Sitting of Thursday, 19 February 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23328 ·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 Auditor-General's Report 3 speeches
- 2 Committee report Committee Report: 17th Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 3 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Members of Current Parliament - Salaries and Allowances (Q.117/2024) 9 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Water Supply to Porativu Pattu DS Division and Araiyampathi (Q.353/2025) 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Drug Varieties Manufactured by SPMC (Q.) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Kaduruwela Market Complex (Q.) 13 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) 9 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Consumer Price Controls and Raids (Q.10-1834/2026) 4 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Hospital Attendants Shortage and Mahaweli Land Allocation (Q.) 7 speeches
- 11 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order on Standing Orders and Party Representation 13 speeches
- 12 Procedural Statement and Procedural: Legal Basis of Financial Bankruptcy Declaration and Standing Order Debate 31 speeches
- 13 Debate Private Members' Bill: Kandyan Marriage and Divorce (Amendment) Bill 3 speeches
- 14 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order on Standing Orders and Bill Presentation 14 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading 38 speeches
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government has intensified narcotics enforcement through the “Get Out” programme, citing increased seizures of heroin, “ice” and cannabis in 2025 compared with 2024 and over 280,000 arrests. He explained that amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act are intended to establish Sri Lankan jurisdiction over drug offences committed on the high seas, in line with UNCLOS and UN drug conventions, and to enable prosecution of traffickers intercepted by the Navy or Coast Guard. He also stated that demand reduction must accompany supply enforcement, proposing expanded voluntary rehabilitation and a public-health approach for drug users while targeting large-scale traffickers.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna cited Standing Order 111(7) on the role of Sectoral Oversight Committees in examining appointments within their jurisdiction. He said an “End Post” appointment at Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, made under a previous government, had no basis in the Service Minutes and had not been referred to the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committee despite a request. He asked the Speaker to have the Chair of the Health-related Sectoral Oversight Committee respond, arguing that the Standing Orders were being violated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera supported the Bills and the amendments made following Sectoral Oversight Committee input, but argued that drug control efforts have not produced a practical reduction in the availability of heroin and “ice” in areas such as Kalutara and Matugama. He questioned whether seized drugs are re-entering circulation and cited failures in prison security, including non-functioning phone jammers and continued criminal activity from prisons, as evidence of systemic weaknesses. He called for a reorganization of the Police, stronger leadership and administration, and effective prosecution mechanisms, while noting that existing Trial-at-Bar courts established under Act No. 9 of 2018 have not received new cases under the current Government. He also raised concern about fair trial and open court requirements in ongoing proceedings, including the Easter Sunday attack trial.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill but urged attention to practical issues affecting access to justice. He argued that courts located far from the main court complex create difficulties for lawyers, litigants, victims and accused persons, and proposed using vacated judicial buildings or relocating Commercial High Courts. He also called for legal reforms to allow courts, in appropriate maintenance, divorce or child access cases where paternity is disputed, to compel DNA testing under a proper statutory framework.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara raised a point of order to dispute statements made by Hon. Ajith P. Perera, saying they were inaccurate and amounted to contempt of court. He clarified that the relevant court proceedings are open to the public and media, not conducted in secret, and noted that similar remarks made outside Parliament would carry legal consequences.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera briefly challenged Harshana Nanayakkara to attempt to enter certain court proceedings, implying concern or dispute over access to them. The remark was made in Parliament with an indication that he would repeat it publicly outside the House as well.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB
AI summary The Deputy Speaker supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the related Judicature Act amendment, stating that they close legal gaps in prosecuting drug trafficking on the high seas and give the High Court jurisdiction over such offences. He argued that Sri Lanka’s maritime location exposes it to international drug syndicates and that the amendments align national law with international conventions and strengthen maritime enforcement. He also urged a balanced approach combining firm action against traffickers with rehabilitation, prevention, education and treatment for victims of addiction.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill as part of efforts to address the national drug problem. He stated that after 2009 drug use was deliberately directed at youth in the North and East and has since spread across the country, underscoring the need for legal reforms to control dangerous drugs.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the amendment Bill addressing narcotics control, citing National Dangerous Drugs Control Board 2024 arrest figures and stressing the impact of drugs, especially methamphetamine, on youth, families, education and public health. He called for stronger action against illicit alcohol in rural areas, higher penalties for producers and distributors, and a comprehensive framework including awareness, counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration facilities, particularly in every Divisional Secretariat division in Batticaloa District. He also urged immediate compensation for Batticaloa farmers affected by recent rains, the Titli cyclone’s aftermath, and elephant incursions damaging paddy fields.