Sitting of Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23279 ·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 Parliament Opening and Speaker's Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports 6 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) 15 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.3/2025) 2 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.4/2025) 3 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.6/2025) 3 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: McHeyzer Stadium, Trincomalee - Development (Q.7/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Improvement of Health Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Q.8/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) 5 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Maritime Security Operations (Q.10/2025) 5 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) 9 speeches
- 13 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Question: Qur'an Madrasas Registration 5 speeches
- 14 Oral question Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board 13 speeches
- 15 Procedural Privilege Matters and Points of Order 7 speeches
- 16 Papers Indira Cancer Charitable Trust (Incorporation) Bill - First Reading 2 speeches
- 17 Debate Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate 69 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Moved the Second Reading of a Bill to abolish the non-contributory pension entitlement for Members of Parliament, stating it would apply prospectively to current and future MPs after enactment while not requiring existing pensioners to repay benefits. He framed the measure as fulfilling a National People’s Power election pledge and cited the January 2025 payment of Rs. 34,406,186 in former MPs’ pensions as context for the reform. He also referred to public approval data, government actions on reducing presidential privileges, narcotics and crime, and condemned the recent killing of an attorney and his spouse, saying investigations and arrests were proceeding.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to hold Provincial Council elections without delay if it claims to retain public support. He defended pensions for MPs as a measure of social security and anti-corruption, while questioning the Government’s handling of state pensioners, including unresolved teacher-principal pension anomalies and exclusions from recent pay adjustments. He also criticized the cancellation of senior citizens’ higher savings interest, the proposed electricity tariff increase despite prior reduction promises, and the relocation of disabled war veterans from Boossa to Panagoda.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Opposition had again avoided addressing the substance of the Bill under discussion. His brief remark was procedural and critical of the Opposition’s approach to the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said the Government had acted on its manifesto by stabilizing the economy, increasing foreign exchange earnings and fiscal revenue, and allocating funds for disaster recovery after “Ditva.” He framed the Bill abolishing MPs’ pensions as part of a broader effort to reform political culture, reduce privileges, and combat corruption, rejecting the Opposition’s argument that pensions deter corruption. He said investigations into corruption would continue, alongside measures against links between politicians, narcotics and the underworld, and referred to wider reforms including education changes and the “Praja Shakthi” rural poverty programme.
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that MPs should receive pensions to provide financial security and help attract qualified people to Parliament, while cautioning against portraying all MPs as corrupt. He questioned the Government’s consistency on pledges relating to voluntary service, fuel and electricity price reductions, VAT, abolition of the Executive Presidency, and constitutional reform, citing low implementation of promises. He also raised concerns about alleged interference in Parliament’s independent administration, referring to action involving the Deputy Secretary-General and possible moves concerning the Secretary-General, and called for protection of institutional independence.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran argued that repealing parliamentary pensions could discourage civil servants and professionals from entering politics, and proposed either a contributory pension scheme for MPs or reabsorption into previous civil service posts after political service. He said equality in the Vanni requires fair resource allocation rather than repeated aid deliveries, and questioned the absence of a proper transfer policy for Development Officers, including excess staffing in Jaffna. He also raised concerns about the 02.02.2026 graduate teacher recruitment Gazette, stating that Northern Province applicants were excluded for Hindu Civilization and Karnatic Music despite shortages in several districts and education zones, and requested urgent correction of the imbalance.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Over 1,656 Carnatic Music graduates are said to be available, with Mullaitivu able to meet its own staffing needs, but the current Gazette reportedly prevents their recruitment. The Prime Minister is urged to correct the allocation process quickly to prevent the Vanni from being disadvantaged.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported repealing the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977, arguing that it created an unjust benefit for MPs compared with ordinary public servants. He traced the law’s enactment and subsequent amendments in 1982, 1985 and 1990, stating that they expanded pensions to MPs’ spouses and children and further entrenched the scheme. He said the repeal would end a long-standing system that allowed elected representatives to receive pension benefits after short periods of service.