Sitting of Friday, 5 December 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23059 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening - Parliament Met, Speaker in Chair, Affirmation of Member 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers - Annual Reports and Committee Reports 5 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Report - Public Petitions Second Report 2 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions - Citizens' Petitions Tabled 4 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Development Officers Attached to National Schools and Provincial Schools (Q.1309/2025) 12 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Officers of Sri Lanka Administrative Service - Transfers (Q.1506/2025) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Questions - Paddy Marketing Board and Divisional Secretaries Divisions (Q.1349/2025) 4 speeches
- 8 Procedural Ministerial Statements - X-Press Pearl Vessel Liability Case 5 speeches
- 9 Procedural Procedural - Point of Order and Business Scheduling 5 speeches
- 10 Papers Papers - Sri Lanka Institute of Agriculture (Incorporation) Bill Presented 2 speeches
- 11 Debate Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Opening and Scheduling 11 speeches
- 12 Debate Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations 107 speeches
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha defended the Government’s response to the recent cyclone, stating that agencies acted once the cyclone’s path became clear and that evacuations and relief were provided promptly, while rejecting allegations of misuse or privatization of the National Disaster Management Fund. He outlined Finance Ministry allocations under the 2026 Appropriation Bill, including recurrent and capital expenditure, social protection, SOE equity injections, revenue IT modernization, and externally funded projects. He also reported on fiscal management measures under the State Finance Management Act, debt management reforms, public debt levels, Treasury cash operations, planning priorities, and MSME credit programmes, arguing that fiscal discipline and accountability have been maintained.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir expressed condolences to those affected by floods and landslides and called for national unity beyond party and ethnic divisions in rescue and rebuilding efforts. He thanked political leaders and party colleagues for his appointment to Parliament and noted relief work led by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen in affected regions. He argued that village-level State officials such as Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Officers and Development Officers should be promptly empowered to improve communication and reduce suffering. He also outlined his political career in local and provincial government and emphasized his long-standing work across communities in Puttalam.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticised the Government’s disaster preparedness and response, arguing that early warnings were not acted on and that alerts were too broad to prompt effective evacuation at village level. He opposed restrictions or attacks on media and online commentators, saying media outlets and local correspondents provided essential real-time information during floods and landslides. He called for localized warning systems, clearer authority for local officials, better coordination between state agencies and communities, and possible Cabinet changes to improve capacity. He also urged economic relief for affected poultry farmers and tea exporters, immediate VAT refunds, credit facilities, a deferment of Russia’s “Honest Mark” labelling requirement for Sri Lankan tea, and stronger action by foreign missions to mobilize overseas assistance.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha briefly indicated that he was concluding his remarks and requested one additional minute from Hon. Gayantha to finish.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government acted on Met Department warnings from 25 December by activating state institutions, evacuations, reservoir management, and tri-forces deployments, while accusing some Opposition Members of spreading disinformation during the disaster. He reported that more than 410,000 people were accommodated in 1,433 safety centres, Rs. 10 billion had been sent to District Secretaries, and returning families would receive Rs. 25,000 for essential household needs. He added that assessments of house, crop, business and cultivation losses were underway, compensation mechanisms were being prepared, and resettlement planning had begun for people in unsafe locations, while thanking officials and security forces, including personnel who died during rescue operations.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the Opposition was ready to assist disaster relief efforts but accused the Government of failing to act on repeated meteorological warnings, convene relevant disaster-management bodies, or coordinate agencies before the cyclone-related damage escalated. He questioned why the National Council for Disaster Management had not been convened, criticized the President’s concentration of disaster-related responsibilities, and alleged restrictions on the Meteorology Department and civic relief initiatives. He urged the Government to restore disaster insurance compensation schemes, provide adequate relief for destroyed homes, deaths, farmers, and affected businesses, ensure non-partisan aid distribution, protect tourism, use available external loans efficiently, and publish accurate figures on deaths and missing persons.