10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Tuesday, 6 January 2026

10th Parliament· 21 debates· 256 speeches· 78 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23111 ·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. 10 Oral question Oral Question: CEB Transformer and Chartered Engineer Requirements for Electricity Supply (Q. relating to W.H.M. Dharmasena) 10 speeches
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order alleging a procedural breach under Standing Orders 29(1) and 29(2) regarding matters of privilege. He stated that he had submitted a privilege matter to the Speaker at 8.30 a.m. and received consent to raise it, but it was not included in the day’s schedule, questioning whether the rules were being applied differently to Government and Opposition members.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB

      AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena asked the Minister of Energy whether the Ceylon Electricity Board requires owners of apartments and shopping complexes to purchase new transformers when obtaining electricity connections. He questioned whether the Minister accepts that this imposes significant costs on entrepreneurs and residents, and requested details of measures to provide electricity to such premises without delay using CEB transformers.

      InfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB

      AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that CEB determines transformer requirements based on requested supply capacity, with customers required to bear transformer installation costs only when demand exceeds 100 kVA. For supplies up to 99 kVA, customers are charged PUCSL-approved standard construction costs and capacity charges, while any required transformer is installed at CEB expense. He added that estimates are prepared under PUCSL-approved rates and supply is provided after payment, and said part (b) was not applicable.

      Public FinanceInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB

      AI summary Asked the Minister whether the CEB could accept reports from its own area electrical engineers for three-phase electricity connections instead of requiring applicants to obtain third-party chartered engineer reports costing over Rs. 15,000. He said the current requirement creates financial hardship and sought a change to reduce the burden on consumers.

      InfrastructureCost of Living Full speech →
    • The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB

      AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that applicants seeking three-phase electricity supply must ensure their internal electrical installations comply with required regulations and obtain certification from an accredited Chartered Electrical Engineer. He explained that CEB and Lanka Electricity Company are legally unable to work within private premises, so safety checks and certification are mandatory rather than a formality.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB

      AI summary W.H.M. Dharmasena stated that the matter under discussion would impose an undue cost on consumers. He then yielded his second supplementary question to Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri.

      Cost of Living Full speech →
    • The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB

      AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government on electricity tariffs, particularly for apartment and shopping complex consumers being asked to purchase transformers and seek relief through the Public Utilities Commission. He argued that consumers expected reductions in 2026 but instead faced a proposed 11 per cent increase linked to IMF conditions, and asked for a specific date by which the Government would reduce electricity bills in line with pre-election promises.

      Cost of LivingPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
    • The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB

      AI summary Asked the Government to specify when bills for apartments and shopping complexes would be reduced, requesting a clear date or timeframe for the change.

      Public Finance Full speech →