Sitting of Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23252 ·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 Opening and Parliamentary Announcements 60 speeches
- 2 Petitions Presentation of Petitions 10 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers 52 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance, said the Special Commodity Levy on sugar imports was reduced to 25 cents per kilogram from 14 October 2020 under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2197/12, following a presidential directive to lower duties on sugar, dhal, canned fish and big onions to ease the cost of living. He listed the companies that imported sugar during the period and stated that, according to the Auditor General’s 2022 report, the revenue loss from the reduced levy on 336,949 metric tons of sugar imported up to 28 February 2021 was Rs. 16.76 billion. He outlined subsequent actions, including COPA’s direction for a CID investigation, the CID’s request for a forensic audit, the Auditor General’s position that further criminal investigation falls within the CID’s powers, and Inland Revenue’s ongoing recovery of income tax on importers’ profits.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri said his question had been delayed due to postponed answers and requested fairness in scheduling new questions. He asked the Deputy Minister about the sugar tax fraud, specifically the amount of revenue lost and actions taken since the current Government assumed office. He queried whether evidence files reportedly held by Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe were being used to prosecute those involved, whether they had gone missing, and what concrete steps the Government was taking to bring offenders to justice.
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera stated that matters raised by Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe have been referred to the CID and that investigations are ongoing. He said support for a forensic audit will be provided in line with the Auditor General’s guidance, and that the CID is proceeding accordingly.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Government’s progress on a proposed forensic audit, stating that letters from the CID and National Audit Office indicate a lack of witnesses, insufficient evidence, and limitations in proceeding with the investigation, and tabled those letters. He argued that, as in the coal tender issue, responsibility appeared to be shifted to officials, and asked what mechanism would be used to hold the actual perpetrators accountable and whether the matter had been used as an election slogan or to protect those involved.
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that Hon. Ananda Wijepala would provide further clarification.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the CID began investigations into the sugar levy matter using information from the Auditor General, then reported it to the Attorney-General. Following the Attorney-General’s directions, the file was referred to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, which is currently conducting further investigations.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised Question No. 207/2024 to the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education regarding textbooks that remained undistributed between 2020 and 2025. He sought information on the financial value of those undistributed textbooks, indicating concern over possible wastage or inefficiency in textbook distribution.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister provided a written answer on the Department of Educational Publications, outlining its responsibilities for producing and distributing educational textbooks and materials. She tabled data on reusable and remaining school textbooks from 2020 to 2025, including quantities and financial values, noting that precise records were limited before the IT-based ordering system introduced for 2023-2025. She also reported textbook printing costs for 2021 and 2022 use, and described measures to ensure timely textbook distribution through computerized ordering, stock-based print planning, procurement scheduling, and expanded transport and staffing arrangements.
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked the Prime Minister about the reported withdrawal of modules introduced with textbooks under the education reforms. He sought clarification on the total expenditure, amid claims of costs ranging from Rs. 500 million to Rs. 1 billion, and asked who would be held responsible if public funds were wasted. He also questioned whether the Ministry would take action to recover any losses.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Printed textbooks have been distributed, while the paused materials are Grade 6 modules prepared under the first phase of education reforms. The modules have not been rejected or scrapped; they are intended to be used, with necessary corrections, when Grade 6 reforms are implemented in 2027. She stated that there is therefore no loss from their withdrawal.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha stated that he had not received a response to his question on whether any modules had been removed and whether any resulting loss had occurred.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that no modules have been removed from the curriculum. She said the modules will be used for Grade 6 when education reforms begin in 2027, after making identified corrections.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked what immediate measures would be taken to address the absence of Grade 6 modules and textbooks, noting the hardship faced by students. He specifically asked whether last year’s textbook could be provided as an interim solution and whether textbooks would be delivered by the second term.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Grade 6 textbooks based on the existing, unchanged syllabus have been printed and distribution has begun, with completion expected by mid-February. Teaching has already commenced, and assurances were given that students will not be disadvantaged and necessary measures will be taken.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised Question No. 345/2024 to the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply regarding drinking water facilities in the Vavunativu Divisional Secretariat Division. The question sought information or action from the Ministry on the provision and improvement of safe drinking water in that area.