Sitting of Tuesday, 3 March 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23335 ·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 Message from President 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Regulations, Reports and Orders Tabled 7 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) 12 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 3 (Q.840/2025) - Deferred 3 speeches
- 6 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order and Opposition Walk-out 10 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) 12 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Police Stations and Officers (Q.?/2025) with Supplementaries 10 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Nursing Service (Q.7/2025) 5 speeches
- 10 Procedural Procedural: Standing Order 27(2) Question and Points of Order 9 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question by Private Notice: Reactivation of Deregistered Islamic Charitable Organizations (Q.27(2)) 14 speeches
- 12 Procedural Privilege Question and Procedural Discussion on Coal Supply 23 speeches
- 13 Debate Main Business: Order under Foreign Exchange Act - Motion Introduction 2 speeches
- 14 Debate President's Address on Middle East War Impact and Opposition Response 5 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 55 speeches
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved foreign exchange conditions allow relaxation of earlier restrictions on outward transactions. He highlighted proposed increases to limits for Business Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000, Personal Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 22,000 to USD 25,000, and the reopening of certain outward capital transactions through rupee-funded Outward Investment Accounts. He linked these measures to the Government’s broader economic management, citing revenue performance, relief funding after the “@DOo” cyclone, capital expenditure, lower interest rates, controlled inflation, and recent GDP growth, while calling for cooperation to expand the economy.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman, speaking during the debate on a Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, criticized the Government for not condemning attacks on Iran and argued that the President should have taken a clear non-aligned foreign policy position rather than focusing on operational matters such as oil stocks. He questioned the Government’s shift from its earlier anti-imperialist positions, cited past Sri Lankan leaders’ stances on Palestine and non-alignment, and said Iran had supported Sri Lanka through development assistance and fuel supplies. He also raised concerns about alleged Israeli activity in Sri Lanka, including the continued operation of an allegedly illegal Chabad House, visa fee waivers for Israeli nationals, and reports of IDF personnel in the country, urging the Government to uphold a principled non-aligned policy.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act was being debated against a backdrop of global conflict affecting Sri Lanka’s economy and workers in the Middle East, and stated the Government’s position that world leaders should intervene to stop the war and protect lives. He rejected Opposition claims on rising poverty by citing Official Poverty Line figures and argued that recent reductions reflected inflation control and price moderation. He detailed Government measures to secure LPG and fuel supplies, including import volumes, vessel schedules, daily cylinder distribution, action on companies failing to supply the market, possible cylinder exchanges, and plans to expand storage through new LPG and fuel tank farm projects. He urged the public not to panic-buy, stating that fuel and gas supplies were adequate and that recent shortages were easing.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act as a timely prudential measure to protect reserves while relaxing outward investment limits for companies and overseas business operations. He noted the shift from the older Exchange Control framework to the more facilitative 2017 Act, but raised concerns over frequent Section 22 directions, export proceeds rules, and the adequacy of investment ceilings compared with regional competitors. He proposed a digital National Single Window, phasing out paper clearances, and accelerating digital ID and financial system digitisation to improve foreign exchange monitoring and support Sri Lanka’s positioning as a regional business and finance hub.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan said raising outward investment limits indicates a shift from crisis management toward a growth-oriented strategy. He argued that Sri Lanka should adopt an automatic route for bona fide capital transactions, drawing on India and Singapore, and stressed that becoming a business and financial centre requires institutional reforms in addition to legal changes.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s economic strategy as aimed at building a “resilient economy” capable of withstanding global shocks, and rejected Opposition claims that Sri Lanka would be unable to meet future debt obligations. He cited improvements in remittances, reserves, exports, tourism and investment prospects, and said structural reforms were under way in digitisation, transport, energy and education. Referring to regulations under Section 22 of the 2017 Act, he said the Government was further relaxing outward capital transaction limits, including raising the investor limit from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and the personal cap from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, as a signal of economic recovery and prudent liberalisation.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda spoke during debate on a Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that the Opposition did not wish to create panic over fuel or gas but urged the Government to address reported shortages of gas at village level. He condemned attacks on Iran, citing Iran’s past support to Sri Lanka and the potential impact of regional conflict on Sri Lankans in the Middle East. He also demanded answers on an alleged fraud in the tri-forces dry rations tender, raised concerns about possible dismissal of Parliamentary Police officers, and objected to alleged attempts to override elected Cooperative Hospital boards in Galle District.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB
AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, arguing that the Government has stabilised key economic indicators since taking office after the crisis and bankruptcy period. He cited higher revenue-to-GDP figures, a reduced budget deficit, a positive primary balance, lower interest rates and inflation, and improved balance-of-payments conditions as evidence of recovery. He explained that the Regulation relaxes foreign currency account limits, raising the Business Foreign Currency Account capital payment cap from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and the Personal Foreign Currency Account cap from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, to support investment, debt servicing and resident flexibility.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported amendments to the Exchange Control framework but argued that higher nominal outward investment limits are insufficient without genuine liberalisation, given the erosion of purchasing power since the economic crisis. He urged faster regularisation of outward investment accounts, stronger Central Bank action on durable reserves, exchange-rate stability, growth and employment, and greater investment in renewable energy while scrutinising procurement costs. He called for government and opposition cooperation amid global geopolitical risks, particularly potential disruptions to oil, LNG and LPG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East. He also said Sri Lanka should use the situation to attract foreign direct investment through the BOI and Port City with clearer marketing, tax incentives and investor-friendly policies, while planning for fuel and gas supply continuity.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Asked whether he had already spoken for 12 minutes and should conclude his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka should leverage its proximity to India and pursue deeper economic integration to accelerate growth beyond current 3-4% levels. He criticised reliance on high interest rates to control inflation, saying it contracts the economy, and called for support to SMEs, youth entrepreneurship, and women’s participation in the domestic workforce instead of labour migration. He urged the Government to attract foreign capital through capital accounts, strengthen the balance of payments, support the rupee, and reduce the cost of living.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka’s heavy reliance on imports makes the economy highly vulnerable to rupee depreciation and interest rate increases, citing substantial cost impacts from both. He urged the country not to rely solely on IMF guidance but to undertake its own economic reassessment, improve competitiveness, and attract investment. He also cautioned against escalation of conflict, calling for prudent leadership and policies that improve living standards for Sri Lankans.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported the Regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved reserves, tourism receipts, remittances, and export earnings allow Sri Lanka to gradually relax capital flow measures in line with the IMF EFF programme. He said the regulation facilitates overseas business expansion by increasing limits for capital transactions through foreign currency accounts and reflects economic stabilization. He also defended the President’s statement to Parliament on the Middle East conflict, criticized opposition allegations of corruption, and condemned civilian killings and attacks in Iran while calling for a swift end to the war.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the continuation of emergency regulations after the “Ditsa” cyclone, citing large numbers of displaced families still in shelters or temporary accommodation and alleging insufficient government action after three months. He criticised fuel distribution management, referred to conflicting CPC statements on stocks, and urged the Government to investigate the cutting and sale of Kolonnawa storage tanks as scrap while also raising concerns about Trincomalee tank farm development delays and earlier court actions by unions. He warned against allowing global fuel supply risks to become a domestic crisis, questioned recent fuel price revisions and gas procurement decisions involving Laugfs, and briefly referred to a stalled USD 12 million Maliban Textiles investment in Nikaweratiya expected to create 4,000 jobs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister condemned the conflict in the Middle East, arguing that violations of sovereignty and military action cannot resolve disputes and should be replaced by dialogue and diplomacy. He said the Government is monitoring and supporting the safety of over one million Sri Lankans working in the region, whose families and remittances are important to Sri Lanka. He warned that the war could have economic and social repercussions for Sri Lanka, especially after its recovery from bankruptcy, and criticized attempts to create panic over fuel supplies or gain political advantage from the situation.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the President for not presenting concrete measures on the impact of war and economic risks, including protection for overseas workers, securing fuel, gas and medicines, sustaining exports, attracting investment, and engaging international bodies such as the UN, IAEA, WTO and ILO. He urged the Government to involve the Opposition and wider stakeholders in building consensus and managing public concern over shortages. He also raised dissatisfaction with the Easter Sunday investigations, calling for full inquiries into all alleged links and for answers by 21 April, without using selective arrests or delays to divert attention.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne formally proposed that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi formally seconded the motion under consideration. The House then put the question and agreed to it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara in the Chair
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara took the Chair after the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair. This was a procedural transition in the sitting, with no substantive debate or policy matter raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi supported the relaxation of regulations under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that improved reserves and IMF-linked restructuring had created conditions to attract investment and permit capable Sri Lankan businesses to invest abroad. He cited reserve growth from USD 4.39 billion in 2023 to USD 6.3 billion by January 2026, alongside the resumption of vehicle imports and LC payments, and said the Central Bank sets the relevant thresholds independently. He criticized opposition statements about instability and alleged attempts to create public panic, arguing that such actions could deter investors and risk a return to the 2022 economic crisis.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran argued that Sri Lanka needs stronger investment promotion, export development, tourism promotion, and diplomatic engagement to generate and retain foreign exchange. He raised concerns that high interest rates would not support growth, and questioned how the Government would assist families dependent on remittances if overseas workers are affected by the Gulf conflict. He also asked what contingency plans exist if fuel supplies are disrupted, warning that agriculture, fisheries, and the wider economy could face conditions similar to the 2022-2023 crisis.