Sitting of Friday, 19 December 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23115 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening and Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Committee report Committee Report: Supplementary Estimate No. 1 of 2026 1 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presentation 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Foreign Employment in Republic of Korea 5 speeches
- 5 Procedural Ministerial Statements and Points of Order 13 speeches
- 6 Procedural Business of Parliament and Principal Business Motion 3 speeches
- 7 Debate Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) 83 speeches
- Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Minister moved a motion seeking parliamentary approval to allocate up to Rs. 500 billion from the Consolidated Fund, other government funds, or loan proceeds for the 2026 financial year. The allocation is under Head 240, Department of National Budget, for Development Programme expenditure, comprising Rs. 150 billion in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 350 billion in capital expenditure, with Cabinet approval obtained.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka addressed the response to the recent cyclone and floods, stating that the Government prioritized rescue, relocation, and provision of essentials within the first 24 hours with national and international support. He outlined early recovery measures, including payments of Rs. 25,000 for cleaning homes, Rs. 50,000 for basic repairs, and Rs. 15,000 for schoolchildren, funded through a Rs. 50 billion supplementary allocation approved by Parliament.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined the Government’s disaster relief response, noting payments of the Rs. 25,000 grant, dry rations, and planned schoolchildren’s grants, while acknowledging that some delays and omissions are possible given the scale of the disaster affecting over 1.7 million people. He detailed impacts including 643 deaths, 183 missing persons, and extensive damage to housing and infrastructure, and said assessments including a World Bank report were pending. He supported the Supplementary Estimate providing Rs. 500 billion for housing and public infrastructure restoration, explaining that exceeding the primary expenditure ceiling is permitted under Section 16(4) of the State Finance Management Act due to the calamity, and that the allocation can be managed within the already approved borrowing limit.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka requested that the half-hour lunch break be used to continue the day’s debate, emphasizing its importance and the need to discuss the country’s problems. He directed the request to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Speaker.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister
AI summary The Prime Minister urged that the debate proceed according to the agreed schedule, noting that sufficient time had been allocated. She also cited the need to consider Parliament staff and their scheduled break.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition
AI summary Sajith Premadasa expressed the Opposition’s full support for the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate to assist people affected by the “BOO” cyclone. He requested that the scheduled half-hour lunch break be used to continue the debate, arguing that Members should be given more time to speak on behalf of those who lost lives, homes, and livelihoods.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister
AI summary The Prime Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the issue under debate but noted that it had already been discussed previously, including during a full day allocated to the Opposition. She stated that Parliament is not the only forum for expressing views or taking decisions, and, on behalf of the Government, proposed proceeding with the scheduled half-hour lunch break.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the Opposition would support the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate due to the scale of loss, but criticized the Government’s disaster preparedness and response, alleging that warnings from meteorological and irrigation authorities were not acted on in time. He argued that the concentration of Disaster Management and other ministries under the President weakened accountability, questioned delays in declaring an emergency and issuing relief instructions, and said assistance so far had been inadequate and inconsistent. He also claimed that previous disaster insurance arrangements had been abandoned, increasing reliance on public funds, and urged the Government to prevent political interference in relief distribution and to use proper mechanisms under the Disaster Management Act.
