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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

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  18. 18 Debate Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations 39 speeches
    • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB

      AI summary The Minister moved for approval of regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act relating to the harvesting of mud-crabs, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2371/32 and presented to Parliament in December 2025. He also noted that Parliament would consider regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act and the 2019 Sri Lanka Fisheries Annual Report.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB

      AI summary The Minister sought approval for regulations on mud-crab harvesting, citing NARA guidelines, complaints about undersized and gravid crabs, and the need to meet EU and UN seafood standards to avoid export restrictions linked to IUU fishing and non-compliance. He said the regulations would set standards including a 130 mm minimum carapace width and govern catching, culturing and export to protect resources while sustaining foreign exchange earnings. He also outlined plans to revive an effective fisher pension and social security scheme, noting losses from Cyclone “Ditwah,” including destroyed and damaged boats and three deaths, and said the Government was providing grants, replacement craft and gear.

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    • The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi supported the fisheries regulations, stressing that export sectors such as mud-crab, prawns, cuttlefish and tuna must comply with EU standards to protect foreign exchange earnings, recalling the previous EU fish export ban and its later removal. He criticised the proposed fishermen’s pension arrangements as placing too much cost on fishers and urged a State co-contribution or relief mechanism, including suggesting that MPs’ pensions could be redirected to support the scheme. He also called for diplomatic action over a Sri Lankan vessel reportedly seized and burned in Seychelles, and requested repairs to harbour radio stations and the Southern mobile slipway to support fishermen’s safety and costs.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna

      AI summary Raised a point under Standing Order 91(h), asking for clarification on whether criticism of a proposal and the tabling of material about the promotion of certain tourism content could be treated as reference to personal affairs. He maintained that the remarks concerned Government policy and the propriety of a proposal, not imputations of improper motives or personal matters involving another Member.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB

      AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme Act, arguing that a reformed pension scheme is necessary for the large fisheries-dependent population. He cited Ministry figures showing 272,900 families directly engaged in marine and inland fisheries and said the previous scheme had limited enrolment and very few beneficiaries due to structural weaknesses. He linked the proposal to the Government’s policy objective of ensuring dignified retirement for senior citizens, particularly in a hazardous sector, and also condemned remarks made in the House against the Prime Minister.

      Public FinanceWomen & ChildrenEmployment Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK

      AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran welcomed the fisheries workers’ pension and social protection regulations but urged amendments to make them more practical and adequate for fishers’ livelihoods. He proposed flexible, seasonally aligned contribution payments, partial Government co-responsibility, inflation-indexed pensions and compensation, and updated death and disability benefits. He also questioned provisions that deny compensation where alcohol is cited and argued that the disability criteria should be expanded to cover occupational injuries, illnesses, missing persons, and loss of fitness to work, with reference to international practice and ILO Convention C188.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB

      AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Regulations under the Fisheries Workers’ Pension and Social Protection Scheme, arguing that fisheries is a major economic sector that should be modernized through training, infrastructure, and equipment. He said fishers, particularly low-income and lagoon-based communities in Puttalam and Karpitiya, need pension coverage and social protection, citing recent disaster losses of canoes and nets and the death of a young fisher during floods. He noted proposals such as developing the Karpitiya fishing harbour, building landing sites for lagoon fishers, and providing age- and circumstance-based pension arrangements, while stating that the Government is also providing disaster relief and livelihood support.

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    • The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF

      AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised a series of concerns outside the fisheries item, criticizing the Government’s handling of the Venezuela-related incident, the education “module” issue, police conduct, alleged threats to media institutions, and treatment of military, police, railway and Civil Security Department personnel. He argued that political responsibility should apply consistently, called for the Prime Minister to face consequences or resign over the module issue, and said the IGP should resign over failures in policing. He urged the Government not to interfere with media houses, not to remove Army officers before pension eligibility, not to evict long-serving police officers from quarters without alternatives, and not to make arbitrary transfers or dismissals of Civil Security personnel. He also called for proper procedures in public fund disbursement and criticized publicity-driven responses to railway and disaster-related issues.

