Sitting of Monday, 24 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23008 ·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 Speaker's Announcement: Oral Questions Procedure 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Public Debt Management Regulations 1 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Report: Public Finance Committee on Regulations 1 speeches
- 4 Procedural Brief Procedural Clarification on Committee Report 2 speeches
- 5 Petitions Petitions: Five Citizens' Petitions Accepted 2 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Q.1 (1272/2025) - Request for Adjournment 3 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Agricultural Lands in Pottuvil and Lakugala (Q.2) 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Jaffna College of Technology Infrastructure (Q.3) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Education Zones in Trincomalee District (Q.4) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Teaching Hospitals (Q.5) 2 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Equal Educational Opportunities - Standing Order 27(2) (Q.6) 10 speeches
- 12 Procedural Ministerial Statement and Procedural Matters on Archaeology 5 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: India Trade Relations - Standing Order 27(2) Response 14 speeches
- 14 Procedural Ministerial Statements: Defence and Gender-based Violence 3 speeches
- 15 Debate Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation - Part 1 14 speeches
- 16 Procedural Adjournment for Lunch 1 speeches
- 17 Debate Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing 115 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson allocated 19 minutes for Hon. Anura Karunathilaka to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said Cabinet approval has been obtained to develop the old Bogambara Prison as a tourist promotion centre, pending an archaeological valuation report and subsequent RFP process. He clarified that 2026 housing assistance includes Rs. 7,200 million through virement and an additional Rs. 3,000 million allocated in the Budget. He emphasized the strategic role of ports and airports in moving from stabilization to growth, noting improved SLPA revenue and profit in 2025 while acknowledging declines in port performance rankings and efficiency. He said the East Container Terminal is expected to begin operations by September next year, adding about 2.5 million TEUs of capacity, with procurement of straddle carriers underway to support this expansion.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka outlined plans to position Sri Lanka’s ports as integrated stakeholders in regional growth, including a master plan for all ports, implementation of a Port Community System at Colombo, progress on the Kerawalapitiya dry port, renewed talks with India on Kankesanthurai Port with possible US$ 63.5 million grant support, and tourism-focused development of Galle Port. He reported improved financial performance in airport operations, including at Jaffna International Airport, and said the delayed BIA Phase II project is expected to move toward contract award by mid-2026, with temporary measures introduced to ease congestion. He also highlighted continuing heavy losses at Mattala Airport, noting cumulative losses of over Rs. 66 billion since inception and the need to address its underutilization.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Ravi Karunanayake to speak and informed him that he had 18 minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged accelerated modernization and private sector participation across transport, urban development, ports, and aviation, arguing that fiscal limits require PPPs, cost-benefit analysis, and stronger accountability. He called for electrification of the Kelani Valley railway, renewed expressway projects with cost and currency-risk controls, regularization of deeds for Colombo housing units, and practical use of UDA land assets. He questioned why significant dues from SriLankan Airlines and private airlines to the Civil Aviation Authority had not been collected, and proposed immediate measures to reduce BIA congestion, including use of the VVIP terminal and better slot allocation. He also advocated developing Ratmalana for business and regional aviation and formulating an industry-led “Ceylon Ports” strategy to strengthen Colombo, Hambantota, and Trincomalee amid risks of mainline shipping bypassing Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary Minister Susil Ranasinghe outlined Budget 2026 allocations and priorities for housing, water supply, sanitation, construction, and resettlement, including Rs. 70 billion in development capital expenditure and Rs. 10.2 billion for NHDA grants of Rs. 1 million per house for low-income households. He said NWSDB coverage, currently about 52 per cent of households, would be expanded and improved through Rs. 45 billion in funding, completion and commencement of major projects, and Rs. 9 billion for capacity, connections, and quality improvements in districts. He also detailed Rs. 3 billion for rural community water schemes, institutional strengthening of the National Community Water Supply Department, and an increase to Rs. 5 billion for Northern and Eastern resettlement and infrastructure. He noted the construction sector’s contribution to GDP and employment, while indicating that further details on NHDA plans would be provided by the Deputy Minister.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan called for all housing responsibilities, including those for the North and East, estate/Malayaga communities, the South, and persons with disabilities, to be consolidated under one Ministry through a single National Housing Policy. He urged better land-use planning by locating housing near roads and settlements, and proposed dedicated NHDA segments for different communities’ needs. Referring to Indian-supported estate housing and unmet targets for 6,000 estate houses by year-end, he asked the Government to continue implementation while integrating the estate community into national housing and administrative frameworks.