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake opposed the proposed abolition of parliamentary pensions, arguing that some former MPs and widows rely on them, and said he had submitted an amendment to the Bill. He challenged JVP/NPP members who previously received such pensions to return those funds to the Treasury, while also criticizing the transfer of the Badulla District Secretary after his cyclone-related work. He raised allegations regarding a Rs. 19 million payment connected to the Sekkuwatta playground in Ja-Ela and an alleged Japan employment fraud linked to persons associated with NPP nomination efforts, requesting investigations and stating he would table documents.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued for honesty in political criticism, citing NPP representatives living on former Bandaranaike family land in Attanagalla while stating that not all wealth should be characterized as illicit. He praised the President and Shammi Silva for facilitating a cricket match that he said attracted 15,000–20,000 Indian tourists, and said municipal-level corruption, including in the Kadawatha/Kaduwela area, would be exposed. He also urged that pensions be granted to those genuinely in need, clarifying that he was not seeking a pension for himself.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya supported the Bill to Abolish Parliamentary Pensions, saying it fulfils a government pledge and is intended to end a special privilege for MPs rather than gain popularity. She traced post-1977 pension amendments as progressively expanding benefits to Members and their families, arguing that these reflected a broader political culture of privilege that widened the gap between representatives and citizens. She said abolishing the pension was both symbolic and substantive, aimed at rebuilding public trust, reducing elite entitlement, and presenting politics as public service rather than a route to lifelong benefits.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando criticized the Bill abolishing MPs’ pensions as rushed and lacking an informed review of the rationale for pensions, arguing that pensions should remain available at least through a grandfather clause for those already retired or in the system. He contrasted the Government’s criticism of Rs. 34 million in monthly former MPs’ pensions with what he described as larger sums channelled from elected representatives’ salaries to party funds, and accused the Government of selectively invoking its mandate while delaying commitments on the IMF agreement, Development Officers, constitutional reform, the Executive Presidency, and Provincial Council elections. He also raised concerns over the killing of a lawyer near Akuregoda, objecting to official claims linking the victim to the underworld before proof, and asked the Government to table details of alleged underworld figures said to have sought surrender.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB
AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi argued that the NPP Government is fulfilling a major pledge to reform parliamentary privileges and public representation, presenting it as a historic change made in the public interest. He contrasted his own record of serving without personal security with politicians who, he said, seek protection after failing to keep promises. He detailed MPs’ salaries and allowances, stating that total benefits amount to nearly Rs. 400,000 excluding staff, and said the Government would reject and reform practices such as appointing relatives to parliamentary staff.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera opposed the proposed pension reform, arguing that it was motivated by hostility toward former JVP/NPP MPs who had contributed salaries and allowances to the party and now lack financial support, citing former MP Charitha Premasiri Manage as an example. He called instead for reasonable reforms such as need-based assistance or contributory mechanisms to protect financially vulnerable former representatives and encourage clean public service. He also urged caution over statements linking a slain lawyer in the Akuregoda incident to the underworld without proof, and asked government leaders to avoid broad claims that Sri Lanka is a “racist country” without specifying the conduct being addressed.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna – Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure
AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, presenting it as part of a broader programme to remove political privileges and rebuild public trust during economic hardship. He argued that the existing pension scheme, expanded since 1977, is unfair because MPs can qualify after only five years while public servants must work for decades, and said past abuses had strengthened public opposition to such benefits. He contrasted this with the Government’s measures to reduce official residences, vehicles and other privileges, and defended the plantation wage increase while criticizing Opposition resistance to it. He said the Government would consider compassionate assistance for former MPs in genuine hardship, but maintained that the general pension entitlement should end.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara requested that the Chitrasiri Committee Report on salaries and entitlements of MPs and former officeholders be tabled before proceeding with the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions. He argued that any reform should be prospective rather than retrospective, citing former MPs, widows and dependents who rely on existing pensions, and said wrongdoing by some Members should be dealt with individually under the law. He also questioned the financial rationale for abolition, stating that MPs’ pension payments form a very small share of government revenue, and urged consideration of contributory or lump-sum pension models used elsewhere.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Bill to Abolish Parliamentary Pensions, stating that it implements a clear electoral pledge made at the presidential and parliamentary elections and is based on the Government’s mandate rather than the Chitrasiri Report. She questioned whether Members who had previously presented similar Private Members’ Bills would support the measure, and rejected the argument that pensions are necessary to attract quality representatives or prevent corruption. She argued that pre-1977 politicians served without pensions and said the Bill seeks to restore a tradition of public-spirited representation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that the dignity of public representatives does not depend on the existence of a parliamentary pension. She said respect must be earned through public trust and urged all representatives to work toward that standard.