      Justice & Human RightsSecurity & DefenceLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB

      AI summary The Hon. Stepni Fernando supported regulations setting a minimum 130 mm carapace width for harvesting, retaining, or exporting mud crabs, arguing that unregulated harvesting has reduced stocks and that breeding, habitat restoration, hatcheries, and lagoon conservation—starting in Negombo—are needed to sustain a valuable export fishery. She also outlined changes to the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme, stating that low uptake would be addressed through easier payments via Fisheries Inspectors and flexible contribution schedules suited to irregular fisher incomes. She said the measures are intended to protect both coastal and inland fishers, including older fishers, while also noting ongoing government support for districts affected by floods and landslides.

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    • The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP

      AI summary Namal Rajapaksa argued that fisheries regulations would be ineffective without practical implementation, citing declines in inland and marine fisheries and asking for a clear plan to restore livelihoods affected by floods, landslides and breaches such as Seruwila and Mawil Aru. He criticized delays and reductions in disaster relief, alleged politically motivated use of police and regulatory bodies, and questioned investigations involving media, drugs, and law enforcement transfers. He demanded accountability from the Education Ministry and the Prime Minister over Grade 6 textbook QR-code content and urged that education reforms reflect labour-market needs while respecting culture and religious advice. He also asked the Government to reconsider transferring Civil Security Department personnel away from their local communities and to address pending Korean employment placements fairly.

      Law & OrderAgricultureEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB

      AI summary Ajith Gihan defended the Government’s fisheries policy, rejecting claims made by Namal Rajapaksa and arguing that current measures go beyond previous limited support such as distributing fingerlings after floods. He outlined the proposed fisher pension scheme, including flexible contribution options, beneficiary payments after death, possible linked benefits such as life jackets, and coverage for allied workers in the fisheries value chain. He also referred to storm relief through Cey-Nor, grants for nets, boat repairs, stronger fisheries budget allocations, enforcement of crab size regulations, and the planned “Sayura” insurance scheme providing over Rs. 1 million in death benefits.

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    • The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB

      AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticized the implementation of current education reforms, alleging lack of transparency, inadequate consultation, confusion caused by repeated circulars, missing timetables, delayed uniforms, and insufficient teacher materials for Grade 6 students. She questioned the role of external or political groups in drafting reforms, objected to content and links in the Grade 6 English module, and asked whether official policy was being shaped outside the Ministry, National Education Commission and NIE. She alleged misuse of public funds in printing modules, citing Section 111 of the Anti-Corruption Act, and requested investigations into external printing, costs, errors in modules, the absence of pilots, and ADB-linked funding. She tabled documents and modules, stated that some materials were well written, and argued that aspects of the reforms may violate provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

      Corruption & Governance ReformEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB

      AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana supported new Regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that flexible contributions and survivor benefits are needed because fishers are largely informal workers with irregular incomes and limited social protection. He said past schemes had low enrolment and called for stronger outreach, while outlining disaster-related losses to fishing craft in the Eastern Province and government measures to repair or replace vessels and provide gear grants. He also referred to plans to expand Cod Bay harbour with World Bank support, renovate the Trincomalee central fish market, and revive inland fisheries. He concluded by affirming media freedom while stating that media institutions must be accountable for accurate reporting.

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    • The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB

      AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana argued that rising diesel and kerosene prices, high VMS-related charges, and maintenance fees are increasing the burden on fishers and called for VMS devices to be provided on easy-payment terms. He raised concerns about the poor condition of Beruwala harbour, declining new entrants to the fisheries sector, and the impact of three-month licence cancellations when vessels are suspected of crossing maritime boundaries. He supported the idea of a fishers’ pension scheme in principle but questioned how an uninterrupted pension could be delivered without EPF/ETF-type contribution structures.

      InfrastructureAgricultureCost of Living Full speech →
    • Hon. Jagath Withana

      AI summary Hon. Jagath Withana alleged that police were improperly intervening in the administration of the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha following a dispute involving its Secretary and Chairman Kasun Munasinghe, who had been remanded after complaints of assault and obstruction of official duties. He argued that the allegations were false, that officials had stated no assault occurred, and that the dispute arose from the Sabha’s cross-party decision to oppose the Secretary’s handling of government road development funds. He tabled related documents, questioned the police role in administrative matters, and raised a privileges concern after saying he was prevented from entering the police station.

      Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
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    • The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported further steps under the 2024 Mud Crab Fisheries Management Regulations, presented under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, stating that fisheries development is linked to wider economic activity and investment. He then focused on issues in the Matugama electorate, alleging that the local government mandate had been distorted through political manoeuvring in the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha. He said public services such as waste disposal, road maintenance, drainage, and cemetery upkeep had deteriorated, despite projects worth about Rs. 50 million being implemented through coordinating and provincial funds, and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
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    • The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB

      AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi welcomed the new regulations on mud crab harvesting as a measure to protect a valuable export resource, while stressing that effective implementation requires continuous monitoring by the Ministry, NAQDA, NARA and fisheries officials to prevent over-extraction during sensitive periods. He also highlighted the introduction of a new pension scheme for those engaged in marine, inland and brackish water fisheries and related activities, describing its flexible contribution levels and lifetime/spousal benefits. He noted that the scheme would extend welfare coverage beyond earlier limited pension and insurance arrangements, including to multi-day vessel crews and aquaculture workers.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
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    • The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB

      AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi supported the proposed fisheries pension scheme, stating that it introduces benefits for contributors who have paid more than 75 per cent of contributions, allows those who paid between 25 and 75 per cent to withdraw contributions with Board-determined interest, and provides full pension arrangements in cases of disability before pensionable age. He said the scheme would improve the welfare and dignity of fishers and their families, and briefly criticised Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi’s earlier remarks as insulting to the fisheries sector.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
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    • The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB

      AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government for raising kerosene and diesel prices while claiming to support the fisheries sector, and questioned whether promised services such as SMS alerts on fish locations had been implemented. He also challenged the Government’s disaster-relief commitments after Cyclone “Dicha” and related floods and landslides, citing specific affected households in Passara and Rajanganaya and asking when promised compensation would be paid and whether eligibility would be applied fairly. He further alleged problems in education policy content and internal political motives within the governing side, before stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would form a competent team to rebuild the economy.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
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    • The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that they improve fishers’ pension benefits while the Government also moves to abolish MPs’ pensions. He responded to Opposition claims about disaster relief, stating that assistance announced by the President is being paid and processed in stages based on assessments, and contrasted this with delays after past disasters such as Meeriabedda. He also criticized the previous administration’s record on policing and governance, and urged the Opposition to support the Government’s legislative programme, economic stabilization efforts, and relief measures where appropriate.

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    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB

      AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Nanayakkara presided.

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    • The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando welcomed the principle of a fishermen’s pension but disputed claims that the 2025 Government initiated it for the first time, citing earlier schemes and past advocacy by the Opposition. He argued that the proposed contribution and benefit structure gives inadequate returns, questioned non-refundable contributions and Board discretion on refunds, and asked that Government funds—such as savings from abolishing MPs’ pensions—be used to strengthen the scheme. He also raised concerns about unpaid fisheries insurance claims under “Sayura” and asked what diplomatic action had been taken after the Seychelles Coast Guard allegedly set fire to the “Ishani Duwa” trawler and detained its crew.

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    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB

      AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said the Government had introduced a new fishers’ pension scheme and the “Sayura” emergency insurance programme in its first year, describing them as measures to provide security and professional recognition to the fisheries sector. He outlined the pension contribution options and benefit tiers, invited Opposition proposals to improve the scheme, and said future policy would include formal training to attract educated youth into fisheries. He also reported on Cyclone “Dicha” warnings, damage assessments and compensation measures, including repairs, grants for fishing gear and concessional loans for affected aquaculture sectors. He further stated that the Ministry was assisting Sri Lankan fishers detained in Seychelles and that repairs to damaged radio equipment had been funded.

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    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB

      AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that the fisheries community, including fishers in Jaffna, has faced longstanding social and economic marginalization and needs improved security in old age. He said the Government had invited constructive Opposition proposals on the regulations but criticized Opposition speeches as unproductive. He also defended the Government’s education reforms and stated that the Government would remain united in support of the Prime Minister and President.

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    • The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB

      AI summary Approval was sought for regulations made under Section 29 of the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, No. 23 of 1990, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2428/13 of 19 March 2025 and presented on 18 December 2025. The motion noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the House agreed to the regulations.

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