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Ministry’s Advisory Committee will be opened to receive written proposals from Members on housing policy and invited them to participate in discussions. He also stated that, because multiple ministries implement housing programmes, the Government is considering a steering committee with representatives from all relevant ministries and institutions to coordinate policy, targets, and beneficiary selection under unified oversight.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa raised grievances of disabled war heroes and police officers, urging the Government to engage with them and provide practical solutions. He defended infrastructure and housing projects undertaken under previous administrations, cited road, expressway, port, airport and housing achievements, and questioned why completed urban housing units remain unallocated. He called for faster completion of ongoing expressway projects and criticised delays or low progress in Budget allocations for railway stations, waste management, water supply, airport scanners, road development, BIA expansion and port congestion measures. He also sought accountability over alleged illicit container releases at Colombo Port and urged the Government to deliver at least half of its stated Budget commitments.
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said urban development should be integrated with housing, infrastructure, flood control, wetland and land management, mobility, regularization, environmental protection, and controls on unauthorized construction, rather than being used to displace communities or meet political aims. He said many low-income apartment schemes had deteriorated due to poor social management, inadequate maintenance, waste issues, broken lifts, and drug networks, and announced plans to begin upgrades in four schemes in 2026 through resident committees, UDA earnings, and budget funds. He stated that over 50,000 families require housing or regularization, with more than 14,714 already settled, and that the Government aims to build over 7,000 houses in two years, including at least 2,000 next year. He also referred to Rs. 1,300 million allocated for city branding linked to tourism in Kataragama, Anuradhapura, Kandy, and Colombo Fort, and said gazetted urban plans would be expanded to more localities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara JJB
AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara stated that urban development plans require active implementation and said over Rs. 2,000 million is expected to be allocated, with the President’s intervention, for a targeted programme covering 10 towns from early next year. He said discussions are underway with District Secretaries and district Members of Parliament to coordinate implementation. He also addressed flood management in Colombo, Gampaha and areas such as Kolonnawa, noting recent interventions during heavy rains and stating that a stronger programme led by the Minister and relevant officials will be implemented next year.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said damage to lifts is linked to drug addiction and cannot be addressed solely through additional funding or repeated repairs. He noted the issue causes serious hardship to residents and said the Government is considering practical solutions as part of broader efforts to address the drug menace.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan clarified that he was not proposing the installation of a new lift, but the outsourcing of lift maintenance to another institution. He argued that outsourcing would improve protection, oversight, and accountability, particularly in response to concerns about vandalism, theft, and corruption, and urged the Minister to consider it as a practical solution.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan welcomed allocations for transport, highways, ports, civil aviation and urban development projects in the Northern Province, but noted that many roads and bridges remain only at initial stages and urged completion. He requested practical changes to the Rs. 1 million housing assistance scheme, a properly planned resettlement programme based on accurate data for war-displaced communities, and completion of unfinished schools and cultural halls. He questioned why most revenue from vehicle emission testing goes to private operators, called for reform of the system and use of funds for environmental protection, and asked for action on the Kadawatha–Meerigama Expressway and road connectivity between Puttalam and Mannar.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to increase housing assistance for over 3,000 families in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya from Rs. 750,000 to Rs. 1,000,000, noting that beneficiaries already enrolled in the scheme cannot access other housing programmes. He said many families had demolished huts to begin construction and still could not complete their homes. He also requested a review of eligibility rules so that people married after 2009, persons with disabilities, and those with severe illnesses can be included in the housing grant scheme.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran welcomed allocations and administrative improvements in the transport, highways, ports, civil aviation, urban development and housing sectors, while urging priority action for Ampara District infrastructure needs. He requested rehabilitation of about 72 km of rural roads, a 7–8 km drainage system for flood-affected Alayadivembu, and urgent repairs to the dilapidated Keethanki bridge, which he said isolates large numbers of residents during rains. He also proposed revisiting a Batticaloa–Pottuvil railway link, restoring at least the 5.15 a.m. Rajarata Rajini train service from Vavuniya to Colombo, and addressing sewage and flooding problems affecting condominium housing schemes in Kalmunai through the Clean Sri Lanka programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran urged that the issues he raised be addressed urgently under the Clean Sri Lanka program. He requested that the necessary action be taken.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB
AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi addressed Budget expenditure heads related to transport and urban development, focusing on Nuwara Eliya District’s unmet needs in plantation-linked rural villages and underdeveloped towns. He highlighted inadequate sewerage, toilets, roads, housing and public transport, noting that 24 routes are too degraded for regular bus operations and 20 routes lack buses due to shortages, and said he was tabling a list of affected routes. He cited Rs. 500 million allocated for Hatton town, planned development of several other towns through 2026–2028, and around Rs. 3,000 million in 2025 for carpeting 44 roads, with further Provincial Council and PRDA road works. He urged systematic, ministry-linked development of rural roads and towns and invited the Opposition to support the programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi urged the Transport Ministry and Department of Railways to cooperate with the RDMNS.LK mobile app, a non-profit, crowdsourced service widely used by train passengers, tourists, and even railway staff for real-time train information. He said the group needs official notifications on timetable changes, special trains, and cancellations, and noted that an agreement was reportedly executed on 9 June 2024 but has not been implemented. He alleged obstruction by unions and ticket-related interests, and questioned why Sri Lanka Railways denied the existence of the agreement in an RTI response despite documents being available.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi criticized the Government’s handling of Right to Information requests, arguing that details previously disclosed about officials in the President’s Media Division are now being withheld on national security grounds. He urged the Minister to intervene directly and instruct officials to provide the requested information, including through simple administrative steps, stating that such action would better serve the public.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena said meetings had been scheduled with RDMNS, including one on the previous Saturday and another a month earlier, but the group had not attended. He acknowledged the public usefulness of the app and said he had personally engaged with the team and urged the previous administration to accommodate it within the legal framework. He stated that, as a government entity, any cooperation with a private volunteer initiative must comply with legal requirements, while expressing willingness to work with RDMNS amicably.
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary No substantive speech content is provided beyond the formal address to the Presiding Member, so there are no arguments, proposals, questions, or policy references to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Chathura Galappaththi thanked the State Minister for the prompt response and noted that the relevant agreement had already been cleared by the Legal Department. He emphasized that there was no remaining legal impediment and urged that simple administrative instructions be issued to implement the agreement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena noted that the exchange would be recorded in Hansard and requested that a written submission be brought forward. He indicated willingness to proceed jointly once the request is formally presented.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised concerns over SriLankan Airlines’ reported Rs. 7.59 billion loss despite a Rs. 20 billion allocation, the absence of a CEO for eight months, and alleged conflicts of interest involving Board members linked to Hayleys. He urged action on union allegations of malpractice and inefficiency, and proposed expanding profitable areas such as Ground Handling and SriLankan Catering before considering privatization. He also called for improved pay, promotions, and examinations for Sub-Station Masters, noting low allowances and outdated service conditions. He further sought clarification on Colombo traffic congestion plans, including whether the Government will pursue LRT or BRT under the CoMTrans-related planning framework and referenced a 2018 LRT feasibility report.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the Government has neither decided to proceed with nor finally cancel the LRT project, but is unlikely to begin it within four years, prioritising road development and other measures to reduce Colombo congestion. He stated that the CoMTrans 2012 plan is being updated, with a policy to develop multimodal centres, including about 15 initially and around 50 over four years. He said SriLankan Airlines remains burdened by debt but is improving operationally, and urged assessment by performance rather than individuals. He also said regulations to resolve private bus ownership transfers after an owner’s death are expected this month, enabling proper transfers under amended law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Chithral Fernando raised concerns about irregularities in a bidding process involving six bids, alleging that some bidders may have conflicts of interest. He urged the Minister not to treat the matter lightly and to address the potential conflict in the procurement process.