approval, seven bidders have responded, and any alleged violation could be challenged legally. He added that questions on LECO vehicles and an alleged Benz purchase should be taken up during the Power Ministry Vote.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe defended current vehicle imports as necessary to restore basic operations in local authorities and government offices, citing shortages and unusable equipment such as gully bowsers, loaders, bulldozers, tractors and official vehicles. He said the next batch would include 100 gully bowsers, 175 tractors, 100 water bowsers, 160 tippers, 75 motor graders and other vehicles, with allocations made to all local authorities regardless of political control. He argued that maintaining about 4,000 old vehicles under the Ministry of Local Government costs around Rs. 3,350 million annually and that replacing unusable vehicles is more practical than repeated repairs. He rejected claims that the vehicles were being imported for political supporters, stating that MPs and officials would receive only operational vehicles where needed, including cabs to be returned after five years.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister
AI summary The Minister briefly thanked the Chair and indicated that he had concluded his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister
AI summary The Minister said any complaint to the Bribery Commission could be corrected or withdrawn and urged that a consistent position be taken on the matter. He stated that the Government was acting to ensure estate workers receive what is due to them, including through a reimbursement mechanism, and called for support for the initiative. He also asserted that the Government had fulfilled commitments to workers, State employees and pensioners.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition requested that the Minister assess the likely scale of job displacement resulting from technological advancement, online work, and artificial intelligence. He argued that such an assessment is necessary to reorient education from pre-school to tertiary level toward future labour market needs and the creation of new forms of employment as traditional jobs come under threat.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister
AI summary The Minister said the Government is attentive to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the impact of technological change and AI on employment. He noted that while conventional jobs are changing, new jobs are emerging, and emphasized the need to reform education and the economy to prepare for future labour market needs.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran raised concerns over the long-delayed implementation of full administrative powers for the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat, citing 1993 Cabinet approvals and questioning the legality of its treatment as a sub-DSD or linkage with Kalmunai South. He asked the Government and the Ministry of Public Administration to restore administrative authority, clarify who changed its status on official records, and act on promised inquiries. He also alleged unlawful expansion of an “Islamabad” Grama Niladhari division within Kalmunai North boundaries and requested an immediate halt to related mapping, land alienation, and administrative actions pending lawful regularisation.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam called for corrections to administrative arrangements in the North, including a dedicated Pradeshiya Sabha for Manal Aar and separate Pradeshiya Sabhas for areas where one council covers multiple DSDs, citing service delivery problems and revenue constraints. He raised concerns over Mahaweli “L” Zone resettlement, land and irrigation disputes, the Triwaitku Lake claim, and the Kivul Oya project, requesting an inter-ethnic committee to ensure equitable benefits and protect ancestral lands. He also urged appointments to address staff shortages in local authorities, better assessment and tax collection systems, heavy machinery for war-affected resettlement areas, and full implementation of Provincial Council provisions alongside the allocated funding for elections.
- The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha defended the Government’s references to past economic mismanagement and said the debt default of April 2022 made it necessary to examine the preceding 76 years. He stated that Provincial Council and Local Government elections would be held, with funds available and new legislation to correct flaws in the electoral framework, and denied allegations of buying councillors. He highlighted Budget measures for public servants, including restoration and adjustment of pension benefits, phased salary increases totaling Rs. 330 billion, recruitment of 76,782 officers, regularisation of about 9,800 staff, higher allowances, disaster loan allocations, and subsidised housing loans.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticised what he described as administrative influence from “Pelawatte” and alleged political gatekeeping in public administration, including in character certificates and provincial transfers. He raised procedural concerns under Standing Order 28, saying opposition Members were not being given equal opportunity to raise matters, and urged the Chair to ensure fairness. He called on the Minister to act on the Attorney General’s advice regarding Provincial Council elections, including bringing the Delimitation Commission report and necessary amendments before Parliament so elections could be held. He also urged stronger fiscal autonomy for local authorities through by-laws and interim statutes, citing his experience as Mayor of Bandarawela as a model for self-generated revenue and council asset purchases.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan raised concerns about inadequate staffing, buildings, and service coverage in Divisional Secretariats, Pradeshiya Sabhas, and Grama Niladhari divisions in Nuwara Eliya District, particularly Norwood, Talawakelle, Walapane, Hanguranketha, and Kothmale. He requested the creation of additional DSDs and local authorities, recruitment of more GNs and Management Assistants, salary improvements, and appointment of unemployed graduates to fill service gaps. He also called for plantation communities to receive public services directly through GNs and DSDs without dependence on estate management, and requested fire engines for local bodies and a resolution to salary liabilities arising from the Ambagamuwa PS split. He further urged the Government to retain Provincial Councils, make any necessary legal amendments, and hold Provincial Council elections without delay.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara sought clarifications from the Minister on whether the Budget includes a programme to resolve pending pension issues for those who retired between 2020 and 2024. He also asked whether steps would be taken to fill over 5,000 Management Assistant vacancies by appointing candidates selected through limited competitive examinations.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna – Minister
