Sitting of Friday, 23 January 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23290 ·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 Opening Parliament Opening and Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented and Committee Reports 5 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives 41 speeches
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about the current status of the Heda Oya Irrigation Project, which was previously allocated Rs. 150 million in 2018, Rs. 25 million in 2019, and Rs. 50 million in 2020 to provide irrigation water to farmers in the Pottuvil and Lahugala Divisional Secretaries’ Divisions of Ampara District. He sought confirmation of the need to supply water to those farmers and asked whether the Government would restart the project to support agricultural activities, or explain why not.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the proposed Heda Oya Project is intended to provide irrigation water to farmers in the Pottuvil and Lahugala Divisional Secretaries’ Divisions in Ampara District. He reported that no expenditure was incurred in 2018, while Rs. 3,784,014 was spent in 2019 and Rs. 999,928.74 in 2020. He added that only preliminary investigative work has been carried out, no implementation is currently proceeding, and the project has been delayed due to public protests over houses and lands that would be submerged by the reservoir.
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concerns that long-cultivated agricultural lands in several locations in the Pottuvil DS Division have been identified as Forest Department lands, leading to court cases against cultivators. He asked whether the Minister would use Cabinet Paper No. 25/1560/626/020 dated 04.09.2025 to withdraw pending cases and include such continuously cultivated lands in the list for release from Forest Department or Wildlife conservation designation.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Member stated that the question raised would be referred to the relevant Minister for discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised a supplementary question regarding Vegamam farm lands in Pottuvil, originally permitted to middle-class farmers in 1950 but later abandoned due to terrorism and gazetted under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. He asked whether the Minister would ensure the release of the 186.4 hectares already identified for release under the new Cabinet committee’s land release process.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the matter would be taken up as a special subject for discussion at the Ministerial Consultative Committee.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel requested detailed financial and operational information from the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure regarding the Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation and its affiliated institutions. She asked for income and expenditure reports for 2020–2024, 2025 income details, Board of Management meetings and decisions in 2025, the current performance and 2025 student enrolment of the Thondaman Vocational Training Centre in Hatton, and whether an income-generating programme exists for Norwood Stadium.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that final accounts for 2022–2024 are incomplete, while 2020–2021 accounts show income of Rs. 192.27 million and expenditure of Rs. 168.43 million, including spending on the Thondaman Vocational Training Centre, Sports Complex, and Cultural Centre. He said Board meetings scheduled in July and September 2025 were not held due to lack of quorum, and 2025 income figures are still being prepared. He outlined the current NVQ courses at the Hatton Thondaman Vocational Training Centre, noted 219 students were enrolled in 2025, and described planned income generation from Norwood Stadium bookings, matches and parking, along with upcoming certification and trainee recruitment activities.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel questioned the Government on the administration of a government-established foundation named after a particular family, alleging that it promotes a family political legacy in the upcountry. She raised concerns about appointments linked to CWC affiliation and family representation, inadequate auditing, salaried personnel despite limited operations, and asked what measures the Government has taken to address these issues.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep JJB
AI summary The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep argued that public and donor-funded institutions should not be named after politicians and said this practice should be corrected. He proposed considering names of upcountry heroes and martyrs for such institutions and stated that special programmes are being introduced to deliver services directly to the upcountry community, alongside planned legislative amendments to the selection process for Board members.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel raised concerns that certificates issued through the Thondaman Vocational Training Centre and Hatton Norwood Stadium are often from unrecognized bodies and that institutional activities are limited. She asked whether NVQ certificates awarded there will be officially recognized by the Government and what employment prospects upcountry youth can expect from them.
- The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep JJB
AI summary While welcoming training and cultural facilities, the speech notes that previous operations were slow and that many trainees had difficulty finding suitable employment locally or abroad. It states that the Government will seek to place trainees from the Thondaman Vocational Training Centre in government service where possible and connect them with foreign employment opportunities.
- The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for details on the “Nearest School - The Best School” programme in the Ratnapura District. He sought information on the number of projects implemented, how many have been halted, and what measures will be taken to restart the halted projects.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna, replying on behalf of the Prime Minister and Education Minister, stated that 84 projects were implemented in Ratnapura District under the “Nearest School - The Best School” programme, with detailed reports placed in the Library. He said no development projects had been halted, and that only two Provincial Council projects in provincial schools remained ongoing, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha raised concerns about disparities between well-equipped national schools in urban areas and under-resourced rural national schools, citing Kolonna National School and Embilipitiya National School as examples. He asked how the Government intends to urgently address facility deficiencies in rural national schools to meet parents’ demand for quality education.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary Projects are being implemented across both centrally administered national schools and schools called national schools under Provincial Councils. A data system is being managed with the Digital Ministry and the Advisory Committee on Digital Economy to assess physical and human resources nationwide, address uneven distribution, and support data-driven budgeting and prioritization, including for Ratnapura.
