Sitting of Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23112 ·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 Papers Papers Presented 7 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches
- 3 Procedural Condolences and Privilege Matter 1 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions: Prime Minister 28 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Factories in Ekala Industrial Zone (Q.1564/2025) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Q.1576/2025 (Adjourned) 2 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Holiday Bungalows in Somawathiya National Park (Q.1631/2025) 2 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Establishment of National Cadet Corps (Q.1635/2025) 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Detention Orders (Q.1638/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Questions under Standing Order 27(2) 9 speeches
- 11 Procedural Ministerial Statement: Foreign Employment Issues 6 speeches
- 12 Procedural Points of Order and Privilege Questions 12 speeches
- 13 Procedural Ministerial Statements and Points of Order 11 speeches
- 14 Papers Presentation of Bills: Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill 4 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill 57 speeches
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera outlined the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill, stating that it follows a Special Committee review and Cabinet approval to remove investor impediments and align the law with global standards. He detailed new tax incentive tiers for Primary and Secondary Businesses of Strategic Importance, including corporate tax holidays or reduced rates, import duty exemptions, VAT treatment, APIT provisions, revised fee procedures, and strengthened compliance, disclosure, and performance-review requirements. He also linked the amendments to broader investment conditions such as macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, skilled labour, double taxation agreements, and recent export, remittance, and tourism performance.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem paid tribute to former Secretary-General Nihal Seneviratne and thanked foreign rescue teams, especially from the UAE, for assistance after Cyclone “Ditwah”, while urging attention to continuing inundation and housing needs in Karaitivu–Chinna Nagavillu, Puttalam. Addressing the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act amendments, he said the changes may restore regulatory clarity but warned that reducing incentives to meet IMF revenue expectations could undermine Sri Lanka’s competitiveness for foreign investment. He cited concerns over tax policy, including personal income tax and corporate tax rates, and questioned whether projected Port City investment and value addition figures are realistic given the limited number of developers currently near commitment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe argued that Sri Lanka is maintaining fiscal discipline under the IMF programme and that debt sustainability, reserves and repayment capacity are improving through exports, FDI, remittances and tourism. He said the Port City Amendment strengthens regulation and aligns incentives with global standards, including Central Bank-regulated offshore banking, removal of tax-free status for employees, mandatory IRD tax filing and revised fee structures to ease investor entry. He noted that concessions for 24 previously approved companies were retained after negotiation, while four projects worth about US$ 1.2 billion are expected to begin in 2026 and a broader pipeline of Port City investments totals about US$ 3.9 billion. He urged the Opposition not to create fear about the economy, citing projected growth, falling interest costs as a share of revenue, and stronger export performance.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to respond more fully to Cyclone Ditwah by implementing pledged relief payments, seeking greater livelihood and industry support, convening an international donor conference, and renegotiating IMF conditions in light of the disaster. He raised concerns over MSME distress and bank profits, tabled a letter from the Ceylon Federation of MSMEs to the Central Bank Governor, and called for fairness for the sector. He also demanded that coercive transfers and allowance cuts affecting Civil Security Department personnel be stopped or replaced with fair voluntary retirement terms, and asked that vehicle import regulations be eased by reducing penalties and extending the registration grace period. He criticized the Government for continuing the Debt Sustainability Analysis and IMF conditions it had promised to change, arguing that its economic approach overlooks distributional impacts.
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Government is adhering to its policy book and will be accountable to its manifesto over the next five years. He noted that Debt Sustainability Analysis variables are updated every six months and said the Government should be judged by results, asserting that current figures indicate the country is on the right trajectory.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of failing to honour its manifesto commitments and urged it to assess the impact of its policies at grassroots level. He argued that macroeconomic indicators are insufficient without examining distributional effects, claiming Government policies are increasing inequality. He contrasted the Opposition’s approach with the Government’s, stating that while their stated ideologies may appear similar, the Opposition delivers in practice.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported amendments to Act No. 11 of 2021 concerning the Port City framework, arguing that stronger provisions are needed to make it a competitive Special Economic Zone and financial hub. He outlined investment routes through BOI-facilitated FDI, forthcoming PPP legislation, joint ventures, and the Port City, and said reforms would introduce a single-window mechanism, clearer incentives, tax fairness, and Central Bank-regulated offshore banking. He highlighted changes ending employment income tax exemptions for new zone employees, transitioning existing registrants over three years, and setting time-bound, criteria-based incentives for Businesses of Strategic Importance. He also cited recent economic growth figures and criticized opposition to certain public appointments, urging cooperation in national development.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the 2025 Amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act as a shift from an insulated special zone toward stronger integration with national financial, tax, and foreign exchange laws. He highlighted Central Bank oversight of offshore banking, reduced tax holidays, mandatory tax filing, and Ministry of Finance technical review of incentives as safeguards against shadow banking and revenue loss. He cautioned that reduced incentives could affect investor confidence, but argued that non-tax facilitation, policy stability, local economic linkages, and transparent regulation are more important for positioning Port City as a credible global financial and business centre.
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Nimal Palihena supported the amendments to Act No. 11 of 2021, arguing that reform of the Port City framework is needed to realize its objective of attracting foreign direct investment after the initial US$ 1.4 billion land reclamation investment. He highlighted changes including a three-year transition for already-registered companies on employee personal income tax, standard tax treatment for new employees, reduced upfront application charges, and Central Bank oversight of offshore banking and related entities. He said the zone would target sectors such as IT, finance, professional services and tourism, operate in approved foreign currencies, and was expected to generate stronger investment inflows in 2026 amid improved economic conditions.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka criticized the Government for previously opposing Port City concessions while now supporting them, including calls to extend concessions. He alleged a Rs. 10 billion coal procurement scandal, claiming tender procedures were delayed and altered to favour unqualified firms, the tender period was improperly shortened, and substandard coal was accepted despite lab results and increased consumption at the Lakvijaya Power Plant. He called attention to discrepancies in testing documentation and accused the Government of ignoring CEB findings while blaming officials who raised concerns.
- The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB
AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu supported amendments to the 2021 Port City legislation, arguing that Central Bank oversight of international financial institutions would stabilize foreign exchange earnings and help curb illicit financial flows. He said Port City investments could create foreign-currency earning opportunities, generate demand in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism, and require vocational training for youth. He also defended the Government’s poverty eradication and village development programmes, while criticizing alleged politicization of disaster relief and past rural development practices.
- Hon. Kandasaami Prabhu JJB
AI summary Hon. Kandasaami Prabhu stated that government institutions are acting independently against waste and fraud, and that Batticaloa District’s 2025 allocations were fully utilized despite disaster-related delays to some projects. He supported the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill, highlighting proposed tax holidays for investors and arguing that public-private investment would accelerate development. He also cited rising tourism, improved tax compliance, and the “Praja Shakthi” programme as contributors to economic recovery and rural development, while rejecting opposition criticism and calling for shortcomings to be corrected constructively.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon supported the Bill to amend the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, stating that it would bring Port City economic activity under stronger regulatory oversight and support its role as a business and development hub. He said the amendments would clarify tax treatment, strengthen performance monitoring, ensure Commission oversight of activities, and introduce banking supervision aligned with Basel II and Basel III standards, including capital, liquidity, leverage, and countercyclical buffer requirements. He also outlined proposed prudential measures involving the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank, including licensing action, approved audits, limits on foreign currency transactions, and anti-money laundering controls to enhance financial stability and investor confidence.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary Thilina Samarakoon stated that the Government had helped stabilize and raise the economy since 2025 by managing disaster impacts and providing leadership. He said the aim in 2026 was to further strengthen the economy while ensuring a stable economic and social environment for the public.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a point of Order during the proceedings. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over trading in Wealth Trust Securities Limited, stating that its share price rose from Rs. 7 to Rs. 25,000 without a price band, with over 6.3 million shares traded before the market was halted. He argued that this reflected a failure of stock market regulation, damaged investor confidence during discussions on investment, and called for an inquiry and the resignation of responsible officials.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman used the debate on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill to allege irregularities in the awarding of renewable energy projects in 2025, saying seven solar and wind projects were licensed without tenders despite a Cabinet decision requiring competitive processes. He questioned the tariffs granted, claiming they were higher than previous rates and could impose over Rs. 20 billion in excess costs, and raised concerns about links between selected companies, political figures, and individuals close to the Government. He also referred to earlier allegations involving a Mannar wind project, the unresolved “300 containers” issue, and the delay in appointing an Auditor-General, demanding greater transparency and due process.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith Agalakada JJB
AI summary The Hon. Ajith Agalakada supported amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that Sri Lanka needs new foreign exchange-generating avenues ahead of resumed external debt repayments from 2028. He said the amendments are based on expert review and would rationalize tax concessions, limit employment income tax exemptions, and strengthen regulation of Businesses of Strategic Importance through investment- and employment-based categories rather than blanket tax holidays. He emphasized that attracting investment depends not only on incentives but also on stability, infrastructure, human capital, rule of law and transparency, and cited recent improvements in exports, remittances, tourism receipts, FDI and macroeconomic indicators.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Colombo Port City Commission (Amendment) Bill, arguing that Port City should be developed as a national economic asset and globally competitive special economic zone. He said the Bill’s tax and legal framework, including tiered treatment for investors, is intended to attract local and foreign investment, generate dollar inflows, and strengthen ICT and commercial activity. He also linked the project to broader government claims of improving economic stability, reduced debt levels, growth, and a less corrupt investment climate, and urged the opposition to cooperate with the Government’s development agenda.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan welcomed amendments to the Colombo Port City regime that would allow Sri Lanka to derive revenue, while raising concerns that Mannar District General Hospital still lacked the CT scanner previously promised by the Health Minister. He questioned the Government’s appointment of a committee on the Provincial Council electoral system, arguing that elections should be held immediately under the existing system rather than delayed pending reforms. He also requested that fishermen in Mannar who are prevented from going to sea during adverse weather receive dry rations on the same basis as other disaster-affected communities, as directed by the President.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, stating that Port City is a key vehicle for attracting FDI within a context of restored macroeconomic stability. He highlighted provisions on employment tax treatment, offshore banking regulation, prudential standards, and ex-post monitoring of Businesses of Strategic Importance to ensure tax incentives are performance-linked. Citing IMF assessments and 2025 indicators, he argued that Sri Lanka had achieved stronger-than-projected growth, fiscal consolidation, remittances, tourism, and FDI, enabling cyclone relief through a Treasury cash buffer. He also noted the need to continue education reforms begun in 2019 to align the system with future needs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda formally seconded the motion before the House. The question was put and agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara took the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the Second Reading of the Bill to amend the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that the Government has restored economic stability through improved revenue collection, exports, tourism earnings, remittances, FDI, debt restructuring and credit ratings. He said the amendments would integrate Port City into the national growth strategy by replacing broad tax holidays with calibrated incentives for categories of strategic businesses based on investment and employment thresholds. He also emphasized Central Bank supervision of offshore banking, stronger legal governance, and recent regulations aimed at preventing irregularities and corruption.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva addressed regulations waiving VAT, Cess, PAL and Customs Duty on donated imports for cyclone recovery, but argued that relief should also cover privately imported replacement machinery and inputs for affected businesses, subject to verification mechanisms. He called for clarity on a proposed donors’ conference, said the announced “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund does not formally exist, and urged establishment of the Disaster Fund under the Disaster Management Act with audited oversight. He highlighted severe MSME losses and debt pressures following the cyclone, and argued that recovery should not depend mainly on donations but should include spending prioritization and greater private investment in infrastructure through PPPs and concessions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s strategy to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen the Port City as a competitive special economic zone, and improve Sri Lanka’s ease of doing business. He argued that 2025 demonstrated economic stability through higher revenue collections, remittances, tourism, exports, stock market performance, growth, ratings improvements, and low inflation. He said the amendments would rationalize tax incentives and exemptions, strengthen regulation and compliance for strategic businesses, and create a framework for offshore banking, while noting that BOI projects, PPPs, and joint ventures would also remain important channels for investment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah spoke during debate on the Colombo Port City Commission (Amendment) Bill, but focused his remarks on the recent “Dithva” cyclone. He expressed condolences to those affected, thanked foreign governments and peoples for their assistance, and acknowledged the President’s announced relief measures and the role of public officials in delivering aid quickly.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara welcomed efforts to attract investment to the Port City by reducing unnecessary burdens, while urging that national policy avoid creating international controversies, particularly over Government-linked statements on Venezuela that he said could affect Sri Lanka’s foreign relations and security. He criticized elements in Grade 6 English textbooks and related education policy, calling for broader consultation, cultural safeguards, and a focus on vocational excellence without normalizing practices he opposed. He questioned disaster-relief allocations in Anuradhapura, alleging many affected families and students were excluded from compensation after recent cyclone damage. He also raised health-sector concerns, including the non-functioning radiotherapy machine at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, and asked the Government to provide the required equipment and services without political bias.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Member supported the Amendment to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, stating that it retains tax incentive powers but introduces clearer rules, technical assessments, investment and employment thresholds, monitoring, and national tax oversight. She said the purpose is to replace blanket concessions with a transparent, rules-based scheme aligned with long-term economic objectives. She also objected to vulgar language used in Parliament and clarified that, on Venezuela, the Government’s position is based on international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and UN principles, distinct from party rhetoric.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that the Colombo Port City Economic Commission should be used more proactively to attract investment, with targeted tax and non-tax incentives rather than waiting on IMF programme constraints. He said Port City must develop a clear value proposition as an offshore financial, services, and manufacturing hub, leveraging access to India through the Indo–Sri Lanka FTA and offering regulatory certainty, market access, and efficiency. He criticized over-regulation, approval delays, and recent Colombo Stock Exchange technical issues as damaging investor confidence, and urged reforms to attract US$3–4 billion in investment while addressing outward labour migration.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe supported the amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, arguing that they replace overly broad and discretionary tax concessions with shorter, threshold-based incentives and greater transparency. He said previous strategic development incentives caused major tax expenditure losses, cited IMF-related fiscal obligations, and proposed publishing project costs while ending full employment income tax exemptions for Port City employees with transitional arrangements. He also defended education reforms and the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund as subject to proper procedures, and said post-cyclone rebuilding and investment promotion should proceed with stronger oversight.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved that Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara left the Chair and Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the Port City project as a key economic initiative but urged the Government and Commission to ensure recent amendments translate into accelerated foreign direct investment and removal of bottlenecks. He called for investigation of inconsistent land pricing to investors, lower event-space rental costs, and coordinated legal and environmental measures for special event zones. He also raised the need to strengthen financial and digital infrastructure, tabled concerns over SLT-Mobitel procurement and governance, and requested updates on power-sector measures, including battery storage, to prevent future outages affecting investment and economic activity.
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to make the Port City a competitive special economic zone for attracting foreign direct investment while improving ease of doing business. He said the amendment addresses practical issues in the original Act by creating a more transparent, criteria-based framework for tax concessions, including regular reviews and investment and employment thresholds. He rejected claims that the Bill removes benefits, arguing that the Commission will retain powers to review and refine concessions while aligning with international standards to prevent misuse such as money laundering or illicit fund flows. He also referred to forthcoming PPP and joint venture frameworks as part of broader investment and job creation policy.
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha welcomed the appointment of the Port City Commission Chairman and urged the long-vacant BOI Director-General post to be filled, while raising concerns that proposed amendments could weaken Central Bank oversight of offshore banking in the Port City. He warned that excluding the Banking Act, allowing the Commission to license offshore banks, and permitting borrowing from domestic banks in US dollars could create shadow banking risks, drain reserves, and create an uneven regulatory field. He proposed preserving Central Bank discretion on prudential standards, reconsidering income tax on Sri Lankan professionals working in the Port City, and introducing one-stop, time-bound approval processes to attract investment and prevent capital flight. He also criticized delays and costs faced by investors, called for competitive concessions, and urged reconsideration of the Commission’s licensing role and the BOI’s effectiveness.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government had stabilized the economy and was now seeking production-oriented investment, with the Port City positioned as a key vehicle for that purpose. He outlined amendments to the 2021 Port City Act to replace discretionary concessions with rules-based incentives, including capped corporate tax holidays tied to investment and employment, limits on personal income tax exemptions, and strengthened filing, audit, and monitoring requirements. He also stated that offshore banking oversight would be reinforced through the Foreign Exchange Act and Central Bank powers, and rejected claims that statutory public finance reports under Act No. 44 of 2024 had not been submitted on time.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister
AI summary The Minister stated that the virement report was submitted within the required six-month period from the 07 July resolution and therefore complied with procedure. He addressed the Colombo Stock Exchange incident involving WealthTrust Securities Limited, saying the SEC had suspended trading, investigations were under way, and action would be taken if market manipulation was found. He defended the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate as necessary for cyclone-related relief and reconstruction, including housing, businesses, agriculture and plantations, while rejecting claims that funds or IMF-related targets were at risk. He also responded to criticism over the absence of an Auditor General, saying a qualified nominee had been rejected by the Constitutional Council and that the President was continuing to discharge his responsibilities.
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment 13 speeches