AI summary The Minister stated that steps have already been initiated to address issues faced by retirees and that the Government will continue those efforts. He added that part of the process concerning Management Assistants has been completed, with further discussions ongoing to finalize the remaining matters.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Upali Samarasingha – Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development
AI summary Upali Samarasingha noted that the 2026 Budget allocates substantial funds to Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and highlighted continuing post-war development gaps in the Northern Province, particularly in the Vanni District. He requested the Minister’s special attention to shortages of heavy machinery in local authorities and significant staff vacancies in Northern provincial ministries and departments, arguing these must be addressed for local bodies to function effectively.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Upali Samarasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Upali Samarasingha briefly defended Hon. Chandana Abeyratne, stating that he had worked continuously for their political movement since 1994 and contributed to party victories. He rejected suggestions made about Abeyratne’s current situation without providing further details.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna
AI summary (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna responded to an issue raised by the Deputy Minister concerning the Vavuniya District Secretariat. He stated that if the matter is submitted with the approval of the District Coordinating Committee, necessary rehabilitation measures could be arranged.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Ministry of Labour, framing them as aligned with modernizing the public service and supporting workers. He defended the National People’s Power’s authority in the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, arguing that recent steps to constitute the council reflected the local election mandate and legal process. He raised concerns about Public Service Commission decisions to increase the pass mark for efficiency barrier examinations from 40 to 50 and reduce attempts from six to three, asking whether the Ministry, Minister and officials had been consulted. He urged authorities to avoid creating conflict with public servants and trade unions or curtailing existing rights, and noted that the Sectoral Oversight Committee had already directed the Ministry Secretary to intervene.
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi briefly requested the Chairman to grant him one minute to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary The government has proposed a three-step approach to address salary anomalies and is taking measures to resolve issues affecting retirees, with the President’s attention on the matter. In presenting the expenditure head of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, the speech stated that steps are being taken to strengthen and advance the public service.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary During the Committee Stage debate, the Minister raised media reports questioning the academic and legal qualifications of Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, including the validity of a City University London degree certificate, the timing of that institution’s recognition by Sri Lanka Law College, and issues relating to admission requirements. He tabled related documents and requested that Hon. Rajapaksa clarify the matter in Parliament in order to address concerns affecting the dignity of Members and the House.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, MP, to speak and informed him that he had 11 minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concerns on expenditure heads relating to public administration, local government, labour and plantation workers. He requested fuel, communication and duty-related allowances for Grama Niladhari officers, action to resolve salary anomalies and recruitment disparities affecting Management Service Officers, and relief mechanisms for low-revenue local authorities facing proposed salary-cost recoveries. He also urged digitisation and National ID-based coordination to simplify EPF/ETF claims, and sought clarification on whether the additional Rs. 200 plantation worker payment is an attendance-based daily payment or conditional on working 25 days.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra to speak and informed her that she had 10 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra paid tribute to Samanmalee Hettiarachchi of the Dabindu Collective and highlighted the contribution and underrepresentation of women workers, particularly in Free Trade Zones and the garment sector. She said the government had reactivated the National Labour Advisory Council after a period of inactivity, held several meetings, and increased representation of women and women-led trade unions in the tripartite forum. She also cited labour policy measures including increases to the national minimum wage to Rs. 27,000 from April and Rs. 30,000 from January 2026, and negotiations to raise plantation workers’ wages, arguing that these reflected a stronger worker-focused approach by the Ministry of Labour.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that only two minutes remained for their speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra clarified that the plantation daily wage of Rs. 1,750 does not require workers to complete 25 days of work, stating that Rs. 200 is an attendance incentive paid only for days worked in addition to the Rs. 1,550 wage. She said claims of a 25-day condition are due to misunderstanding or distortion. She also said labour law reform is being pursued through an inclusive process involving an expert committee, a draft for public and union comment, and consideration of fairness to both workers and employers, including greater women’s workforce participation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson and allotted 12 minutes to speak. No substantive policy remarks or arguments were made in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka rejected allegations against Hon. Namal Rajapaksa regarding his law degree and called on the Government to submit any evidence to the CID and courts rather than raise the matter in Parliament. He alleged that police officers in the Southern Province were being used to mobilize crowds for government events and said he possessed documentation, challenging the relevant Ministers to deny it. He also criticized a pickup truck procurement process, claiming tender conditions and timelines were designed to favour one supplier, and questioned whether a new circular requires Public Safety Committee approval for Police Clearances. He further argued that the Budget allocates an unusually low share to capital expenditure, which he said would weaken village-level economic activity.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna
AI summary Prof. A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna clarified that the former Civil Defence Committees have been renamed “Public Safety Committees.” He stated that the existing requirement of obtaining a committee chair’s report for Police Clearance remains unchanged, with only the committee name altered.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary The Hon. D.V. Chanaka requests a brief 10-second pause or opportunity to continue, without raising a substantive policy issue or proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson instructed the Member not to turn the exchange into a debate and directed them to conclude within 15 seconds.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Minister on the process for issuing Police Clearances, stating that officials at Divisional Secretariats had indicated they were issued based only on Grama Niladhari certification. He alleged that Public Safety Committees had been politicized through appointments such as Members’ spouses, and raised concern about the implications when such appointees are in remand.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called the next speaker, Deputy Minister Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, to address Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe said drug and organized crime eradication operations are being carried out with the Police, Armed Forces and security agencies, and criticized the Opposition’s reaction to these efforts. He stated that the “Nation as One” programme under the national operation would be held in Tangalle the following day with the President’s participation, noting that it falls under the Ministry of Public Security and the Police.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka briefly intervened to request permission to ask a question of the Deputy Minister. No substantive policy issue or proposal was stated in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe defended the Budget’s wage and public-sector benefit measures, saying the Opposition should critique constructively while noting its resistance to plantation wage increases. He attributed current pension anomalies to decisions by the 2016 and 2020 governments, stated that the Government’s 2025 Budget addresses the issue in phases up to July 2027, and said further disparities affecting retirees up to 31 December 2024, including retired principals and teachers, would also be resolved. He highlighted salary increases, higher increments, disaster loan funding, festival advances, housing loan concessions, regularization of about 9,800 workers, and increased allowances for rail crossing gatekeepers. He also justified procuring 2,000 vehicles, mainly pickup trucks for public officers, citing the very old condition of vehicles used by Labour Department district engineering offices.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Deputy Minister that only two minutes remained for their remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe requested additional speaking time from the government side to address multiple points, stating he would coordinate the matter with the Whips.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson grants the member an additional two minutes to continue speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe outlined ongoing labour reforms, including plans to consolidate 14 labour laws into four new Acts covering industrial relations, labour standards, occupational safety and health, and trade unions. He cited training programmes for Labour Department officers, job and vocational fairs, and expanded occupational safety interventions, noting recorded workplace accident figures and the estimated economic cost of such incidents. He also referred to efforts to digitize EPF access, revive the National Labour Advisory Council, and appealed to workers across sectors to support efforts to improve productivity and national development.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson and allocated five minutes to speak. No substantive policy position, proposal, or argument is contained in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman called on the Government to table in Parliament the defence agreement signed on 14 November between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence and the Montana National Guard, disputing a statement by the US Ambassador that it had already been tabled. He rejected the President’s claim that the Opposition feared Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekara, saying SJB MPs had defended them when they faced reprisals under the previous Government. He further alleged that the two officers were being obstructed by the Public Security Ministry and questioned the promotion or appointment of officials whom he said had previously hindered or harassed them.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that only one minute remained for the speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman challenged the President’s remarks on the Easter Sunday attacks, stating that key volumes and testimony from the Easter Commission report, allegedly retained during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency, should be sent immediately to the Parliamentary Library for MPs’ review. He also rejected the President’s allegations linking the media to drugs, urging him to present evidence publicly and act responsibly in his capacity as Executive President.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka raised a point of Order. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was presented in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson invited the Member to state the point of Order being raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka invoked Standing Order 86(6) to clarify what he said was a misunderstanding of remarks by the Deputy Minister regarding Police circulars on Public Safety Committees. He alleged that in Hambantota District, Police had been instructed to bring 3,500 people—not only committee chairpersons—and to use public funds to provide meals for attendees of Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s rallies. He questioned whether public revenue and Police resources could be used for political rallies and tabled a related letter, which was placed in the Library.
