Sitting of Friday, 6 March 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23376 ·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 Speaker's Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Reports 4 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) 10 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Vacancies in Education Services 5 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Energy (Q.107/2024) 3 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Questions: Various Tabled Answers (Health, Justice, Education) 8 speeches
- 10 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministry Statements 4 speeches
- 11 Oral question Ministry Statements 9 speeches
- 12 Procedural Points of Order and Procedural Matters 11 speeches
- 13 Procedural Government Business Motion 2 speeches
- 14 Debate Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency 85 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Moved for parliamentary approval of the President’s Proclamation under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance, bringing Part II of the Ordinance into operation throughout Sri Lanka from 28 February 2026. The motion seeks formal approval of the emergency-related proclamation, and the question was proposed to the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence supported extending the state of emergency and continuing essential public services, citing ongoing recovery needs after the November “Dittu” cyclone and potential disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East, including pressures on fuel supply, maritime operations, and air operations. He said emergency powers and the Commissioner-General of Essential Services were being used to coordinate relief, maintain essential goods and services, and support displaced persons, with officials, the tri-forces, and police working across districts. He rejected Opposition claims of misuse of emergency powers, stating they were being applied for public welfare, security, livelihood restoration, and continuity of services while upholding the rule of law.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala opposed the motion to extend the emergency, arguing that the Government had not presented concrete reasons and that normal laws and administrative mechanisms were sufficient for public security, disaster relief, and service delivery. He alleged that the extension was intended to suppress public demands, trade union action, and democratic dissent, including concerns raised by village-level officials following the “Dittu” cyclone, and tabled a related letter. He also urged the Government to address substantive issues such as alleged substandard coal imports affecting the Norochcholai power plant and the risk of a wider power crisis.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister defended the extension of emergency regulations, arguing that over the previous three months they had not been used to repress protests, media criticism, or social media activity, and asked the Opposition to provide specific evidence if alleging misuse. She said the extension was needed to maintain essential services after a major disaster, support ongoing needs assessments, and coordinate medium- and long-term recovery through international-standard post-disaster planning. She outlined rebuilding priorities including resilient transport and school infrastructure, a Presidential Task Force with subcommittees, urgent attention to people still in camps, and coordination among road authorities and the tri-forces where necessary.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran acknowledged the potential impact of Middle East instability on Sri Lanka’s fuel, foreign exchange, employment, tourism and maritime sectors, and said MPs from the North and East would support measures to protect the country from global economic shocks. However, he opposed extending emergency regulations under Gazette 2477/46, warning that extraordinary powers must not be used to restrict peaceful protests, Tamil political expression, land rights campaigns or demands relating to the disappeared, political prisoners and wartime accountability. He highlighted the families of the forcibly disappeared in Mullaitivu entering their tenth year of protest, and urged that any use of emergency powers align national security with citizens’ rights and equal protection.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister moved approval for a Gazette resolution under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance declaring specified essential services, arguing that the measure is limited to sectors such as energy, health, transport, water, food supply, banking, local authority services, irrigation, telecommunications and agriculture to ensure continuity of public services. He said the powers had facilitated relief operations after the “Dittu” cyclone by allowing resources and personnel to be redirected despite administrative constraints, and rejected Opposition claims that the regulations were intended for repression. He also defended the Government’s foreign policy amid Iran–US tensions, stating Sri Lanka remains neutral, supports peace, and will not allow its territory, airspace or waters to be used to harm others, while disputing Opposition and social media claims about a vessel and alleged intelligence-sharing.