Sitting of Thursday, 5 February 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23269 ·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: Speaker's Certificate on Universities Bill 6 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented: Government Reports and Annual Reports 18 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Reports: Sectoral Oversight Committees 9 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions Presented 24 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Private Electricity Generating Companies (Q.313/2024) 37 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Liquor Licensing and Tax Revenue (Q.912/2025) 17 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Paddy Lands Filling in Anuradhapura (Q.5/2025) 16 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: STD and AIDS Testing and Treatment Clinics (Q.6/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: State Land in Alankalagala and X-Press Pearl Disaster (Q.7-9/2025) 8 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions 14 speeches
- 11 Oral question Ministry Statements: University Vacancies and Educational Opportunities 29 speeches
- 12 Procedural Privilege: Threat by Vice Chairman of Akurana Pradeshiya Sabha 6 speeches
- 13 Procedural Procedural: Speaker Returns to Chair 1 speeches
- 14 Debate Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) 123 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara rose on a point of order and requested the Speaker’s permission to speak briefly amid an interruption.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker 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 moved that the Bill be read a second time. He also presented the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill and the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators (Amendment) Bill on behalf of the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, who was overseas on official duties.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected that, under Westminster parliamentary practice, Members should be permitted to raise questions of privilege. He questioned why a Government-side Member had been allowed to do so while Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara was not, implying unequal treatment in the House’s procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law, rose on a point of order amid an interruption. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake urged the Speaker to enforce Standing Order 29(2) and argued that Opposition Members were improperly disrupting proceedings by attempting to raise matters from the Well of the House rather than from their seats or through written procedure. He said the Government intended to proceed with debate on three Bills despite the protest, and characterized the Opposition’s actions as an obstruction of parliamentary business.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake presented three Bills, including the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, and said the latter would establish a regulated professional body for the expanding real estate sector. He argued that regulation is needed to improve governance, ethics, investor confidence, financial transparency, and AML/CFT compliance, noting risks identified by the Financial Intelligence Unit and the forthcoming FATF assessment. He also said the Institute would support graduates and professionals in property management, valuation and investment analysis by creating licensing standards and an ethical framework.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar requested that allegations made against Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara under Standing Order 91(c) be expunged from Hansard, while briefly criticizing past political alignments. He then alleged serious irregularities in coal procurement by the Ministry of Power and Lanka Coal Company, including shortened tender periods, altered qualification criteria, poor-quality coal shipments, unclear penalty calculations, and possible costly spot procurement. He questioned the basis for cancelling shipments and moving to spot tenders, warning that the process could create coal shortages and power cuts, and asked the Minister of Justice to raise the matter in Cabinet and stop the alleged fraud and losses.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna referred to provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, stating that interference with CIABOC investigations or destruction of relevant documents are serious offences. He raised concern over a complaint reportedly made by the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament to the Bribery Commission against the Speaker four months earlier, and cited a letter dated 2026.02.03 from Chameera Gallage to the Secretary-General of Parliament in that context.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna tabled a letter dated 2026.02.03 from the Speaker’s Private Secretary to the Secretary-General of Parliament. He stated that the letter sought information relating to a complaint made to CIABOC against the Speaker and characterized it as interference.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary A request was made to the Deputy Chair to allow another member two minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana briefly intervened to demand that another member state their point clearly. The remark appears to be a procedural interruption or request for clarification rather than a substantive contribution on policy or legislation.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna clarified that he was speaking during his allotted debate time rather than raising a point of order or procedural point. No substantive policy issue or proposal was presented in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana raised a procedural point, questioning the relevance of another Member’s remarks to the item under debate. He asked what the subject of the day’s debate was, implying that the discussion had strayed from the agenda.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna stated that the Speaker’s Private Secretary had requested details from the Secretary-General about a CIABOC complaint, which he said could amount to a serious offence under the Anti-Corruption Act. He requested CIABOC to investigate the matter immediately and stressed that no one should obstruct its work.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku supported the Bills under debate, including the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, as necessary for regulating depot operations and improving efficiency around port activity. He reported that the Port of Colombo exceeded 8 million TEUs for the first time and outlined plans to expand capacity through the WCT, ECT and JCT to approach 15 million TEUs by year-end. He said the ECT project had been accelerated since late 2024 despite procurement-related delays, with partial yard completion and operations expected to commence during the month.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB