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary The Minister provided answers on pipe-borne water supply coverage in several areas, stating that Nediyamadhu has about 90 per cent coverage with 206 connections, while Unnichchai has about 50 per cent coverage with 217 connections, with remaining areas constrained by higher elevation. He said Panayaruppan, Pansenai, Vadakkalmadu and Pawatkodichchenai cannot currently receive connections due to low pressure in extended pipelines. The Ministry is taking steps to extend pipelines and procure package treatment plants, with the relevant project expected to be completed by November 2026 to meet remaining needs in Unnichchai.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam challenged the Minister’s figures on drinking water coverage in Unnichchai and surrounding areas of the Vavunativu DS Division, arguing that only limited connections and pipelines had been cited despite two Budgets passing. He questioned why no concrete proposal or funding had been provided for those communities while Rs. 23,000 million had been allocated for water supply to settlements in Manal Aru–Weli Oya. He asked whether reallocating a portion of that funding could provide drinking water to 10,000–15,000 people in the affected areas and questioned the fairness of current priorities.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe clarified water supply coverage figures, stating that the 50 per cent figure applied only to Unnichchai, while Nediyamadhu has 90 per cent coverage with 206 connections and Unnichchai has 217 connections. He noted that Panayaruppan, Pansenai, Vadakkalmadu and Pavatkodichchenai currently have no supply, and that Rs. 30 million has been allocated for a 1,000 m³/day package plant, with the tender awarded on 17 September 2025. He said procurement is ongoing for related works, including the overhead tank, pump house, civil works and pumps, supporting the projected completion date of November 2026.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Minister to visit Batticaloa and consult local officials on drinking water needs. He disputed the accuracy of figures for Unnichchai and said there were no clear plans for areas such as Eravur Pattu, Pattipalai, and Porativu Pattu–Kakkachchivattai. He proposed considering mixed approaches, including supply routes via Ampara, package models, and locally managed community water schemes, and questioned why funding could not be allocated for Unnichchai and Vadakkalmadu if Rs. 23,000 million was available for Kivul Oya.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Clarified that the cited Rs. 23,000 million allocation is not solely for Kivul Oya drinking water, but covers drinking water, irrigation and other uses. Explained that the relevant supply source is the Valachchenai Water Supply Project, dependent on the Rugam Tank scheme, which in turn requires the Mundeni Aru project; preliminary designs have begun though funding is not yet secured. Stated that, as an interim measure, a 1,000 m³/day package plant is being implemented, with another planned if needed, and funds have been allocated with completion targeted by November.
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara raised Question No. 563/2025 seeking details from the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation regarding the “Senakapura Yaya” anicut in Thirappane. The request appears to seek official information on the irrigation structure, likely concerning its status, maintenance, or related development needs.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the Senapura anicut in Meewellawa GN Division, Thirappane DS Division, was constructed at a total cost of Rs. 32.43 million in 2023 and 2024. He said it benefits about 70 farming families and irrigates approximately 120 acres of paddy land. Addressing concerns about sand deposition, he reported that sand washed into nearby field margins during rehabilitation works had been removed and that officials and local farmers confirmed the completed anicut is not causing damage to fields.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara said the project was beneficial but had generated a dispute between two farmer organizations, with Eru Wewa-linked farmers opposing it due to waterlogging and sand accumulation in their fields after recent extreme weather. He urged the Deputy Minister to conduct a ground-level re-examination and ensure fair compensation, including for farmers classified as having only “partial damage” despite incurring costs to remove sand from their fields.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne stated that farmer leaders had been consulted and that any remaining issues could be referred to the Agriculture Committee and Coordinating Committee for action. He outlined expanded wildlife damage compensation, noting that eligibility now covers all vegetable crops and fruits such as banana, pineapple and melon, with increased rates including paddy seedling loss compensation rising from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 60,000 per acre. He said officials had been instructed to facilitate payments, around 90 per cent of released funds had already been paid, and pending payments and requests on partial damage would be expedited.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara raised concerns that crop compensation from the previous season, including for partial damage, remained largely unpaid, citing about 80,000 hectares in Anuradhapura awaiting compensation and around 10,000 hectares yet to receive even the first tranche. He also said the second tranche of the fertilizer subsidy was pending for many farmers and noted that finger millet and other crops had not received compensation. He asked the Deputy Minister to address a post-flood “leaf yellowing” disease affecting crops nationwide, provide clear guidance to farmers, and offer relief if yields decline.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Over 90 per cent of payments for vegetables and other crops have been made, with remaining funds sent to District Secretaries, and compensation for wildlife damage to livestock is also being processed. Funds for the fertilizer subsidy have been fully released, with over 95 per cent of the first round credited and the balance pending. On paddy leaf yellowing, the Department of Agriculture and specialists are investigating, and the Government will provide support if further losses occur. He also stated that arrears inherited at the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board were cleared and that compensation for recent Maha-season disasters was paid before the next season.
