Sitting of Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23308 ·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 Papers 5 speeches
- 2 Procedural Procedural: Select Committee and Conflict of Interest Matter 7 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 2 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) 18 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Questions: Stood Down (Q.4, Q.5) 4 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: LRC Lands in Kalutara District: Details (1664/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Amendment of Laws Pertaining to Explosives (1745/2025) 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Labour Complaint Resolution and Child Labour (1748/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Fishery Buildings and Shore Seine Fishing in Pottuvil (1750/2025) 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Gampaha Sanasa Development Bank Complaints (1751/2025) 5 speeches
- 11 Procedural Procedural: Question Under Standing Order 27(2) - Gross Official Reserves 4 speeches
- 12 Procedural Procedural: Ministry Statement and Standing Order Clarification 11 speeches
- 13 Procedural Procedural: Privilege Matters and Bill Introduction 7 speeches
- 14 Papers Papers: Mahawilachchiya Education Centre Bill (First Reading) 2 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) 33 speeches
- 16 Debate Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) 85 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to criticism over delays at the Women’s Commission, stating that operational and technical issues had been corrected and rejecting claims that the Government was suppressing the Commission. She then supported approval of four Gazettes related to the economy, foreign relations and tourism, citing recent IMF remarks, international engagements, growth, inflation, reserves, debt servicing, tourism, remittances, FDI, exports and the current account as evidence of economic stabilization. She also said the Government had managed the economic impact of the “Ditwah” cyclone without revising the Budget and had negotiated to reduce the impact of US tariffs.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a matter under Standing Order 92(2)(a), alleging that a video of his conversation with the Leader of the Opposition had been recorded and released by the Government side. He stated that the conversation was mischaracterized, said CCTV evidence could identify who recorded it, and indicated he would submit the issue as a matter of privilege seeking legal action.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Member stated that the matter in question was carried out by the Government side.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the Motor Traffic (Expressway) and Motor Traffic (Drug) Regulations as necessary reforms to address road safety, including mandatory seat belts on expressways and formal procedures for detecting drug-impaired driving through saliva testing and lab confirmation. He noted changes from prior law, including wider seat-belt obligations, owner and driver responsibility, and higher drunk-driving fines. He raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting older buses, possible inaccuracies or misuse of saliva tests, and potential police harassment. He proposed subsidies or a welfare fund for operators, support for replacing old buses, legal clarity on prescribed medicines, and mandatory police body cameras during testing.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage — Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance, and Motor Traffic Act, linking them to economic recovery, tourism facilitation, and national development. He cited increased tourist arrivals, government revenue, remittances, reserves and low inflation as evidence of stability, and said measures such as allowing tourists to drive on foreign licences would further support tourism. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s hosting of the India–Pakistan cricket series as evidence of international confidence and emphasized sport and parliamentary reforms, including abolition of MPs’ pensions, as part of broader social and political development.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage proposed that Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. (Mrs.) Athauda assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana rejected claims that he had not contacted the Fisheries Minister regarding protesting stilt fishers, stating that he spoke to the Minister through a fisherman’s phone and demanding verification and a solution for their grievances. He criticized the Government over alleged unfulfilled promises, investigations, and what he described as attempts to blame stilt fishers for coral damage. He also accused the Government of pursuing political vendettas, cited public dissatisfaction and recent killings as evidence of governance failures, and called for Provincial Council elections if the Government believes it retains public support.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj supported the Special Commodity Levy regulations, Customs resolution, and Motor Traffic regulations, arguing that the NPP Government had restored economic stability, increased exports, and enabled measures such as vehicle imports after the earlier crisis. He cited export growth, service export earnings, and sectoral improvements as evidence of progress toward a production economy. He also highlighted the abolition of parliamentary pensions, wage increases for estate workers, and programmes for workers’ welfare, while rejecting Opposition criticism. He said the Government was promoting ethnic, religious, and linguistic harmony through support for major religious and cultural observances, and framed its agenda around building a “prosperous country” and improving citizens’ lives.