- The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena argued that the current local authority electoral system is impractical and requested a return to the former preferential representation system. He raised financial and staffing difficulties in local authorities, calling for excess staff redeployment and full government reimbursement of salary costs. He also sought improved allowances and facilities for Grama Niladharis, a male recruitment quota for difficult areas, and administrative and judicial reallocation of four remote Grama Niladhari divisions in Madulla to improve public access and legal administration.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe only addressed the Chair, with no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy arguments recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized or invited the Deputy Minister to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in this brief procedural intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe responded to a point of order raised by D.V. Chanaka, arguing that it was not valid under Standing Order 86. He said the rule permits a member only to clarify a misunderstood part of their own speech without introducing new matter, and maintained that he had merely clarified what was raised. He asked the Chair to take note and objected to members using repeated “bogus” points of order to disrupt proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson stated that they had instructed that the matter be halted at that point.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that no point of order had been raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka’s intervention consists only of an address to the Deputy Chairperson and contains no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or arguments to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson ruled that debate could not proceed at that moment and asked the Member to be seated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka raised a point of order or clarification, stating that his name had been mentioned in the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed Members that each would be allotted approximately 15 seconds to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka raised a point of order, arguing that under Standing Orders a Member whose name is mentioned is entitled to one minute to respond, not 15 seconds. He specifically cited Standing Order 86(a), stating that it permits him to clarify alleged misstatements about him without introducing new matter, and asked the Chair to apply the rules accordingly.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson instructed the Member speaking to conclude their remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe addressed the Deputy Chairperson, but no substantive remarks, arguments, proposals, or questions are included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Deputy Minister that only 15 seconds were available to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected the claimed point of order and invited the Member concerned to attend the Sinhala and Tamil language courses that had begun in Parliament the previous day. He also referred to possessing a video involving the Member’s father, indicating it could be produced if needed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson requested the Deputy Minister to conclude, then called Hon. Muhammad Faizal to speak with an allotted time of eight minutes. The Chair then directed that Hon. Imran Maharoof take the Chair, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left and Hon. Imran Maharoof assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka rose on a point of order. The speech was interrupted before any substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the President’s attendance in Parliament and argued that the Opposition’s predictions of the Government’s collapse had failed. Speaking during the Committee Stage debate on allocations for the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, he accused previous governments of delaying Provincial Council and local authority elections while claiming lack of funds. He said the current NPP Government has allocated funds in the Budget to hold Provincial Council elections and expressed confidence that it would win them. He also stated that the Government had increased estate workers’ wages, contrasting this with earlier unresolved discussions on the issue.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was presented in the provided speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka invoked Standing Order 91, which prohibits imputing improper motives or referring to Members’ private affairs, in response to allegations concerning his father’s ownership of “shops.” He denied that he or his father face theft or corruption cases and contrasted this with unnamed others who, he said, have such cases due to wrongdoing.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Muhammad Faizal rejected Opposition claims that the NPP misled voters in Puttalam, stating that the President had directed the Health Ministry to proceed with upgrading Puttalam Hospital in line with election promises. He said Puttalam’s multi-ethnic communities live in harmony and pledged to oppose attempts to create communal divisions while pursuing development under the Government’s policy programme. He also raised the salary and pension grievances of the Government Translators’ Service arising from Public Administration Circular 06/2006 (iv), requesting restoration of their pre-circular salary scales.