Agriculture Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised Question No. 662/2025 to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, seeking information within the scope of the Finance Ministry. The intervention was procedural in nature, presenting the question for ministerial response rather than advancing a substantive argument.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera provided details on the concessional motor vehicle permit scheme for high-ranking retired officials, introduced in June 2000 under Public Administration Circular No. 22/99 and subsequent amendments. He tabled annual permit issuance figures from 2015 to 2025, noting a rise to 729 permits in 2024 and 563 in 2025, and stated that eligible designations are those specified in the relevant circulars. He also confirmed one queried point under part (b), with the remaining sub-questions and part (c) not arising.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara asked whether the Government would prioritize vehicle permit issuance for about 1,900 retired eligible officials who had not received permits, noting that only 729 permits had been issued annually despite around 20,000 eligible officials. He proposed issuing permits to retirees first, for example 100 per month, before addressing other eligible applicants, and sought clarification in light of differing statements made by the President on whether the permit scheme would continue.
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera clarified that the figure of over 20,000 related to general permits, not retirement concession permits, which are one-time benefits limited to eligible designations. He stated that the retirement concession provides duty relief in bands equivalent to Rs. 12 million, Rs. 16 million and Rs. 22 million, and said the Government is considering options for eligible retired officers amid ongoing economic stabilization and major disaster-related expenditure.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the claim that the current administration inherited a collapsed economy, stating that when his side handed over power, growth was about 5 per cent and reserves stood at US$ 6 billion. He raised a supplementary question on problems faced by those who retired between 2020 and 2024, particularly regarding permits and retirement-related entitlements.
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera ruled that the member’s follow-up question was not a valid supplementary because the original question concerned vehicle permits, while the new issue related to foreign reserves. He clarified that Sri Lanka’s reserves stood at USD 6.8 billion as of 31 December, not USD 6 billion, but declined to answer further under that question as it was outside the relevant subject matter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, stated that details and amounts of staff allowances are provided in a tabled annex. He said no accommodation allowances are paid to cabin crew during layovers because accommodation is provided, and no meal allowance is paid for time spent onboard aircraft, resulting in no related expenditure. He also informed Parliament that an Acting Chief Executive Officer has been appointed, naming Mr. Yasanna Dissanayake.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Deputy Minister’s statement that an executive officer had been appointed to SriLankan Airlines, stating that no Chief Executive Officer had yet been recruited. He said a previous applicant, a former CEO of Papua New Guinea Airlines, had been rejected without an interview, and that a second advertisement had since been published while the post remained vacant.
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB
AI summary A CEO has not yet been formally recruited, and an internal officer has been appointed to act in the role. An earlier recruitment process did not identify a suitable candidate according to the interview board’s assessment of the institution’s financial and administrative needs, so the post has been re-advertised. From 200 applications received, 75 have been shortlisted, with an appointment expected from that group.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government over the failure to recruit a CEO despite interviewing a candidate from Papua New Guinea, linking it to earlier political criticism of Mattala Airport. He also raised concerns about unequal staff benefits in aviation, stating that cabin crew receive both onboard meals and allowances while Ground Handling staff have lost even basic refreshments, and asked for justification for this disparity.