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s reduction of import duties on food items, arguing it undermines local farmers and fishers while benefiting import traders, and questioned whether promised funds for paddy purchases and disaster compensation are actually available. He demanded timely fertilizer support, fair crop purchasing, and delivery of promised compensation and housing assistance for those affected by the “Ditwah” cyclone. He also raised concerns over foreign employment schemes, alleging that a Government quota for jobs in Israel was being diverted to private agencies while 750 trained applicants remained waiting, and asked that similar issues with Korean employment be addressed. He further questioned the Government’s claims on national security, citing recent murders near Akuregoda and contrasting them with references to cricket-related security arrangements.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for relying on the Tri-Forces and Police during emergencies and industrial action while, in his view, failing to acknowledge war heroes or the victory in the war. He urged the Government to listen to doctors’ demands rather than confront protests, and linked this approach to past unrest, including the death of a Member of Parliament during the “struggle.” He called for a focus on economic recovery, social rebuilding, and improving people’s lives with a clear vision.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa questioned the Government over alleged forged passports taken from a Ministry, the release of 323 containers from the port, and specifically two cocaine-linked containers reportedly taken to Mideniya, asking who authorized their release. He argued that such a release could not have occurred without written authorization and asked whether it came from the President, the Minister in charge of Police, or the IGP. He also urged the Government to listen to trade unions and doctors and called for a fair and effective programme to address rising underworld violence and national security concerns.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena reacted critically to remarks made by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, alleging that those associated with violent political figures such as Julampitiye Amare were now making claims in Parliament. His intervention was brief and focused on condemning the perceived hypocrisy of the earlier speech.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa briefly seeks permission to respond to a point raised in the debate. No substantive argument or policy position is presented in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena argued that Sri Lanka must overcome long-standing “arrears” in human and physical development caused by racism and poor governance, and said the Government would not allow renewed communal divisions. Responding in the context of regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, the Customs Ordinance, and the Motor Traffic Act, he said the Government had delivered political reforms within its first year, including reducing executive and ministerial privileges and abolishing MPs’ pensions, while allowing independent anti-corruption institutions to function. He cited improvements in the Corruption Perceptions Index and record or high figures for the 2025 current account surplus, remittances, exports, FDI, tourism receipts, and state revenue collections as evidence of economic stabilization under the NPP Government.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa challenged the Government’s handling of the National Commission on Women, arguing that it had been placed under the relevant Ministry despite its intended independence and citing the resignation of its Chairperson over staffing, administrative control, and lack of access to senior officials. He tabled Gazette and Appropriation Act documents, questioned delays in funding and operationalizing the Commission, and argued that the proposed Rs. 50 million allocation for 2026 was insufficient compared with the requested Rs. 150 million. He also complained that Opposition questions on education, university administration, acting principal appointments, teacher recruitment, and archaeology were being disallowed, stating that this restricted parliamentary scrutiny.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa objected to the prohibition of Opposition questions on education matters and tabled the relevant letter in Parliament. He argued that the Opposition was raising national policy issues, not personal or inappropriate matters, and criticized what he described as unequal treatment allowing the Government wider speaking freedom while restricting Opposition questions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB
AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath defended the Government’s approach to governance, arguing that it is based on participation, transparency, collective responsibility and fulfillment of Budget commitments, while criticizing the Opposition for persistent criticism and for opposing measures such as abolishing MPs’ pensions. He highlighted Government initiatives including planned housing programmes, 1,000 houses for children leaving care, 1,000 houses for parents who have offered a child to the Sangha, and a preventive public health agenda. He also cited Cabinet approval of LKR 6,000 million for a new hospital in Deniyaya due to landslide risks and said health and education facilities would be planned according to population and geography rather than political considerations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka addressed two Orders under the Motor Traffic Act, supporting measures on temporary driving permits and licence validity while proposing that permits for foreign licence holders be issued at tourist hubs such as Galle with guidance on local road rules. He raised implementation concerns over mandatory seat belts in buses, delayed issuance of vehicle number plates despite previous assurances, and proposed drug and alcohol testing of bus drivers, arguing that penalties should apply to offending drivers rather than bus owners and should be applied consistently to SLTB. He also highlighted wider public transport and road safety problems, including train delays, unsafe level crossings, elephant-train collisions, railway losses, ageing SLTB buses, staffing burdens, and high fatal accident rates involving motorcycles, three-wheelers and buses, calling for urgent practical action.