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha argued that the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government is central to development, but said public administration and local authorities face funding, staffing and governance problems. He criticized reductions in salary reimbursements to low-revenue local authorities, called for chairs and members to be empowered under the Pradeshiya Sabha framework, and urged equitable allocations including for Opposition MPs. He demanded urgent Provincial Council elections after more than eight years, citing the Government’s parliamentary majority to pass required legal amendments. He also called for implementation of recommendations on Management Service Officers, including salary revisions, recruitment to provincial vacancies, higher qualifications, restored senior-grade status and a clear promotion scheme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Condemning alleged attacks on Buddhist clergy in the Eastern Province, Dilip Wedaarachchi criticised the Government’s handling of public administration and local government, citing low utilization of development allocations in Hambantota and arguing that district projects were not being implemented effectively despite Government control of most local bodies. He contrasted this with past “Gamperaliya” and MP allocation programmes, claimed better local-level execution under previous administrations, and commended the Hambantota Municipal Council mayor for using funds for development. He also raised concerns over killings, narcotics and underworld activity ahead of the President’s visit to Hambantota, calling for inclusive anti-drug programmes and proper review mechanisms. Wedaarachchi further alleged intimidation, bribery and manipulation in the formation and control of local authorities, urging Opposition members in Hambantota councils to oppose what he described as corrupt budgets and administrations.
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi said his party supports holding Provincial Council elections under the previous electoral system and accused the JVP/NPP of opposing them, citing events from 1988-89 to argue that such opposition has had harmful consequences. He asserted that Provincial Council elections should be held promptly and said his side would demonstrate its public support. He also raised concerns over a Tangalle Municipal Council staff tour approved soon after the Chairman’s appointment, linking it to a fatal accident at Ella, and called for accountability, including a disciplinary inquiry into the Chairman and the granting of leave.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB
AI summary Padmasiri Bandara defended the Budget allocations under Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, rejecting Opposition claims about low capital spending and citing allocations for Health, Agriculture, and Rural and Infrastructure ministries as evidence of a capital-focused Budget. He highlighted the proposed implementation of a 3 per cent public service recruitment quota for persons with disabilities, alongside a Rs. 500 million wage subsidy scheme for private employers. He also said the Government would address local authority staff shortages through over 75,000 recruitments and allocate Rs. 12,500 million for shared essential equipment, while noting increased benefits for public servants including higher festival advances, disaster loan ceilings, and difficult-area allowances for teachers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that public administration is being weakened by officials’ fear of taking decisions, delays in Ministry approvals, and low capital expenditure, and he questioned whether Cabinet decisions and circulars are being vetted outside the Ministry. He challenged the Government’s claims on public sector salary increases and pensions, called for relief for retirees including higher deposit interest, and criticized limited allocations for housing and disaster loans for public servants. He urged equal funding and staffing for Opposition-controlled local authorities, demanded Provincial Council elections through a simple amendment restoring the previous system, and called for implementation of promised benefits for Grama Niladharis, Management Service Officers, and public officers’ vehicle permits.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe – Deputy Minister
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe clarified that public servants appointed from 1 January 2016 had been moved from the former pension system to a contributory pension scheme under appointment letters, but that scheme had not been implemented by any government. He stated that the current Budget proposes to restore full pension rights to those employees, equivalent to earlier public servants.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara clarified that appointment letters stated the posts were pensionable subject to policy decisions, and said the pension scheme had not been abolished. He noted that employees appointed after 2016 retained pension rights subject to policy and had contributed to the Widows’ and Orphans’ Pension scheme.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Mohamed Ismail Muththu Mohamed raised concerns about politicization and delays in public administration, staff shortages in field-level services, inadequate travel allowances, and poor treatment of lower-level employees. He called for Provincial Council elections to be held without further delay, citing the 13th Amendment and the need to realize devolved minority rights. He also urged better resources, offices, vehicles, staffing, revenue plans, and allowances for local authorities, particularly in the North, and requested that public-sector interviews in Tamil-speaking areas be conducted or communicated in Tamil. He concluded by conveying condolences on the death of former Vavuniya Government Agent and Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi supported the 2026 Budget proposal to raise estate workers’ daily wage from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750 through a Rs. 200 company increase and a Rs. 200 Government incentive. She criticized Opposition Members, including Sajith Premadasa, for questioning and allegedly obstructing the increase, and said estate workers in the hill country face difficult working conditions and support the Government’s proposal. She urged that the wage measure proceed and framed it as a key issue for public and private estate workers during the Committee Stage debate on the relevant ministries.