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Called for the reinstatement of the disaster insurance fund and urgent measures to protect plantation workers living in designated high-risk zones. He also requested expedited funding for slope stabilization along the upcountry railway and transparent reporting of casualty and missing-person figures.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan described severe disaster impacts in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kandy and plantation areas, citing deaths, missing persons, displaced families in camps, damaged roads, power and water interruptions, and delays in promised relief funds. He urged immediate GN-level assessments, delivery of relief, income support, restoration of infrastructure, and safe resettlement with 10–20 perches of land or government-built housing for families whose homes are destroyed or unsafe. He also called for compensation and concessional support for devastated vegetable farmers, urgent rehabilitation of the upcountry railway to restore tourism access to Ella and Badulla, and possible Indian assistance for rail repairs.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Nimal Palihena said the disaster had caused losses possibly amounting to 3–5 percent of GDP and exceeded existing contingency allocations, with the Treasury estimating an immediate need of about Rs. 72 billion for relief and protection of lives. He said the Government would reallocate year-end balances and reorganize 2025 budget heads for disaster response, while defending the Treasury surplus as the result of fiscal discipline and improved governance. He called for cross-party cooperation, referred to past warnings about unsafe construction in highland areas, and linked the scale of damage to environmental mismanagement and ill-planned development.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked whether remarks made by another Member, which were expunged on the Chair’s order, represented the Government’s position or the Member’s personal view.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka expressed condolences over deaths from floods and landslides and thanked officials, security forces, volunteers and organizations involved in relief, while stating that his party had provided food aid and would distribute schoolbooks to affected children. He urged that procurement of new double cabs for MPs be cancelled and the funds redirected to essential medicines, citing existing drug shortages, and said he would request that his own vehicle allocation be transferred to the Health sector. He said his party would not oppose the Supplementary Estimate or vote against the Budget on this occasion, but called for revisions to prioritize disaster needs, especially housing. He questioned the Government’s preparedness despite prior meteorological briefings and reservoir management concerns, and called for an independent inquiry into accountability after immediate relief work.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem compared the scale of the current climate disaster with the tsunami, estimating asset losses of USD 6–7 billion, and urged the Government to treat Opposition proposals constructively. He called on the President to immediately convene an international donor conference, engage key world leaders and former Presidents, seek USD 2–3 billion in urgent support, and negotiate debt-service deferral with the IMF and bilateral creditors if needed. He highlighted severe flooding, landslides, road closures and displacement in areas including Kandy, Gampola, Akurana, Delthota and Pattiyagama, and proposed using LRC, JEDB and SPC lands for relocation subject to NBRO safety certification. He also urged mobilising university engineering faculties and experienced former officials to assist with geotechnical assessments, reconstruction planning and fundraising.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB
AI summary Riyas Farook responded to a point raised by Rauff Hakeem regarding Akurana, noting that 29 bodies had been found in the landslide-affected area, including 11 recovered by their team. He stated that some local residents chose to bury victims at the site and added that UAE forces had arrived and were assisting with operations there.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage criticized the Opposition for politicizing the current disaster response and contrasted it with what he described as government-led and community-supported relief efforts. He said the President had issued circulars enabling officials to act swiftly, and described district-level clean-up and rescue work, including assistance by Galle local authorities in Kandy. Addressing Budget concerns under the Ministry of Finance, he argued that reduced unnecessary expenditure and Treasury savings had strengthened the State’s capacity to fund relief without destabilizing the economy, adding that supplementary estimates or an interim budget could be used if allocations proved insufficient.