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported Budget allocations for transport and urban development, highlighting CCTV installation in public transport to address harassment of women and children during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. She noted planned SLTB investments including depot development, driver rest facilities, recruitment, repairs to buses, engine replacements, additional long-distance buses, and services on unprofitable routes, while requesting attention to non-functioning low-income urban routes in Colombo. She also welcomed new National Transport Commission regulations on roadworthiness and driver drug use, and referred to a forthcoming road safety law. On housing, she cited plans to build 27,000 houses, including over 6,000 in Colombo, and urged speedy and sensitive relocation for unauthorized settlers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised three issues: regularising about 2,000 long-serving contract manpower employees of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the Budget proposal covering 9,800 employees; restoring pension, allowance and arrears entitlements for disabled war veterans, widows, parents and families of deceased or missing personnel, with a statutory framework to guarantee such benefits; and addressing concerns that Civil Defence Committee approval is being required for Police Clearance Certificates. He also objected to journalists being summoned to the CID over reporting on that issue, urged protection of media freedom, and questioned the delay in repealing the Online Safety Act.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the Government had clarified in Parliament that no circular requires approval from Public Security or Civil Defence Committee chairpersons for police character certificates, and urged the Opposition not to spread contrary claims based on isolated examples. He also argued that media freedom must be upheld but false reporting should be challenged, citing the Dr. Shafi episode as an example of media-driven public unrest.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa requested permission from the Presiding Member to respond during the proceedings. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was recorded in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa stated that reports from Hakmana and Kamburupitiya Police Stations requiring Civil Defence Committee approval for Police Clearance Certificates are accurate. He indicated he would table the relevant information formally if necessary.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected that his microphone had been switched off during his allotted speaking time. He requested that the microphone be restored so he could continue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected that his microphone had been switched off before he could respond, suggesting external intervention and questioning whether further approval was needed to allow him to speak. He stated that the facts he had presented regarding Kamburupitiya and Hakmana Police were accurate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to the Leader of the Opposition’s remarks about the Chair, saying he should not imply that the Presiding Member was instructed to switch off the microphone. He noted that the Chair had allowed the Leader of the Opposition to continue even when another member was due to speak, and urged the House to proceed properly while respecting the dignity of the offices involved.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the handling of microphones in the chamber, requesting that the Secretary-General provide a report on when microphones were switched on or off for Government and Opposition speakers to assess any pattern. He also defended his earlier references to incidents in Hakmana and Kamburupitiya, stating that they were evidence-based and that he had not misled Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary The Minister responded to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition regarding pensions and allowances for disabled war veterans. He stated that disability allowances, permanent allowances, pensions, post-55 entitlements, and the “Mother-Father Protection Allowance” have not been suspended, and said a Cabinet paper has been submitted with discussions held with the Treasury to address these matters.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Housing Minister to maintain clear housing targets, citing past national housing programmes and the Mahaweli project, and requested funding to complete stalled housing projects in Anuradhapura without political discrimination. He asked that unresolved deeds in Ranaviru villages, including Ipalogama, be issued, and proposed an amnesty or legal process for service deserters to either rejoin or be discharged to reduce their involvement in crime. He also called for an inquiry into an allegation that the National Housing Development Authority Chairman summoned District Secretaries to Colombo against the Minister’s instruction, causing unnecessary public expenditure.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about the incomplete restoration of train services after rehabilitation of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line, specifically citing the non-resumption of the “Uttara Devi” service and the Mail Train to Talaimannar. He requested urgent action to address signalling and operational delays on the line, and called for better management of underutilized Railway Department lands. He also urged modernization of SLTB services, including the introduction of modern buses and CCTV in buses, to improve public transport quality and efficiency.