- The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake expressed condolences to victims of the natural disaster and praised public servants, the Armed Forces, volunteers, and affected communities for emergency response efforts, including in the Central Province where access, communications, power, and water systems were severely disrupted. He defended the parliamentary scheduling of the debate, citing staff needs, and criticized Opposition conduct during visits to affected areas, saying some members did not reflect ground realities and politicized relief efforts. He said the Government would use existing fiscal space, including an additional Rs. 500 billion and 2026 Budget allocations, to restore livelihoods and infrastructure without extra borrowing or disrupting fiscal plans.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam expressed condolences for disaster victims and argued that Sri Lanka’s disaster governance has failed to function as required under the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, particularly because the National Council for Disaster Management has not met quarterly as mandated. He said weaknesses in mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—such as inadequate planning, lack of drills, staff shortages at the Disaster Management Centre, and insufficient divisional officers—have worsened recurring disaster impacts. He welcomed proposals to amend the 2005 Act but urged a policy of relocating repeatedly affected communities, including in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar, to safer areas rather than resettling them in unsafe locations.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala defended the Government’s disaster response, stating that warnings, evacuations, rescue operations, circulars, and funding were initiated promptly, and rejected Opposition claims that action was delayed. He outlined ongoing relief measures, including restoration of public infrastructure, assessment of damaged homes, Rs. 25,000 cleaning grants, Rs. 50,000 household equipment payments, crop and livelihood compensation mechanisms, and concessional loans for affected businesses. He said relief centres would be closed as quickly as possible, with relocation or resettlement for those unable to return safely, and paid tribute to security forces, public officers, and others who died or served during the disaster response.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem acknowledged cross-party and community assistance following the recent disaster, particularly in Kandy District, while stating that relief delivery and administrative response had been slow. He called for urgent relocation and recovery measures for affected institutions including Al-Hikma School, Rambukwella School, Wattegama Hospital, and around 140 impacted schools in Kandy, based on rapid needs assessments and community consultation. He urged revival of climate-resilient infrastructure programmes, a donor conference with involvement from former leaders and neighbouring countries, urban regeneration and drainage plans for Gampola and nearby areas, coordinated identification of river buffer zones, and regulatory oversight to ensure insurers honour flood and cyclone claims.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya outlined the Government’s response three weeks after Cyclone “BOO,” citing rescue and relief work by state institutions, security forces, citizens, the international community and others, and noting continuing risks such as landslides that led to the closure of all schools in the Central Province. She said the Supplementary Estimate would support recovery and rebuilding through 2026, with Rs. 75 billion set aside in 2025 and Rs. 500 billion in 2026 while maintaining macroeconomic targets. On education, she reported that 1,382 government schools and several universities, technical colleges and vocational training centres had been affected, announced support of Rs. 25,000 for each affected student, and emphasized psychosocial wellbeing, scientific relocation and standards-based rebuilding.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan expressed condolences to disaster-affected families and commended relief efforts by officials, MPs, civil society and the public, while urging proper and transparent implementation of government assistance. He raised concerns about statements made to the President at the Puttalam DCC regarding the Puttalam–Elavankulam–Mannar road, arguing that the route has historical public use, significantly reduces travel time to Jaffna, and was wrongly closed following litigation and Wildlife Department assurances. He questioned the basis for restricting public transport through Wilpattu when other roads through wildlife areas remain open, tabled related Supreme Court documents, and urged action to protect and reopen the road, including measures against future flood damage.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
AI summary The Deputy Minister described the severe human, environmental and agricultural damage caused by recent flooding, noting losses of life, homes, wildlife, trees and farmland. He commended public officials, representatives and volunteers for working under difficult conditions to restore normalcy, despite limited staffing in the Agriculture Ministry. Referring to a visit to Mannar, he said breached tanks and destroyed bunds had turned fields into waterways, and stated that the Government had intervened quickly to assist recovery.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Namal Karunaratne contrasted alleged past misuse of public resources and compensation payments with the present Government’s claimed focus on distributing benefits to the public. He said criticism from opponents would not deter the Government and affirmed that it would continue its programme and intervene to advance the country.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Welcoming the Rs. 500 billion supplementary allocation for disaster relief, Hector Appuhamy said all five electorates in Puttalam were affected by floods and urged the Government to develop a structured recovery plan for damaged industries, exporters, and workers facing loan, leasing, and livelihood pressures. He highlighted severe impacts on coconut, coir, prawn, salt, and horticulture sectors, including prolonged inundation in Kalpitiya that could leave labourers without income during the Christmas and New Year period. He also requested a special mechanism to manage, audit, and fairly distribute overseas donations, citing a 5,876 kg consignment from Alberta, Canada that remained in warehouses, and called for investigation into reported irregularities in relief distribution.