AI summary Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku outlined progress on the East Container Terminal, noting that quay works are complete, yard integration is expected by month-end, and straddle carrier procurement has been restarted after earlier irregularities. He said congestion is driven largely by inefficient handling of the domestic import/export share of Colombo Port traffic, and that the Bill would regulate container depot operators through licensing, service standards, pricing oversight, minimum tariffs, and infrastructure requirements. He also referred to plans to open an elevated highway ramp by end-March to move green-channel containers directly to inspection facilities and ease port circulation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition accused the Government of reducing benefits for pensioners, elders, war heroes and disabled personnel, including the previous 15 percent senior citizens’ deposit interest concession. He questioned the impact of US–India tariff arrangements on Sri Lankan export competitiveness, especially apparel, and demanded an urgent Government response. He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in coal procurement, the shifting of streetlamp electricity costs to the public, and the status of the next IMF tranche and electricity tariff conditions, while criticising the Government’s approach to Buddhism and inter-religious harmony.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of imposing burdens on poor and middle-income people, electricity consumers, and professional valuers through the Bills under debate, specifically alleging interference with the Institute of Valuers’ role in pricing and appraisal. He questioned the Government’s handling of trade policy, noting that Sri Lanka’s claimed 20 per cent US tariff advantage had been undercut by India’s 18 per cent rate, and asked whether negotiations were underway to secure better terms if Bangladesh also received similar treatment.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam rose to a point of order. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that he had submitted a Private Member’s Bill under Standing Order 52 to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act. He said the JVP and NPP had promised to abolish the PTA and requested the Secretary-General’s Office and Parliament staff to expedite consideration of the Bill.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s economic management, stating that the IMF programme is on track, the next tranche is expected on time, and debt service, fiscal targets, inflation and interest rates are being managed within the programme framework. He argued that logistics and transport are central to export growth and said the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill responds to industry demands by regulating depots, reducing congestion, setting service and price standards, and empowering the Director-General of Merchant Shipping, alongside digital port reforms such as the Port Community System and Single Window. He also supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka, as a measure to professionalize the sector through standards, accountability and stakeholder consultation, while urging the Opposition to engage constructively through committee processes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government over the alleged release of 323 red-labelled containers without proper investigation, including two reportedly flagged internationally for narcotics, and accused it of pursuing politically motivated investigations. He said Independence Day commemorations failed to adequately honour the armed forces’ role in defeating the LTTE, while also alleging disrespect towards religious leaders by Government ministers. He raised concerns about attacks on Sri Lankan fishermen within national waters, questioned the Government’s ability to ensure maritime security, and asked whether promised relief for cyclone-affected people had been properly funded, citing reports of bounced compensation cheques.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked the Government to state what steps it is taking on the issue under discussion. He urged the Government not to attack religious leaders or encourage divisive nationalism for political gain, and criticized diaspora engagements, saying they should not be conducted at public expense or at the cost of national interests.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the debate concerned three specific Bills and criticized Opposition Members for, in his view, not addressing their contents. He argued that the Opposition was introducing unrelated narratives rather than engaging with the legislation before Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara JJB
AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara argued that the absence of clear regulation in the real estate sector has contributed to excessive increases in housing and land prices and enabled malpractice. He supported establishing the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka as a regulatory and professional body to set standards, strengthen practitioners’ professionalism, and benefit the public. He urged Parliament to adopt the Bill.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the Bill to establish the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka as a means to attract skilled professionals and investors, including emigrated Sri Lankans, while expanding entrepreneurship, exports, and employment without discrimination. He urged reforms to university curricula so graduates develop practical skills, self-employment capacity, and job-creation abilities rather than relying mainly on government employment. He also raised concerns about the Batticaloa railway service, stating that reduced coaches and altered timetables had lowered revenue and inconvenienced commuters, and requested restoration of the previous train schedule and rolling stock.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara spoke during debate on the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill, but focused mainly on rebutting opposition allegations and defending the Government’s anti-corruption and law-enforcement agenda. He argued that investigations into past murders, assaults, disappearances, procurement issues, and alleged corruption—including the MIG deal—were part of the Government’s electoral promises, and said special courts for major fraud and corruption were now functioning. He also rejected claims about religious suppression, housing failures, container irregularities, and coal procurement misconduct, while citing past landslide resettlement delays and urging the Opposition to abandon communal politics and respond to ongoing investigations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan supported the Bill establishing an association for real estate practitioners but called for amendments to address fraud by some operators who take clients’ money and abscond. He welcomed the agreed estate workers’ wage increase to Rs. 1,750, including Rs. 200 from the Government and Rs. 200 from plantation companies, but urged that it be fully implemented by 10 February without offsetting it through higher plucking targets. He also raised disputes at Coveril Estate under Horana Plantations, alleging work stoppages and dismissals without charge sheets, and requested ministerial intervention, while objecting to moves against naming hill-country institutions after Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman and asking for further development of a Nuwara Eliya memorial to fallen fighters.