- The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Susil Ranasinghe criticized past “shelter for all” promises made in 2000, 2010 and 2025, arguing that they were not fulfilled and amounted to political falsehoods. He referred to housing projects launched between 2015 and 2019, alleging that assistance such as cement bags and cash was distributed near the 2019 Presidential Election and that, in Trincomalee District, thousands of houses remained incomplete. He stated that his side would not make similar misleading housing promises.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman objected procedurally that if Members are allowed to rise and intervene repeatedly during speeches, Opposition Members could do the same from speech to speech. He implied concern about maintaining orderly debate and equal application of speaking or interruption practices in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath defended the Government’s economic and development agenda and criticized the Opposition, arguing that previous infrastructure spending had not prevented bankruptcy. He highlighted transport reforms in Kalutara District, particularly integrated timetables for SLTB and private buses, stating that these have reduced conflict, improved revenue and delivered more efficient services. He said the Government is addressing losses at five SLTB depots in Kalutara and completing halted rural road and iRoad projects, including 24 roads under project 115080 that have been tendered.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera welcomed the card payment initiative for bus fares and requested assurances that passengers will not be charged commissions, while urging faster recruitment of SLTB drivers and conductors and procurement of suitable buses, especially small “C” type buses for rural and difficult routes. He called for regularization of SLTB wage anomalies and an end to alleged trade union-based discrimination against employees. On railways, he suggested prioritizing modernization of the existing Kelani Valley line over extending it to Ratnapura, and on roads he urged completion of abandoned projects under the earlier 100,000 km roads programme. He also requested urgent completion of the Garagoda bridge in Yatiyantota.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged the Government to resume and complete housing projects halted after the Yahapalana period, citing 47,093 incomplete houses nationally and 5,798 in Hambantota District, with residents lacking roofs, water, and electricity. He questioned why only 35 per cent of the 2025 Housing Ministry allocation had been utilized and requested district-level reports and a funding estimate to be presented to Parliament. He proposed extending the current Rs. 1 million housing grant to these incomplete houses and writing off previous Rs. 600,000 housing loans for affected low-income families, with parliamentary support.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the budget allocations for transport, highways, ports, civil aviation, and housing, citing ongoing rural road rehabilitation in the Northern Province, including Rs. 2,200 million for Mannar and additional allocations for rural roads. He said reduced political interference and prevention of commission-taking had generated savings that would be redirected to road projects, and noted planned SLTB staff appointments and rehabilitation of bus stands and railway stations under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He also referred to Northern resettlement housing allocations targeting 2,445 houses with basic facilities, and requested additional support for housing construction in Jaffna islet areas due to higher transport costs for materials.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir addressed the budget allocations for urban development and transport-related ministries, highlighting neglected infrastructure and unfinished projects in Ampara, Kalmunai, Nintavur, Mannar, and Pottuvil. He requested action on replacing the dilapidated Kalmunai NHDA complex, improving the Kalmunai market, strengthening solid waste management, completing the Velavallodai beach park and lagoon tourism development, and allocating Rs. 470 million to finish the Mannar–Silavathurai Cultural Hall. He also called for rail links to Eastern Province tourist destinations and educational institutions, compensation for land damage caused by Oluvil Port-related coastal erosion, rehabilitation of Hidayapuram Road, and restoration of an abandoned park under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera criticized the Opposition for lacking constructive proposals and said the Government’s 2026 Budget addresses long-standing water supply problems, including low pressure, interruptions, and quality concerns in areas such as Homagama, Kaduwela, and Maharagama. He highlighted two planned projects: a Rs. 200 million Greater Colombo water and wastewater management initiative to reduce non-revenue water from about 50 per cent to 18 per cent, and a Rs. 3,995 million Ambatale energy conservation project to modernize pumping, pipelines, and automation systems.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised several Trincomalee District issues, requesting the urgent resumption of the suspended daytime air-conditioned express train between Trincomalee and Colombo and improvements to drinking water distribution from Kuchchaveli to Pulmoddai and within Kinniya. He called for completion of stalled housing projects, upgrading and widening of key roads including the Trincomalee–Batticaloa route through Kinniya, completion of the Thoppur Al-Hamra internal road, and transfer of more local roads to RDD/RDA maintenance. He also asked the Government to address the Muthunagar land and housing issue affecting evicted families and to enhance operations at China Bay airport to support tourism.