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB
AI summary Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that cabin crew receive meals during flights and therefore are not paid a separate allowance for that period. He clarified that allowances are paid only for accommodation and meals while overseas, and that no additional allowances are currently provided or planned.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister provided answers to questions regarding crew meals or allowances during flights and the administrative management of the company in the absence of a Chief Executive Officer. He indicated that the response had been previously provided and tabled an annex with the relevant details.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the incomplete three-storey building at Deltota Muslim College in Kandy was constructed under the “Nearest School - The Best School” programme, but only the ground floor was completed due to funding limitations. She said the four completed classrooms are in use, while eight classrooms on the remaining two floors are planned at an estimated cost of Rs. 55.8 million. Funds have been requested this year to complete the remaining construction under the same programme.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised a supplementary question on the safety of Deltota Muslim College and nearby homes in Piyasena Pura following a landslide after Cyclone “Ditwah”. He said the school playground, primary section buildings, and houses near the hospital were in a dangerous condition, with about 150 schools in Kandy District reportedly facing similar risks. He requested that the Ministry of Education’s Buildings Division or NBRO engineers urgently inspect the premises and determine whether the buildings are safe for students to use.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary After Cyclone “Ditwah”, the Ministry of Education’s Engineering Division inspected affected schools and its findings are being verified with the National Building Research Organisation before action is taken. The Prime Minister stated that some damaged school buildings can be repaired on site, while others require relocation, and that the Ministry has identified these cases and is proceeding accordingly.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised urgent education infrastructure issues in the Gampola Zone, citing closed schools and unsafe or inadequate temporary arrangements, including Paragala School and Al-Hikma Muslim School facing a landslide threat. He asked the Government to engage UNICEF to expedite tendering and construction of temporary classrooms, and to have provincial education authorities approve donor-funded temporary structures for Al-Mina School during the Ramadan closure. He also requested a discussion with relevant provincial officers to address problems affecting Muslim, Sinhala and Tamil schools, and argued that holding Provincial Council elections would allow such matters to be resolved at the provincial level.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the Government is inspecting and assessing schools to identify needs and prepare plans, while also providing temporary solutions where necessary. She asked the Member to provide specific details so she could inquire into the matters raised and take appropriate action.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled data on registered Sri Lankan labour migration from 2018 to 2025, showing 1,825,256 departures and annual remittances ranging from USD 3,789.4 million in 2022 to USD 8,070 million in 2025. He also tabled an annex and detailed welfare measures implemented through the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, including scholarships, school supplies, medical and emergency assistance, insurance, housing support, pension arrangements, loans, self-employment and entrepreneurship grants, counselling, and market access for returnees and migrant families. The response set out expenditure, beneficiary numbers, eligibility criteria, and proposed expansions of support mechanisms for migrant workers and their families.
- The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled a written answer confirming vacancies in the Colombo Municipal Council Income Tax Inspector cadre: all three Special Grade posts and 21 of 36 Grade I/II/III posts are vacant. He stated that, following a Cabinet decision of 10 December 2025, local authorities and the Western Province Public Service Commission have been instructed to proceed with recruitment.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe stated that he was raising a question on behalf of Hon. R.G. Wijeratne. No substantive details of the question or related policy matter were provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, Nalinda Jayatissa requested two weeks to provide an answer to the matter raised. The question was ordered to stand down.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 4 Opening Parliamentary Announcements and Ministerial Statement 15 speeches
- 5 Adjournment Adjournment Motion 3 speeches
- 6 Debate Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act 32 speeches
- 7 Procedural Points of Order regarding Parliamentary Secretariat 7 speeches
- 8 Debate Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) 93 speeches
- 9 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Muthurajawela Wetland 25 speeches