Sitting of Friday, 21 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22936 ·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 Parliament Opening and Speaker's Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Papers: Regulations and Annual Reports 4 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented to Parliament 1 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Vavuniya Dedicated Economic Centre (Question No. 1) 9 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Medical Centres Providing Siddha Medicine in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts (Question No. 4) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Provision of Jobs for Unemployed Graduates (Question No. 5) 3 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Questions: Second Round – Unemployed Graduates and Bovine Semen 5 speeches
- 8 Procedural Points of Order and Procedural Matters 3 speeches
- 9 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Vacancies and Cadre Revision of Base Hospital, Puttalam 14 speeches
- 10 Debate Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day 112 speeches
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri moved the customary Rs. 10 reductions to the relevant expenditure heads during the Committee Stage debate and criticised the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry’s handling of issues including sugar pricing, domestic industry revival, MSME closures, and lack of relief for microfinance and domestic debt-affected borrowers. He questioned perceived inconsistencies between the President’s pledge to eradicate drugs and underworld activity and Minister Sunil Handunnetti’s earlier statements, and urged the Minister to meet expectations created while in Opposition. He also called on the Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Ministry to better support vulnerable groups, including producing Hansard in Braille, reviving welfare-related funds, targeting assistance to those genuinely in need, and designing livelihood-focused programmes rather than characterising beneficiaries negatively.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was recorded in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Member raised a point of order under Standing Order 29(1) and (2), stating that after asking questions related to Puttalam, MP Muhammad Faizal allegedly threatened to kill him near the Parliament canteen entrance as he was going to the car park. He asked the Chair to allow him to place the alleged death threat on record.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna made no substantive remarks beyond the phrase “To me,” amid interruptions. No policy issue, proposal, or question was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri stated that responsibility for ensuring the safety of Members of Parliament lies with the Chairman. He called for this to be clearly acknowledged in the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary A complaint was raised that a Member had allegedly threatened to kill the speaker near the canteen entrance after he asked a question regarding the Puttalam District. He requested that camera footage be reviewed and an inquiry be initiated into the incident.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Ministry’s 2025 priority was to restore confidence in a distressed industrial and entrepreneurial sector, citing improved indicators including export growth, manufacturing growth, higher industrial production, lower NPLs, and increased registrations of industries, entrepreneurs, and exporters. He outlined Ministry actions such as allocating state land for industry, developing industrial parks, supporting MSME debt restructuring and concessional credit, strengthening productivity and district-level support systems, and reviving or restructuring state industrial enterprises. He said new institutional arrangements, export development measures, SME frameworks, training programmes, and digital decentralization were intended to support industrialization and entrepreneurship under the 2026 Estimates.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government’s treatment of MSMEs, citing large-scale closures and urging expedited loan restructuring, improved ease of doing business, a clear export strategy, and dialogue with MSME representatives. He argued that Aswesuma alone cannot eradicate poverty and called for a comprehensive poverty strategy based on production, savings, investment, consumption, and exports, while also proposing support for traditional industry villages to access global markets. He raised an alleged foreign employment fraud involving a licensed agency in Maharagama and requested action by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and relevant ministers to support victims. He also questioned whether projected growth, remittances, exports, and FDI would be sufficient when debt servicing resumes in 2028, and asked the Government to explain the macro-linked bond feature in the IMF agreement.