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised a point of order objecting to the previous speaker’s reference to another Member’s personal affairs, including a court case number. Citing Standing Order No. 91(h), he argued that such references were improper, did not imply guilt, and should be expunged from the record to maintain parliamentary decorum.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Upali Samarasinghe - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister described emergency response efforts in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu, rejecting Opposition claims that circulars or political interference hindered officials. He said Mannar was most affected, with rescues and relief carried out by officials, police and the tri-forces, including air rescues and food drops, and argued that the military’s role in the North had been essential during the disaster. He reported that welfare centres in Vavuniya had closed, many in Mannar had been reduced, health services and dry rations were provided, and work was under way to repair breached tanks, canals, sluices, roads, electricity and water supplies to enable cultivation. He appealed for cooperation across political and ethnic lines, stating that state agencies, volunteers and external assistance were supporting recovery.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that the 2026 Budget debate had become disconnected from the country’s disaster situation and urged the Government to consider converting available allocations into a special disaster relief and reconstruction budget. He called for cross-party cooperation rather than blame, citing lessons from the tsunami and criticizing attempts to politicize disaster preparedness and media reporting. Referring to Anuradhapura, he said over 71,000 acres of cultivation had been affected and requested practical, fair compensation beyond standard crop-loss formulas, along with rapid, universal disbursement of housing relief without burdensome means-testing.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the final Committee Stage debate was overtaken by the impact of the “Dissha” cyclone, defending the declaration of special leave for public servants through Circular 30/2025 while noting that essential and disaster relief staff could still be called in. He outlined extensive national and Anuradhapura District damage, including nearly 500 deaths, around 350 missing persons, major displacement, widespread housing and crop losses, and damage to hundreds of tanks and irrigation structures. He said the Government had appointed an Essential Services Commissioner-General, was organizing cleaning and relief operations, and would need to plan for replanting, agricultural inputs, and mitigation. He also rejected criticism of rescue efforts, citing the Kalawewa bridge bus rescue as an example of coordinated action by the Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Defence under difficult conditions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson intervened procedurally to ask the Minister to conclude the speech. This was a time-management direction rather than a substantive contribution to the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe thanked the Sri Lankan diaspora, foreign nationals, assisting countries, state institutions, security forces, local officials, and other workers for their role in responding to cyclone-related damage. He said recovery and rebuilding would take time beyond the initial emergency response, and invited the Opposition to support reconstruction while avoiding remarks he described as insensitive to affected people. He stated that the President and Government were leading the rebuilding effort with international, national, public, private, and civil society support.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna was called to speak and informed that he had ten minutes for his address.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the Government’s flood relief response in the Northern Province, arguing that the uniform Rs. 25,000 assistance was inequitable for victims with differing levels of loss, including those whose homes were destroyed. He recounted being rescued during the floods by Navy personnel and praised the armed forces, while warning against downsizing them and alleging inadequate safety equipment such as life jackets for rescue teams. He also objected to expenditure on new parliamentary vehicles and urged that such funds be redirected as larger payments to families who lost homes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Hon. Deputy Chairperson cautioned a Member to be careful with their language during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna stated that he would speak using the words he knows and indicated that any unsuitable words could be removed from the Hansard record.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson directed that unsuitable words be expunged from the Hansard record.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna made a brief remark indicating his level of familiarity with the Sinhala language. No substantive policy issue, legislative proposal, question, or demand was raised in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Asked whether there was any objection to him speaking in Sinhala.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Hon. Deputy Chairperson objected to the use of derogatory language in the debate, specifically instructing Members not to refer to people using terms such as “dogs.” The intervention was a procedural reminder to maintain appropriate parliamentary language.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna made a brief remark objecting to the removal of a reference to a dog, stating that it remained a dog and telling others they should be ashamed if they chose to remove it.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson ordered the offending words to be expunged from the record, stating that it was inappropriate to address the public in that manner.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the Government’s disaster response and treatment of security forces, referring to flooding after water was released from the Kotmale Dam and alleging that MPs avoided hardship while military personnel lacked basic facilities. He praised specific military officers and personnel who assisted him during the emergency and objected to them being inadequately recognized. He also questioned the allocation of Rs. 360 million to Jaffna, alleging it was distributed to government party supporters, and urged that such funds be directed instead to estate workers.