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister sought approval for regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a Customs Ordinance resolution, and Motor Traffic Act orders, explaining changes to levies on imported mandarins to comply with the Pakistan–Sri Lanka trade agreement, maintain protections for potatoes and onions, provide cyclone-related food relief, extend levies on 62 commodity categories, and reduce the levy on donated dates during Ramadan. He cited 2025 economic indicators including export, tourism, remittance, FDI and current account figures, and said the Government’s tax policy was aimed at reform and efficiency rather than general tax reduction. He also stated that revenue agencies had exceeded targets and rejected claims of inadequate “Dittha” cyclone relief funding, saying payments and a supplementary allocation were in place subject to verification.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe sought the permission of the Chair to obtain two minutes of speaking time from Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka briefly ceded his allocated speaking time to another Member. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that the Government had not reduced taxes and was operating within the economic framework established under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Citing the Central Bank Governor, he said current revenue collection and policy direction reflected that programme, while the Government was taking credit for its results and distancing itself from shortcomings.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe objected to an interjection by the Deputy Minister, stating that his allotted speaking time should not be interrupted. He indicated that the Deputy Minister could respond using time allocated to the Government side.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera responds to a claim that the Government had not reduced taxes, stating that this is incorrect. He says the Government reduced three categories of taxes that had been imposed by the previous Government and indicates he will identify them.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that the Government had provided tax relief by raising the personal income tax threshold from LKR 12 million to LKR 18 million and adjusting the first rate slab to begin at LKR 10 million. He also cited reductions in VAT on milk-related products and changes to withholding tax on interest, limiting it to taxable persons.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe requested that the Deputy Chairperson restore one minute of speaking time that he said had been lost.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara objected to the Deputy Chairperson granting leave to another member. He stated that such leave could not be allowed under the circumstances.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government for failing to reduce VAT or essential goods prices while, according to him, increasing official privileges and foreign travel. He cited reports on rising food insecurity, weak cyclone reconstruction funding, and Sri Lanka’s position in corruption perception rankings to argue that economic hardship and governance concerns persist. He contrasted current growth figures with those under the previous administration, claiming growth is driven mainly by vehicle imports and taxation rather than investment, and accused the JVP-led Government of reversing earlier positions on strikes, India, and the United States.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe responded to an apparent accusation of jealousy, stating that he and others had travelled to the United States and India in their youth, including for vacations decades earlier. He contrasted this with Members of Parliament receiving limited privileges only now, implying there was no basis for such jealousy.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticised the Government for inconsistency on pledges about politicians’ privileges, citing vehicle registration numbers allegedly linked to senior officials and institutions. He argued that abolishing MPs’ pensions was being used for political showmanship, stating that many MPs could return to their professions while long-serving politicians in difficulty could be considered for pensions. He accused the Government of failing to uphold its stated principles after one year in office while continuing to enjoy official vehicles, residences, and other comforts.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardhana said the regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act and Imports and Exports (Control) Act are intended to manage import levies, including adjusting the levy on Pakistani hybrid mandarins following a trade-related request under the bilateral agreement. He said SCL increases on potatoes and big onions were approved to protect local farmers during harvest periods, and cited government actions on economic stabilization, housing projects, vehicle imports, debt payments, and IMF support as evidence of progress. He also defended the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions, arguing that parliamentary pension entitlement after five years is inconsistent with public service pension rules, and noted that the IMF had decided to provide USD 200 million for those affected by Cyclone “Dittha.”
