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
- 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
- The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said the regulations would enable shared telecommunications infrastructure to improve coverage, reduce duplication of towers and trenching, and lower capital, operational, import, and power costs. He outlined permitted sharing layers, including passive infrastructure, active radio access networks, and spectrum-related sharing for services such as 5G, while clarifying that core network sharing is not mandated due to resilience and national security concerns. He said TRCSL would support around 150 new towers annually under the “Gamata Sannivedanaya” programme, issue infrastructure licences under Section 17(6)(a), and introduce minimum resilience guidelines following outage experiences during Cyclone Michaung. The measure was presented as a way to support smaller operators, ensure fair access to infrastructure, improve service quality, and potentially reduce consumer tariffs over time.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the telecommunications resource-sharing regulations but warned that a possible Dialog acquisition of SLT and Mobitel could create a monopoly, citing concerns over transparency in SLT appointments, conflicts of interest, and consumer impacts on price and quality. He then raised concerns over the 2022–2025 coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant, arguing that tender criteria had been weakened contrary to National Audit Office recommendations on supplier experience, financial strength, quality, and ethics. He alleged that a previously blacklisted supplier with inadequate coal supply experience had been selected, resulting in substandard coal shipments below the required calorific value. He urged the Government to address procurement failures, ensure reliable coal quality and supply, and prevent risks to Lakvijaya’s generation capacity and the wider economy.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody rejected allegations that the Government had altered coal tender specifications, stating that any changes were made in 2023 and that the current tender conditions remain unchanged. He said coal quality deviations are governed by contractual adjustment and penalty formulas, noted that six shipments had arrived with notices issued over low GCV in two consignments, and said suppliers are selected through tender boards rather than by Ministers or Cabinet. He also defended possible emergency procurement of 300,000 tons of coal as necessary and usable, and said a previous LNG tender had lapsed by bid validity while its capacity terms would have imposed excessive costs on Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera argued that emergency procurement leads to higher international costs and causes significant losses to the country. He questioned whether the Government was repeating the same deficiencies for which the previous administration had been rejected by voters.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a point of order questioning the Minister’s reference to LNG in relation to the Sobadhanavi power project. He asked why the agreement was signed without LNG arrangements and noted that this would require payment of a capacity charge.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Tenant Protection Bill is intended to prevent unlawful “self-help” evictions, such as cutting utilities or blocking access, and does not stop landlords from evicting tenants after a lease ends or after lawful notice under a contract. He rejected claims that the Bill would undermine the rental market, stating that it protects only tenants facing illegal pressure without a court order. He noted that the Bill was gazetted in September 2025, public submissions were invited, the Bar Association’s proposals are being considered, and the Government will allow another month for input before proceeding to the Second Reading and correcting any technical issues.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a point of order questioning provisions of the Bill that he said would allow tenants to remain in premises despite non-payment of rent, while requiring cases to be concluded within nine months. He argued that existing laws, including the Rent Act and the Recovery of Possession of Premises Act, No. 1 of 2023, could have been amended instead, and asked whether the Bill unfairly protects tenants at the expense of property owners.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a point of order challenging the Minister’s statement that no court cases had been filed, citing information that Prime Lands, Blue Ocean, Home Lands and several temples had already initiated legal action. He sought clarification on whether the Bill applies only to premises covered by the Rent Act No. 7 of 1972 or has wider application, noting potential implications for investor confidence.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake addressed the Minister of Justice regarding the Bill under discussion, noting that rental evictions in Badulla had occurred after Cyclone “Michaung” even before the Bill was introduced, including from houses rented for Rs. 25,000. He urged the Minister to reconsider aspects of the Bill where necessary rather than assuming all measures are correct.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration responded to Members’ concerns on a Bill, stating that some criticisms were based on misunderstandings and that consultations would continue before enactment. He undertook to verify whether Fundamental Rights cases had been filed, clarify the Bill’s applicability and related concerns, and improve the Bill through the consultation process. The sitting was then suspended for the lunch interval until 1.00 p.m.