- 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. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the Government’s Budget priorities and urged that allocations be cut and redirected to war heroes, rescue personnel, and affected households, proposing Rs. 1 million per household through proper administrative channels. He referred to a Sinhala war hero and Colonel Buddhika’s team who assisted him, asked the Health Minister to look into action taken against staff at Kuliyapitiya Hospital after a rescue-related incident, and criticized politicians for not visiting the family of a pilot who died in Kuliyapitiya. He also said he was willing to forgo a vehicle allowance or cab facility and would seek diaspora funds to support people in the North, East, and elsewhere if needed.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna urged authorities to identify assets and liabilities rather than seek funds from Sri Lankans working abroad under claims of rebuilding the country. He said that, if necessary, he would raise funds from the diaspora specifically for the North and East.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. K. Ilankumaran to speak and informed him that he had six minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary K. Ilankumaran expressed condolences for deaths caused by Cyclone “Dissha” and reported that 16,918 families in Jaffna District and 8,778 families in Kilinochchi were affected, with shelters and relief measures arranged. He defended the Government’s response, stating that allocations were proportionate, emergency food and procurement decisions were expedited, and Rs. 25,000 was approved for affected students. He commended the President, the relevant Minister, officials and the tri-forces, while rejecting allegations of unequal treatment or misuse of relief funds and stating that foreign relief sent to his party office was distributed to affected people.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. B. Ariyawansha to speak and informed him that he had seven minutes. The intervention was procedural, marking the start of the member’s allotted speaking time at 1.14 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary B. Ariyawansha addressed the impact of the “Dissha” cyclone, floods and landslides, expressing condolences and commending the tri-forces, officials, police, MPs and media outlets for relief efforts. He rejected criticism of Opposition and media interventions, stating that in many affected villages government representation was limited while Opposition members and local officials assisted residents. Referring to Ratnapura District and specific displaced communities, he said government assistance such as Rs. 3,100 weekly payments and seven-perch land allocations was inadequate, and called for sufficient relief, safer land or housing programmes, including possible multi-storey housing. He also requested higher compensation, proposing at least Rs. 2.5 million for fully damaged houses and increased grants for partial damage.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson and allotted six minutes to speak. No substantive policy issue or argument was presented in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu expressed condolences for deaths caused by Cyclone “Dissha” and detailed the impact in Batticaloa District, including affected families, temporary shelters, and emergency support to students and communities. He said the Government had taken preventive measures, released emergency funds, advanced money to Divisional Secretariats and Grama Niladhari divisions, and amended circulars to speed relief. He defended the Government’s disaster response, thanked officials and ministers involved, and criticized political actors whom he said were mischaracterizing disaster deaths and misusing relief efforts for political purposes.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Clarifies Government disaster relief payments, stating that Rs. 10,000 is paid to water-logged households and Rs. 25,000 is provided for initial cleaning and sanitation. He says further compensation, based on assessments, can reach up to Rs. 2.5 million for fully or partially damaged houses, and rejects claims by an Opposition Member as misleading.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana expressed condolences to those affected by the disaster and acknowledged public and regional support, but argued that the Government bore responsibility for the loss of life and property because prior warnings from relevant agencies were not acted upon. He alleged failures in disaster management and post-disaster service delivery, including confusion among political authorities and officials. Referring to the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, he questioned why the National Disaster Management Plan was not activated on 27 November, noting that 28 November was a critical day for operations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Criticized the Government’s disaster response around 28 November, arguing that declaring a public holiday and failing to declare a state of disaster under Sections 11 and 12 of the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, showed serious administrative weakness. Citing the National Disaster Management Plan 2023–2030, the speech said Sri Lanka is highly exposed to climate and disaster risks, with major impacts on the economy, children, infrastructure, agriculture, floods, cyclones, and landslide-prone areas. The member argued that proper implementation of the Act and the Plan could have reduced the loss of life, property damage, and wider social and economic harm.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned why substantial funds were spent on National Disaster Management Plan workshops, including one involving the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, while authorities allegedly failed to prepare for or mitigate the disaster in question. He argued that the disaster was not properly managed, resulting in loss of life, and demanded government accountability for those deaths.