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa challenged the Government’s justification for the state of emergency, citing an alleged torpedo attack within Sri Lanka’s EEZ and questioning surveillance capability, maritime security readiness, and diplomatic action. He warned that closure of the Strait of Hormuz and war-risk surcharges could raise fuel, food, medicine, LNG/LPG, tourism, tea export, and remittance-related pressures, and called for immediate engagement with India and Russia to secure fuel supplies. He also demanded plans to address possible marine environmental damage, protect Sri Lankan migrant workers in the Middle East, and clarify the type of submarine involved, while alleging that low-grade coal procurement and electricity tariff increases were undermining energy security under emergency cover.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government is monitoring the evolving global situation under the President’s direction, including its economic, energy, and communications dimensions. He stated that appropriate action would be taken when necessary, in response to remarks by the Leader of the Opposition.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s handling of a recent maritime and diplomatic incident involving India, Iran and the United States, questioning the Navy Commander’s responsibility and urging greater assertion of Sri Lanka’s interests while expressing relief that a second ship was saved. He questioned the timing and purpose of emergency measures in the context of Easter Sunday attack investigations, citing unresolved claims of a “grand conspiracy.” He also called for investigations or corrective action regarding alleged forged deeds in UDA land payments, cancellation of 700 small sand mining permits in Trincomalee in favour of one company, unfair allocation of JICA training opportunities, and inadequate planning for gas supplies. He urged the Government to heed Opposition warnings and convene Parliament collectively during national crises.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne defended the Government’s extension of the emergency, arguing it was necessary to coordinate relief, restore infrastructure, and support communities affected by the “Dittu” disaster while the country was recovering from bankruptcy. She said the Government had acted neutrally and in accordance with international law in relation to the Middle East conflict, citing rescue and recovery operations involving sailors and bodies from vessels. She outlined the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” mechanism and its subcommittees, reported Disaster Management Centre figures on affected families and persons in safety centres, and called for psychosocial support for victims. She rejected Opposition allegations of misuse of emergency powers and asked for evidence rather than general claims.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera said relief following the “Dittu” emergency remained inadequate despite the Opposition’s initial support, noting delays in payments for damaged household goods, housing assistance, alternative accommodation, and compensation for deceased or missing persons. He urged the Government to urgently begin disbursing the promised Rs. 500,000 support for families in red zones and fully affected households through a clear process. He also raised concerns that local officials lacked stable circulars, legal cover, resources, and technical assessments needed to release funds without personal risk, while the Government sought to extend the emergency.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees [Mrs. Hemali Weerasekera]
AI summary The sitting was suspended until 1.00 p.m. and then resumed with the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Mrs. Hemali Weerasekera, presiding.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the Emergency Regulations, arguing that they are needed to manage risks to energy supplies, tourism, exports, transport services, and Sri Lankan migrant workers arising from the Middle East conflict and wider geopolitical instability. He said the Government had entered 2026 after strong economic performance in 2025, but now faced external shocks requiring coordinated policy responses. He criticized Opposition statements as creating public anxiety and urged Parliament to act responsibly, citing IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s remarks on Sri Lanka’s economic path and the need to focus on domestic policy measures. He emphasized protection mechanisms for overseas Sri Lankans and other affected sectors, and endorsed the President’s position of neutrality, humaneness, and commitment to peace.
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported continued investigations to bring those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks to justice, while distinguishing that from broader use of emergency and anti-terrorism powers. He condemned war in general, referred to the Gulf conflict and Sri Lanka’s own history of oppression and conflict, and rejected attempts to blame India over the reported sinking of an Iranian warship, noting India’s role as a first responder in crises. He argued that the Prevention of Terrorism Act had been misused against communities and political movements, warned against using it to suppress public protests, and demanded its repeal while accepting its use only against those genuinely connected to the Easter attacks.