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara said the Government’s supplementary estimate was being presented while continuing cyclone “Dicha” relief work, and commended state officials, security forces, volunteers, and local communities involved in rescue, road clearing, irrigation repair, and school restoration efforts. He argued that in Badulla the Government prioritized saving lives, restoring access, and enabling cultivation, including completing urgent Uma Oya canal works within 12 days while planning longer-term engineering solutions. He criticized the Opposition’s attendance and response to the crisis, urged them to contribute practically to the estimated 1,300 damaged irrigation works, and contrasted the current response with past disaster management failures. He also stated that economic stabilization had continued despite the disaster, citing worker remittances, tourism, foreign reserves, rupee liquidity buffers, and lower exchange-rate volatility as evidence of public and investor confidence.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna expressed condolences for those killed and missing due to Cyclone “Dicha” and thanked officials, security forces, clergy, medical staff, and the public for relief efforts in Matale District. She said widespread landslides and ground collapses in the Central Highlands, including the Knuckles range, require permanent engineering solutions and a national plan developed jointly by Government and Opposition rather than temporary flood measures. She urged coordination with religious institutions to relocate displaced persons from schools so examinations and reopening can proceed, and called for support to farmers whose fields and wells are filled with sand, including stopping fines for sand removal or having the Government clear the land itself.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following a national tragedy, while urging the Government to implement the President’s promised relief package quickly, transparently, and without political interference, deductions, or conditions. He emphasized that cash grants, including the pledged compensation for damaged roofing, should go directly to affected families who lost lives, homes, livelihoods, crops, and school materials. He commended public, private, religious, media, and Opposition-led relief efforts, and said the Opposition would support the allocation while continuing to scrutinize any shortcomings.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following Cyclone “Dicha,” arguing that state agencies issued evolving warnings and that the Government mobilized essential services, the armed forces, provincial resources and volunteers for emergency response. He said the National Council for Disaster Management had been reconvened after years of inactivity and outlined proposed compensation increases across 15 sectors, including housing, agriculture, livestock, employment and infrastructure. He also rejected Opposition allegations that warnings were ignored or that emergency access repairs were ineffective, characterizing the work as necessary temporary relief measures.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Foreign disaster relief supplies are being managed through a formal system by the National Disaster Relief Services Centre and the Ministry of Defence, with storage at warehouses in Orugodawatta. The Deputy Minister said items are transported from the airport to the warehouse and then distributed to beneficiaries through Grama Niladharis, and offered to provide details or facilitate a visit to the warehouses in response to concerns raised by Hon. Hector Appuhamy.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda supported the supplementary estimate for disaster relief, noting that Parliament had convened at the Opposition’s request and commending the tri-forces, public officials, health workers and citizens for their response, particularly in Galle. He acknowledged shortcomings in early warning, preparedness and rescue capacity, and urged the Government to empower officials and avoid politicized interference in administration. He proposed stronger land-use and environmental protection laws, better enforcement of soil conservation measures, urgent agricultural support including short-duration seeds and fertilizer, assistance to damaged small rice mills, prudent planning for possible rice imports, rapid restoration of tourism sites, and action on issues at Pulmoddai mineral sands.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Roshan Akmeemana described the impact of Cyclone “Dicha” and subsequent flooding in Trincomalee, noting that all 11 Divisional Secretariat divisions were affected, with Seruvila, Verugal, Muttur and Kinniya worst hit and about 30,000 people impacted. He said the flooding was mainly caused by floodwaters from the Central Highlands entering through the Mahaweli system, worsened by multiple breaches in the Mawil Aru bund and Mahaweli flood-protection embankments, but that prior evacuations prevented any casualties. He thanked the armed forces, police, civil defence, religious institutions and local communities for relief efforts, and said the supplementary estimate was intended to support recovery, restore confidence and demonstrate that the Government had a plan for rebuilding.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman argued that the Government had advance warnings from the Meteorological Department and related agencies about the developing depression and possible cyclone, including advisories issued between 11 and 23 November, but failed to take timely action. He questioned what decisions were made at disaster-management meetings, whether the President as the responsible Minister was informed, and why a Defence Secretary circular dated 28 November declared a disaster situation effective from 21 November. He also challenged the Government’s response to reported Indian Meteorological Department alerts and said proposed amendments to disaster laws should have been pursued earlier. He called for a Special Parliamentary Committee to identify lapses and responsible officials to prevent recurrence and ensure accountability to affected people.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following Cyclone “Dicha,” stating that the allocation specifies how funds will be used to compensate affected communities and rebuild damaged areas. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government had prior knowledge of the threat and failed to act, arguing that seasonal rainfall risks had been discussed through official channels, including the Food Policy and Security Committee on 23 November and briefings by the Meteorological Department at the start of the Maha season.