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Sagarika Athauda was given seven minutes to speak by the Deputy Chairperson.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda expressed condolences to those affected by the disaster and described it as one of Sri Lanka’s most severe natural disasters, citing rainfall of around 500 mm in some areas and landslides as the main cause of deaths. Referring to Kegalle District, she said authorities convened the District Disaster Management Committee on 27 November, carried out evacuations with the Police and Armed Forces, maintained camps with food, health services and counselling, and restored roads, water and electricity within two days. She stated that as of 1 December, 11,884 families and 42,898 persons in Kegalle had been affected and disputed Opposition claims of inadequate relief, arguing that officials, volunteers and political authorities had worked continuously to minimize deaths and support recovery.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Jagath Vithana to speak and informed him that he had eight minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana described relief work he undertook after the disaster and criticized the delayed presence of state officials in several affected villages. He urged a systematic land-use policy to gazette residential, agricultural, and commercial zones, relocate people from high-risk areas to safer state lands, and provide support for restoring agricultural livelihoods. He called for reallocating public funds from celebrations and vehicle imports to disaster relief, and argued that Sri Lanka’s damage far exceeds IMF support. He also proposed reinstating regulated oil palm cultivation, raising concerns about losses in tea cultivation, fertilizer costs, and declining agricultural productivity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Ajith Agalakada to speak and informed him that he had six minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith Agalakada JJB
AI summary Ajith Agalakada said the Third Reading of the Second Appropriation Bill was taking place amid a major natural disaster, and commended officials, security forces, local authorities, and service agencies for limiting damage in Monaragala District. He argued that the Government inherited a weakened economy due to earlier administrations’ policies, but had improved revenue, reduced the deficit, managed debt, stabilized the rupee, and planned further recovery in 2026. Citing past disaster responses after the tsunami and during COVID-19, he said the Government had empowered officials with spending authority for urgent relief and pledged to restore all losses except lives while using the recovery effort to advance the country.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando argued that post-disaster coordination in Puttalam, particularly Wennappuwa and Naththandiya, was inadequate, noting that the local Disaster Committee had not met and Opposition MPs were not consulted. He criticized the absence of Ministers and MPs in affected areas, the lack of data for relief distribution, failures in communication and telecom resilience, and insufficient media coordination through an official information centre. He cited the death of Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya and tabled a White House paper on Hurricane Katrina, urging the Government to learn lessons and take disaster management more seriously.
- The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary Condolences were offered to those killed by the cyclone, with thanks to the Police, public officials, Tri-Forces, foreign countries, and NGOs assisting relief efforts. The Deputy Minister said hill-country and plantation communities were especially vulnerable because multiple families often live in one house and lack safe places to evacuate, and called for permanent solutions such as safe housing or land allocation in plantation areas. He stated that the Ministry would implement housing and infrastructure projects in the coming year and urged cooperation in recovery efforts rather than politicization of the disaster.
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna expressed condolences for disaster victims and said severe damage in Gampaha could have been reduced through better preparedness, citing prior warnings from meteorological authorities and international sources. He accused the Government of delayed and inadequate disaster management, including failing to declare and use emergency measures promptly, and urged officials and MPs to be present on the ground. He proposed establishing a permanent Disaster Management Fund, ensuring women’s representation in its management, using insurance mechanisms to support SMEs and households, and providing basic equipment to frontline officers such as Grama Niladharis. He also acknowledged assistance from foreign countries, the private sector, media, security forces, public officers, and community volunteers.
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif described the severe flood and landslide impact in Kandy District, particularly Gampola, and outlined rescue and relief efforts coordinated through the District Secretariat, Udapalatha Pradeshiya Sabha, security forces, local youth, and outside relief teams. He tabled documents on affected areas, relief distribution, and safe centres, and rejected allegations that local authorities failed to act, citing early public alerts and continuous operations. He said the immediate major challenge is clearing accumulated garbage in Gampola and called for a long-term solution to the lack of land and planning for solid waste management.