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe moved that Hon. Sagarika Athauda take the Chair during proceedings. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson left the Chair and Hon. Sagarika Athauda assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Bills relating to real estate professionals, container depot operators, and licensing of ship agents and related operators, arguing that they form part of the Government’s reforms to strengthen economic and industrial development. He said the Government had restored macroeconomic stability after the country’s recent crisis and was addressing past weaknesses, corruption, and institutional failures. He also criticized the Opposition over its handling of issues such as School Development Officers, claims about religion, and references to war heroes, while stating that the Government would allow legal institutions to act independently against corruption and crime.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen opposed the Government’s position on the Mannar–Puttalam road, arguing that it is a long-established public B-class road whose closure would unfairly affect residents and travellers by adding about 100 kilometres to journeys between the North-West and the North. He said that past administrations and relevant agencies had previously supported public use of the road, but alleged that under the current Government the Forest and Wildlife authorities had effectively sided with petitioners seeking its closure, without a court order mandating such closure. He called on the Government to honour earlier commitments, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stated pledge to open the road, and warned that his side would oppose any move to permanently close it.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the three Bills before the House, stating that they form part of the Government’s broader programme to stabilize institutions, laws, and economic management, including establishing a statutory framework for real estate professionals. He said macroeconomic indicators, including foreign reserves of USD 6.8 billion after vehicle import expenditure, show stabilization, and defended procurement processes such as coal tenders as transparent and competitive. He also outlined the Government’s response to the recent cyclone, including housing assistance of Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses and up to Rs. 250,000 for partially damaged houses, noting that payments had begun for 136 fully damaged and 1,580 partially damaged houses while delays were due to verification and rebuilding requirements.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that reducing trade and logistics barriers is necessary to lower the cost of goods, urging legal and regulatory reforms to speed imports and exports. Referring to the Manning Market, he requested additional entry and exit routes to ease congestion caused by wholesale, fish market, and produce traffic. He also responded to allegations about his visit to India with other MPs, explaining the delegation arrangements and criticizing what he described as politically motivated claims about the trip.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the Government’s record in Puttalam, stating that work had begun within a year to upgrade the Puttalam Base Hospital and pledging to complete the necessary arrangements and open the Puttalam–Mannar road for public travel. He accused former ministers of using the needs of displaced communities and election promises for political gain without securing services, and said legal cases by their supporters had obstructed the road opening. He also rejected allegations that the Government promoted racism, arguing that the NPP had reduced communal rhetoric and vandalism, while providing flood relief and pursuing anti-corruption, proper use of foreign funds, rule of law, and macroeconomic stability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill, arguing that it would legalize and professionalize an important logistics sector while promoting fair competition, revenue generation, and digital connectivity. He said Sri Lanka must align depot operations with international standards such as ASYCUDA and strengthen its logistics performance if it is to become a regional hub. He also raised concerns over shipping lines extracting value without adequate returns to local operators, Customs clearance delays causing demurrage costs, and revenue from foreign-operated terminals leaving the country, and asked that the relevant Minister or Deputy Minister respond to these issues.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly asks the Chair whether he has 12 minutes of speaking time available. No substantive policy issue or proposal is raised in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted that he had only three minutes to speak. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that improving competitiveness is essential amid rupee fluctuations, cost-push inflation, and the need to meet major external debt repayments, including USD 14 billion due in 2028. He supported modernizing the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers, and Container Operators Act, stating that legislation must be effectively implemented. He called for digitalization of freight forwarding, including connectivity with systems such as ASYCUDA, to strengthen exports, professional standards, and Sri Lanka’s position against peer countries.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to ensure Sri Lanka Customs can operate on a 24-hour basis as part of modernization efforts. He said Customs has indicated readiness, but other line agencies must support it through online integration, including ASYCUDA, Inland Revenue, commercial banks, and import regulatory authorities. He argued that continuous clearance of shipments is necessary to provide exporters with efficient service and improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to advance the use of technology and modernize outdated legal frameworks. He specifically called for amendments to the 150-year-old Customs Ordinance as part of moving administrative and regulatory systems forward.