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal raised a point of order responding to comments that mentioned his name and alleged political motives or intimidation. He stated that representatives from Puttalam had requested the President and Minister to upgrade the Puttalam Hospital, said assurances had been given, and denied that they were campaigning for votes, threatening anyone, or accusing others improperly in the House.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Raised a point of order citing Standing Order 92(2), questioning whether permission had been obtained to refer to a Member who was absent from the Chamber. He also invoked the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, alleging that he had been threatened within the parliamentary precincts and demanding immediate arrest, stating that previous CID complaints had not resolved the matter.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna briefly thanked the Chair. No substantive policy position, proposal, question, or demand was made.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that rural development should be treated as national development, calling for the release and allocation of land for productive use, rehabilitation of abandoned irrigation tanks, and politically unbiased distribution of 2026 Budget rural development funds to local authorities. He urged stronger social protection for vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities and female-headed households in the North and East, and requested additional welfare funding for war-affected areas. He proposed improved disability services including special education facilities in every Divisional Secretariat, reserved seating in public transport, mobile services for bedridden patients, accessible housing with at least Rs. 2 million per unit, and genuinely accessible soft loans. He also asked that Aswesuma eligibility not be determined solely by electricity bills, noting that persons with disabilities may have higher electricity use due to assistive needs.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged the development of Palaly Airport, Kankesanthurai Harbour, and Talaimannar Port in the Northern region. He noted that India is prepared to provide nearly LKR 20,000 million to Sri Lanka and requested that these funds be used to develop Kankesanthurai Harbour.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage outlined the Ministry’s 2025 work and 2026 plans in rural development, social security and community empowerment, including new institutions for rural development and an integrated approach to poverty reduction through assistance, empowerment and production. He said the Samurdhi Department has been reoriented toward community empowerment, with family development plans prepared and around 292,000 families economically supported, while 65,670 low-income youth have enrolled in the “Next Sri Lanka” employment and vocational training programme. He also noted reforms to subject 1,097 Samurdhi Banks to government audit, introduce a unified financial system, expand scholarships and housing assistance, address Samurdhi employee issues, and allocate Rs. 27,381 million to the Samurdhi Department in the 2026 Budget.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that the Budget under Industry and Entrepreneurship Development lacks a clear strategy for wealth creation and should prioritize building an entrepreneurial mindset from early education rather than only focusing on debt and tax revenue. He said Sri Lanka should engage the IMF from a position of strength while pursuing a national economic agenda, and cautioned against policies he described as externally driven. He also called for urgent enforcement action in the tourism sector, alleging that some foreign visitors are operating informal businesses and illegal activities without paying taxes or retaining value in Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera said his party would support the Government if it was convinced that the Government’s programme was genuine, nationally focused and not influenced by external interests. Referring to the Tangalle rally on drugs, he argued that addressing drug use requires broader economic development and opportunities for youth, including access to capital, credit, training and scholarships, rather than relying only on political campaigns around a single issue.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera urged that entrepreneurship be treated as a core element of national strategy rather than a vague concept. He called for studying regional and global competition and argued that embedding entrepreneurship in the national mindset would help address social problems such as drug use and support national development.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva marked the first anniversary of the current Government and urged support for its anti-narcotics efforts, arguing that youth protection is essential to national development. He focused on disability rights reforms, stating that amendments to the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28 of 1996, aligned with the UNCRPD, will be taken to the National Council and then to the Legal Draftsman and Parliament. He cited increased allowances, expanded beneficiaries, vocational training, a proposed three per cent public service employment quota, and a private sector wage subsidy as measures to empower persons with disabilities. He also highlighted support for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and called on social service officers and state institutions to help integrate persons with disabilities into social and economic life.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage called for measures to revive industry and employment, citing the closure of two garment factories in Nivitigala that affected about 4,000 workers, and supported a temporary suspension of PAYE implementation to ease recovery. He urged tax relief and regulatory reforms for the Ratnapura gem sector, including removal of VAT and SSCL on gem imports, rationalization of export levies, and safeguards around new rules permitting export of certain rough stones. He also criticized high rental costs paid by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and requested renewed training programmes and cost-effective administrative arrangements to support cutters, polishers, and legal exports.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the 2026 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, arguing that Sri Lanka should rebuild industrial confidence through collective effort, self-help, and a village-centred entrepreneurship model. He said the Ministry is coordinating district and divisional industry promotion bodies and agencies under a unified framework, while depoliticizing assistance and improving productivity, financial literacy, digitalization, and monitoring. He highlighted measures including anti-dumping and countervailing duties, credit mechanisms, and support for export-oriented sectors such as cinnamon, tea, coir, wood products, spices, food products, and gems, while also identifying narcotics and labour constraints as barriers to industrial development.