- The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri expressed condolences for Tri-Forces personnel and civilians who died in the disaster, and argued that the floods resulted from exceptionally intense rainfall exceeding the capacity of Sri Lanka’s mainly irrigation-based reservoirs, not from failures to open sluice gates. He said engineers acted to protect reservoir bunds and rejected Opposition claims about inadequate response and allocations, stating that Polonnaruwa received LKR 228 million for initial house-cleaning assistance and LKR 27 million for food, rations, and camp management. He reported that around 11,300 families and nearly 40,000 people were displaced in Polonnaruwa, and said repairs were underway at Elahera and Kumara Ella, including a commitment to repair damaged bridge spans within 14 days.
- The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam said the Government had advance warnings before the cyclone and floods and called for an in-depth inquiry into preparedness and response, citing loss of life and alleged failures in coordination, particularly across the Northern Province. He argued that relief efforts disproportionately focused on Jaffna while more affected districts such as Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu lacked proper coordinated attention. He demanded transparency in housing relief payments, including immediate publication of household-level beneficiary lists through Divisional Secretariats, citing concerns about inflated figures and political interference. He also stated that his side would call for a vote at the Third Reading to oppose what he described as disproportionate defence allocations and inadequate allocations for the North and East.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised a procedural issue under the Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, stating that any presidential proclamation declaring a state of disaster must be submitted to Parliament at its first sitting for approval by resolution. He questioned whether such a declaration had been made and, if so, why it had not been tabled before the last sitting day of the session. He urged the Government to ensure the required resolution is presented and approved if a declaration exists.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne expressed condolences for those killed and displaced by the disaster in Nuwara Eliya District, particularly in the eastern division of Kotmale, Hanguranketha and Nuwara Eliya electorates. She noted the scale of loss in Rambodagama, where around 28 people died and about 22 remain missing, and commended the Police, Tri-Forces, state institutions, hospitals, road authorities and Divisional Secretariat staff for rescue, relief and restoration work. She urged the public and media not to politicize the tragedy or distress affected communities, and called for support including rebuilding, restoration of infrastructure and psychosocial assistance for survivors.
- The Hon. R. G. Wijerathna JJB
AI summary Hon. R. G. Wijerathna described severe disaster impacts in Nuwara Eliya District, including 71 deaths, 35 missing persons, about 40,000 affected people, and 24,000 people in 185 safe centres, while noting progress in restoring roads, electricity, and water supplies. He thanked district officials, armed forces, Indian helicopter support, utility agencies, and volunteers, including a group from Kalutara assisting in Nuwara Eliya town. He argued that past politically driven land allocations, forest clearance, and unsafe construction worsened landslide vulnerability, and said timely evacuations helped minimize the death toll despite extensive destruction.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy urged the Government to avoid divisive rhetoric that he said discourages officials from making relief decisions, citing difficulties faced by Grama Niladharis in compiling lists for flood cleaning grants. He criticised delays by the Disaster Management Centre, called for recognition of rescue personnel including the late Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, and noted extensive damage to agriculture, industry, exports, employment, and middle-class livelihoods in affected areas such as Kalpitiya and Anamaduwa. He also called for stronger disaster preparedness and early warning systems, referencing India’s pre-positioning of relief centres, evacuations, alerts, and supplies as a model.
- Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the failure of telecommunications during the disaster and urged the Government to establish relief coordination centres with dedicated communication systems. He called for stronger disaster detection and preparedness mechanisms, including links with international experts, specialized tools, and attention to potential post-disaster health risks and medicine shortages. He urged the Government to involve the private sector and civil society, and requested greater authority for Sectoral Oversight Committees to coordinate with global institutions and support recovery efforts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara rejected Opposition allegations that officials failed to act or that the Government ignored prior information, calling for any such information to be produced. He said the disaster affected 21 districts, with over 80,000 families affected in Colombo District and over 50,000 in Kolonnawa, and described Government efforts to convene divisional and GN-level disaster committees with officials, security forces, police and MPs. He emphasized the role of public servants and volunteers, including the National Youth Services Council, and urged all parties to cooperate in relief and rebuilding efforts.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake described severe flood and landslide damage in Badulla and surrounding districts, thanking southern communities for relief assistance while urging the Government not to politicize aid distribution through party-branded government vehicles. He detailed destroyed bridges, blocked roads, landslides, and devastation at Mahiyanganaya Base Hospital and other public institutions, alleging that timely water management at Rantambe and Randenigala could have reduced the damage. He called for ministerial accountability, including resignation of the Highways Minister, and urged the Government to acquire plantation and suitable forest lands for urgent resettlement of displaced people in Badulla and Passara.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Presiding Member to grant another member two additional minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that post-disaster priorities should shift from publicity initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” or “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” to restoring damaged homes, bridges, roads, and agricultural land. He warned that unresolved flood and landslide damage would harm tourism, increase rice imports, and leave affected areas such as Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Batticaloa, Lunugala, Passara, and Silmiyaapura at continued risk. He called for urgent government action, criticized failures in road access and disaster response, and said the Highways Minister should be held accountable.
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Emergency was proclaimed under the Public Security Ordinance of 1959 using the President’s powers in response to the disaster. He noted that the relevant regulations had been presented to Parliament for approval, after which they would have legal effect, and stated that the Opposition had itself requested the declaration.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary The Minister clarified that the Health Ministry had not banned health camps, responding to claims by Hon. Chamara Sampath and Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara. He stated that private hospitals and institutions must obtain approval through the Medical Officer of Health and the Regional Director of Health Services to ensure coordination and avoid problems, particularly during disasters.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised a point of order after his name was mentioned, asking that the Director General of Health Services be instructed to draft correspondence carefully because institutions rely on precise wording. He clarified that the matter specifically involved Neth FM and Lanka Hospitals, and denied having made defamatory remarks on the relevant budget head day, urging verification with those parties.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Lanka Hospitals is a state-related hospital and therefore not problematic in this context. He said previous ad hoc private medical camps had caused friction with government hospital doctors and Medical Officer of Health staff, and argued that following the issued guidance would help avoid such issues.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Government to clarify whether the Rs. 600 per person per day allocation for three meals in relief centres is continuing after floodwaters receded. He noted that many displaced persons still lack cooking facilities and that some areas remain without adequate food access despite private-sector assistance, and requested details on if and when the support would be stopped.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna described the recent disaster as an unprecedented national calamity, with severe loss of life and infrastructure damage in plantation areas and across Badulla, and argued that mountainous terrain makes recovery especially difficult and costly. He outlined relief and restoration efforts, stating that daily district disaster management meetings were held, most water and electricity services had been restored, many key roads reopened, and repairs to provincial roads, bridges, communications towers, and hospitals were progressing with support from state agencies, the military, volunteers, and utility workers. He criticized the Opposition for allegedly failing to participate in local disaster coordination meetings, questioned claims that they had warned of the disaster earlier, and linked some damage to past debt-funded development that he said had environmental consequences.