- The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj supported the extension of the Emergency, arguing that it is needed to respond to the aftermath of Cyclone “Ditwah”, floods, and wider global pressures including the Middle East conflict affecting Sri Lankan workers abroad. He distinguished the measure under the Public Security Ordinance from the PTA and said it was being used for relief, rehabilitation, and stability rather than repression. He also highlighted the role of public officers in disaster response, proposed enhanced allowances for their additional work, and cited government assistance to plantation workers and housing for landslide-affected families in Poonagala as examples of support to vulnerable communities.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported the time-bound extension of Emergency Regulations, arguing that they are necessary under the Public Security Ordinance to maintain essential services and manage recovery after the recent natural disaster. She said the powers are being used for disaster management, rebuilding, procurement, land acquisition where needed, and uninterrupted service delivery, not to suppress expression, media freedom, assembly or protests. She rejected the Opposition’s claim that the Disaster Management Act is sufficient, citing limited meetings of its National Council since 2005 as evidence of practical shortcomings.
- The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar said the Emergency declared during Cyclone “Ditwah” should be used to maintain essential services, not to intimidate online critics, and questioned the Government’s handling of social media and promised amendments to the Online Safety Bill. He raised concerns over allegedly substandard coal supplied to Norochcholai, citing PUCSL findings of reduced generation capacity, high ash content, shipment delays, and an estimated Rs. 8,497 million loss from nine ships. He warned that continued use of such coal could lead to power cuts or costly diesel generation, and called for penalties, accountability, and for Members of Parliament to inspect Norochcholai before costs are passed to consumers.
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra supported the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to extend the Emergency, arguing that it provides a framework for preparedness, coordination, public order, essential services and stability rather than restricting democratic freedoms. He linked the need for vigilance to escalating Middle East tensions affecting Indian Ocean trade routes, energy supplies, shipping costs and supply chains, and called for de-escalation, respect for international law, UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and safe sea lanes. He also cited the response to Cyclone “Ditwah” as an example of the need for coordinated civil, security and international assistance during crises.
- The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF
AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne opposed extending the Emergency, arguing that while it was justified during Cyclone “Ditwah,” the Government had not shown a current necessity and could use existing presidential powers for short-term fuel or gas supply concerns. He said the Emergency should be used to deliver practical relief rather than control the public, citing unresolved transport disruptions, delayed railway repairs, inadequate bus services, pending damage assessments, limited compensation, and lack of resettlement land in affected areas including Gampola, Mawatugama, Ududumbara, Gangoda, Doluwa and Rajathalawa. He requested clear timelines from the Government on rail restoration, compensation, assessments, shelter and land allocation, while urging preparation for possible fuel risks linked to the Iran situation through proper procedures.
- The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer defended the post-“Ditwah” Emergency as a measure to restore normalcy after cyclone damage, such as disrupted rail services, rather than to suppress the Opposition. He urged political unity amid global conflict risks, welcomed the President’s statement of Sri Lanka’s neutral and humane position following the attack on an Iranian vessel, and said no country should violate another’s sovereignty or attack civilians. He criticised attempts to politicize the Iranian incident, noting the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s interests given the large number of Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East.
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the need to extend the Emergency, arguing that existing Gazettes and circulars had already established mechanisms for post-“Ditwah” relief and asking whether they would be invalid without the extension. He alleged that the Government was using Emergency powers to conceal incompetence and corruption, including issues related to coal procurement and operational failures at Norochcholai. He also called for the Chair of the Public Enterprises Committee to resign pending a proper investigation into the coal deals, and demanded that the Government explain the legal necessity for any further Emergency regulations.