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan distinguished between two Trincomalee sites associated with the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhivardhana Samithiya and argued that a proposed dhamma school construction on a coastal leasehold plot would violate post-tsunami coastal conservation rules and pose safety risks, urging the Government and Judiciary to uphold the law. He also cautioned against ethnic or religious tensions in Trincomalee, stating that local Sinhala and Tamil residents had maintained peace. In the Budget debate on the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, he said the Rs. 38.6 billion allocation was inadequate for rural development needs and should be at least doubled. He supported rural development objectives but urged that the “Praja Shakthi” programme use existing village, women’s, farmer, fisheries and cooperative bodies rather than creating new councils that could become politicized.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB
AI summary The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara supported the allocations under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, arguing that past welfare programmes had not eliminated poverty and that poverty remains concentrated in rural areas. He outlined Budget allocations for community empowerment, rural development, social security, “Praja Shakthi,” and cash transfers, framing them as part of a 2025-2030 programme for national recovery and poverty eradication. He also highlighted funding for persons with disabilities, school meals, uniforms and footwear, and support for elders, stating that the Government aims to ensure dignity, security, and poverty relief within five years.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Chanaka Madugoda and allocated him 12 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda, speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministries of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, said past infrastructure projects under Mahinda Rajapaksa had created a foundation for industrial and entrepreneurial growth. He argued that successive crises, including the war, insurrections, Black July, the tsunami, terrorist attacks, COVID-19, and recent unrest, had hindered industrial development. He stated that the current Government now has an opportunity to strengthen SMEs, expand large enterprises, and attract major investment.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda urged the Government to reduce or restore previous tax arrangements on imported uncut gemstones and gold, arguing that current duties are burdening small and medium gem and jewellery entrepreneurs and undermining a sector linked to tourism. He also requested support for Galle District carving industry entrepreneurs, including improved Laksala payment practices, access to timber, loan facilities, and equipment, in line with the Government’s target of increasing tourism revenue to USD 10 billion by 2030. He called on the Minister to address delays in the Small Enterprise Development Division’s entrepreneurship exhibition, including a stalled stall-tender process despite a Rs. 25 million allocation, so that young entrepreneurs can access markets and support.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed a Member that their allotted speaking time had ended. They then called on Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha to speak, allocating him nine minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha said Sri Lanka’s industrial share of GDP has grown only modestly over 75 years and argued that long-term industrial development requires an enabling environment and education reforms to produce entrepreneurs rather than only job-seekers. He outlined planned 2026 reforms introducing Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy from Grade 6, expanding entrepreneurship studies at O-Level and A-Level, and shifting teaching and assessment toward skills such as problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and communication. He also said new technology and vocational streams would support industrial manpower needs, while newly established District and Divisional Industrial Promotion Committees would decentralize support for industrialists and entrepreneurs.
- 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. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha stated that issues should be escalated to the ministry only if they cannot be resolved at district committee level. He said the Government is supporting entrepreneurs from village to provincial level by allocating funds and creating an enabling environment for industry and entrepreneurship, and expressed confidence that national development goals are achievable.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena and allotted him ten minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena urged urgent intervention to stabilize the Sevanagala and Pelwatte sugar companies, describing them as central to Monaragala District’s economic development since their establishment in 1977. He cited unpaid farmer dues, employee grievances over medical insurance, EPF/ETF, promotions and salary increases, large unsold sugar stocks, and reduced cane-crushing capacity, proposing that stock sales and operational improvements be used to address these issues. He also defended his past involvement in employment matters at Pelwatte as being in the interest of local residents and argued that the factories should be protected for farmers, workers, and the district’s future.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson and allotted eight minutes to speak. No substantive remarks or policy issues were raised in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed said the 2026 Budget and industrial development plans should give greater attention to the war-affected Northern and Eastern Provinces, where agriculture and fisheries remain vulnerable to floods, wildlife damage and unresolved subsidy issues. He called for the revival and modernization of factories such as the Kankesanthurai cement factory, Oddusuddan bottle factory, Paranthan chemical corporation, Manthai Salt Limited and Valachchenai Paper Mill, and for new factories and industrial estates in Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu to address unemployment. He also requested an increase in Aswesuma benefits, revision of beneficiary selection criteria, new appointments and higher travel allowances for Samurdhi Development Officers, and increased allowances for elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha was recognized to speak and allocated