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara conveyed condolences over the Lower Kadugannawa incident and said state intervention would be pursued to prevent similar tragedies. Speaking on the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, he outlined allocations and progress under the National Community Water Supply Department, including Rs. 2,701 million for 2025 and nearly Rs. 3,000 million for 2026. He highlighted severe drinking water shortages in upland areas of Kegalle District, particularly in the Aranayake electorate, and noted ongoing projects, feasibility studies, rehabilitation works, and planned completion of 146 projects in 2026 to expand and improve community water supply.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Government to prioritize stalled and delayed transport infrastructure, including the Kadawatha–Mirigama expressway section, the remaining Pothuhera–Galagedara road works, and the Kurunegala–Dambulla corridor, noting prior land acquisition and compensation. He recalled former President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s housing programmes and international recognition of shelter initiatives, while also asking the National Housing Development Authority to comply with a Labour Tribunal order to reinstate employees. He further raised concerns about proposed changes to expressway advertising structures affecting businesses and landowners, and criticized the summoning or harassment of media editors, calling for reporting concerns to be addressed through clarification rather than intimidation.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake began to address the Presiding Member, but no substantive remarks, arguments, questions, or proposals are included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake provided timelines for sections of the Central Expressway, stating that Kadawatha–Mirigama is targeted for 1 September 2028, Pothuhera–Rambukkana for March 2027 with an expectation of earlier completion, and the full project by 2029. He said funds for Dambulla land compensation had been allocated by the President while the funding source is being finalized. He also said advertising on roads should be considered with road safety as the priority, and urged media responsibility, warning against content that incites the public.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said a new scoring system for driving licences has been designed and approved by the National Transport Commission Board, with Cabinet approval to be sought, while issues concerning Acting Station Masters and SLTB recruitment are being handled through the Management Services Department and a second round of interviews. He outlined ministry performance targets, stating that 2025 progress stood at 65.83 per cent by 31 October and is expected to reach 88 per cent by year-end, with improvements also targeted in foreign-funded programmes. He argued that Sri Lanka has historically overfunded highways relative to public transport and said the Government is gradually increasing the public transport share, including through the Lanka Metro Bus Company, upgraded bus stands, and cashless fare payments with no added cost to passengers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Participating in the Committee Stage debate on allocations for the Ministries of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, and Urban Development, Construction and Housing, the Member raised district-level infrastructure concerns in Batticaloa. He specifically referred to matters relating to the Kiran Bridge and Pondugal Senai, indicating requests or issues to be addressed under the relevant ministry allocations.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath thanked the Minister for commencing bridge reconstruction work and requested revisions to railway and bus schedules in Batticaloa District, additional train compartments, a railway substation near Eastern University, reopening of the Vakarai substation, renovation of the Valachchenai bus stand, and measures to address staffing and bus shortages. He also sought development funding for rural roads and bridges, including the Narippulthottam–Pankudaveli bridge, and called for a safe boat service from Kinniyadi to Pirmaduwa Island. He further urged projects for Batticaloa urban development, lagoon dredging, sewage treatment, irrigation and drinking water supply, particularly for Paduvankarai, and requested an amicable resolution to the issue over removal of Archaeology Department signboards to prevent escalation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said collection of the Embarkation Levy would resume after Finance Act-related legal steps, with companies already submitting and following payment plans. He outlined plans to expand Ratmalana Airport private operations by negotiating a reduced no-fly zone and adding an Instrument Landing System, rejected claims about paddy storage at Mattala, and said its challenges stem from location and feasibility issues. He said Colombo Port had a 2050 Master Plan and that accelerated work on the East Container Terminal had raised quay wall and yard progress, enabling two large vessels to berth, while interim truck-based operations would be used until straddle carriers arrive. He also said design work had begun for WCT 2 to support future regional port capacity.