- The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna defended the extension of Emergency Regulations as necessary for continuing disaster relief and reconstruction after the November disaster, citing displaced families in relief centres and the need to expedite land acquisition and rebuilding. He rejected Opposition claims that Emergency was being used to enable corruption or suppress dissent, pointing to improvements in Sri Lanka’s corruption ranking and saying protests had been addressed through dialogue. He also highlighted government measures to purchase paddy at guaranteed prices and linked the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme to restoring homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a procedural objection that the Emergency Gazette should have been presented with its applicable regulations and said the House should not permit repeated lapses. He argued that due process was being applied unevenly, contrasting the bribery proceedings against Ranil Wickremesinghe with those against Minister Kumara Jayakody, and cited High Court case HCB 481/2026 and Bribery Commission file 1059/2015. He also alleged misuse of the PTA in Mr. Saleh’s case, noting uncertainty over his suspect status despite detention, and called for equal application of the law and an end to such practices.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned whether two American surveillance aircraft had been operating along or over Sri Lanka since March 2, and linked this to concerns about the implementation of agreements such as ACSA and SOFA. He said President Anura Dissanayake had previously pledged to cancel such agreements, and asked what steps the Government was now taking in relation to them.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan praised President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for acting to save 208 people aboard an Iranian ship. He framed the action as a humanitarian decision taken in accordance with international law despite external pressure.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was seconded, put to the House, and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the extension of the state of emergency while highlighting the Government’s handling of recent maritime incidents near Sri Lanka, including the rescue of 32 crew members and assistance to Iranian nationals. He argued that the President, Navy, Air Force, Government and public acted humanely, neutrally and in accordance with international conventions during a wider Middle East conflict. He criticized Opposition members for allegedly spreading unverified claims about vessels and submarines, stating that such matters must be managed responsibly under international law to protect Sri Lanka’s people and international standing.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman challenged Government criticism of the Yahapalana administration over the Easter attacks, noting that key investigators now relied on by the Government had been appointed during that period. He questioned why the Government delayed action for six days after Iranian vessels sought permission to enter Sri Lankan waters, arguing that earlier naval intervention could have saved lives, while acknowledging the President’s later decision to rescue those aboard. He also called for an inquiry into whether the Navy Commander had invited the Iranian ships and criticised the Government’s claim of neutrality, citing reported condemnation of Iranian attacks and silence on civilian deaths and the assassination of a state leader. Rahuman argued that the JVP-led Government had departed from its previous anti-imperialist positions and urged it to take principled stands on international injustices without implying military alignment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe defended the state of emergency as a necessary framework for disaster response following Cyclone Ditwah, arguing that it is being used to coordinate institutions, resettle displaced people, and provide infrastructure rather than suppress dissent. He cited figures from Kegalle District, stating that 3,756 people require resettlement by 31 December 2026, and referred to ongoing work to address both current cyclone-affected families and unresolved displacement from the 2016 Aranayake landslide. He contrasted this with past uses of emergency powers, including during 1971, 1983, 2000-2009 and 2022, and said no recent protests had been repressed under the current emergency.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the President’s reported reference to Sri Lanka as “hundu” and questioned the effectiveness of government initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” while expressing concern about the use of emergency powers and CID action against online content creators. He alleged continuing irregularities and misconduct in hospitals and mortuaries, citing the case of a deceased 23-year-old woman from Hatton, delays in post-mortems, and unresolved inquiries relating to Akkaraipattu Base Hospital. He also raised concerns over coal-related controversies, the absence of protests under the current Government, the reported refuge sought by two Vadamarachchi fishermen in India, and requested an in-depth inquiry into a boat capsize near Palaithivu that caused three deaths.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary During the debate on extending the emergency, Darmapriya Wijesinghe rejected Opposition criticisms regarding the Easter investigations, the handling of the US–Israel–Iran conflict, and procedures connected to emergency regulations. He said the Government follows a non-aligned foreign policy, will independently provide humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean region where necessary, and applies international legal processes to requests by foreign vessels or parties seeking entry. He also challenged claims that emergency regulations should have been tabled at the time of approval and argued that the Government is acting to safeguard national and public security.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera rose on a Point of Order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question is recorded in the provided speech extract.