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha urged the Government to revive the stalled Provincial Council election process by appointing the statutory Review Committee, addressing delimitation issues affecting minorities and small parties, and preserving reforms such as the mixed electoral system and 25 per cent women’s quota. He called for amendments to protect minority representation, greater devolution of constitutionally assigned Police and Land powers under the 13th Amendment, and an assessment of the Provincial Council system’s effectiveness. He also proposed reforms to reduce corruption in local authorities by limiting mayors’ and chairpersons’ executive powers, digitalizing approvals, addressing stray dogs humanely through sterilization, and resolving service and salary issues affecting management and investigations officers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised several Trincomalee District issues during the Committee Stage debate on allocations for Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and Labour. He urged the Government to amend or offset a circular requiring local authorities to bear increasing salary costs for permanent casual workers, establish a fire brigade at Kinniya Urban Council, and provide JCBs, gully bowsers and other vehicles to local bodies. He also requested staffing for Divisional Secretariats, survey and demarcation of disputed DS boundaries, creation of additional DS divisions in Kinniya and Thoppur, and a coordinated licensing mechanism for firewood cutters to prevent arrests and penalties.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi said the Budget’s provision to recruit 50,000 public servants is necessary to address shortages in key cadres across central, provincial and local institutions caused by past recruitment freezes and post removals. He rejected allegations of ministerial interference in local bodies, arguing that powers are exercised under existing laws while noting that electoral mechanisms can distort control of administrations and should be corrected. He also stated that the Government is addressing pension arrears and gratuity payments, and urged recognition of progress while emphasizing the need to strengthen efficient local authorities for grassroots development.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected a newspaper and television report claiming that Police reports now require approval from the Public Security Committee Chair in addition to a Grama Niladhari certificate, stating that no such instruction or circular has been issued by the Police or the Ministry. He said the report was unverified and misleading, criticized the media outlet’s conduct, and indicated that he had already complained to the CID about previous reporting and would raise this matter with the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna questioned whether the Budget provides a concrete remedy for pension anomalies affecting retirees from 2020–2024 and urged that postponed pension enhancements for 2016–2022 retirees be brought forward. She sought clarification on reports that Lanka Sugar Company was exempted from statutory payments, asking whether EPF, ETF and gratuity obligations were affected, and called for lawful settlement of such dues. She also proposed alternatives to unusable public officer vehicle permits, urged timely Provincial Council elections under the old PR system, recommended placing SLICTS under the Digital Ministry to support digitalization, and requested clearer guidance and better resources for Divisional Secretariats.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe clarified remarks made in his absence regarding pension issues for retirees. He stated that issues concerning 2016–2019 retirees had been addressed in three phases, and that there was no separate 2020–2024 category; instead, matters affecting all retirees up to 31 December 2024 remain to be addressed.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns over the re-installation of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee under police protection and alleged State-backed construction of viharas and land seizures in Tamil areas, including Kuchchaveli and Thayiddi, warning that these actions could undermine communal harmony. He criticized the Opposition Leader’s support for retaining the statue and said Tamil voters expected justice from him. He also requested administrative reforms in the North and East, including the creation of Kodikamam, Achchuveli and Akkarayankulam Divisional Secretariat divisions, and the gazetting or establishment of Urban Councils and local authorities for Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Madhu, Oddusuddan, Maruthankerny and Kandawalai.
- The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake said the Government had granted a phased 66 per cent public sector salary increase, which would also raise linked pensions, and argued that pension protections had been secured despite earlier attempts to curtail them. He stated that recruitment freezes since 2020 had caused major staffing shortages in sectors such as teaching, policing and administration, and said the Government would undertake large-scale recruitment to strengthen the public service. He also claimed private sector wages were rising alongside public salaries and linked these measures to the Government’s broader economic recovery efforts and the 2026 Budget.
