Sitting of Friday, 9 January 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23149 ·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 Procedural Speaker's Ruling on Motion Inclusion in Order Book 46 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented and Committee Reports 9 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Agricultural Support (Q.1/206/2024) 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Policy Implementation and Case Re-filing (Q.2/219/2024) 10 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Department of Government Information (Q.3) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Bridge Reconstruction in Batticaloa (Q.5) 14 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Mahapola Scholarship Trust Fund (Q.6/472/2025) 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Disaster Relief and Compensation (Q.7/726/2025) 20 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Gas Imports and Emergency Procurement (Q.9) 11 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Water Supply in Bandarawela (Q.10) 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Questions: Paddy Field Damage and Potato Imports (Q.11, Q.12) 4 speeches
- 12 Oral question Questions by Private Notice under Standing Order 27(2) 7 speeches
- 13 Debate Ministerial Statement: Education Reform Issues 9 speeches
- 14 Oral question Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) 22 speeches
- 15 Procedural Business of the Parliament Motion 2 speeches
- 16 Debate Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment 49 speeches
- 17 Debate Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations 40 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, approval was sought for regulations issued by the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act. The regulations were published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2465/07 of 1 December 2025, presented to Parliament on 19 December 2025, and had received Cabinet approval.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary A procedural motion was moved proposing that Hon. Imran Maharoof take the Chair. The House agreed, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Imran Maharoof assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne presented Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to expedite the clearance of relief goods sent after the “Dissa” cyclone, based on a Presidential Secretariat decision. The Regulations allow Customs release of donated goods to the Disaster Management Centre or Government institutions despite certain licensing controls, permit release of specified banned items received as relief, and allow some food items to be cleared with Food Policy and Safety Committee approval without SLSI certification. She also stated that the Government does not intend to close the “Suwasariya” ambulance service, but plans to expand and improve it to international standards.
- Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathna - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary Cabinet approval has been obtained to clear 150 unregistered Indian-donated ambulances without airbags for the Suwaseriya Foundation, with regulations prepared for Customs clearance. The Deputy Minister said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund has raised Rs. 4.1 billion in an audited Treasury account, and that legislation and a public website will be introduced to ensure parliamentary oversight and donor transparency. She cited housing projects and relief measures for disaster- and war-affected families as evidence of faster recovery, and also referred to the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions as an election pledge. She criticised Opposition conduct, including alleged abusive language and disruptions in the House, and called for greater decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Dilith Jayaweera, speaking during debate on regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, argued that Sri Lanka’s external finances remain in severe distress despite reported export earnings, tourism income and remittances, citing import costs, weak official reserves, rupee depreciation and a negative international investment position. He called for more transparent, data-based parliamentary debate rather than leaving economic decisions to technocrats, and urged collective national action in response to IMF-recognised vulnerabilities. He also criticised the Government as a continuation of the 2015 Yahapalana administration and alleged risks to sovereignty, public education, culture and wealth creation under current policies.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s proposed education reforms, arguing that they are unilateral, lack a regulatory framework, and undermine the principles of free education. He questioned whether Government members were being led toward authoritarian practices and urged them to oppose the reforms. He called on members to join a protest in Matugama at the statue of C.W.W. Kannangara to defend free education.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were presented as a mechanism to expedite duty-free clearance and distribution of foreign-donated disaster relief goods. The Deputy Minister said consignments from 22 countries and the World Food Programme, valued at about Rs. 1.57 billion, would be processed through an apex committee, warehoused at Orugodawatte under the NDRSC, and distributed via Divisional Secretariats according to district needs. He outlined categories of eligible goods, donor guidance, port coordination with Customs, simplified documentation, tax waivers, and a centralized data system to ensure faster delivery, accountability, and reduced Customs delays.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera criticized the handling of a proposed special committee on judicial promotions and transfers requested on 21 November 2025, stating that it was never placed before the Committee on Parliamentary Business and was instead rejected through an externally prepared ruling. He said the proposal was intended to examine administrative safeguards, not interfere with court decisions or individual judicial acts, and linked it to concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka about departures from seniority-based promotions without transparent merit criteria. He argued that recent appointment practices have created unease within the judiciary and called for protection of judicial independence, fairness, and Parliament’s procedural role.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB
AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook supported the amended regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, stating that they were needed to expedite Customs clearance of donated goods and equipment following Cyclone “Dicha”. He detailed housing damage in Kandy District and said reconstruction was under way, with land identification for rebuilding continuing there alongside programmes begun in other districts. He also disputed claims about relief work in areas such as Deltota, Akurana and Rambukeella, crediting government MPs, officials, the Police, Army and other agencies for restoring access, and called for machinery such as JCBs, trucks, bowsers and chainsaws to accelerate rebuilding and resettlement.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order. No substantive issue, question, or proposal is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna responded to a reference made to him by Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathna, asserting that he represents the North while claiming broader electoral appeal. He reiterated that his earlier point of order concerned the lack of quorum in the Chamber, stating that fewer than the required 20 Members were present. He rejected personal or unparliamentary conduct and said he speaks on behalf of Tamils, Sinhalese, and Muslims.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the import regulation amendments facilitating disaster relief goods through the Disaster Management Centre, but urged safeguards to prevent abuse and unsuitable donations, citing problems experienced during the 2004 tsunami. He cautioned against concentrating authority in the Controller of Imports and Exports to waive standards, and called for wider legal reforms affecting land administration, local authority revenue, and outdated fees. He also proposed reflective ear tags for livestock in the North and East to reduce night-time road accidents.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Imran Maharoof left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB
AI summary Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were supported as necessary to expedite clearance of foreign-donated consignments after Cyclone “Dicha,” while maintaining safety and quality checks for medical goods through processes such as NMRA approval and re-verification. The Deputy Minister said the Health Ministry uses priority lists to avoid unsuitable donations and hidden recurring costs, and noted planned absorption of 153 donated or funded ambulances into the 1990 Suwaseriya service. He also addressed Kandy municipal issues, stating unauthorized pavement trading was removed after a phased process with alternatives provided, and denied claims of arbitrary 400-500 per cent rate increases.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticized the Government’s education reforms, stating that the Opposition had moved a No-Confidence Motion against the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister over the process. He alleged that Comprehensive Sexuality Education content, including material on sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation, was being introduced for Grade 6 and 7 students without adequate transparency, and called for the Minister’s resignation or support for the motion. He also raised concern over a reported assault on five students at Waters Edge on 12 September and urged Government action to protect students.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed regulations facilitating imports of essential goods for those affected by Cyclone “Dicha,” but questioned why detained consignments of the Holy Qur’an had not been released through specific Cabinet approval, particularly after flood damage and ahead of Ramadan. He alleged continuing unfair treatment of Muslims in government appointments, including Cabinet representation, diplomatic posts, and National List nominations, and called for qualified Muslim professionals to be appointed. He also urged urgent action over disrupted medical services in Akkaraipattu and criticized the reported influence of a “Prajashakthi” group over local administration.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported amendments under the Import and Export (Control) Act, arguing that crisis situations expose weaknesses in existing laws and require stronger frameworks for economic stability, disaster management, national security, and rebuilding. He called for a comprehensive strengthening of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, including clearer legal authority and coordination across state institutions to ensure rapid distribution of essential goods and prevent hoarding and profiteering during disasters. Referring to ongoing flood risks in the East and possible heavy rainfall in the North, he said rebuilding should include institutional and legal capacity, not only physical reconstruction. He also urged Members to maintain parliamentary decorum and avoid abusive language in Parliament and public meetings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about flood-affected Muslim families in Puttalam, citing 319 families in Puludivayal, Virudodai, under the Mundal Divisional Secretariat who he said had not received even the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant despite continuing inundation and significant losses. He questioned disparities in relief payments compared with other areas and alleged partisan distribution of assistance by some local representatives. He also objected to Colombo garbage being dumped at Aruvakkadu and defended his position as speaking for justice across communities, while referring to unresolved issues including land release in Vali North, the Thaiyiddy temple matter, and an indoor stadium controversy.
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized another Member for using abusive language while professing support for the Prime Minister and for suggesting that Parliament is unnecessary. He rejected a personal remark about his purpose in Parliament and concluded briefly.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth highlighted severe staffing vacancies at the Pottuvil and Lahugala Divisional Secretariats in Ampara District and requested urgent cadre appointments, especially management service and land administration officers, to maintain public services. He also called for improved education administration in Pottuvil, localised teacher appointments, action on Eastern Province teacher shortages, and consideration for graduates in Siddha, Ayurveda and Unani medicine. He further requested measures for Lahugala’s drinking water and lawful sand extraction needs, immediate coastal protection for the eroding Maligakadu central cemetery, and a slight reduction in the Health Management Service Officer recruitment cutoff mark.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth requested the Minister to issue Pooja Oppuwa deeds to all religious institutions. He referred to the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat area, where land relating to Mugudumaha Viharaya and archaeological sites was declared a sacred area by Gazette Extraordinary No. 2332/40 of 19.05.2023, and stated that compensation for 0.9263 hectares acquired from named individuals remains unpaid. He urged the Government to pay the outstanding compensation promptly, noting that the lands were relinquished to maintain peace and prevent conflict.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha presented regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to facilitate and control disaster-related imports by designating the Disaster Management Centre or other government institutions as accountable consignees, preventing misuse of donated goods, and allowing specified licence exemptions or approvals through Customs and relevant ministries. He cited 5,058 consignments worth Rs. 2,473 million received by 6 January 2026, including relief goods, medicines, ambulances, and other supplies, and noted provisions for standards testing and health-related imports such as Suwaseriya equipment. He also defended education reforms as necessary to shift from rote learning to skills, competencies, and student-centred education, linking human capital development to productivity and economic recovery. He stated that government revenue, reserves, exports, and the current account remained on track, with reserves around USD 6.8 billion and a medium-term growth target above 7 percent.
- 18 Adjournment Adjournment Debate and Adjournment 8 speeches