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Muneer Mulaffer responded to Rishad Bathiudeen’s reference to his political conscience, stating that the public was aware of Bathiudeen’s past political conduct. He said Bathiudeen had acknowledged that course of action and tabled a related court judgment for Bathiudeen to read.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel said the Hill Country community’s loss of citizenship and franchise after independence had led to decades of exclusion in education, land, housing, wages and political representation. She argued that the National People’s Power Government had begun addressing these issues since 2024, citing increased representation of Hill Country women, progress on land and housing rights, salary issues, road development, an e-library, a mini-government service centre, and planned vocational training. She said further shortcomings remain but maintained that the Government has laid the foundation for integrating the Hill Country community into the national mainstream and ensuring a dignified life.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel said the Government is initiating mini-government service centres and programmes to improve livelihoods and provide dignified work for Hill Country communities, including recognizing rubber tapping as a profession. She stated that tourism and industrial development programmes would be used to raise living standards and that national programmes are treating Hill Country people equally. She argued that these measures represent meaningful freedom for the community and would create pathways for greater political representation at all levels.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported protecting lawful tenants but raised concerns that the Tenants’ Protection Bill could allow occupants who default on rent or remain after a lease breach to retain access to utilities and common facilities. He argued that the Bill lacks a clear definition of “lawful tenant,” may conflict with condominium management and utility payment arrangements, and could discourage property owners from renting units, particularly affecting retirees reliant on rental income. He noted that condominium sector stakeholders have challenged the Bill in the Supreme Court and urged substantial amendments before its Second Reading.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe moved that Hon. Upul Kithsiri take the Chair during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe briefly seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to, followed by a change in the Chair with Hon. Upul Kithsiri presiding.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary R.M. Jayawardhana addressed the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, outlining the history of valuation education and the role of valuers in public bodies such as the Valuation Department, Urban Development Authority and local authorities. He said the proposed statutory institute is supported in principle, but its functions must be clearly defined to avoid overlap or conflict with existing institutions, particularly following court guidance on dual mandates. He urged that the Bill be refined, with amendments where necessary, to establish a clear legal framework that strengthens the profession without creating administrative disputes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara tabled a privilege matter he said had been disallowed by the Speaker, along with a complaint made to the Bribery Commission against the Speaker. He alleged irregular payments for preliminary inquiry work far exceeding amounts permitted by a Public Administration circular, and raised concerns under the Anti-Corruption Act regarding misuse of state property and loss to the State. He also alleged improper use of both the Speaker’s official residence and another official apartment, and called on the President and Government to have the Speaker, and his Private Secretary, refrain from duties until investigations are concluded.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra stated that Parliament has appointed a Special Committee to investigate Opposition allegations concerning the 323 containers. She said Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, as a member of that Committee, should raise and pursue the matter through its proceedings rather than make insinuations in the Chamber, and should be bound by the Committee’s decisions.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra raised a point of order and requested that the Presiding Member not allocate her speaking time to another Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asks whether his name is being mentioned, seeking clarification during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra objected to the handling of speaking time, noting that another Member had already spoken and should not be given her allotted time. She asked the Presiding Member to ensure her time was not allocated to him.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that he did not wish to obstruct the Hon. Lady Member and urged her to continue. He noted that he is a member of the relevant Committee, would address matters there, and had not discussed its internal affairs in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims that Independence Day celebrations and the Tri-Forces should be framed through racism, arguing that all parties have a responsibility to end ethnic and religious divisive politics after the damage caused by the 30-year war. She criticized Opposition figures, including Namal Rajapaksa, for allegedly invoking Sinhala Buddhist sentiment despite past responsibility for the country’s crisis, and said the public mandate was against racism and corruption and for dignity and honesty. She also referred to controversy over education reforms and allegations against the Speaker, saying such narratives were being used to mislead the public.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra stated that attempts to spread abuse and disrespect through social media in order to mislead the public would not succeed. She argued that people across religious and ethnic communities, including Sinhala Buddhists, Tamil Hindus, and Muslims, understand such efforts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra referred to reactions in Trincomalee against political agitation and criticized past rulers for fostering divisive politics, crime, and corruption. She praised the Tri-Forces for their rescue and restoration work during Cyclone Michaung and called for respect for all communities, national unity, and rejection of racist politics.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson contrasted current Government members’ past support for the Rajapaksas with earlier restrictions faced by his party, then urged the Government to release over 1,000 imported luxury vehicles at a fair duty rate to prevent deterioration and raise revenue. He reported on attending the International Parliamentary Conference on Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Botswana and called for cooperation with Inter Pares and other international partners to address human-elephant conflict, tabling related proposals by S.W. Wickramaratne. He also requested that campsites and Block 2 of Yala National Park be reopened, arguing that closures reduce tourism access and may enable poaching.