Sitting of Tuesday, 17 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 Parliament Opening and Speaker's Announcements 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports 6 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) 15 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.3/2025) 2 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.4/2025) 3 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.6/2025) 3 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: McHeyzer Stadium, Trincomalee - Development (Q.7/2025) 6 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) 6 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) 5 speeches ▾
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister answered on behalf of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, stating that four state media institutions fall under the Ministry: the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Independent Television Network, and Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited. Details requested on related matters were tabled in an annex, while salary payments for staff with official media identity cards follow Management Services Circular procedures and payments to freelance or provincial correspondents are made with the approval of the respective institutional boards. She stated that no irregularities had been reported, making the remaining parts of the question not applicable.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB

      AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about private media institutions, noting alleged ethical breaches, misconduct complaints, and journalists facing unpaid dues for long periods. He asked whether the Government has a programme to protect private-sector journalists affected by media outlet closures and the absence of redress.

      Justice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Government receives complaints from journalists about private media outlets, including closures, piece-rate work, non-payment, and lack of EPF/ETF benefits. She noted that private media companies fall under the Companies Act and labour law, limiting the Ministry’s direct authority over their employment practices. She said the Director General of Government Information issued a letter on 7 January 2026 requesting private media institutions to pay journalists properly and safeguard their professional dignity.

      EmploymentReligion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB

      AI summary Asked whether the Government will implement a programme aimed at the overall development of journalists.

      Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined measures under the Government’s media policy to develop a professional and equitable media sector. She stated that the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals Bill has received Attorney General’s clearance, is being processed by the Legal Draftsman, and is expected to be gazetted soon to strengthen journalists’ professional status and rights. She also said journalist scholarships will continue, and that the Ministry is exploring a contributory health insurance scheme with state support for regional journalists, with implementation targeted for the year.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
11. 11 Oral question Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) 5 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) 9 speeches ▸
13. 13 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration 5 speeches ▸
14. 14 Oral question Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board 13 speeches ▸
15. 15 Procedural Privilege Matters and Points of Order 7 speeches ▸
16. 16 Papers Indira Cancer Charitable Trust (Incorporation) Bill - First Reading 2 speeches ▸
17. 17 Debate Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate 69 speeches ▸
18. 18 Procedural Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Division on Second Reading 4 speeches ▸
19. 19 Procedural Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage 25 speeches ▸
20. 20 Procedural Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Third Reading 1 speeches ▸
21. 21 Procedural Select Committee on Electoral Laws - Motion with Amendment 51 speeches ▸
22. 22 Adjournment Adjournment Motion 2 speeches ▸
23. 23 Adjournment Adjournment Questions 8 speeches ▸