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda opposed the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, arguing that the Government had not first tabled or explained the Chitrasiri Report on MPs’ pensions and allowances. He contended that removing pensions while retaining other parliamentary benefits could discourage lower- and middle-class political participation and favour wealthy candidates or parties with large funds. He also questioned the impact on former MPs who had taken loans against their pensions, while stating that his political work would continue regardless of pensions or benefits.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, arguing that it fulfils a government and presidential pledge to end non-contributory pension privileges for MPs and their families. He contrasted parliamentary pensions with the contributory pensions of public servants and said elected office should be treated as public service rather than a profession for personal benefit. He also cited public confidence, anti-corruption efforts, economic recovery, anti-narcotics action, tourism development, estate worker wage increases, coastal park projects, education reforms, and the “Praja Shakthi” rural poverty programme as evidence of the Government’s broader policy agenda.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary During debate on the Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions, the Member supported ending pensions for current MPs but urged a special mechanism to assist former MPs and families in genuine need, citing war-related deaths and former Members dependent on pensions for essential expenses. He also conveyed condolences over the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Mannar youth in Colombo and requested presidential compensation for the family. He raised fisheries issues in Puttalam and Kalpitiya, arguing that restrictions on trawling are being applied unevenly while similar practices continue in northern areas. Referring to the 1991 Gazette, NARA demarcations, and cyclone damage to boats, he asked the Fisheries Ministry to intervene, review the restrictions affecting the 23 permitted Kalpitiya boats, and provide relief to affected fishing families.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe supported the Bill to abolish the special pension scheme for Members of Parliament, stating that it fulfils a National People’s Power manifesto pledge and responds to public demands for a new political culture. He argued that parliamentary service is a temporary public mandate rather than a pensionable career, and that lifelong pensions for MPs create unjustified privilege compared with ordinary citizens. He said the reform is intended to restore trust in Parliament and signal ethical leadership without undermining the need for adequate salaries and institutional support for MPs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper opposed the Bill abolishing parliamentary pensions without an alternative mechanism, arguing that legally granted rights should not be arbitrarily removed and that needy former MPs should be supported through an independently managed contributory welfare fund funded by Members. He said he had prepared amendments and would bring a Private Member’s Bill to establish such a fund, citing New Zealand and local mutual-aid models as examples. He also criticised the Government for selectively implementing manifesto pledges and said he had submitted a Private Member’s Bill to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and address terrorism offences under general law.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had a five-year mandate and had not promised to fulfil all policy pledges within one year, in the context of the debate on abolishing MPs’ pensions. He rejected media claims attributed to an SJB MP about appointments to Wakf and related bodies, saying any specific allegations should be addressed through corrective action rather than casting suspicion on the Muslim community. He stated that the Shura Council had not yet been appointed and that proposed nominations and any past irregularities would be reviewed to strengthen the Wakf Board.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne supported the Bill to abolish MPs’ pensions, arguing that it fulfils the Government’s electoral mandate and is not an act of political revenge because Government Members are also giving up benefits. He said the administration has already reduced presidential, ministerial and parliamentary privileges, including salaries, allowances, insurance and multiple-post entitlements, as part of a broader shift in political culture. He added that while not all promises can be completed early in a five-year term, measures such as increases to public servants’ pensions and salaries and estate workers’ wages have already been implemented, and genuinely destitute former Members could seek assistance through existing channels.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary The Minister of Environment moved that Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Arguing against the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, J.C. Alawathuwala said the Opposition’s position is that MPs should receive a pension and challenged the Government to test public opinion through Provincial Council elections under the previous system. He cited examples of former MPs, including members associated with the Government’s party, who he said depended on parliamentary pensions for basic needs such as medicine and rent. He argued that many MPs do not qualify because of early dissolutions and short terms, and urged the Government instead to address disparities among the wider pensioner population while at minimum retaining pensions for those who served 10 years.