Sitting of Friday, 6 February 2026

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Opening of Parliament 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Orders 3 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Petitions 1 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Ash Sales (Q.68/2025) 14 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Schools in Colombo Municipal Council Area (Q.74/2025) 35 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Various (Q.3, Q.5, Q.6) 29 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Divisional Secretariats Vehicle Requirement (Q.1571/2025) 6 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Questions: Various (Q.8, Q.9) 6 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Financial Cybercrimes (Q.1012/2025) – Second Round 2 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Private Notice Questions: MSMEs and Kalmunai Massacre Site 10 speeches ▸
11. 11 Procedural Ministerial Statement: UK Travel Bans 8 speeches ▸
12. 12 Procedural Procedural Motions: Hours of Sitting, Privilege Matter, Government Precedence 3 speeches ▸
13. 13 Debate Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) 76 speeches ▸
14. 14 Procedural Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance 11 speeches ▾
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB

      AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake referred to the Chief Government Whip’s indication regarding the Chair reaching the North Central Province. He then cited Gazette No. 61 of 1979, issued on 28 January 2026 under the Public Service Act, suggesting a procedural or legal matter related to public service administration.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake defended the President’s declaration of essential public services under the Essential Public Services Act in response to Cyclone “Ditcha,” arguing that emergency powers are necessary to procure and restore critical services disrupted by the disaster. He said the Government would use these powers only for disaster management and outlined progress in relief payments, while noting that eligibility verification is required for public funds. He cited survey findings and international comments to support the Government’s relief performance, rejected Opposition criticisms and rumours about returned reconstruction cheques, and called for factual assessment of the post-disaster response.

      Security & DefenceParliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that under the Code of Criminal Procedure, criminal trials should proceed on a day-to-day basis, with long adjournments being exceptional and proceedings held in open court. He said state properties, including former “Minister bungalows,” were being repurposed as court facilities to expedite cases because new courthouses cannot be built immediately. He noted that several courts had already been opened and a further five or six were planned, framing the measure as part of the Government’s pledge to reduce delays in criminal justice.

      Justice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Bimal Rathnayake accused the Opposition of undermining Easter Sunday attack prosecutions by describing repurposed state properties used for daily hearings as “jungle courts,” and argued that such venues are intended to clear backlogs and assist victims. He alleged that the Opposition was attempting to equate the Government with past corruption, cited the Mahaiyawa tunnel project and alleged demands for payment under a former Highways Minister, and defended the current Speaker’s integrity. He also said the Government supports free education, respects the armed forces while addressing post-war abuses, and plans transparent use of recovered gold for North and East development funds.

      EducationCorruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka - Chief Opposition Whip SJB

      AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the Opposition does not believe a state of emergency is necessary, referring to points made by its Members during the emergency debate. He asked that the Opposition’s objection to implementing the emergency be formally recorded.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC

      AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam called for a division on Item No. 80, a Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance. He proceeded to conduct the vote, instructing Government Members, Opposition Members, and abstaining Members on the electronic voting procedure and asking Members to verify their votes or indicate if they could not vote digitally.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
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15. 15 Oral question Questions: Official Vehicles Allocated to Ministers (2015-2018) 8 speeches ▸
16. 16 Procedural Procedural: Request for Extended Time to Reply 1 speeches ▸