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government was preparing for both post-flood recovery and a possible dry season, noting a forecast 15 per cent rainfall reduction, the need for crop insurance, disease prevention, resettlement, road clearance, tank repairs and food security. He rejected Opposition allegations that relief had not been provided, saying the Government had mounted a major operation within about 20 days after unprecedented nationwide flooding that caused nearly 700 deaths and left many missing. He emphasized the cultural and economic importance of village tanks, citing more than 630 breaches in Anuradhapura and the use of over 150,000 sandbags to repair 65 tanks, while thanking farmers, villagers, the tri-forces, Police and Civil Security personnel for supporting repairs during the Maha cultivation season.
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman tabled a civil society document on relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction for hill-country communities affected by Cyclone “Titva,” and said he had also tabled accounts for nearly Rs. 6 million in assistance provided to 2,137 families. He urged Members to avoid partisan blame over disaster relief and requested Government action over alleged neglect by officials, including the Divisional Secretary in Kotmale and some Grama Niladharis, particularly affecting Tamil estate communities. He also sought clarification of the Government’s land policy after the President’s reference to six perches per family, arguing that previous provisions had allowed seven to ten perches and that estate communities should not be disadvantaged under new circulars.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Supplementary Estimate for disaster relief and restoration, describing widespread impacts across multiple districts, including flooding and landslide risks in Kurunegala and continued displacement in safe centres. He said the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is focusing on affected women and children, including damaged Early Childhood Development centres, and is coordinating with other ministries and international organizations on relief and restoration. He announced plans for a medium-term national psychosocial support programme, with training for counsellors and field officers beginning on 22 and 24 December, to address trauma among children and women. He also responded to concerns about the Gommunaawa landslide, stating that quarrying permits and related decisions dated back to 2015–2016.
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi expressed condolences to those affected by Cyclone “Ditva” and the floods, including those killed or missing. He commended fishing communities from the South for using their own resources, including boats and equipment, to assist in rescue and relief efforts. He attributed the disaster to failures in righteous governance and neglect of the Buddha Sasana, proposing that the Maha Sangha be convened before the Sri Maha Bodhi to seek forgiveness and guide governance.
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa supported the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate for disaster recovery, citing UNDP data on the scale of the cyclone-related damage, including 2.3 million people affected, extensive flooding, and major losses to paddy fields and buildings. He said the Government had mobilized state institutions, security forces, local committees, and volunteers for relief work, with grants and compensation for cleaning, equipment, housing reconstruction, and land purchase already being disbursed. He rejected Opposition criticism of the response and argued that recovery funding would come through reallocating existing Treasury funds rather than borrowing, money printing, or new taxes. He also called for scientifically planned rebuilding and long-term measures to reduce risks from floods and landslides, linking the disaster to unscientific development in vulnerable areas.