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera responded to remarks made in his absence, clarifying that his earlier reference was to naval cadets on a ship near Sri Lanka and that the number was later identified as 208 rather than about 300. He said his position was that they should be brought to port and assisted on humanitarian grounds, irrespective of nationality, and thanked the President for ultimately taking that action. He criticized opposing calls not to admit them as inhumane.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman raised a point of clarification, stating that his earlier remarks had been misrepresented regarding the timing of Iranian ships’ arrival. He said he had referred to the President’s statement that Iran requested permission on 26 February for the ships to come, not that the ships were scheduled to arrive between 26 and 28 February.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Faiszer Musthapha questioned the continued need for emergency regulations five months after Cyclone “Ditwah,” arguing that ordinary legal protections are displaced without a clear justification. He criticised the broad Gazette declaration of essential public services, saying it effectively covers much of the State apparatus and could expose workers to imprisonment, property confiscation, and loss of professional registration for non-compliance. He urged the Government to improve administrative efficiency through ordinary means and not extend emergency powers unless a specific threat justifies them.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected Opposition claims that the extension of emergency regulations was intended to suppress trade union action, stating that issues involving Grama Niladharis and Disaster Management officials had been addressed through dialogue. He defended the Government’s handling of the “IRIS DANA” incident, arguing that Sri Lanka was legally obliged under UNCLOS, the SAR Convention and the Geneva Conventions to assist persons in distress at sea. He also said Sri Lanka would maintain a non-aligned position, act humanely in line with international law, and manage possible economic and security consequences of the regional conflict.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that the Government has shifted from its earlier anti-Western positions while claiming non-alignment, and questioned what agreements had been reached with the United States and India and whether they affect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. He said Sri Lanka’s strategic location requires balanced relations with major powers, including India, without “signing away” autonomy. He also criticized the Government’s handling of Cyclone Ditwah relief, claiming promised assistance had not materialized adequately, and linked weak growth, business distress, and stalled investment to past opposition by the JVP/NPP to private-sector-led development and reforms.
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof condemned the targeting of civilians in the Middle East conflict, specifically criticizing Israel’s offensive and United States support, while stating that Iran’s actions were directed at military targets rather than Arab countries. He argued that Sri Lanka should maintain its traditional non-aligned and pro-Palestinian position, abandon any perceived pro-US or pro-Israel stance, and act in support of justice and world peace. He warned that the continuation of the war could seriously affect countries such as Sri Lanka and questioned the Government’s official position and actions to help stop the conflict.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof welcomed the President’s remarks and urged the country to take a just position that promotes national unity. He called for the Government and Opposition to work without division in formulating and adopting a common action plan to address the challenges ahead.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the extension of emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that they are necessary for national security, public order, essential services, and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. He defended the Government’s non-aligned foreign policy amid tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, condemned attacks on Iran, and thanked the President for humanitarian assistance to Iranian seafarers. He also said Muslims were now able to observe Ramadan peacefully under the current Government and accused the Opposition of politicizing international and communal issues for electoral gain.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna moved a procedural motion proposing that Hon. Mrs. Sagarika Athauuda take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Prof. Sena Nanayakkara left the Chair and Mrs. Sagarika Athauuda assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake said the extension of emergency regulations introduced after Cyclone Ditwah should be the final one, arguing that promised compensation for affected households, students, and small and medium businesses had not yet been fully paid. Citing media reports and a UNDP survey, he said many displaced families remained in hardship and urged the Government to expedite relief payments. He linked disaster recovery to broader economic concerns, calling for reconstruction through grants and foreign direct investment rather than debt, stronger foreign exchange earnings from tourism, tea and investment, and measures to protect the rupee. He urged the Government to use regional instability in the Middle East as an opportunity to attract capital to Sri Lanka, including through Port City and energy-related investment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra said Sri Lanka’s actions regarding Iranian vessels were governed by its non-aligned foreign policy, neutrality, and obligations under international law. She argued that Sri Lanka could not admit vessels of a party to a conflict for war purposes, but was legally and humanely obliged to rescue mariners in distress after a reported attack outside Sri Lankan waters. She stated that the Navy rescued 32 persons from IRIS Dena and 208 from IRIS Bushehr, took the vessel into custody at Trincomalee, and acted to protect lives while maintaining neutrality. She criticised Opposition claims about delays and casualties, saying they misrepresented the legal basis and humanitarian nature of the Government’s response.