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the handling of the removal of the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, arguing that procedural issues involving officials should be addressed appropriately rather than brought before Parliament in a punitive manner. He warned that proposed rent legislation was creating fear among tenants and landlords, particularly in Badulla after cyclone-related displacement, and urged the Government to explain the law to the public before proceeding. He also raised concerns about remarks and actions attributed to a Deputy Solicitor General in relation to former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, questioned the extension of the Department of Motor Traffic Commissioner-General’s tenure despite an audit query, and asked why imported barley for Thriposha remained unreleased at the port despite approvals.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government’s conduct, arguing that despite being presented as a highly educated and intellectually capable administration, it was acting irrationally. He contrasted the Government’s claimed expertise with its decisions and asked why it was behaving in that manner.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that the public expected this Government to act differently from previous governments since 1948, but that expectation was not being met. He urged the Government to act prudently on current matters and not blame the Opposition for its own failures.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Labour moved a procedural motion proposing that Hon. M.K.M. Aslam take the Chair during the committee proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samarawira
AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samarawira formally seconded the motion under consideration. The question was then put and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. M.K.M. Aslam assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samarawira
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samarawira supported the Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, arguing that shared telecommunications infrastructure would reduce duplication, lower costs, support urban planning and environmental goals, and help prevent monopolistic practices. He said the suspension-related action concerning the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament followed petitions, RTI disclosures, Staff Advisory Committee consideration and formal disciplinary procedures, and should be allowed to proceed lawfully. He criticised the Opposition for diverting the debate to unrelated matters and using unparliamentary language, and requested the Speaker to examine why such conduct was being permitted under Standing Orders.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of undermining Buddhism and the Maha Sangha, arguing that this contravenes the Constitution’s requirement to give Buddhism the foremost place while protecting all religions. He demanded action on the teacher shortage by absorbing about 17,000 experienced development officers into the teaching service through a structured trainee and confirmation process. He also raised concerns over a US-India trade arrangement reducing India’s tariff to 18 per cent, warning that Sri Lankan exporters would face a disadvantage, and questioned Government action on reported garment factory closures and potential job losses.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary No substantive speech content is provided beyond the formal address to the Presiding Member, so there are no arguments, proposals, questions, or policy references to summarize.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe sought to correct an inaccurate statement concerning teacher recruitment. His remarks were interrupted before further details or proposals were recorded.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe asserted his right, as a Government Minister, to correct what he described as a false statement. His brief intervention was interrupted before he could elaborate further.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law, raised a Point of Order. No substantive argument or proposal was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe raised a procedural objection, arguing that Ministers should not speak at will during the proceedings. He said only the relevant subject Minister should respond to the matter under discussion and asked the Chair not to permit an improper Point of Order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act would empower the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to require operators to share passive and access infrastructure, including towers, power systems, cabling and radio access facilities, in order to reduce capital costs, unit costs and environmental impacts. He stated that core network sharing would remain prohibited for national security reasons, while shared infrastructure would support digitalization, 5G expansion and Sri Lanka’s positioning as a regional ICT hub. He also criticized the Opposition for requesting a debate on the Regulations but, in his view, not addressing their substance.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government’s economic management and alleged that state institutions, including the CID, Bribery Commission and judiciary, were being used selectively against the Opposition. He called for inquiries into allegations concerning the Speaker’s office, including treatment of a parliamentary receptionist, vehicle and fuel allowance use, media equipment, meals, appointments and official residences. He also raised concerns over alleged corruption in Norochcholai coal procurement and claimed proposed education reforms contained numerous errors, urging proper application of the law and accountability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage supported the Regulations on shared use of telecommunications infrastructure, arguing that they are needed to prevent duplicative tower and network construction, reduce capital and environmental costs, improve coverage, and support the Government’s digitalization policy. She said the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission would be empowered to oversee sharing agreements, including terms, pricing, duration, public-interest review, publication of decisions, and a 10-day public comment period. She also criticized the Opposition for not engaging substantively with the Regulations and asked the Speaker to examine alleged threatening statements made in Parliament against prosecutors in high-profile cases.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB