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions, arguing that elected Members receive a five-year public mandate and should not retain special lifetime or family entitlements created through amendments to the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977. She framed the repeal as fulfilment of a government pledge and cited related measures such as reductions in presidential and former presidential benefits, housing and welfare programmes, wage and salary increases, public service recruitment, education and health initiatives, and anti-corruption commitments. She also referenced IMF comments on growth, inflation, reserves and revenue, and claimed broad public support for the Government’s programme.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill in line with the Government’s mandate, while cautioning that abolishing MPs’ pensions could make future parliamentary entry harder for candidates without wealth or major-party backing and could be reversed by a future government. He urged the Government to increase public service pensions, repeal or properly reform the PTA in line with human rights concerns, introduce a new Constitution, abolish the Executive Presidency, and provide a political solution for Tamil-speaking people in the North and East. He also called for disclosure of the mastermind behind the Easter attacks and noted positively the recent Independence Day celebrations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, stating that it fulfils the Government’s promise to establish a new political culture without harming current beneficiaries. He argued that the special pension scheme and past parliamentary privileges had not improved governance, addressed corruption, or resolved ethnic discrimination and reconciliation issues. He said abolishing such entitlements is part of restoring public trust in Parliament and encouraging representatives committed to public service and sacrifice.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Ayubraj Arul in Allaipitty and said the family had not received justice. Citing the OHCHR report of 13 January 2026 on conflict-related sexual violence in Sri Lanka, he called for Government action to investigate alleged abuses from 1983 to 2009, address impunity, and ensure justice for survivors amid concerns over delays, language barriers, fear of reprisals and militarization. On the Bill to repeal parliamentary pensions, he argued that former MPs who lost previous employment pensions may be left without livelihood support and proposed either a route back to prior employment after parliamentary service or another fair mechanism for income security.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, tracing the expansion of MPs’ pension entitlements since 1977 and arguing that these privileges contributed to an unhealthy political culture. He rejected claims that pensions prevent corruption or that the repeal targets particular individuals, linking the measure to the 2022 public demand for reform and to election pledges to reduce political privileges. He said politics should be treated as public service, with former MPs returning to prior professions if not re-elected, and framed the repeal as part of broader reforms to rebuild public trust.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said the repeal of parliamentary pensions reflected the democratic aspirations associated with the Aragalaya and the Government’s policy commitments. He raised concerns about ongoing cases against youths and others involved in peaceful protests, noting travel restrictions and police reporting requirements, while stating the Government would not improperly interfere with the judiciary. He distinguished peaceful participation from violence, arson and assaults, called for accountability for attacks on the May 9 protest and related crimes, and said 2026 should be a year in which the innocent receive justice and offenders are punished.
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha urged that the Bill repealing MPs’ pensions should not apply retrospectively, citing constitutional concerns and the reliance of former MPs and their families on such income after years of public service. He proposed introducing a contributory pension scheme funded by deductions from MPs’ salaries, similar to systems in several other countries, to avoid burdening taxpayers. He also raised concern over the recent murder of a lawyer, stressing the constitutional right to legal representation and calling on the Government to ensure the safety of lawyers, judges, Attorney General’s Department officers and police involved in sensitive cases.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that the Bill has prospective application and is not retrospective, stating that it complies with the Constitution, which protects the President’s pension but not MPs’ pensions. He also addressed the recent murder of a lawyer, noting that 12 police teams are investigating, four alleged assistants have been arrested, and the Government condemns the act and will pursue the perpetrators.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill to repeal parliamentary pensions, describing it as part of a wider effort to reduce political entitlements, restore public trust, and present governance as public service rather than privilege. He argued that past expansions of MP benefits, corruption, and nepotism damaged confidence in politicians and institutions, and said the Government is also cutting unnecessary vehicles, residences, and security while improving revenue collection and international confidence. He rejected claims that ending pensions would cause poverty or corruption, noted that abolishing presidential pensions would require a constitutional amendment, and said the reform supports national unity and a renewed political culture.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Insufficient speech text was provided to summarize the remarks. Please provide the full or relevant excerpt of Hon. Bimal Rathnayake’s speech from 2026-02-17.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 18 Procedural Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Division on Second Reading 4 speeches
- 19 Procedural Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Committee Stage 25 speeches
- 20 Procedural Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Third Reading 1 speeches
- 21 Procedural Select Committee on Electoral Laws - Motion with Amendment 51 speeches
- 22 Adjournment Adjournment Motion 2 speeches
- 23 Adjournment Adjournment Questions 8 speeches