- The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha raised concerns about potential closures of small rural schools, noting that more than 70 schools in Ratnapura District have fewer than 50 students and that parents already face difficulties sending children even to nearby village schools. He asked what measures would be taken if such schools were closed and called for action to develop these schools. He also questioned reports that parents are being asked to raise funds for smart boards in schools such as Konketuwa Primary, Panamura and Pulliyadiyar, and asked what steps would be taken to stop such fundraising.
Education Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that school rationalization is based on standardized cluster-level criteria, including access, transport, population density and divisional and district committee decisions, rather than student numbers alone. He said selected cluster schools will be developed with full facilities, including sports grounds, infrastructure and A/L streams, to serve surrounding students. He also clarified that smart boards are not mandatory under the modular system, that schools should not collect funds for them, and that the Government has allocated funds to network about 6,000 schools and provide smart classroom facilities.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked the Minister of Energy for detailed information on small hydropower plants in the Yatiyantota and Bulathkohupitiya Divisional Secretariat Divisions. He sought separate figures on the number of plants, legal approvals, contribution to the National Grid, compliance with environmental and social obligations, regulatory oversight, and whether legal action is taken against non-compliant owners.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister of Energy stated that there are eight power plants in Yatiyantota and five in Bulathkohupitiya, with details of developers, projects, DS Divisions, and capacities provided in an annex. He said grid connection requires a PUCSL generation licence and an SLSEA energy permit, which in turn requires environmental, irrigation, and other agency clearances. He further noted that compliance is monitored by the Central Environmental Authority, SLSEA, and PUCSL, and that relevant agencies take legal action where there is non-compliance.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB
AI summary Dr. Nandana Millagala questioned whether there is a legal mechanism to enforce community development and infrastructure commitments made during approvals for small hydropower projects in Yatiyantota and Bulathkohupitiya. He asked whether the Ministry would intervene where promised community services connected to such projects have not been delivered.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that obligations linked to development projects may arise either from voluntary commitments or from enforceable contractual terms. He said the Government can intervene where contractual obligations are breached, including through environmental authorities, the Irrigation Department, or under Power Purchase Agreements, but requires specific details to do so. He added that no sufficient information has yet been received to justify intervention, while reported matters are being handled by the relevant agencies.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked what action the Ministry can take regarding small and medium hydropower plants that have completed their contracts or been abandoned, particularly in sensitive headwater and tributary areas. He raised concerns about environmental damage after operations ceased and sought clarification on ownership responsibilities and remediation where contract conditions have not been met.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that if specific information is provided, the Ministry will promptly act on issues related to abandoned sites or projects. He noted that causes may include environmental impacts and reduced water flow, and said the Ministry would coordinate with relevant agencies to take necessary action.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena asked the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development to provide separate figures for the extents of cultivation land owned by the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories under Lanka Sugar (Private) Ltd. The question was raised in the context of assessing the performance and land holdings of the two state-linked sugar factories.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa detailed land use, production, sales, operational issues, and employee payment matters at the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories. He said Sevanagala’s 2025 output was affected by machinery failures, procurement delays, farmer protests, field burnings, VAT-related sales constraints, and cash-flow problems, while Pelwatte production proceeded as planned. He reported that EPF arrears at Sevanagala had been settled, Pelwatte arrears were being addressed through Cabinet-approved funding and the 2026 Budget, and monthly EPF/ETF payments had resumed on schedule from October 2025. He also stated that formal cadre approval, recruitment, promotion procedures, and placement on government salary scales for Lanka Sugar Company employees were being finalized.
- The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary W.H.M. Dharmasena questioned the Minister on whether workers at the Sevanagala and Pelwatte state sugar factories would receive the public sector pay increases granted since 2025. He linked the issue to falling ethanol prices, increased imports, delayed maintenance, and factory breakdowns that have left the workers in distress.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Approvals and funding have been arranged to address the recent issues affecting the factories. The Ministry is currently implementing the relevant measures.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena questioned the Government on the financial position and future of Pelwatte, noting that despite ethanol and sugar sales in 2025, the company reportedly owes about LKR 2.57 billion to farmers, suppliers, banks and EPF. He said cane cultivation is declining as farmers and outgrowers leave the sector, and asked whether the company will be closed, privatized, or subject to another recovery plan.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar institutions had suffered from poor management over many years and that efforts during the past one and a half years were aimed at restoring their profitability. He said the Ministry and Treasury were intervening, with Cabinet decisions in place to ensure fairness to farmers and support production.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake reported that the UDA owns 1.74908 hectares in Ragama Town and that unauthorized constructions have been identified along the main road, including six businesses on leased UDA land in front of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital. He said shops around the Police Post near the flyover had been inspected, notices were issued in December 2025 and January 2026 requiring removal or approved plans, and no response had been received. He stated that the UDA Review Committee had decided to pursue legal demolition action if the final notice was ignored, and that removal had not yet occurred but preliminary steps had begun.
- The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB
AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando asked whether UDA-owned buildings and vacant plots behind the land in question had been properly allocated and, if not, whether any UDA project was planned for the area. She urged prompt action, warning that otherwise the sites could be occupied informally for various needs.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said Ragama has been designated a Health City under the Ja-Ela urban development plan, but unauthorized constructions are obstructing related development and road improvements. He warned that structures near the end of a planned flyover could undermine its benefits, and said some individuals were blocking inspections with apparent past political backing. He urged that the law be applied equally and that removals be carried out in the public interest and for Ragama’s development.
- The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB
AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando requested that Ragama, described as a small but haphazardly developed national transport hub where rail and road networks intersect, be developed in a systematic manner. She asked that local authority lands be integrated into the development plan and sought a timeline for when implementation would begin.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said Ragama’s development should be planned locally, with support from central government and local authorities, around a “Health City” concept linked to the teaching hospital, nursing school and student population, and as a multimodal transport hub. He noted that the Ministry has planned a multimodal transport centre in Ragama and requested that stakeholders be brought together through the District or Divisional Coordinating Committee to update the urban plan for the next 15–25 years. He stated that the removal of unauthorized business places would be undertaken in the public interest.
- The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary The Minister provided statistical details on forest and wildlife lands in Monaragala District, stating that 228,001 hectares are under the Forest Conservation Department and 170,752 hectares under the Wildlife Conservation Department. He said 20,760 hectares were handed over to Divisional Secretaries in 2021, of which 472.082 hectares were released on long-term lease to named parties including the Ceylon Electricity Board and several private entities. He also detailed the extents of Wandama and Demaliya forests under Forest Department administration and the portions released, including 256.248 hectares leased in Buttala and none in Wellawaya.
- The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera raised concerns about unauthorized occupation of lands transferred to Divisional Secretaries in the Wandama–Demaliya area of Buttala DS since 2021. He noted that traditional chena cultivation has been affected by increased elephant encroachment and that large areas are being fenced off with elephant fences, and asked what measures the Forest Department will take to address the situation.
- The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary The Minister acknowledged the complexity of the human-elephant conflict and stated that, once land is transferred to Divisional Secretaries, decisions on its use fall under their authority. He said proposals to create reserves or protective measures in sensitive areas could be considered through due process under the Ministry’s “Green Country” programme, though the process would take time. He added that the Ministry cannot directly intervene in lands already released to Divisional Secretaries but is willing to discuss specific proposals.
- The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera highlighted that about 70% of Monaragala’s land falls under the Forest and Wildlife Departments and argued this represents a significant tourism asset. He asked whether the Government would streamline Forest Department approvals for tourism investments on such lands while maintaining conservation safeguards.
- The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi stated that if specific bottlenecks in approving tourism proposals are identified, the Ministry can intervene to expedite the process while ensuring regulatory compliance. He requested that the relevant proposals and issues be presented for discussion and prompt action.
Environment Full speech →
- 5 Oral question Oral Question No. 8 (Deferred) and Question Stand Down 9 speeches
- 6 Procedural Procedural Matters and Points of Order 18 speeches
- 7 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return 25 speeches
- 8 Papers Ministerial Statement: Vehicles for Welfare Centres 2 speeches
- 9 Debate Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading 75 speeches
- 10 Procedural Business of Parliament: Constitutional Council Appointments Resolution 8 speeches
- 11 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Stock Exchange Activity and Ministerial Response 17 speeches