AI summary Eranga Weeraratne moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair during the sitting.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna formally seconded the motion, after which the question was put and agreed to. The sitting then recorded a change in the Chair, with Hon. M.K.M. Aslam leaving and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha taking the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna raised concern over a complaint reportedly made by the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament to the Bribery Commission against the Speaker, including questions about the Speaker’s authority in relation to any suspension and inquiry involving the official. He alleged attempts by the Government and JVP to exert control over independent institutions, and called on the Bribery Commission to conduct a prompt and impartial inquiry into allegations against the Speaker. He cited claims relating to vehicle and fuel allowance misuse, use of Parliamentary Media Division resources, and unpaid meals for the Speaker’s Private Secretary, arguing that these matters required investigation and accountability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna briefly asks whether his allocated speaking time has been reduced and seeks confirmation from the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna alleged misuse of public resources, including the unlawful appointment and payment of an investigations officer from Parliament funds and the provision of meals and transport. He accused government figures of using official residences and multiple vehicles despite earlier public commitments to avoid such privileges, citing the alleged ordering of 1,700 cabs and use of luxury vehicles. He called for an investigation and urged the Bribery Commission to give the matter special attention.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the Government’s policy and rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims about vehicle procurement and state institutions’ performance. He explained that the 2024 No. 1 Regulations on Shared Use of Telecommunications Infrastructure would allow the TRCSL to regulate infrastructure sharing, pricing, feasibility and dispute mediation to improve service quality and reduce capital costs. He said the Government is expanding rural connectivity through the “Gamata Sannivedanaya” programme, with 79 towers built and 150 more targeted, and is introducing licensed infrastructure providers to accelerate telecom development. He also noted that 5G deployment requires regulated sharing to avoid excessive urban infrastructure, visual pollution and environmental impact.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised concerns over the treatment of teacher development officers, noting their long service in schools and arguing that removing 12,000 of them would worsen the existing teacher shortage. She urged the Government to absorb them into the teaching service, welcomed the absorption of some monk development officers, and called on the Government Chief Whip to withdraw remarks she said insulted teachers. She also alleged poor planning in coal procurement for Norochcholai, warning that delayed tenders and emergency purchases could lead to high costs, low-quality supplies, and corruption similar to past emergency power-sector procurements.
- Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticised the Government’s handling of coal procurement, arguing that delayed long-term tenders have led to emergency purchases that increase costs, weaken oversight, and create opportunities for corruption. She called for a transparent long-term coal tendering system to protect national interest, power security, and deliver cheaper electricity. She also urged the Government to ensure the proper functioning of the National Women’s Commission established under the Women’s Empowerment Act of 2024, noting the role of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus in creating it.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna questioned the resignation of the Chairperson of the National Women’s Commission, citing her stated concerns over lack of operational independence, absence of budgetary allocations, and administrative interference. She criticised the Government for failing to support the Commission despite its stated commitments to women, and urged that independent commissions be allowed to function without interference.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta rejected Opposition allegations regarding CIABOC complaints, judicial transfers, and claimed injustices to Buddhism, arguing that such claims were made without evidence and that investigations should proceed independently and equally. He cited ongoing inquiries involving Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the “Siriliya” account, the Airbus deal, and other figures as examples of the law being applied irrespective of status. Addressing the telecommunications regulations before the House, he said they would empower the TRC to oversee infrastructure sharing among licensed operators, approve agreements, resolve disputes, prevent anti-competitive practices, and enforce compliance, with the aim of improving coverage, service quality, competition, and consumer costs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper said the Deputy Secretary-General’s approach to CIABOC should be treated as a matter for investigation and justice. He informed Parliament that he had submitted his first Private Member’s Bill, the Nurachcholai Housing Project (Special Provisions) Bill, intended to enable the Housing Minister to allocate long-stalled Saudi-funded tsunami houses in the Eastern Province to those actually affected, notwithstanding prior court outcomes. He said the project had been blocked for about 14 years following litigation over beneficiary allocation, and argued that Parliament has the legislative authority to resolve the issue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper referred to Parliament’s power to legislate in response to judicial interpretations, citing a past example involving revocation of parental gifts to children. He requested Members’ support for the Nurachcholai Housing Project (Special Provisions) Bill he had submitted, and concluded after noting he had strayed beyond the immediate debate topic.