nine minutes. No substantive remarks, proposals, or policy positions were presented in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Manoj Rajapaksha spoke in support of the Committee Stage allocations for the Ministries of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, and Rural Development, Social Protection and Community Empowerment, arguing that past economic approaches had left key productive sectors weakened and rural poverty entrenched. He defended the Government’s current programmes, including the national anti-narcotics initiative and the “Praja Shakthi” rural development programme, and said these align with the President’s Budget proposals to eradicate rural poverty through village-level economic empowerment, infrastructure, education, health, and social protection. Citing high rural and estate-sector poverty, including in the Kegalle District and Dedigama electorate, he said social protection and empowerment measures must directly target poor rural and estate communities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Rohana Bandara to speak and informed him that he had sixteen minutes allocated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen domestic industrialization to earn foreign exchange ahead of resumed debt repayments from 2028, rather than relying mainly on remittances and tourism. He called for state intervention to revive closed factories, fair treatment of entrepreneurs affected by the reactivated Parate Law, electricity tariff relief and faster approvals for small industries, and better policy handling of sectors such as sugar. He also criticized the implementation of Aswesuma, saying flawed data and criteria excluded some genuinely poor households while including ineligible beneficiaries.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara was recognized to speak and allocated twelve minutes by the Deputy Chairperson. No substantive policy issue or argument was presented in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that government import and tax policies are undermining Sri Lanka’s sugarcane industry, particularly in Monaragala, despite commitments to promote domestic production. He said large volumes of imported sugar, equal taxation of white and brown sugar, VAT on local sugar, and imported inputs for ethanol production have left local sugar and ethanol unsold, and called for higher duties and tax relief to protect domestic producers. He also requested restoration of fertilizer support, urgent payment of EPF/ETF arrears for workers at Sevanagala and Pelwatte, and asked whether the Government intends to privatize or close sugar mills under the Sri Lanka Sugar Company.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti clarified that the Budget proposal for the Treasury to assume certain statutory liabilities of state enterprises, such as gratuity and legacy obligations, is intended to relieve their financial burden. He emphasized that this measure should not be interpreted as a plan to close those enterprises and urged members to read the relevant section of the Budget carefully.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara raised concerns over rising sugar production costs, citing high fertilizer, fuel and electricity prices, and urged government intervention to protect cane farmers and the sugar industry amid delayed payments at Siyambalanduwa and Pelwatte. He referenced past violence linked to the Siyambalanduwa sugar factory and questioned whether current policies risk undermining the industry. He also criticized the Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” programme, alleging that poverty alleviation is being politicized through divisional Community Development Councils chaired by political appointees, and called for such programmes to be administered by officials and village communities rather than party actors.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy to speak and allotted him ten minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy argued that industrial revival in the Northern and Eastern Provinces is a priority of the Government, following years of stagnation, limited investment, COVID-era impacts on SMEs, and insufficient post-war development. He outlined proposed initiatives including developing Kankesanthurai as a commercial hub, restarting the Paranthan Chemical Factory, expanding Mannar salt production, creating an industrial estate in Mankulam, reviving the Oddusuddan bottle factory, and hosting a Northern Investment Summit. He identified infrastructure deficits, limited access to capital, weak market access, and skills shortages as key constraints, and said Budget allocations aim to support equitable regional development through industry and tourism. He urged political actors not to obstruct development or inflame communal tensions, calling for cooperation for the benefit of the Tamil people and the country.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order under Standing Order No. 91(1), objecting to references he said had been made to his personal affairs and alleged meetings abroad. He argued that such remarks cast aspersions and should not be raised in Parliament, and requested an opportunity to respond immediately or said he would write to the Speaker and respond the next morning.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson addressed a Member’s concern about a personal matter, stating that no disparaging remark appeared to have been made. He allowed the Member to raise the issue in their speech and granted 30 seconds to do so.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna briefly addressed the Deputy Chairperson in Tamil and extended an invitation to join “Independent Group 17.” No policy issue, legislative matter, or specific parliamentary demand was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy clarified that he had not deliberately named another member, but had referred to similar remarks only as an example. He stated that his group had no need to act independently and would work together for the benefit of the Tamil people.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe to speak and allotted him ten minutes. The intervention was procedural, marking the next speaker in the debate at 3.00 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the 2026 allocation for the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and thanked the Minister for intervening in issues affecting cane growers in Ampara through a district-level committee and field inquiry. He said the inquiry found discrepancies in land allocated and used by Gal Oya Plantations/Hingurana Sugar Company, including an 819-hectare shortfall and allegations of company control over lands licensed to farmers for cane cultivation. He tabled the report and highlighted pending court cases, farmer indebtedness, forced land takeovers, and operational delays in harvesting and cultivation as issues requiring further action.