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government while urging measures to improve ethnic representation in Eastern Divisional Secretariats, including appointments reflecting local demographic balances. He requested action on pension anomalies affecting officers who retired between 2020 and 2024, amendments to Efficiency Bar circulars to protect retirees, and early Provincial Council elections. He also called for dialogue-based resolution of land and boundary disputes in conflict-affected areas and asked for a funding mechanism or subvention to help Eastern local authorities meet salary obligations and function effectively.
- The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake outlined the 2026 allocations under the Ministry of Labour, including funds for labour law enforcement, worker welfare, occupational safety, and employment-related institutions. He said measures are being taken to improve access to EPF through unified data systems and criticized past political misuse of workers’ funds. He highlighted a Rs. 5,000 million Budget allocation to protect EPF, ETF, and gratuity entitlements of workers in ten loss-making State-owned enterprises, and requested ministerial action to recover long-standing EPF arrears with surcharges.
- The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah called for boundary disputes among local authorities and Divisional Secretariats in Batticaloa, including Kattankudy, Manmunai Pattu, Koralaipattu Central and Kiran, to be resolved through committees and gazetted, with two new corresponding Pradeshiya Sabhas established. He urged an urgent amendment to Section 2 of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act and suspension of a Registrar General’s circular requiring foreign Muslim spouses to submit affidavits denying religious affiliation to obtain marriage clearance. He also requested the long-pending MN 3 salary/service upgrade for Management Service Officers, early Provincial Council elections now that funds have been allocated, and a mechanism to help Eastern Province local authorities meet salary obligations and continue functioning.
- The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported the Budget allocations for State Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and Labour, arguing that government development programmes are now producing measurable results. He cited completed and ongoing projects in the Matugama Divisional Secretariat area, including decentralized, provincial development, model and rural road projects, and rejected Opposition claims that allocated funds were not being used effectively. He also referred to wage increases for estate workers, plans to recruit about 76,000 public servants through competitive examinations, and government support for local authorities through equipment and institutional strengthening.
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan requested administrative restructuring in Batticaloa, including splitting Eravur Pattu DS and Kanthiran Kudah GN Division due to their large size and access difficulties. He urged age-limit extensions for public service competitive examinations affected by Covid delays, the prompt holding of long-delayed Provincial Council elections, and relief for low-revenue and war-affected local authorities facing increasing salary burdens. He also called for higher public assistance grants for vulnerable groups and action in the 2026 Budget to address long-standing pension anomalies affecting retired teachers and principals.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan stated that no competitive examination had been held since 2018 to recruit Management Assistants to the Management Service, limiting employment opportunities for young people. He requested that competitive examinations for Management Service officers be conducted and that attention be given to the issues he raised.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined Budget allocations for the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, including Rs. 24,620 million for provincial councils and local government, and said the Government is working to strengthen all 341 local authorities after local elections were held. He highlighted measures such as the “Punarudaya Purachara” Local Government Week, provision of 700 vehicles and machinery in the first phase out of a stated need for 1,067, and plans to reduce high maintenance costs of ageing local authority fleets. He also said the Government is advancing digitalization in local authorities through new software already introduced in 130 institutions, with further implementation planned.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper requested that allowances paid to Birth, Death and Marriage Registrars, including the Rs. 75 per registration fee and the “ink allowance,” be increased after remaining unchanged for many years. He then criticized the Government’s handling of Provincial Council Elections, arguing that despite presidential assurances, the rejection of Private Members’ Bills and the proposal for a new Select Committee indicate opposition to the Provincial Council system. He questioned why the Government, with a large parliamentary majority, was asking others to make the required law and said his side would reject the report and vote against the relevant Ministry Head in protest.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe’s intervention contains only an address to the Presiding Member and does not include any substantive remarks, argument, proposal, or question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that Nizam Kariapper had misrepresented the President’s remarks, clarifying that the President called on Parliament as a whole to make the law, not the Opposition specifically. He emphasized that Kariapper, as a lawyer, should understand the legal and parliamentary context of the President’s statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam argued that Provincial Council Elections are especially important to the North and East and accused the Government of failing to honour its manifesto commitment to hold them within a year. He rejected the Minister’s report on his Private Member’s Bill, stating that the Bill had incorporated Supreme Court requirements, repealed the 2017 amendments, and restored the previous electoral system. He demanded that the Government proceed with legislation and elections rather than appointing committees or citing legal objections to delay the process.