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, arguing that it would resolve regulatory gaps and conflicts among existing valuation and real estate bodies while improving professional standards, ethics, transparency, investor confidence and safeguards against financial irregularities. She also referred to Bills regulating container depot operators and licensing shipping agents and related service providers, stating that formal regulation was needed for economic growth and rebuilding. She highlighted government actions on economic stabilization, disaster recovery funding after Cyclone “Michaung”, and raised concern about verbal and online harassment of women parliamentarians.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the Bills to license container depot operators and regulate shipping agents, freight forwarders, NVOCCs and container operators, stating that they would streamline the sector. He welcomed the Minister’s response on the Mannar–Puttalam road, clarifying that the court matter was a settlement rather than a judgment barring use, and urged cooperation to reopen and develop it as a main highway. He also endorsed the President’s Independence Day call to acknowledge past errors and correct them, and requested a special Cabinet paper to grant permanent appointments to 253 volunteer teachers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces who had served in difficult post-war conditions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Government to amend the Gazette for the teachers’ examination to include graduates who completed degrees up to the end of 2025, not only those within the stated date range. He criticised Independence Day messaging and said the armed forces’ role in ending the war and responding to cyclone-related emergencies should be acknowledged. He also called for equal application of the law, specifically requesting that the Speaker step aside temporarily while allegations regarding fuel misuse are investigated. The speech further accused the Government of inconsistency, deal-making politics, and racially framed rhetoric, while urging responsible governance under its parliamentary majority.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill, arguing that the rapid growth of the real estate, condominium and land markets requires a legally recognized public institution to regulate, supervise and professionalize the sector. He said the Bill would help protect the dignity of real estate professionals while providing accountability mechanisms for the public, similar to those governing surveyors, lawyers, accountants, engineers and valuers. He also noted the need to address risks such as money laundering through real estate transactions and to regularize previously inadequate professional structures.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary M.L.A.M. Hizbullah made a procedural clarification regarding his allotted speaking time, stating that he had seven minutes rather than five minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah commended the Transport Ministry’s response in restoring bus and train services after recent floods and Cyclone Ditwah, and requested attention to cyclone-damaged roads in Batticaloa District. He urged the Fisheries and Ports Ministers to operationalize the unused Oluvil Harbour as a fisheries harbour, noting the burden on coastal fishermen and suggesting possible support through financial institutions or private operators. He also called for urgent government action to protect the garment industry from tariff disadvantages, including negotiations with the United States or securing GSP concessions, and demanded that long-delayed Provincial Council elections be held to restore elected provincial administration under the Thirteenth Amendment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka lacks systematic planning and standards for land and property use, causing conflicts among residential, industrial and commercial interests. He highlighted the importance of property valuers for local authority revenue collection, transparent use of development funds, and bank lending, citing an urban council where a comprehensive valuation had not been conducted since 2003. He said the proposed professional institution would help uphold standards, ensure uniformity of service and build the professional capacity needed for national development.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake — Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament
AI summary The Minister outlined the history and purpose of the Institute of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill, noting Cabinet approvals since 2017, the Supreme Court challenge by the Institute of Valuers of Sri Lanka, and the need identified by the Central Bank and anti-money laundering authorities. He said consultations were held with professional bodies to avoid overlap with the Government Valuation Department and the Institute of Valuers, and tabled related documents and proposed Committee Stage amendments. He also informed Parliament that the Attorney General had advised certain proposed amendments to Clause 3 would be inconsistent with Article 123(4) in light of the Supreme Court’s determination, and cited the Court’s finding that the Bill creates a professional body without conferring valuation practice rights.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved a series of Committee Stage amendments to the Bill establishing the Institute for real estate professionals, chiefly to clarify provisions on admission, registration, membership categories, disciplinary removal, cancellation of registration, re-admission, and related Council procedures. The amendments affected the Objects, powers, membership applications, disqualifications and disciplinary provisions, register of members, Council terms and meetings, the Schedule, and the Long Title. All amendments were agreed to, and the Bill was reported with amendments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved the Second and Third Readings of the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill, which was passed with an amendment to Clause 20 redefining the relevant business operations while excluding container terminals within specified ports under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act. He also moved the passage of the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators (Amendment) Bill, which was considered in Committee without amendment and passed. Both Bills were granted permission for clerical and consequential corrections.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 15 Adjournment Adjournment: Adjournment Questions and House Closure 10 speeches
- 16 Procedural Administrative Notices 3 speeches