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne defended the President’s remarks and the Government’s cyclone relief response, citing payment and reconstruction figures, before supporting regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act to further relax capital outflow limits. She said the measures reflect stronger reserves and economic expansion under the IMF-supported programme, with increased revenues from vehicle imports and customs helping fund welfare, disaster relief, wages, health, education and transport. She also highlighted external risks from the Middle East conflict and said Rs. 47.6 billion has been allocated to expand and rehabilitate fuel storage capacity, including tanks, pipelines and new storage facilities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake warned that escalation of the Middle East conflict, including Israeli strikes on Iran, could harm vulnerable countries such as Sri Lanka, and linked this to concerns about national intelligence and the handling of Easter attack-related arrests, including Pilleyan and Azath Salley. He questioned why some former security officials were later promoted while others were detained, and argued that wartime intelligence contributors, including Muslim officers, should be assessed fairly. He also raised practical grievances on possible gas and fuel supply pressures, taxes and licensing burdens on beedi rollers, restrictions affecting small papad producers, alleged non-enforcement against an ice cream factory despite health and court concerns, procurement issues involving backhoe machines, and excessive salary deductions from police officers’ quarters in Galle.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti supported the regulations easing limits on transactions through Foreign Currency Accounts and Personal Foreign Currency Accounts, stating that the increases in capital transaction caps reflect improved foreign exchange confidence and broader economic and political stability. He linked the policy to rising exports, tourism, remittances, investor interest, transparent PPP processes, and controlled vehicle import-related outflows, while arguing that public confidence had prevented panic during recent fuel queues. He said the Government would manage international risks, avoid abusing its parliamentary majority, and use the liberalisation to encourage reinvestment, strengthen markets, and sustain stability.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe supported the extension of Regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017, noting the Central Bank’s role in regulating foreign exchange. He said the six-month extension increases limits for payments through Foreign Currency Accounts from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and personal capital transactions through PFCA from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000. He framed the changes as part of a gradual expansion of the economy and increased opportunities for those earning foreign exchange.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe said the Government had strengthened foreign reserves through remittances, tourism and restrained foreign travel expenditure, contrasting President Anura Dissanayake’s reported travel costs with those of previous administrations. He argued that the Opposition, particularly the former 2015-2019 government, lacked credibility in offering economic advice, citing lower growth and increased international sovereign bond borrowing during that period. He also accused the Opposition and some media of attempting to create public unrest around fuel queues and other protests, while stating that the Government was addressing genuine issues without unnecessary agitation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper criticised the Government and President for not condemning alleged violations of international law by the United States and Israel in relation to an ongoing war, and called on Americans to impeach President Donald Trump in the interests of global peace. He argued that Sri Lanka should not be subservient to major powers and said Muslim supporters of the Government were disappointed by the absence of a clear condemnation. He also alleged past links between Sri Lankan military intelligence and Zaharan Hashim’s extremist group from 2012, claiming such actions were part of attempts to create a new communal target after the defeat of the LTTE, and called for these matters to be exposed to dismantle what the President had described as a “deep state.”
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary The Minister presented regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act to extend existing foreign exchange liberalizations for six months and introduce further relaxations for Business and Personal Foreign Currency Accounts. He said BFCA investment usage limits would rise from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and PFCA limits from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, with Central Bank monitoring, in order to mobilize part of the USD 3.2 billion held in such accounts for productive investment. He argued that external sector conditions had stabilized by 2025, citing reserves support from tourism earnings, record remittances, a positive current account balance, managed imports including vehicles and fuel, and improved secondary-market pricing of restructured bonds.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB
AI summary The Hon. Nanda Bandara supported the regulation under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, stating that raising the reinvestment cap for foreign exchange earners from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 would help Sri Lankan businesses expand internationally and support remittances and growth. He criticized the Opposition’s approach and contrasted the Government’s response to the recent “Ditva” cyclone in Kegalle with disaster resettlement under the previous Yahapalana administration. He also highlighted Government allocations for district-level production economy initiatives, including Rs. 1 billion for Kegalle to support self-employment and SMEs through grants, concessional loans, and interest subsidies.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that Sri Lanka has made significant post-Independence development gains despite conflict, and criticized the LTTE and JVP for obstructing national progress, while also responding to concerns over fuel queues by attributing them to external tensions and public reaction rather than supply failure. He raised allegations regarding a coal procurement tender, naming Trident Chemphar Limited and its local agent Panaurora (Pvt.) Ltd., and claimed substandard coal supplies had caused major losses linked to the Norochcholai power plant. He urged the Minister in charge of Police to direct the CID to investigate the local agent and associated individuals, citing media reports as the basis for the allegations.
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Foreign Exchange Act regulation reflected improved external-sector stability after recent foreign exchange shortages, arguing that public confidence and financial discipline had prevented attempted artificial shortages from escalating. He rejected claims that the President had described Sri Lanka as a “failed state,” saying the criticism was directed at past administrations’ failure to develop infrastructure after Independence. He also briefed Parliament on measures taken amid Middle East tensions, including consular notices, a hotline, an operations centre, mobilization of missions, assistance to two injured Sri Lankans, and contingency discussions with the IOM while prioritizing de-escalation and the safety of Sri Lankans abroad.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra stated that good governance could help Sri Lanka rapidly progress toward becoming a developed, livable, and prosperous country. He said the Government would follow its own policy and roadmap rather than accept the Opposition’s narratives.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Civil Defence Personnel Secondment 7 speeches
- 17 Procedural Deferred Questions and Parliament Adjournment 6 speeches