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe only addressed the Chair with “Hon. Presiding Member” and made no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or references to policy or legislation in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna challenged another Member’s intervention, asking how they could speak without raising a Point of Order. The remark concerned parliamentary procedure rather than a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe raised a Point of Order after his name was mentioned, asking members not to interrupt and waste parliamentary time. He said he would look into the teachers’ issue and rejected any attempt to pressure him through threats or noise. He reiterated that the Government’s position on holding Provincial Council Elections was clear and had been stated repeatedly, including by the President in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary No substantive speech content was provided beyond the formal address to the Presiding Member, so no policy position, proposal, question, or argument can be identified.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam objected to what he described as intimidation and threats in the Chamber, asserting his right as an elected representative to speak forcefully or emotionally. He stated that the debate was not about past histories and warned that the era of killings was over; parts of his remarks were expunged by order of the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe requested one minute to respond, stating that another Member had insulted him. He appealed to the Presiding Member for permission to address the matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna’s recorded contribution consists only of addressing the Presiding Member. No substantive argument, proposal, question, or reference to legislation or policy is included in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Prof. Abayarathna responded to comments by Hon. Shanakiyan regarding Provincial Council Elections and a related Private Member’s Motion, stating that the Government intends to hold the elections after resolving outstanding legal issues. He said proposals have been submitted and that views can be presented through the Parliamentary Special Committee, adding that budgetary provisions have been allocated and denying any intention to postpone the polls.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Point of Order under Standing Order No. 91(h), alleging that another Member had misled the House about a conversation in the Lobby. He denied requesting a road to his house and stated that he had instead asked about progress on a report due within six months regarding his Provincial Councils Bill, so Members could respond to public demands for Provincial Council Elections.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary The Minister outlined planned reforms in the Labour Ministry, including digitalizing Labour Department services to improve efficiency and compensation processes, while criticizing a previous Cabinet proposal to use space in the Mehewara Piyasa building for commercial entertainment facilities. He linked the Ministry’s work to the 2026 Budget framework, emphasizing fiscal discipline, reducing the deficit to 5.1 percent of GDP, meeting salary, pension and interest obligations, and prioritizing human capital through health and education spending. He rejected Opposition claims on low capital expenditure execution, stating that 2025 had higher execution rates than cited past years, and noted that Rs. 6.4 billion had been allocated to the Labour Ministry, including Rs. 1.2 billion for capital expenditure.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam requested a Division on Head 130, citing insufficient provision for Provincial Council Elections, inaction on the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat issue, and concern that a committee was being used to delay the elections. Following the vote, Head 130 was passed without amendment by 103 votes to 9, after which related recurrent and capital expenditure items, including allocations for the Department of Pensions, Registrar General, and several District Secretariats, were agreed to.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna moved an amendment at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, to increase the capital provision under Head 312, Programme 02, for the Western Provincial Council. The amendment would raise the allocation for Development Activities to Rs. 8.1 billion, reflecting an additional Rs. 100 million under Budget Proposal No. 20.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to increase the allocation for Head 312, Programme 02, Capital Expenditure by Rs. 8,100,000,000 and inserted the amended sum into the Schedule. The amended capital expenditure item was then ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka moved a resolution to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the release of 323 import containers from the Port of Colombo without mandatory physical inspection. The proposed committee would examine the legality of the release, accountability of officials and entities, possible illegal or harmful contents, the roles of Sri Lanka Customs and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and the adequacy of existing safeguards. He cited a Treasury-appointed investigation, Customs officers’ concerns, and public security risks, including possible links to narcotics, weapons, revenue loss, and public safety, and proposed recommendations for legal, administrative, and policy reforms.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman formally seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary A procedural motion was moved for the Committee to report progress and seek leave to sit again. The motion was agreed to, and the Committee was scheduled to resume sitting on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment: Dedicated Economic Centres 11 speeches
- 13 Papers Written Answers to Questions and Administrative Notices 12 speeches