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order under Standing Order 27(1) seeking clarification on the proper procedure for submitting privilege matters or motions. He stated that Members are required to hand such documents to the Office of the Secretary-General, and objected to being directed instead to submit them to the Speaker or meet another officer.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB
AI summary Proposed that Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi take the Chair during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan, speaking on regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, said food and essential goods in the Vanni region are often sold above controlled prices and raised concerns about hygiene, bribery, weak enforcement, medicine price disparities, and private traders exploiting farmers. He called for stronger action by the Consumer Affairs Authority and district officials against overpricing, comparable to government action against drugs and corruption. Referring to Motor Traffic Act-related matters, he requested that the Mannar train departure be changed from 1.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. to improve public usability. He also objected to what he described as a “shadow” provincial administration under the Northern Province Governor and urged the President to hold Provincial Council elections.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera urged approval of regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a motion under the Customs Ordinance, and orders under the Motor Traffic Act, stating that the tax relief measures were designed to support economic stability, market competition, domestic production, and price management. He contrasted them with the 2020 commodity tax concessions, alleging they reduced Treasury revenue without benefiting consumers, and cited improved Customs revenue and IMF recognition of stronger growth, low inflation, and adequate reserves. He also explained that levy exemptions for donated essential goods after the “Ditva” cyclone enabled the distribution of about LKR 3.1 billion in foreign and organizational assistance through disaster relief authorities and District Secretaries.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned the independence and composition of proposed Waqf Board nominations, arguing that concerns about politicization of Muslim religious institutions should be answered factually rather than characterized as communal or racist. He cited reported nominees with military or ruling-party links, asked what action the government had taken on a complaint submitted by Dr. Shafi, and urged the correction of shortcomings by appointing suitable independent members. He also called for preventing external communal influences and ensuring that mosque administration is not brought under government-aligned control.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the regulations and orders before Parliament, arguing that the Government has stabilized the economy and created conditions to reduce prices of essential goods. He cited wage increases for public, private, and estate workers, expanded social assistance, anti-corruption and asset recovery measures, removal of MPs’ pensions, lower inflation, higher growth, improved revenue collection, increased remittances, export growth, and stock market gains as evidence of recovery. He stated that savings and improved fiscal performance are being directed toward public relief, including support for schoolchildren and easing commodity prices.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized what he described as political interference and corruption in state institutions, referring to alleged conduct involving the SLTB in Vavuniya. He objected to the reported appointment of “shadow” ministers for the Northern Province under the Governor’s presence, arguing that these posts bypass elected provincial authority and questioning the competence and suitability of named appointees. He demanded that the Government hold the Northern Provincial Council election and appoint only competent persons, particularly for health and agriculture-related responsibilities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. K. M. Aslam JJB
AI summary M. K. M. Aslam spoke during debate on orders under the Motor Traffic Act and regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, but focused mainly on concerns raised about appointments to the Waqf Board. He said the Government had first reconstituted the Hajj Committee, had only shortlisted Waqf nominees, and would appoint a competent, inclusive and non-politicized board to oversee 2,826 registered mosques and address long-standing issues. He rejected allegations of political interference, defended Deputy Minister Muneer Mulafer, and argued that opposition criticism on Muslim community issues was inconsistent in light of past events and positions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB
AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka criticised the Special Commodity Levy regime, arguing that the Rs. 80 per kg levy on imported potatoes has failed to protect domestic farmers amid a sharp fall in production and alleged profiteering in imports. He questioned how levy revenue is used to develop local potato cultivation and claimed similar problems affect paddy farmers, citing low purchase prices in Polonnaruwa and continued benefits to large millers and traders. He also called for reductions in rice prices when miller margins rise and urged the Government to pay overdue disability and elderly allowances.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB
AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda defended the Government’s regulations and orders, saying they were supported by data while the Opposition relied on false allegations. He highlighted paddy procurement in the last Yala season, guaranteed prices, and levy policy as measures to protect farmers and consumers, while citing improved agricultural research, lower inflation, and economic growth as evidence of stabilization. He also rejected Opposition claims on security zones and referred to the recent passage of legislation removing MPs’ pensions as part of changing political culture.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah urged the Government to combine agricultural recovery with efforts to attract foreign investment, arguing that inward-looking politics would not address economic problems. He said the “Ditva” cyclone and floods had severely affected fisheries, paddy, vegetable and floriculture sectors, and called for relief including nets, boats, compensation, subsidized seed paddy, fertilizer, fuel, and concessional electricity for agriculture-related production. He asked the Finance Ministry to prepare realistic national recovery plans, reduce barriers such as high power tariffs and input costs, and create a secure, predictable environment for investors, particularly in agriculture.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the use of Special Commodity Levy regulations to manage imports and encourage local production of items such as onions and potatoes, but argued that levies alone cannot achieve self-sufficiency. He called for broader farmer support, including fertilizer subsidies, timely paddy procurement payments, effective crop insurance, and action on human–wildlife conflict. He also urged the Government to use the Indian grant for developing Kankesanthurai Port to reduce transport costs and improve the northern economy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about Civil Security Department personnel being transferred far from their home districts with inadequate allowances, and requested fair treatment for long-serving officers. He asked for transitional relief for over-30 Postal Department substitutes and for public servants who completed degrees late due to COVID-19 and the economic crisis to be eligible for graduate teaching recruitment. Addressing the SCL Gazette on levies for items such as potatoes and onions, he supported farmer protection but called for seasonally informed, data-based rates and a transparent mechanism to use levy revenue to support farmers while stabilizing consumer prices. He also highlighted falling paddy prices in Anuradhapura and asked when funded paddy dryers would be installed and made operational.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary Several Opposition criticisms of the Special Commodity Levy regulations were rejected, with the Minister stating that the gazettes adjusted or extended existing levy structures rather than imposing new taxes. He said changes to citrus imports under the Pakistan–Sri Lanka FTA, extensions for potatoes and onions, relief exemptions after Cyclone “Ditva,” and concessions for fish and pharmaceutical salt were handled through institutional review, Cabinet approval and parliamentary tabling. He also argued that import data showed no abnormal stockpiling and that the Government’s approach reflected due process and price-stability objectives. He linked these measures to broader economic stabilization, citing improved growth, lower inflation, continued budget discipline and reforms aimed at higher inclusive growth.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved approval of a regulation made under section 5 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007, as published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2465/16 of 04 December 2025 and presented to Parliament on 05 February 2026. The motion, moved on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, was agreed to by the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved approval of a regulation made under sections 2 and 5 of the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2469/12 of 31 December 2025 and presented to Parliament on 5 February 2026. The motion, submitted on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education with Cabinet approval No. 62760, was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, for approval of a Resolution under section 10 of the Customs Ordinance relating to import duties. The Resolution had been presented on 05.02.2026, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2464/15 of 25.11.2025, and Cabinet approval was notified; the House agreed to the motion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Moved approval of regulations made under specified sections of the Motor Traffic Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2463/04 of 17 November 2025 and presented to Parliament on 6 February 2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been notified, and the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Approval was moved for regulations made under sections 126 and 237 of the Motor Traffic Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2467/52 of 17 December 2025 and presented to Parliament on 6 February 2026. The motion was submitted on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, with Cabinet approval notified, and was agreed to by the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 17 Procedural Procedural: Motion for Adjournment and Chair Change 3 speeches
- 18 Adjournment Adjournment: State Free from Corruption, Bribery and Fraud 6 speeches
- 19 Oral question Oral Questions: Crime Statistics, Temple Jewellery, Police Releases, and Infrastructure (1745/2026 - 1851/2026) 12 speeches