- 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. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe raised concerns over 83 employees of the Pulmoddai Plant of Lanka Mineral Sands Company who have not received salaries for 15 months despite protests and appeals, and urged the Minister of Industries to settle both arrears and current salaries. He contrasted this with 17 temporary appointees from Galle District who are receiving pay and facilities, and requested discussions with the affected workers. He also asked that Ampara and Trincomalee Districts be included in the Ministry’s national programme to create 1,000 young entrepreneurs, particularly through provisions in the 2026 Budget.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson allotted ten minutes to the Member for Alawathuwala. They then called the House to order and announced that Hon. Thushari Jayasingha would take the Chair, after which the Chair was formally changed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that MSMEs, which he said contribute about 52 percent of GDP, remain severely affected by COVID-19, the economic crisis, high interest rates, and parate enforcement, and called for stronger relief measures including attention to concerns raised by MSME chambers. He criticized the proposed reduction of the VAT registration threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million, saying it would burden small producers and raise prices, and tabled documents outlining ten key issues faced by the sector. On rural development and social protection, he called for time-bound pathways to lift beneficiaries out of poverty, contrasting Janasaviya’s graduation model with the later Samurdhi programme, and also urged attention to the declining economic position of middle-class public servants.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne rejected Opposition claims that the NPP Government had damaged a stable country, arguing that it inherited serious drug, corruption and governance problems and citing Police Media Division data on narcotics arrests, seizures and raids as evidence of action toward a drug-free country. She said the Government’s Community Empowerment Programme aims to empower two million families from 2025 to 2029 through livelihood, financial inclusion, social protection, training and mentoring initiatives supported by ADB and World Bank projects. She listed current progress, including family development plans, assistance to selected families, youth registrations, microfinance schemes, housing grants and Samurdhi-related programmes, and defended “Praja Shakthi” Committees as officer-led village development mechanisms rather than politicized bodies.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Mrs. Anushka Thilakarathne said the country has placed its trust in the NPP Government and argued that political forces unable to adapt would lose relevance. She concluded by stating that the NPP Government would rebuild the country.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asks how much speaking time he has available, specifically whether he has 20 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake asked whether the addressee would attend the Nugegoda rally taking place that day.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Industry Minister to move beyond blaming past governments and implement decisive economic and industrial reforms, including reducing the overall tax burden, lowering SME interest rates to 5–6 percent, and creating one million young entrepreneurs. He questioned aspects of debt management, the declaration of bankruptcy, EPF disclosure under IMF-related public debt management, and the impact of exchange rate depreciation on the debt burden. He called for a strategic approach to para-tariffs, sugar sector reform, faster industrial land allocation, stronger BOI and IDB coordination, updated industrial laws, wider market access, and targeted investment incentives linked to agriculture and import substitution.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah urged the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to prioritize industrial revival in the Eastern Province, including fully operational industrial zones in Batticaloa and Pottuvil, investor facilitation, SME support, training for unskilled youth, and bank financing for small enterprises. He highlighted opportunities in mineral sands, agriculture-based manufacturing, fisheries, tourism, handloom, rice milling, coir, palmyrah products and fish packaging, and called for modern technology and private-sector partnerships to create employment. He also requested upgrading the Valaichchenai Paper Factory, expanding its production, and developing its 300-acre premises and heritage buildings into a tourism-oriented “Paper City” with homestays, a museum and related facilities, alongside improved rail services to support tourism in Batticaloa and nearby areas.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB
AI summary Clarifying the elderly allowance, Dr. Upali Pannilage stated that the Central Government pays Rs. 5,000 per month, increased from Rs. 3,000, and does not provide a Rs. 500 payment. He suggested that the Rs. 500 referred to by another Member may be a Provincial Council payment.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB
AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga supported the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy, reduced the budget deficit, and is pursuing an entrepreneurial and export-oriented development strategy. She cited the National Export Development Plan, Rs. 1,799 million for export promotion, a five-year export target of USD 36 billion, the current year target of USD 18 billion, and reported progress including USD 13 billion in exports by mid-year and 482 new exporters in 10 months. She also highlighted measures such as assigning export targets to ambassadors, setting targets through district and divisional administrations, introducing a VAT refund system for tourists, and convening the Export Development Council of Ministers under the President.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry’s role but urged the Government to focus on effective implementation of new Budget programmes rather than political claims about the past. He questioned disparities in sugar prices under the “one product, one shop” concept, called for transparency, and said youth entrepreneur loan schemes had reached too few beneficiaries despite allocations. He proposed stronger district-level and national value-chain programmes for coconut, coir, batik, apparel, fisheries, dairy and spice processing, with market access, women-focused credit, digital support and inter-ministerial coordination. He also requested comprehensive pre-departure skills training for migrant workers and urged that any plastic bag policy first establish viable domestic eco-friendly alternatives before legislation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna marked the Karthigai period by calling for remembrance of national martyrs, heroes, and figures of sacrifice. He urged members to hold them in their hearts while he addressed Parliament.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna criticised the Budget for, in his view, providing no meaningful allocation for the Northern Province, despite earlier announcements of Rs. 5,000 million for Northern development and allocations for roads in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu that he said remained largely unspent. He urged Ministers to visit the North, address roads, hospitals, markets, passport services and other basic needs, and ensure that new allocations, including Rs. 150 million for grounds, are actually utilised. He also said he speaks for Muslim communities in Puttalam and estate communities because their concerns are not being adequately represented, and referred to threats made against him and to past Tamil administration structures while arguing for development support for the North and East.
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Wasantha Piyathissa defended the Praja Shakthi programme as a lawful, grassroots development mechanism and rejected Opposition criticism by attributing administrative delays and economic collapse to shortcomings of previous governments. He said the Government had intervened in the Hingurana Sugar Factory dispute between Gal Oya Plantation Company and cane farmers, including discussions on temporary paddy cultivation for interim farmer income, though the Board had not approved the proposal. Outlining his Ministry’s welfare work, he cited increased elderly allowances for 800,000 low-income beneficiaries, disability allowances for 162,588 persons, skills training for youth with disabilities, and new service-access systems for persons with speech impairments.
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to expedite the proposed integration of institutions such as the IDB and NEDA, improve coordination among industrial estates, and address shortcomings in estates under the Ministry and IDB. He highlighted delays and alleged administrative obstacles faced by exporters, particularly GI wire producers, and proposed delegated approval mechanisms and regular Exporters’ Forums to resolve issues quickly. He called for work to begin on the Kondachchy industrial estate in Mannar using existing land and funds, and advocated public-private partnerships, incubator programmes linked to universities, and stronger support for SMEs and export-oriented ventures.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti responded to an issue raised by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen concerning about 97 persons whose recruitment or regularisation had been delayed due to a pending Bribery and Corruption complaint alleging paid recruitment. He stated that the complaint process has now concluded, the Department of Management Services has been informed, and the Government expects to absorb them into the cadre and resolve the matter soon.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Minister to expedite the Millaniya Green Industry and Technology Zone in Raigama, Kalutara, noting that although basic infrastructure has resumed and been completed, the access road and factory construction have not begun despite an earlier target of January 2026. He said only 25 of the developable 60 acres have been developed, with further uncultivable land identified at Niuchatalwatta, and requested prompt, cross-party action to select investors and start construction to support employment.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that a land clearance issue involving a company and the removal of rubber had delayed approval for the project. He said the matter had been discussed and resolved, with about Rs. 4.5 million to be paid before approval can be obtained and work can proceed.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Selected investors who have been allocated land are not commencing work, and a time limit should be imposed on them. If they fail to begin, their allocations should be cancelled and made available to qualified new investors seeking land with electricity, water, and administrative facilities.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Dr. Upali Pannilage defended the “Praja Shakthi” National Movement to Eradicate Rural Poverty, describing it as an integrated community-led development mechanism rather than a fund distribution scheme. He outlined its national and village-level structure, including Community Development Councils in all 14,008 active Grama Niladhari divisions, and said it transfers local development decision-making to communities with social audit mechanisms. He noted that Rs. 25,000 million has been allocated for 2026 and said welfare policy will combine assistance with empowerment, supported by government funds and World Bank and ADB assistance.