Sitting of Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23474 ·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 Papers Tabling of Reports 3 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions 2 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Mulliyawalai Post Office (Q.1/1318/2025) 7 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.3, Q.4, Q.5/1563-1655/2025) 8 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project (Q.5/1655/2025) 2 speeches
- 6 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology 6 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question alleging discriminatory and exclusionary practices by the Department of Archaeology affecting Hindu and Christian religious sites in the North and East. He sought ministerial clarification on restrictions, land access, new or regularized Buddhist constructions, alleged military or State support, and community consultation at sites including Koneswaram, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai, Kuchchaveli, Kurundurmalai, Vedukkunari Malai and Thaiyiddy. He asked the Government to state the legal and historical basis for these actions, restore access and worship rights, remove biased restrictions, and halt measures he said could alter local demography. He also requested that Archaeology Department communications in Batticaloa be issued in Tamil and that Tamil-speaking officers be retained or appointed.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi responded to concerns about Department of Archaeology activity in several Eastern Province sites, stating that the Department is not a Buddhist-only institution and that archaeological regulation applies to heritage of all religious backgrounds. He addressed Koneswaram/Fort Frederick, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai and Kuchchaveli, saying temple worship had not been restricted, certain practical works could proceed after statutory assessments, and allegations of new constructions or approvals would be verified. He said unauthorized structures in archaeological reserves are a wider national issue to be handled under law and relevant standards, and undertook to improve consultation with local authorities, issue communications in Tamil in Tamil-speaking areas, and deploy adequate Tamil-speaking staff.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB
AI summary No permissions have been granted for the alleged target of 38 temples, and the Department of Archaeology’s role at Kurundikulam is limited to the declared 78-acre archaeological protected area and proposed re-gazetting of 229 surrounding acres, not fisheries or tank administration. Vedukkunar Malai, within a forest reserve, is being processed for declaration as an archaeological reserve, with identified Buddhist monuments supported by early cave inscriptions and legal action already initiated against unauthorized constructions. The Minister emphasized that religious observances may continue, but any damage, alteration or displacement of antiquities is prohibited under the Antiquities Ordinance, and archaeological heritage should be protected as national heritage belonging to all communities.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam disputed the Minister’s response on archaeology-related sites, arguing that restrictions on Hindu worship practices, alleged illegal shops, and the Thaiyiddy Viharaya issue had not been adequately addressed. He questioned the role of the Department of Archaeology and the Army in developments at Nelukalmalai/Thanthamalai, called for equal treatment of communities, and raised safety concerns over preventing basic facilities such as electricity meters at long-standing Saivite worship sites. He also objected to interruptions by the Chair, citing Standing Orders and understandings on time for Standing Order 27(2) matters.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB
AI summary The Minister clarified that the Government’s response to issues at archaeological sites is guided by the Antiquities Ordinance, while noting that Cabinet approval has been sought to amend the Antiquities Ordinance and the Central Cultural Fund Act due to limitations in the current legal framework. He emphasized balancing religious practices with heritage protection, citing restrictions such as flash photography at Sigiriya, and said instructions had been given to the Department of Archaeology regarding Nelukal. He also asked Members to examine when disputed shops were built and who approved them, stating that the Government would act according to law while seeking mutual understanding.
- 7 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Question: Digital Payment Platforms in Foreign Exchange 7 speeches
- 8 Procedural Privilege Question: Breach of Parliamentary Privilege 3 speeches
- 9 Procedural Motion on Parliamentary Sitting Times 2 speeches
- 10 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy 91 speeches