Sitting of Thursday, 19 March 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23381 ·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 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers and Petitions 5 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) 5 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Arabic Colleges: Upgrading (Q.1551/2025) 8 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Demarcation of Local Authority Areas and Wards: Trincomalee District (Q.1558/2025) 5 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Deferred Question (Q.1716/2025) 3 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Housing Projects in Ihalagama, Kadiyangalla and Manewa GN Divisions (Q.1783/2025) 7 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Department of Motor Traffic: Registration of Vehicles (Q.1822/2026) 7 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) 5 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Multi-Purpose Service Centres in Mannar District (Q.1455/2025) 4 speeches
- 12 Oral question Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector 13 speeches
- 13 Procedural Procedural Motion: Time of Sitting 1 speeches
- 14 Debate Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval 32 speeches
- 15 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis 59 speeches
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary A motion was moved to adjourn Parliament. The Chair then proposed the question on the adjournment motion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman moved an Adjournment Motion calling on the Government to present a roadmap to maintain normal life amid global conflict-related economic pressures affecting fuel, tourism, exports and remittances, especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period. He criticized the Government’s delayed response to emerging Middle East tensions and fuel supply risks, alleged that fuel stocks bought at old prices were being sold at higher prices, and urged immediate pump-price relief and a fuel availability app. He also questioned foreign policy handling, warned against blaming future power cuts on the war, and demanded accountability over alleged coal procurement losses, including that the relevant Minister step aside pending investigations.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem seconded the Motion and urged that Mondays be designated as sitting days to compensate for the Wednesday fuel-conservation holiday, arguing that Parliament should maintain four sitting days during national crises and that the decision lies with parliamentary authorities rather than the President. He criticized the Government’s foreign policy response to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, alleging silence and mixed signals, including over the reported torpedoing of an Iranian frigate near Sri Lankan waters. He warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea could threaten global oil supplies and called for clearer preparation and a more forthright Government position.
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB
AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Government had restored economic stability through debt restructuring, growth in tourism, remittances and exports, but that recovery was disrupted by Cyclone “Ditha” and a subsequent global war affecting energy supplies. He argued that Sri Lanka’s vulnerability reflects past failures to build fuel storage capacity, and cited the trilateral Sri Lanka-India-UAE arrangement to refurbish Trincomalee oil tanks and develop pipeline-based supply as a long-term response. He stated that Sri Lanka does not import oil through the Strait of Hormuz, sourcing instead from countries such as India, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore, while warning that global disruptions still affect the country. He also rejected remarks by Hon. Rauff Hakeem regarding an Iranian ship, saying the vessels were part of a naval fleet exercise in Visakhapatnam involving Sri Lanka, Iran and other participants.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Vijitha Herath JJB
AI summary Hon. Vijitha Herath rejected claims that an attack was linked to Sri Lanka denying permission for a visit, stating the timelines did not support that allegation and that Sri Lanka had complied with international maritime law. He said the Government was maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy, engaging Middle Eastern countries and others diplomatically, and had opposed what it viewed as an unbalanced UN Security Council resolution while calling for all sides to halt the war. He added that rescued Iranian sailors would be cared for and repatriated under international law, and that Sri Lanka was pursuing balanced relations, including with the U.S., China, Russia and India, to secure assistance on fuel and other needs. He acknowledged impacts on tourism, remittances, outbound workers, hotels and exporters, and said the Government was preparing relief measures in response to the oil and war-related crisis.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the rescue of Iranian sailors but focused on shortages of fertilizer, petrol and diesel in Nuwara Eliya, warning that these would disrupt agriculture, transport and the April tourism season. He requested additional fuel supplies for Nuwara Eliya during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period and relief or grace periods for three-wheeler drivers unable to meet vehicle loan repayments due to fuel shortages. He also urged the Prime Minister to reconsider teacher appointment procedures and allocate a separate quota of 3,000 to 4,000 graduate teachers for plantation schools, citing longstanding educational disadvantages in estate areas.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government recognizes teacher shortages and other education challenges in the estate community, and will consider special deployment and training measures within the ongoing recruitment of over 23,000 teachers required by a Court determination. She said the current fuel and energy pressures arise from a global crisis linked to the Middle East war and rising commodity prices, not from Government failure, and outlined measures including monitoring fuel supplies, using diplomatic channels, reintroducing the QR fuel system, and daily Cabinet subcommittee meetings. She also stated that a committee chaired by Hon. Upali Pannilage has been appointed to propose social protection measures for informal workers and small businesses likely to be affected.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri raised a point of order objecting to a change in the speaking order during the debate. He stated that the third listed speaker was present but the fourth speaker was being allowed to speak, and requested that the Chair follow the published list because it affected his side’s scheduled turn.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri objected to delays caused by listed speakers who are not ready to speak when called. He suggested that such Members should step out or otherwise avoid disrupting the order of proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF
AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne called for immediate, medium-term and long-term measures to manage risks to energy, trade, remittances and tourism arising from regional instability and fuel supply constraints. He proposed rationalizing energy use, diversifying fuel supplies beyond the Gulf, prioritizing foreign reserves for essentials such as medicine, food and fertilizer, and considering limited power cuts if needed to avoid severe outages. He warned that disruptions could affect tea exports, Middle East remittances, aviation routes and tourist arrivals, and urged monitoring and support for affected sectors. He also advocated digitalized work-from-home arrangements, faster renewable energy development, stronger port and logistics positioning, and strengthening SriLankan Airlines rather than ceding strategic aviation opportunities to conflicted private interests.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda raised a point of order regarding an affidavit said to have been filed in the Magistrate’s Court concerning former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena. He stated that the affidavit alleges the Bribery Commission pressured Chandrasena to name former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa, and tabled a copy in the House.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka rejected Opposition claims that Sri Lanka was in a broad national crisis, citing improved fiscal, foreign exchange, inflation, tourism, remittance, export and reserve indicators since 2022. He argued that current pressures, especially on fuel and energy, stem mainly from external shocks linked to Middle East conflicts rather than domestic policy failure or political instability. He said the Government would protect essential services and economic activity through fuel procurement, public service, distribution and social protection committees, temporary QR-based limits on non-essential consumption, and possible targeted relief including fuel tax reductions. He also proposed using the situation to promote Sri Lanka as a stable tourism destination and strengthen Colombo’s aviation and port transit roles.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the economic recovery effort was being strained by the previous year’s cyclone and the Middle East war-driven fuel crisis, and called for effective implementation of fuel distribution, including the QR system, for agriculture and fisheries in Batticaloa. He urged action against hoarding and artificial shortages of fertilizer and fuel, relief for affected businesses facing bank pressure, and long-term planning to reduce petroleum dependence through alternative and natural energy. He also raised concerns about the CID summoning of the Jaffna University Students’ Union President over a Black Day commemoration and requested regularized salary scales, grades, and promotions for long-serving Development Officers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected claims that the Government was endorsing war, stating that Sri Lanka follows a non-aligned foreign policy and condemns attacks on countries and petroleum infrastructure. He argued that the current fuel pressures arise from a global conflict, not a nationwide crisis, contrasting it with the earlier economic collapse linked to dollar shortages and corruption. He outlined tourism-sector measures including 24/7 assistance, free visa extensions, a dedicated QR fuel system for registered tourism providers, arrangements for kerosene and fuel for safari and boat operations, and Litro’s support for hotel LPG supplies. He also said alarmist statements could worsen panic buying and black-market activity, and called for responsible management of fuel until global conditions stabilize.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri disputed government claims that there was no crisis, citing fuel, tourism, price increases during the New Year period, and uncertainty affecting areas such as Ella. He urged relief measures for hoteliers and three-wheeler drivers with loans, and questioned whether current policies matched earlier promises on socialism, education privatization, state enterprises, the IMF, and relations with India. He also criticized the JVP and government members for alleged inconsistencies between their conduct in Opposition and their positions in government, stating that the public would judge these changes.
- Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri alleged that coal procurement and the release of 323 containers involved proven fraud and corruption, and defended the Committee on Public Enterprises Chair against attacks by the NPP. He argued that the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against the Minister of Power over the coal issue would likely be defeated by the Government’s majority, but said it would expose MPs who support the Minister despite the allegations. He also defended the SJB’s leadership and capacity to govern, rejected accusations of corruption against SJB members, and stated that the party would not seek power through unrest or crisis.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne argued that the current fuel and energy pressures arise from a global oil supply chain shock, not the bankruptcy and purchasing-power crisis seen in 2022, and said the Government is seeking to minimize public hardship while preserving macroeconomic stability. She cited 2025 reserve, deficit and growth improvements and said four committees are monitoring energy security, public services, supply chains and vulnerable groups alongside the Economic Stabilization Committee. She urged mainstream and social media to report only verified, attributable information, warning that anonymous speculation and fake news about power cuts, fuel tankers or political incidents could create panic and damage confidence.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne urged the public to respond responsibly to anticipated economic impacts, particularly in relation to fuel consumption. She called on both fuel station operators and citizens to use the QR code system properly, avoid panic, and conserve fuel during the crisis.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected claims that Sri Lanka was facing a crisis comparable to 2022, stating that current fuel pressures stem from global oil supply disruptions linked to Middle East conflict, while foreign exchange and rupee liquidity remain adequate. He said the Government is managing fuel stocks through the QR system and odd-even distribution, citing rapid vehicle registrations and a new fix to transfer QR allocations to current vehicle owners. He also said authorities are acting against fake fuel registration websites and fraudulent multiple QR registrations used for hoarding and resale.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth welcomed education reforms but urged the Minister of Education to establish a separate Pottuvil Zonal Education Office, arguing that current arrangements split nearby Muslim, Tamil and Sinhala schools among three zones and require long travel for services. He said a Pottuvil zone would address a two-decade demand, improve supervision and support integrated education across communities without needing a new building. He also raised local concerns including staffing shortages at Panankadu Hospital, land and hospital development matters, inadequate QR fuel allocations and agricultural inputs for farmers, Forest Department restrictions on fallow lands, unresolved issues affecting Village Officers, and requests for sports and tourism facilities in Navithanveli and Pottuvil.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas rejected Opposition claims that electricity generation is consuming most diesel imports, stating that current power-sector diesel use is about 500 metric tonnes per day, around 10 per cent of national daily diesel consumption. He said the coal procurement process had not breached procedures, noted penalties over a rejected first vessel, and explained that third-party testing in Australia is being used to assess whether Norochcholai’s reduced output is due to coal quality or plant factors. He assured Parliament there would be no power cuts during Ramadan and Sinhala Avurudu, citing hydropower availability, coal stocks, fuel tenders and planned battery storage. He also defended continued fuel QR restrictions as a stock-management measure amid Middle East uncertainty and urged public conservation, reduced night-time electricity use, daytime EV charging and avoidance of fuel hoarding.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasinghe take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Chanaka Madugoda left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasinghe assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Muneer Mulaffer criticized Opposition claims about economic competence and accusations regarding possible festive-season price and fuel increases, arguing that global war and economic instability require necessary government measures. He defended the Government’s neutrality policy and humanitarian stance in international conflict, stating that attacks on civilians or economically significant sites cannot be condoned. He also condemned attempts to politicize religious events such as the President’s Iftar and urged attention to food, fuel, and security while discouraging fearmongering, racism, and communal suspicion in politics and media.
- Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper questioned why the Government had not condemned or expressed condolences over the alleged US–Israel killing of Iran’s elected President, contrasting it with Sri Lanka’s earlier condemnation of US action concerning Venezuela. He argued that the incident and Middle East escalation expose Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to oil supply shocks, and proposed government-backed conversion of three-wheelers and bicycles to electric models. He called for substantial subsidies, including a 50 per cent subsidy for electric three-wheelers, and for solar-powered daytime battery charging and swapping stations at public parks to reduce dependence on diesel during future crises.
- Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB
AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas stated that a high-level committee has been appointed by the Power Ministry with relevant ministries to study the electrification of transport using renewable energy. He said Hon. Kariapper’s proposals would be considered by the committee, assessed for practicality, and pursued where feasible.
- Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC expressed thanks and did not raise any substantive issue, proposal, or question during this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir SJB
AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir attributed the fuel crisis to international conflict involving the United States, Israel, Palestine and Iran, and urged the Government to condemn such actions while recognizing the hardships faced by Sri Lankans, including those working in the Middle East. He emphasized that effective petrol and diesel management is essential for agriculture, fisheries, transport and food distribution, and called for higher QR fuel allocations for long-distance freight, farming and fishing-related activities based on sectoral needs. He also asked the Fisheries Minister to address alleged unequal application of trawling restrictions in Jaffna, Mannar and Kalpitiya, and to allow affected fishermen to continue their livelihoods at least temporarily.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the Middle East conflict had created an external shock affecting Sri Lanka, but argued that the Government had stabilized the economy sufficiently to procure and pay for fuel, unlike during the 2022 crisis. He accused the Opposition and parts of the media of creating panic through misleading comparisons, fuel-stock claims, and other campaigns, leading to hoarding and unnecessary consumption. He urged citizens to rely on accurate information, reduce non-essential fuel use, and avoid actions such as hoarding or trade union disruption, while noting that government committees were continuously reassessing fuel and economic conditions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed the economic and security implications for Sri Lanka of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, particularly for Sri Lankans working in the Middle East, and urged national unity in responding to the crisis. He condemned the attacks on Iran, praised the President and Navy for assisting injured and deceased Iranian naval personnel near Sri Lankan waters, and criticized a neutral stance based on economic considerations. He called on the Government to issue clear diplomatic communications, urge world leaders to secure a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East, and identify those responsible for alleged war crimes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe condemned the United States and Israel for military action against Iran, including the reported assassination of Iran’s supreme spiritual leader, and cited criticism from several countries and leaders. He questioned the Sri Lankan Government’s position of neutrality and rejected the Foreign Minister’s statement that both sides were at fault, arguing that Iran had been the victim of aggression.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary The Minister criticized the Opposition for moving a Motion to Postpone the House on the fuel issue while no Opposition Members were present in the Chamber during the debate. He argued that the absence showed the Motion was not pursued in earnest and that the Opposition had failed in its attempt to raise public concern over the issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe rose on a Point of Order. No substantive issue or argument was recorded in the provided speech excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government has ensured priority fuel supplies for fishers, farmers and other essential activities, including kerosene and petrol during the fishing and paddy harvesting seasons. He argued that current fuel pressures stem from global war-related disruptions rather than domestic mismanagement, while contrasting this with the 2022 economic crisis, which he attributed to the previous rulers. He cited economic recovery indicators, including GDP growth, sectoral growth and increased fisheries earnings, and accused the Opposition of using the adjournment motion to revisit past issues rather than offer constructive proposals.
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe rose to raise a Point of Order. No substantive issue or argument is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 16 Procedural Written Answers to Questions 1 speeches