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti replied to the debate on the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, outlining its 2026 allocation of Rs. 7.329 billion and an additional Rs. 80 billion concessional credit facility for start-ups and enterprise expansion. He detailed planned public-private partnerships and investor calls for salt, graphite, Paranthan chemicals, Eppawela phosphate and mineral sands, while emphasizing value addition, productivity, and export-oriented industrial development. He reported reduced administrative costs, 78 per cent physical progress by September, upgrades to industrial estates, expanded artisan training and craft promotion, and plans to coordinate NEDA, SEDD and IDB under a single authority for greater efficiency.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026, the Minister moved an amendment on behalf of the Minister of Finance relating to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment. The amendment proposed revising the relevant expenditure allocations to Rs. 27,488,500,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 34,203,000,000 for capital expenditure.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asked whether the Committee agreed, seeking procedural assent to proceed with the matter before it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amendments increasing the Schedule by Rs. 27,488.5 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 34,203 million for capital expenditure. It then approved allocations under Head 124, including Programme 01 recurrent expenditure of Rs. 280.7 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 25.5 million, with Programme 02 allocations noted at Rs. 1,657.7 million recurrent and Rs. 6,771 million capital expenditure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026, the Minister moved an amendment to Head 124, Programme 02. The speech was limited to formally presenting the amendment for parliamentary consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asked whether the Committee agreed to proceed or consented to the matter before it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament approved an amendment to page 22, line 3, revising Programme 02 of Head 124 to allocate Rs. 1,746.2 million in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 29.774 billion in capital expenditure. The amendment transfers provisions for the National Secretariat for NGOs from Head 189 to Head 124 and increases Head 124’s capital provision by Rs. 23 billion in line with Budget Proposal No. 17.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Chair put and secured agreement to insert amended allocations under Head 124, Programme 02, into the Schedule, covering recurrent expenditure of Rs. 1,746.2 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 29,774 million. The Committee then approved allocations for the Department of Social Services under Head 216 and the Department of Samurdhi Development under Head 331, including their operational and development recurrent and capital expenditures. The proceedings then moved to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with stated allocations of Rs. 5,500 million recurrent and Rs. 6,000 million capital expenditure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, relating to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. It proposed replacing the relevant capital allocation figure on page 28, line 7, with Rs. 7,500,000,000.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asked the Committee whether it agreed to proceed or accept the matter before it, seeking procedural consent.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary The House agreed to insert and approve the amended Capital Expenditure allocation of Rs. 7.5 billion in the Schedule. It also approved Head 149 allocations, including Programme 01 operational recurrent expenditure of Rs. 1.4538 billion and capital expenditure of Rs. 175.7 million, and noted Programme 02 development allocations of Rs. 3.6552 billion recurrent and Rs. 5.7437 billion capital expenditure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary Moved an amendment to Programme 02 under Head 149 during the Committee Stage consideration of the Appropriation Bill, 2026.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member sought the Committee’s agreement on the matter under consideration, posing a procedural question to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to an amendment to Head 149, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, increasing the capital allocation for Programme 02 by Rs. 1.5 billion to Rs. 7,243.7 million, using provisions under Budget Proposals Nos. 10 and 11. The recurrent allocation of Rs. 3,655.2 million for the same programme was also approved. Allocations for Head 303, Department of Textile Industries, were then agreed to, with Rs. 391 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 80.6 million for capital expenditure under Programme 02.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB
AI summary The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti moved that the Committee report progress and seek leave to sit again. The motion was agreed to, and the Committee reported progress with sittings scheduled to resume on Saturday, 22 November 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 11 Procedural Committee Stage Report – Heads Passed 1 speeches
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Improvement of Facilities for Salt Production in Kinniya DS Division 6 speeches