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Over 200,000 people were arrested on drug-related charges in 2024. Dr. Elayathamby Srinath called for proper psychological counselling for drug users and urged the presentation of a rehabilitation plan for them.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over a continuing gas shortage, stating that consumers were facing long queues and hardship, including mothers, elders, and children. He urged the Government to acknowledge the shortage and take immediate action to resolve it, arguing that such deprivation affects the public’s rights.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to concerns about gas queues, stating that the issue was caused by Laugfs halting distribution for two to three weeks, prompting its customers to seek Litro gas and creating a temporary demand surge. He said Litro, which supplies over 80 percent of the market, would increase daily releases from about 1,200 to 1,500 metric tons for several days, had buffer stocks, and had scheduled incoming shipments. He added that Laugfs had been instructed in writing and summoned by the Consumer Affairs Authority to resume supply, with a Laugfs shipment expected on the 25th.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that he raised reports of shortages, including information obtained through social media, in order to seek a solution rather than to provoke unrest. He acknowledged that official supply schedules may be in place but said shortages were occurring in some areas, and urged the Minister to address the issue on behalf of consumers without turning it into a debate.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the recent LPG market tightness was due to Laugfs being unavailable while Litro continued supply, prompting consumers to rush to purchase gas. He said Litro would release 1,500 metric tons per day for three days to cover the shortfall and that directions had been issued to the relevant company, with further decisions to be taken if it failed to comply.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary An audio recording was played in the Chamber at the request of Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake. No substantive argument, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said he had previously warned Parliament that replacing the long-standing Omani state gas supplier with a Swiss company would lead to supply problems. He argued that the new supplier lacked adequate shipping capacity and experience in Asia, despite offering a price 15 US cents lower, and that reliability should have been considered given Litro’s importance to most consumers. He noted that he had raised this concern on 25 December and contrasted it with the Minister’s assurance that there would be no gas shortage.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake requested additional time and asserted that he and the Leader of the Opposition were not responsible for the queues being discussed. He urged the House to acknowledge the existence of a shortage and rejected the suggestion that they were engaging in media-oriented theatrics.
Cost of Living Full speech → - The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe’s recorded intervention consists only of an address to the Deputy Speaker. No substantive issue, proposal, question, or argument is provided in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary The tender was awarded to the lowest bidder, and no breach of tender conditions by that supplier has been identified. The issue arose when a private company supplying about 20 percent of the market failed to deliver, increasing demand on the other company, and measures are being taken to resolve the situation.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that choosing a cheaper gas supplier is not sufficient if it cannot guarantee uninterrupted supply. He stated that a small price saving would be outweighed by shortages that force the public to search for gas.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said there was no overall gas shortage, stating that Litro’s tendered supplies were arriving as scheduled, with 24,000 metric tons delivered in January and further February shipments due on the 22nd, 26th and 28th. He attributed temporary market tightness to disruptions at Laugfs, which led consumers to shift to Litro, and said Litro would raise daily releases from 1,100–1,200 metric tons to 1,500 metric tons for three days. He said the Consumer Affairs Authority had summoned Laugfs, was instructed to ensure supplies to its customers, and would take legal action if necessary, while the Government would intervene to protect consumers if the private supplier failed to cooperate.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, arguing that narcotics are a common social threat requiring united action, strict enforcement, and prevention efforts involving religious institutions. He criticized alleged politicization of drug issues and raised concerns about government conduct toward Buddhist clergy. He also sought explanations on the 2026 Tri-Forces dry ration tender, claiming a Rs. 180 million loss, urged permanency for casual workers at Ceylon Mineral Sands, and questioned contradictory public statements by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka regarding wartime “white flag” allegations.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, arguing that court expansion, additional judges, and revised jurisdictions would reduce delays and improve access to justice, including for remote communities and investors. He said stronger drug laws are needed to address evolving narcotics trafficking, particularly maritime smuggling, and to enable action against vessels operating near or beyond Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary. He highlighted rising drug use and related crime in the Northern Province after 2009, citing increased arrests, hospital admissions, and limited rehabilitation capacity, and called for expanded rehabilitation services and support for the President’s “The Whole Nation Together” anti-drug programme.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan supported the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, stating that higher penalties are needed to address drug trafficking and related violence. He cited recent killings linked to drug cases, including incidents involving court premises and legal professionals, and urged stronger law-and-order measures, maximum punishment for offenders, and public cooperation. He also called for prevention through religious and ethical guidance, parental care, livelihood support, and robust national action to curb drug use and distribution.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- 16 Debate Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill 65 speeches
- 17 Debate Debate (Final Stage): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Third Reading and Amendments 4 speeches
- 18 Adjournment Adjournment 7 speeches