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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 19 February 2026

10th Parliament· 18 debates· 239 speeches· 68 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23328 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

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

  8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) 9 speeches
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB

      AI summary Thanura Dissanayake asked whether the Government had conducted a review of firearms issued in Sri Lanka, citing public safety concerns. He requested details on when any such review was carried out, what actions were taken, and its findings.

      Law & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government reviewed firearms issued for personal protection from 1 January 2025, after assuming office in November 2024, with the objective of regulating issuance and limiting individuals to one firearm. He noted deficiencies in past record-keeping that made some firearm issuances difficult to trace, including those issued to politicians. He said the matter had been discussed at the National Security Council, the President had given directions, and the Government would amend the law and introduce stricter rules on issuance and use, coordinated by the Ministries of Defence and Public Security while studying practices in developed countries.

      Law & OrderSecurity & Defence Full speech →
    • The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB

      AI summary Thanura Dissanayake asked whether citizens are charged fees when firearms are issued by the Government, how such charges are calculated, and how refunds are handled when firearms are returned.

      Law & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence explained that compensation for firearms is determined after assessing their current status and value by a committee including officials from the Defence and Finance Ministries, the Government Analyst’s Department, and the Tri-Forces. He stated that government taxes, departmental fees, other charges, and depreciation based on age and condition are deducted from the sale value, with the remaining balance paid to the owner according to government policy.

      Security & Defence Full speech →
    • The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB

      AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara thanked the Deputy Minister for the response and proposed establishing a regular coordinating mechanism in Galle, under the District Coordinating Committee Chair and Secretary, to discuss and prioritize sites identified for archaeological evaluation. He asked whether any legal barrier exists to forming such a committee and proceeding at district level.

      Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister said a mechanism has been prepared under the “Life to Heritage” programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites. He stated that the plan includes establishing district- and divisional-level community protection committees, involving local residents and interested parties, to identify, protect, and guide the preservation of such sites.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB

      AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara asked the Deputy Minister for details on the “Yativara Mapiya Niwahana” programme, which he said had been introduced to address challenges affecting the Buddhist Order, including monks disrobing. He requested information on its implementation, the number of beneficiaries to be supported, and the procedures involved.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake stated that the Ministry will implement the “Yativara Mapiya Niwahana” housing programme for parents of Buddhist monks, in collaboration with the National Housing Development Authority. He said Cabinet approval has been obtained, Rs. 1.5 million will be provided per beneficiary, and the programme will target 1,000 houses nationwide, prioritizing remote and difficult villages, with commencement expected within the year.

      Religion & CultureLand & Housing Full speech →