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra supported regulations on telecommunications infrastructure sharing, arguing that shared towers, fibre networks and related facilities would reduce duplication, costs, foreign exchange outflows and urban planning conflicts while improving rural and disaster-related connectivity. He cited international examples from the EU, UK, India and China and stated that the reforms would not undermine competition but strengthen sector efficiency and service access. He also said the Government would continue anti-corruption investigations impartially despite political opposition, and responded to Hon. Nizam Kariapper on the Akkaraipattu Nurachcholai housing issue, noting that delays stemmed from a Supreme Court order and that a fair allocation process would be pursued with relevant agencies.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary The MP rejected Independence Day celebrations for Tamils, stating that the North and East would mark February 4 as a Black Day until a durable political solution to the national question is reached. He accused successive governments, including the present NPP Government, of continuing land seizures, settlement schemes, and failure to release Tamil political prisoners or repeal the PTA as promised. He specifically criticised the Kivul Oya and Mahaweli-related projects, alleging they divert land and water resources from Tamil areas to benefit majority-community farmers while obstructing rehabilitation of Tamil village tanks.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said Development Officers would be allowed to sit the teachers’ recruitment examination, with successful candidates absorbed into the Teachers’ Service in line with Court of Appeal rulings, while further solutions would be considered for those not selected. He argued that public service recruitment and school admissions must remain rules-based and merit-based, rejecting political “chit” or patronage practices. He also outlined the Staff Advisory Committee’s decision to hold an external preliminary inquiry into the suspension of the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, stating that the process followed established procedure, allowed the officer to respond, and would proceed separately from any CIABOC investigations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised several constituency and administrative issues, including changing Pothuvil’s telephone code from 063 to 067, establishing passport services in Ampara, enabling divisional-level medicals for driving licence renewals, expanding the Ampara Land Registry, and improving postal and local government staffing and facilities. He urged the Government to regularize Development Officers serving as teachers, confirm acting principals, revise principal allowances and salary structures, and extend benefits to deputy and assistant principals. He called for immediate presidential intervention to stop proposed ilmenite sand mining by Capital Metals PLC along the East Coast, citing public opposition and risks to the environment, livelihoods, fisheries, coastal stability, and tourism in areas including Arugam Bay. He also proposed a provincial residential school for children with special needs and a dairy processing factory in Pothuvil to create employment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, arguing that they are necessary to modernize communications infrastructure, support education reforms and economic recovery, and ensure reliable services in underserved areas. He said tower-sharing regulations would reduce duplication and costs, improve competition, lower tariffs, and allow the TRC to monitor operators and service quality, noting plans for additional towers and projected TRC revenue and expenditure changes. He also criticized Opposition parties for raising unrelated and ethnic issues during the debate, and defended development activities in the North, East, and hill country as necessary to meet basic needs and promote national unity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the telecommunications regulations aimed at strengthening spectrum management and digital services, but focused mainly on demands to regularize Development Officers serving in schools as teachers, noting their ongoing hunger strike and the scale of teacher vacancies, especially in the Eastern Province. He urged the Government and Prime Minister to fill those vacancies and proceed through interviews to absorb the officers into the Teachers’ Service. He also defended the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress as a democratic Opposition party and called on the Government to appoint a Muslim Cabinet Minister, arguing this would reflect the support received from Muslim voters and demonstrate a non-communal approach.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara introduced the Telecommunications Infrastructure Sharing Regulations, 2024, under Section 17(1)(d) of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, as amended. He stated that the regulations aim to facilitate and encourage the sharing of passive and active telecommunications infrastructure, including ducts, poles, antenna structures, base stations, spectrum, and core network capacity, among operators. He also urged the Chair to ensure Members confine their remarks to the subject, citing Standing Order 91(e).