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Condemning the loss of life from the floods, Champika Hettiarachchi said cooperatives had been used effectively in relief efforts and argued that the disaster debate had overtaken the scheduled discussion on trade, food security and cooperatives. He rejected Opposition claims that adequate early warnings had been issued, comparing current casualties in Gampaha with those in 2016 and 2017 and attributing heightened risk partly to past land distribution, encroachment and unauthorized construction. He defended the Government’s Treasury reserves as enabling rapid disaster response, criticized past unfulfilled housing pledges by the current Leader of the Opposition, and called for non-partisan cooperation in rebuilding.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticised the Government’s disaster preparedness and response to the cyclone and floods, arguing that credible warnings from the Meteorology Department and international media were available but were not acted upon in time, and that the Emergency and state mobilisation were delayed. He called for a unified, cross-party and expert-led coordination mechanism to manage relief, recovery, agriculture, business losses, and resettlement, including parliamentary sanction for land allocation and immediate support for survivors. He also urged international assistance and debt relief, while stating that Emergency powers should be used to protect people rather than intimidate the public, Opposition, or media.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB
AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera defended the Government’s second Budget, contrasting it with the economic crisis inherited from previous administrations and criticizing the Opposition for opposing a Rs. 200 wage increase. He said some Opposition MPs supported the measure despite their party leadership, and thanked them. He also described the Government and NPP response to recent sea surges and landslides across 22 districts, detailing volunteer relief and cleanup work in Akurana, Kandy, carried out with local officials, religious institutions, and community support.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan expressed condolences to those killed during Cyclone “Titva” and the floods, including five Navy personnel in Chundikkulam and a bank employee, Pathmanikethan, who died after helping rescue bus passengers in Anuradhapura. He compared the disaster with major floods in 1958 and 1983, recalling damage to the Iranamadu Tank and community efforts to protect it. He commended irrigation engineers and officials in Kilinochchi for decisions taken to manage water levels, prevent a breach of the Iranamadu bund, and protect surrounding communities.
- Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan commended Kilinochchi district officials and village-level officers for their flood response, while condemning the alleged assault on Grama Niladhari Thiyagarasa Kalairupan by a Member of Parliament at Parantan Hindu Maha Vidyalaya and calling for a proper inquiry. He described severe flood impacts across Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and other Northern and Eastern areas, including displacement, isolation of villages and prolonged power outages. He said the disaster should not be politicized or blamed on the Government, but questioned why Sri Lanka remained insufficiently prepared despite past experience with the tsunami and earlier discussions on disaster detection systems.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan expressed condolences for lives lost in the storm and floods and commended the Government, security forces, officials, foreign partners, NGOs and youth for their disaster response. He detailed severe damage in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Weli Oya, calling for alternative land and housing, compensation, bridge and road repairs, tank restoration and support for affected farming and livestock communities. He urged that relief payments be standardized based on actual damage, proposing Rs. 25,000 for all households or lands flooded, and requested that assistance be delivered without discrimination or administrative obstruction.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera expressed condolences over a national disaster and urged the Government to act under the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005. He questioned whether the President had formally declared a disaster situation under Section 11, noting that any such declaration must be placed before Parliament for approval, and said no such instrument appeared on the Order Paper despite several sittings. He argued that formal action under the Act is necessary to provide aid, empower officials, protect public officers, and ensure lawful fund management. He also queried the legal basis of recent disaster-related circulars and notices issued by the Ministry of Defence and other authorities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar argued that the cyclone warnings had been issued well in advance by the Meteorology Department and reported by media, and tabled related alerts, reports and Disaster Relief Services Circular 03/2025 to rebut claims that the Opposition was misleading the public. He criticized the Government’s disaster preparedness and coordination, alleging that the Disaster Management Council had not met as required, that key meetings were delayed or dismissed, and that warnings about Kelani River flooding and relief needs were not acted upon. He urged the Government to acknowledge deficiencies, stop political attacks, jointly assess damages with the Opposition, prepare an accurate damage presentation, convene an international donor conference, seek aid and further debt relief, and address the estimated Rs. 900 billion infrastructure loss.
- 13 Debate Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Continued Budget Debate and Amendments 11 speeches
- 14 Debate Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Amendments to Ministry Heads 19 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Third Reading and Division Vote 4 speeches
- 16 Procedural Procedural - Bills and Resolutions: Second Reading and Approvals 7 speeches
- 17 Procedural Procedural - Speaker and Opposition Closing Statements on Budget 4 speeches
- 18 Adjournment Adjournment - Parliament Adjourned 3 speeches