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra argued that while Sri Lanka supports the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, it lacks the capacity to police the entire ocean and can only secure its territorial waters and EEZ. She said the Government and Navy acted on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with international law, rejecting Opposition claims that Sri Lanka had taken part in any military action such as assisting the United States against an Iranian ship. She maintained that Sri Lanka’s response enhanced its international reputation and urged rejection of what she described as Opposition distortions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam stated that his party would call for a Division and vote against extending the emergency regulations, arguing that the cyclone no longer justified emergency powers and that the extension was being used to restrict democratic activity. He said emergency rule had historically enabled abuses against Tamils, with continued militarization and lack of accountability in the North and East, citing the Allaipiddy killing as evidence of ongoing impunity. He also requested the Fisheries Minister to intervene with Indian authorities to secure the repatriation of two Jaffna fishermen rescued near Kachchativu and the return of their boat and property without legal action.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda questioned the rationale for extending emergency regulations, arguing that the Government had not demonstrated that it could deliver justice or relief more effectively under emergency powers, including for those displaced by Cyclone “Ditwah.” He raised concerns about the Middle East crisis affecting tea exports, apparel, fuel, gas, tourism and the wider economy, and asked the Government to state its contingency plans and clarify the terms of a defence pact signed with the United States. He also criticized the arrest of former intelligence chief Mr. Salley while questioning the handling of Easter attacks investigations, and urged justice for the victims. He requested attention to the transfer of a female Ceylon Petroleum Corporation security officer with an autistic child and to postings of women police officers over 50 to distant districts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar supported the extension of emergency regulations, arguing that they were introduced in response to the “Ditwah” cyclone and later needed amid regional tensions caused by conflict in the Middle East, while stating that emergency laws and the PTA should ultimately be reformed or repealed. He contrasted the current Government’s use of emergency powers with past administrations, claiming no innocent civilians had been targeted under them during the present administration, and criticized Opposition and Tamil parties for politicizing the issue. He also reported a fatal boat accident near Paalai Theevu, expressed condolences, and said the Navy and fisheries officials had responded to assist victims.
- The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK
AI summary Condolences were conveyed over a boat accident near Paalai Theevu in Kilinochchi District, in which two people died and more than ten were injured, with concern raised about alleged inadequate safety measures. The need to address unemployment in the North and East was emphasized, including by urgently developing the Kankesanthurai harbour using India’s USD 61 million grant and concluding related Sri Lanka-India MoUs on trade, transport, connectivity and investment. The speech criticized the Government’s stance on wartime accountability, arguing that Tamil civilian losses in Mullivaikkal and Vakarai remain unaddressed, and opposed emergency regulations and PTA-related investigations as continuing repression of Tamil youth and students.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the time-bound extension of the state of emergency, stating it was needed for Ditwah cyclone-related essential services and preparedness amid global security uncertainties affecting Sri Lanka’s maritime and humanitarian responsibilities. He argued that incidents such as the IRIS vessel off Galle required legal readiness for search-and-rescue, investigation and medical response while maintaining a neutral humanitarian position. He rejected Opposition allegations of misuse of emergency powers and misinformation, saying no substantiated instance of abuse had been presented and that the relevant emergency regulations had already been gazetted.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam called for a Division during the proceedings. The record notes that this occurred before the conclusion of the Division Bell, indicating a procedural move to formally vote on the matter before the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB
AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara indicated support during a vote. He asked Members on his left who were unable to record their votes digitally to rise and make their position known.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB
AI summary Kitnan Selvaraj indicated support during a division and confirmed that no further Members were unable to record their votes. The electronic vote was then concluded, with the result announced as 106 Ayes, 8 Noes and no abstentions.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya moved for parliamentary approval of the Presidential Proclamation published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2477/47 of 28 February 2026 under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979. The proclamation and its schedule, presented on 3 March 2026, were approved by the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 15 Adjournment Adjournment 1 speeches