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman criticised the low reported 2025 progress of the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, alleging that Budget proposals, housing projects, the UDA National Physical Plan, and waste management allocations had not been effectively implemented. He called for a comprehensive Pettah multi-modal transport hub instead of piecemeal upgrades, and urged action over alleged irregular alienation of National Housing Development Authority lands and misuse of residents’ parking areas in Maligawatta. He also raised concerns about RDA expenditure, engineer shortages and possible trade union action, requested urgent ministerial engagement with engineers, questioned delays in resurfacing Japan Friendship Road, and referred to the unresolved appointment of the Auditor-General.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman briefly asked the Presiding Member how much speaking time remained. When another Member suggested granting him 10 more minutes, he declined, saying that much additional time was not necessary.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned whether the Government remains aligned with the political change expected by the public, and argued that reports of police stations requesting certificates were not merely opposition propaganda, citing public comments on a post by Uvindu Kurukulasuriya and his own complaint to the Minister. He said summoning the journalist involved to the CID risked escalating the issue and affecting media freedom. He also raised concerns under the Urban Development, Construction and Housing Heads about deteriorating housing schemes in Colombo and alleged illegal activities and conversions in some NHDA schemes, requesting ministerial intervention to reclaim, warn, or regularize affected units.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Sunil Watagala responded to an issue raised by Hon. Mujibur Rahuman, stating that it had already been discussed over several days and resolved. He clarified that the matter regarding a clearance certificate occurred under the previous administration, not the current one.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala referred to a document submitted by Hon. Chanaka on 8 August concerning the Moratumulla Police, indicating it was being addressed within the relevant public security or parliamentary process. His remarks appear to place the matter on record and signal attention to the issue raised.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman stated that the issue involving the “Aruna” journalist remains unresolved because the CID summons letter is still in effect. He also said he had informed the Public Security Minister that police stations in his area continue to request that letter, which is why he raised the matter.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that no special certificate was required, responding in the context of discussions involving the Leader of the Opposition. He argued that the matter had become driven by hostile politics and, referring to Dr. Shafi’s case, said the officers who fuelled the related media campaign were responsible. He questioned how political processes could proceed under what he described as vindictive politics.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to Opposition criticisms during the committee stage debate on the expenditure heads for housing, construction, water supply, transport, highways and urban development. He said labour disputes at the National Housing Development Authority stemmed from earlier recruitments and terminations and must await appellate court decisions, and argued that many past housing schemes were launched without proper planning, creating unfinished or unoccupied units now requiring substantial budgetary allocations. He outlined current allocations for low-income, Colombo-area, resettlement, landslide-risk and partially completed housing projects, emphasizing participatory construction and planned PPPs for middle-income housing, while also noting steps to regularize or retender car park management in Colombo housing schemes.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Parliament approved the allocations for Head 332, Department of National Community Water Supply, under Programme 01, Operational Activities. The agreed sums were Rs. 640 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 3 billion for capital expenditure, both of which were ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary An amendment to the 2026 Appropriation Bill was moved on behalf of the Minister of Finance to create a new Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation expenditure head. It reallocates recurrent and capital provisions from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Mass Transit and Civil Aviation and the Department of National Budget, in line with Extraordinary Gazette No. 2458/65 of 18 October 2025. The amendment sets out allocations for the new ministerial head and brings the Office of the Registrar of Merchant Shipping under the new Ministry.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asked the Committee whether it agreed to the matter under consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Members agreed to the question put before the House. The matter was thereby approved without recorded dissent.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka moved that the Committee report progress and seek leave to sit again. The motion was put to the House and agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member reported progress at the Committee Stage and informed the House that the Committee would sit again on 25 November 2025. He also notified that amendments had been agreed to for Heads 117, 123, 176, 311 and 336 under Amendment No. 6659, and for Heads 306, 307, 309, 310 and 332 under Amendment No. 666.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 18 Papers Civil Aviation Act: Regulations 1 speeches
- 19 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Land Issues in Verugal DS Division, Trincomalee 20 speeches