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara argued that the Government should focus on systematic flood management and immediate disaster recovery rather than politicizing past river and Mahaweli-related development. He questioned why 6,000 affected families in Anuradhapura were excluded from the Rs. 25,000 grant and asked that all eligible victims be paid, while also proposing relief or waivers for high December water bills incurred by flood-affected households cleaning their homes. He called for better handling of partial agricultural damage compensation, criticized ceremonial distribution of death certificates, and alleged irregularities in a Police procurement of plates and cups at inflated prices.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe addressed the impact of Cyclone “Ditva,” stating that 643 people had died and 183 were missing, and outlined the Government’s relief and reconstruction response. He reported that Rs. 25,000 grants had been paid to most affected families in Gampaha and detailed increased compensation schemes for damaged houses, crops, livestock, businesses, fishing boats, school equipment, rental support, and livelihood loss. He criticized Opposition claims and conduct as politically motivated while saying the Government would accept constructive proposals, support public servants and security forces, and proceed with short-term relief followed by temporary and permanent reconstruction.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof expressed condolences for those affected by Cyclone “Titva” and urged the Government to provide prompt and fair relief and compensation to fishers, farmers, livestock keepers, daily wage earners and others whose livelihoods were disrupted. He questioned the basis for the Rs. 25,000 grant recipient lists in Muttur and Kinniya, arguing that all affected parties must be properly identified and assisted. He also objected to criticism of Opposition members providing relief and said excessive meetings and pressure on officials were hampering relief work. He requested urgent action to restore transport access in Telthotam and Kalaha in the Kandy District, including identifying alternative routes and addressing related health and economic issues.
- The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Supplementary Allocation for disaster relief, emphasizing the role of temples, monks, other religious clergy, public officials, the tri-forces, volunteers, and organizations in the initial response. He said the Ministry had identified 1,087 affected religious sites, archaeological sites, and cultural centres, deployed teams to verify needs, and established a rebuilding fund that had raised over Rs. 300 million. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding political interference in Matale and inefficiency by officials, citing a reported 92.88% disbursement of the Rs. 25,000 grant and stating that the Government would continue relief and reconstruction efforts.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe moved a procedural motion for Hon. Upul Kithsiri to take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Upul Kithsiri assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara rejected accusations that the Opposition was being destructive, stating that it was supporting disaster relief efforts and the Disaster Management Centre. He argued that the Meteorology Department had issued timely warnings before the disaster, tabled a statement from the Sri Lanka Association of Meteorologists, and called for officials, including the Director General of Meteorology, not to be intimidated. He urged support for affected businesses through concessional loans, requested investigations into alleged fraud in children’s medicines and the suspension of Dr. Bellana, and alleged irregularities in maize import licensing that he said were inflating prices and disadvantaging small poultry farmers.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni stated that Dr. Bellana’s interdiction was based on two complaints—leaking sensitive patient information and making statements that caused public unrest—and that the Public Service Commission had approved the action. He said the interdiction was unrelated to the allegations raised by the Member. Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara disputed the basis for removal, noting that former hospital directors had previously provided information to the media, and requested that Dr. Bellana’s submissions and the related issues be properly investigated.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order under Standing Order 92(2)(b). He requested clarification on which Standing Order permits a Deputy Minister to respond in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Member questioned whether Government Members are permitted to take parliamentary time in that manner, raising a procedural point about the allocation or use of speaking time during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB
AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka expressed sympathy for those affected by the “BOO” cyclone and thanked District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, and Grama Niladharis for their response, while stating that Opposition MPs also carried out relief work without party bias. He criticized government ministers for alleged lack of awareness of affected areas and rejected claims that the Opposition distributed aid on political grounds. He said weather and reservoir warnings issued after meetings of the Meteorology Department, Disaster Management Centre, and Water Panel were not acted upon, and claimed that timely action could have prevented much of the reservoir-related damage in the Mahaweli region. He called for a formal investigation, including at ministerial level and through a special Parliamentary committee, into decisions made after 24 December.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir called for national unity in responding to the disaster and thanked foreign countries and others who assisted, while conveying condolences to victims. He urged the Government to ensure that the President’s promised relief, including the initial Rs. 25,000 cleaning allowance, housing, land and other assistance, is delivered promptly and humanely through local administration, warning that delays could undermine public trust. He requested special attention for flood-affected fishers and farmers in the North and East, whose livelihoods have been disrupted. He also raised concerns about shortages and counterfeit medicines, opposing the relocation of the Nintavur Osusala branch and asking that it remain open with adequate low-cost medicines.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha outlined a supplementary estimate allocating Rs. 500 billion in 2026 for disaster relief and reconstruction, using emergency provisions under Section 16 of the State Finance Management Act to exceed the normal primary expenditure cap with parliamentary approval. He said 2025 relief needs were met through contingency funds and virements without additional borrowing or taxes, and that the 2026 allocation would similarly be funded from improved fiscal performance and cash buffers. He described immediate relief measures and longer-term reconstruction plans, said future disaster risk-transfer mechanisms would be redesigned after past insurance losses, and cited revenue overperformance, growth figures, debt-management progress, and governance arrangements for the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan urged the Government to give special attention to hill-country Tamil and estate worker communities severely affected by landslides in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Matale, noting their existing socio-economic vulnerability and unsafe settlements. He called for safe land allocation and permanent resettlement, including possible land acquisition under Emergency Regulations, to address long-standing land rights and integrate these communities into public services and administration. He also asked the Government to prevent estate companies or officials from pressuring displaced people in camps to return to unsafe areas for labour needs, and said he was willing to help identify suitable estate lands for resettlement.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha rejected claims that the Mahaweli project caused recent disaster impacts, arguing that its reservoirs provide power generation, water management and flood control, while acknowledging that landslides and some impacts required better evacuation and water management. He called for urgent attention to hospital equipment and ICU capacity, compensation delays for displaced families, and the removal of permit-related obstacles to clearing roads, canals, wells and fields. He urged ministers to delegate authority to Divisional Secretaries, Pradeshiya Sabha Chairmen and village-level officials, allow farmers to remove sand and repair access using their own resources, and provide legal protection for officials. He also questioned whether the Disaster Management Committee met after receiving advance warning and said the Disaster Management Centre should be dissolved if it failed to act.
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged faster and more consistent disaster relief following widespread damage in several districts, stating that fishers, farmers, salt producers, small cultivators, and displaced families had suffered severe livelihood and property losses. He criticized delays and inconsistent procedures in distributing announced payments of Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000, and called for Divisional Secretaries and local institutions to facilitate immediate disbursement and infrastructure repairs. He also warned against politicizing relief distribution, thanked religious groups, citizens and foreign governments for assistance, and called for proper planning, effective use of aid, stronger laws and long-term measures to prevent future disasters.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported a Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for post-cyclone recovery, stating it would be funded domestically without new foreign borrowing and would supplement earlier emergency releases and the 2026 Budget. He outlined relief payments of Rs. 75,000 per affected household and Rs. 25,000 per schoolchild, alongside reconstruction of water schemes, schools, roads, bridges, railways and public transport infrastructure. He also announced transport and urban development measures, including additional road funding, railway repairs, online season tickets, clearing driving licence backlogs, licence services at Katunayake for returnees, SLTB bank card payments, Colombo and Mannar flood-control work, UDA modernization projects, and new road safety regulations from January 1.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that post-disaster rebuilding should not merely restore damaged infrastructure but add net capacity, while prioritizing spending given poverty levels and future financing pressures. He said the Government is in fact taking Rs. 374 billion in debt, urged greater use of PPPs and private participation in areas such as SriLankan Airlines and electricity infrastructure, and cautioned against relying solely on public borrowing. Referring to affected communities in Hanguranketha and surrounding areas, he called for the National Involuntary Resettlement Policy to be enacted in law to prevent forced returns and protect livelihoods. He also urged Parliament to formally establish the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund, citing limited market appetite for dollar bonds, potentially costly IMF borrowing, and pressure on the rupee.