Sitting of Friday, 9 January 2026

Order of business

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

1. 1 Procedural Speaker's Ruling on Motion Inclusion in Order Book 46 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers Presented and Committee Reports 9 speeches ▸
3. 3 Oral question Oral Question: Agricultural Support (Q.1/206/2024) 4 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) 10 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Department of Government Information (Q.3) 6 speeches ▾
   • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

     AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide details on the Department of Government Information, including its establishment date, affiliated institutions, current staff strength, present role, and the name and educational qualifications of its Director General. He also requested reasons if the Minister is unable to provide the information.

     Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa provided a written answer detailing the establishment, structure, staffing, functions, and leadership of the Department of Government Information. He stated that the Department was established on 31 July 1948, has District Media Units in all District Secretariats, employs 301 staff, and performs government communication, media coordination, publications, documentary production, public awareness, and accreditation functions. He also identified H.S.K.J. Bandara as the relevant official and listed his academic qualifications, adding that part (b) did not arise.

     Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
   • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

     AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about an officer in a media-related role lacking relevant training, citing a recent statement about the Prime Minister attending a press briefing as evidence of difficulties in the institution. He also urged the Minister to address longstanding issues in the relevant Department, including a cadre of about 300 officers, allowances, and stalled promotions, and to establish a proper mechanism for stable career progression.

     Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Harsha Sri Bandara, an SLAS officer, was appointed in line with the historical practice of filling the Director General post of the Department of Government Information through the Administrative Service, and that a media degree is not a requirement for the post. He acknowledged longstanding neglect of the Department and related promotion issues, noting that the Government has provided allocations, begun recruitments, and will address the concerns raised to strengthen the Department’s role in media and government information dissemination.

     Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
   • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

     AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Minister’s earlier statement about cancelling media licences, noting that media institutions carry significant responsibilities and may report critically on the Government. He asked whether the Minister still holds that position and whether the Government intends to cancel licences already issued to media organisations.

     Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said broadcast licences are temporary and subject to conditions requiring truthful reporting, especially on national security and public health. He cited a recent television report on human immunoglobulin procurement as misleading and harmful to public confidence in the health system, noting that the outlet later corrected it. He stated that, as Minister of Health and Mass Media, he has a duty to challenge false health-related information, while emphasizing that criticism of the Government itself is not the issue.

     HealthcareCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Bridge Reconstruction in Batticaloa (Q.5) 14 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Mahapola Scholarship Trust Fund (Q.6/472/2025) 6 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Disaster Relief and Compensation (Q.7/726/2025) 20 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Gas Imports and Emergency Procurement (Q.9) 11 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: Water Supply in Bandarawela (Q.10) 6 speeches ▸
11. 11 Oral question Oral Questions: Paddy Field Damage and Potato Imports (Q.11, Q.12) 4 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Questions by Private Notice under Standing Order 27(2) 7 speeches ▸
13. 13 Debate Ministerial Statement: Education Reform Issues 9 speeches ▸
14. 14 Oral question Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) 22 speeches ▸
15. 15 Procedural Business of the Parliament Motion 2 speeches ▸
16. 16 Debate Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment 49 speeches ▸
17. 17 Debate Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations 40 speeches ▸
18. 18 Adjournment Adjournment Debate and Adjournment 8 speeches ▸