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Act, No. 39 of 2024 as a major modernization of the 1991 telecommunications law, expanding TRCSL from a licensing body into a regulator with powers over market competition, tariffs, spectrum, numbering, infrastructure providers, and submarine cable protection. He highlighted provisions on significant market power, cost-oriented tariff regulation, number portability, infrastructure sharing, stronger penalties, and wider consumer protection. He also noted criticisms that the Ministry Secretary serving as Commission Chair may affect regulatory independence and that mandatory infrastructure sharing could raise concerns for private investors.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan raised concerns that expanded powers under the Telecommunications Amendment, alongside the Online Safety law, could restrict online freedom of expression. He proposed appointing an independent professional as Chair of the Commission through the Constitutional Council rather than a Ministry Secretary, and emphasized the need to strengthen technical capacity, protect consumer rights, and ensure neutral handling of market competition in implementing the law.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the tower-sharing regulations, saying they are intended to improve telecom and data services, promote competition, and support the Government’s digital transformation programme. He then referred to an Opposition-raised inquiry concerning a parliamentary appointment, citing passages from a report tabled by Dayasiri Jayasekara to argue that the person concerned had been given an opportunity to respond and had not fulfilled advertised requirements such as a medical examination. He criticized Members who made allegations against the Speaker and called for appropriate action, while defending the Speaker by citing steps taken to reduce privileges such as unlimited fuel, vehicle use, and staff-related excesses.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe moved that M.K.M. Aslam take the Chair during the proceedings. The motion was seconded, agreed to, and Aslam assumed the Chair after the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda accused the Government of curtailing political freedoms and exerting pressure on public servants and institutional employees, citing alleged dismissals at the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation over criticism of the Government. He also criticized the summoning of Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Namal Rajapaksa to investigative bodies, arguing that such actions would not deflect attention from unresolved allegations involving imports, coal, medicines, Easter attacks, and procurement. He demanded a Government response to an alleged multibillion-rupee fraud in tri-forces food supply tenders, specifically citing Cabinet approval of a higher-priced bid for dried turmeric than a competing offer.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra raised a point of order concerning adherence to the Speakers’ list. She noted that Hon. D.V. Chanaka was listed to speak, but Hon. Chanaka Madugoda was given the floor, and requested that Members from both Government and Opposition be allowed to speak in the listed order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda raised a point of Order, stating that the relevant Member frequently intervenes in matters raised by both the Opposition and the Government. He argued that the incident that occurred that day was not unprecedented in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the regulations on shared use of telecommunications infrastructure under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, arguing that they would reduce duplication, lower costs, improve coverage and speeds, accelerate 5G deployment, and create a more competitive and environmentally efficient telecom sector. She linked the regulations to the Government’s digital economy agenda, citing opportunities for IT exports, rural connectivity, online public services, anti-corruption measures, and globally competitive employment for youth. She also urged the Opposition to engage constructively with the policy and called for greater dignity and discipline in parliamentary conduct.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary Approved the regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act while urging that expanded telecommunications infrastructure, including additional towers, prioritize rural, fishing and farming areas where poor signal affects education, livelihoods and economic activity. Raised the protest by development officers and asked the Government to address their grievances by filling subject-based teacher vacancies, especially in science, commerce, IT and English, with qualified officers already teaching in schools. Also tabled a document on coastal erosion affecting Dutch Bay and Kirimundalama in Kalpitiya, including damage to churches, and requested Government solutions for those communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair. The House agreed, and Hon. M.K.M. Aslam vacated the Chair for Hon. Chanaka Madugoda to preside.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika said the debate on telecommunications regulations had been overshadowed by issues concerning investigations and the Speaker. He referred to ongoing or renewed investigations involving Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa and Yoshitha Rajapaksa, including the “Siriliya Saviya” account, alleged links arising from a CID inquiry, and the Airbus transaction, arguing that suspects should face investigative agencies like ordinary citizens and that facts should be established through due process. He criticized the SJB for focusing on allegations against a parliamentary officer and the Speaker rather than supporting investigations into alleged wrongdoing by members of the Rajapaksa family, and stated that inquiries should proceed transparently regardless of status.
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir spoke during debate on regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, urging action on unresolved telecommunications failures in Sainthamaruthu, including an unrepaired tower device affecting fishermen’s safety and poor service during the “Tithva” cyclone despite continued billing. He also asked the Government to provide teacher appointments for approximately 16,000 development officers serving in schools, following the President’s proposed solution. He called for Parliament to resolve the delayed Nuraicholai tsunami housing scheme for affected families and urged immediate remedial measures for severe coastal erosion linked to the Oluvil Port, citing extensive land loss and damage in several eastern coastal areas.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera wound up the debate on regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act to establish a framework for shared use of telecommunications infrastructure among service providers, with TRCSL empowered to issue technical and regulatory guidance. He said the measures aim to promote competition, reduce deployment costs, avoid duplication of infrastructure, and strengthen network resilience for national security, public safety, and economic development. Referring to communications failures during recent cyclones, he argued that shared infrastructure, data exchange, emergency calling, public alerting, and core connectivity would improve disaster response and continuity of services.
- 9 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Muthurajawela Wetland 25 speeches