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns over alleged improper relief distribution in Verugal, Trincomalee, including arrests and remand of residents who questioned non-receipt of assistance. He criticised unfulfilled government promises on compensation and relief, opposed providing vehicles to MPs amid public hardship, and urged Ministers to engage directly with affected communities. He also called for proper investigation of Dr. Bellana’s complaint regarding alleged procurement irregularities at the National Hospital, questioned reported deaths linked to ondansetron, and referred to administrative issues at the NMRA.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate as a temporary measure for disaster recovery and called for coordinated efforts to rebuild the economy and affected areas. He thanked the armed forces, police, disaster management services, and citizens for their relief work, while comparing the scale of the current disaster to the 2004 tsunami. He also noted that securing the sixth IMF tranche of about US$357 million following the September review would have been particularly useful in the present circumstances.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to review and restore the disaster insurance mechanism introduced through the National Insurance Trust Fund when he was Finance Minister, saying it had previously produced significant payouts after the 2016 floods and could have provided resilience following Cyclone Ditwah. He requested permission to table related letters from the NITF and Allianz SE Reinsurance Branch, and argued that Sri Lanka should first conduct its own national damage estimates before seeking validation from bodies such as the UN or World Bank. He also called for disaster loss assessments to be made in US dollars, citing exchange-rate depreciation, and emphasized fiscal reconstruction, restoration of lost capital, macroeconomic stability, and liquidity recovery.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran described severe cyclone and flood damage in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya, citing affected families, damaged homes, roads, tanks, boats, livestock and agricultural land, and said Mullaitivu remains highly vulnerable and underdeveloped despite repeated disasters. He called for 2026 allocations to fund permanent tank repairs, relocation of people from unsafe areas, rehabilitation of agricultural roads, flood and salinity-control bunds, urban drainage, and solutions for villages cut off by floods. He also demanded demarcation and clearing of riverbeds and drains, vesting of minor and abandoned tanks with relevant departments for maintenance, and questioned why tanks and riverbeds remain under the Forest Department and the Army.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah must be grounded in scientific data, expert analysis, and national consensus rather than ad hoc relief activity or casual public discussion. He cited estimates of extreme rainfall and potential energy to illustrate the scale of the disaster and called for scientific planning, regional cooperation, and responsible leadership to address future severe weather events. He also noted, for the record, the close approach of the interstellar object Comet 3I/ATLAS being observed internationally.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Minister of Digital Economy
AI summary The President presented a Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate following a recent disaster, arguing it is necessary to restore livelihoods and support the economy without increasing the 2026 borrowing limit. He said the Government’s fiscal position remains stable, citing a positive Treasury balance, higher-than-estimated revenue, a low deficit, a 3.8 percent primary surplus, and strong remittances, tourism, and export projections. He acknowledged inflation and exchange-rate risks from the spending and said funds would support both relief and production capacity, while the Government seeks rapid IMF support of US$200 million and additional World Bank, ADB, and foreign exchange financing.
- The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined government measures to restore infrastructure damaged by recent events, including temporary bridges installed by the Army and RDA and plans to make road repairs permanent, with RDA estimating Rs. 190 billion needed. He said assessments and allocations are being prepared for railways, irrigation systems, and seasonal cultivation needs, with priority repairs planned before the Yala and next Maha seasons. He also described a structured aid framework through the National Physical Planning Department to match donor contributions to specific projects such as schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges, and noted that a Rs. 25,000 cleaning allowance had been released for 861 identified religious sites.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs stated that the ministry currently has information on approximately 1,000 religious places. No further policy proposal or request was made in the excerpt provided.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake
AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake said information had been received on nearly 1,000 rehabilitation needs and that plans were prepared to address them, including temples and other religious sites with the involvement of relevant donor boards. He proposed mobilizing support from the Government, Opposition, citizens, local benefactors, and Sri Lankans overseas by allocating projects to different donor groups. He requested Parliament to approve the Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 500 billion to support the programme anticipated in the Appropriation Bill.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural