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
- 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
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka moved the adjournment of Parliament. The motion was formally proposed for consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe moved an Adjournment Motion on the global supply-chain and energy crisis arising from Middle East war tensions, noting risks to fuel, gas and coal supplies, higher global fuel prices, and increased freight and insurance costs. He stated that the Government is committed to maintaining essential energy supplies, public services, economic activity and supply chains while coordinating responses to daily-life difficulties. He called for cooperation among Parliament, public institutions and society to manage the crisis and minimize its impact on the economy and the public.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani seconded the Adjournment Motion, arguing that the Government restored economic stability after taking office in 2024, citing a reduced deficit, higher current account surplus and increased revenue. She said the Government had responded to Cyclone “Ditva” and current global war-related energy pressures without passing the full burden to consumers, and outlined a Rs. 100 billion relief package covering electricity users, fisheries, fertilizer, tea smallholders and Aswesuma beneficiaries. She assured continued supplies of fuel, gas and essentials during the festive season and called for collective support to manage the global situation.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government’s handling of fuel and electricity pricing, arguing that stated fuel reserves and global conditions did not justify recent price increases and citing comparative regional data and World Bank-related indicators on tariffs, food affordability and unemployment. He alleged failures and irregularities in coal procurement, referring to an Auditor General’s report, tender manipulation, substandard coal and large financial losses, and warned that delays in coal imports and non-payment to renewable power producers could trigger a major electricity crisis. He urged the Government to reduce fuel prices if supplies were secure, investigate procurement fraud rather than minor offenders, and address rising production costs, farmer difficulties and inadequate relief for affected communities.
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Wasantha Piyathissa said current fuel, gas, electricity and transport cost increases stem from a global energy crisis and supply disruptions, not Government mismanagement, and stated that relief measures had been outlined by the President. He contrasted this with the previous economic collapse, citing corruption and dollar shortages, and claimed the Government has improved fiscal discipline, saved Treasury funds, funded Cyclone “Ditva” relief without new debt or money printing, and pursued anti-corruption investigations. He also referred to public sector salary increases, plans to recruit 73,000 workers including 23,000 teachers, energy infrastructure projects involving the Trincomalee oil tanks and Muthurajawela-Katunayake pipeline, and corrections to Aswesuma beneficiary targeting.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary A procedural motion was moved proposing that Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi take the Chair. The House agreed, after which the Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized the Government’s handling of rising fuel, electricity and living costs ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, arguing that warnings and relief proposals earlier made by Hon. Sajith Premadasa were dismissed but later adopted. He questioned the fulfilment of compensation and housing promises to victims of Cyclone “Ditva,” particularly estate workers still reportedly in temporary shelters, and called for land and housing solutions outside estates if necessary. He argued that new relief measures were insufficient because they mainly covered Aswesuma beneficiaries and excluded many working poor, public servants, businesses and private-sector workers. He also linked electricity tariff increases to alleged coal procurement losses cited in the Auditor General’s report, challenged reversals on rice imports and other pledges, and urged Government members to intervene to protect the public from further cost burdens.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the debate focused on the Government’s response to the effects on Sri Lanka of the recent Middle East conflict over the preceding six weeks. He emphasized the need to minimize the impact of that situation on the daily lives of the public.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB
AI summary The member stated that festive-season relief payments would be increased for vulnerable groups, including raising assistance for the extremely poor from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000 and increasing other poor and transitional benefits to Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 7,500 respectively. He also said relief would be provided on electricity bills for consumers using under 90 units, and support would be given to fisherfolk and farmers affected by the fuel situation. He noted a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East and said the Government hoped for normalization while preparing for adverse outcomes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan said the international conflict-driven energy crisis was affecting agriculture, transport, electricity, education, health, and household costs, and urged relief for farmers and vulnerable families, action against hoarding of fuel, fertilizer and pesticides, and better crisis management. He raised concerns over human-elephant conflict in Batticaloa, drug trafficking reports in Navatkuda, and the need to allow remaining displaced families from Kanagar village to resettle. He congratulated high-performing students and districts in the GCE (A/L) results, particularly minority districts and island rank holders. He also called for renewed efforts to establish the full truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks, questioning whether the principal masterminds had been identified and arrested.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government had stabilized public finances after the 2022 bankruptcy by widening tax compliance, controlling expenditure and reducing the budget deficit without introducing new taxes. He argued that this fiscal management enabled major relief allocations, including Rs. 270 billion in 2025, Rs. 500 billion in 2026 for cyclone-affected people, and a Rs. 100 billion economic package for fishers, Aswesuma beneficiaries and low-electricity users. He rejected Opposition claims that compensation and relief had not been provided, stating that most payments had been made and that remaining cases were due to administrative issues. He framed these measures in the context of recent cyclones and the economic risks from the Middle East conflict and disrupted supply chains.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake called for a clearer government economic policy focused on investment, job creation, SME growth, and productive credit, while questioning reliance on IMF and other international prescriptions alongside high domestic interest rates. He raised concerns over cost-of-living relief, rice imports, unpaid or delayed Mahapola stipends, and the need for consistency on privatization or commercialization of state enterprises. He proposed expanding private higher education to address limited university places and retain foreign exchange, and urged stronger Central Bank supervision and internal controls over large financial flows, citing NDB accounts and Section 80(2) of the Monetary Law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika said the Government’s adjournment debate concerned the Middle East crisis and its likely economic and social impact on Sri Lanka, particularly energy supplies, and noted that relief measures including a Rs. 100 billion New Year package and three months of fuel support were being provided without money-printing due to improved fiscal management. He argued that stronger revenue, reserves, a lower deficit, a current account surplus, and stabilized inflation and interest rates had enabled the Government to manage both disaster recovery and external fuel shocks. He rejected opposition criticism on corruption, disaster management, and procurement testing, citing improvements in the Corruption Perceptions Index, ongoing housing support after disasters, and the use of official laboratory-based testing procedures.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s economic and welfare record during the debate on the current political and economic situation, arguing that it inherited a collapsed economy with import restrictions, recruitment freezes, halted salary increases and reduced welfare. He cited Budget measures including public sector salary increases, expanded welfare payments, higher fertilizer and Mahapola subsidies, school and health-related assistance, and increased housing and resettlement grants. He also outlined relief after the “Ditcha” cyclone, including housing reconstruction payments and support for small industries and fishers, and said further assistance would continue amid global economic pressures. He rejected Opposition criticism, contrasting the Government’s relief to low-income and affected communities with previous policies he said benefited large businesses.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief measures, including New Year goods packs and compensation after cyclone damage, and questioned whether newly announced relief would reach beneficiaries. He argued that current tax policies, including the removal of CESS and increased indirect taxation, harm small producers, farmers, fishers and SMEs while benefiting large conglomerates. He also accused the Government of inconsistency on rice imports and urged it to acknowledge rural hardship and change its policy direction.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s economic and trade policies, alleging that duty and tax reductions on imports, including rice, were undermining local producers, small businesses and farmers while promised relief was delayed beyond the Sinhala–Hindu New Year. He questioned the Government’s handling of the Middle East-related fuel risk, power cuts and dependence on diesel power, and alleged serious irregularities in a coal procurement process, citing audit findings on an unregistered supplier and questionable laboratory reports. He demanded that the President stop protecting implicated companies and asked whether the Government would raise public-sector salaries, provide relief to private-sector workers, and address rising fuel, electricity and living costs.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa briefly alleged that while ordinary people are facing economic hardship and heavy tax burdens, government ministers and officials are accumulating privileges and social standing. He framed the issue as a contrast between public hardship and perceived advantages enjoyed by those in government.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara defended the Government’s coal procurement process, arguing that it attracted unprecedented bidding, followed proper testing at loading, discharge and plant stages, and included penalties or recoveries where contractual issues arose. He contrasted this with alleged past irregularities in coal purchases, disaster resettlement, and public enterprise management under previous administrations, while stating that current housing and relief measures were being completed or funded without money printing. He also rejected links between coal issues and electricity tariff decisions, outlined planned investments in solar integration, batteries and pumped storage, and said CEB restructuring would reduce tariffs without privatizing key State entities.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition alleged that the Government was planning a 53 percent electricity tariff increase in May, following an 11 percent increase in April, to recover costs linked to diesel generation after substandard coal purchases, and demanded that the proposed hike be withdrawn. He also called for relief for LPG consumers, lower fuel prices following a reported ceasefire and reduced oil prices, and urgent action on shortages of fertilizer and essential supplies. He criticized the Government’s handling of paddy prices, farmer relief, health services, medical transfers and difficult-service hospital classifications, while proposing grievance officers or ombudsmen at Divisional Secretariat level to address public complaints such as excessive electricity bills.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order under Standing Order No. 141 regarding the Rs. 1,000 Entertainment Allowance shown on his salary sheet. He questioned why the allowance is set at that amount and asked whether it could be increased.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB
AI summary Upali Samarasingha argued that his movement has consistently acted in national crises, citing voluntary reconstruction after the tsunami, COVID-19 assistance, and recent disaster relief mobilization after “Didwa.” He criticized the Opposition for seeking political advantage from crises while maintaining that allegations of corruption should be pursued through courts and the Bribery Commission. He said the Government has reduced privileges, provided relief, managed fuel shortages without special treatment for MPs, supported agriculture and the Yala season, and continued construction and infrastructure work to help overcome the crisis.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar alleged serious irregularities in recent coal procurement for the Lakvijaya power plant, arguing that government ministers ignored repeated warnings from the Opposition, Oversight Committee proceedings, and audit findings about non-compliant shipments, defective sampling, delayed vessels, and the failure to use umpire sample provisions. He claimed the delays and tender decisions caused major public losses through higher-priced emergency purchases, demurrage not recovered, low-grade coal, power cuts and tariff impacts, and called for the matter to be taken to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. He also criticized the President for defending the responsible minister and said the tender should have been cancelled earlier and supply divided among other compliant bidders.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva defended the Government’s relief measures, citing a Rs. 10 billion package for low-income and Aswesuma beneficiaries, inflation control, and previous disaster relief payments. He said the Government had strengthened supply chains through engagement with Russia, India and China amid global fuel concerns, and welcomed the reopening of the refurbished Pettah Central Bus Stand with accessibility features under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. He called for a passenger-centric transport system, expansion and protection of low-floor buses and SLTB’s Metro unit, and enforcement of EPF/ETF obligations for private bus workers while criticizing opposition to public transport subsidies and worker support payments.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi argued that recent fuel price increases have severely affected livelihoods, particularly the fisheries sector, and said the Government’s announced Rs. 150,000 relief per trip for multi-day vessels is inadequate compared with the additional diesel cost incurred after the price hike. He requested that multi-day fishing vessels also receive Rs. 50 per litre fuel support, as proposed for small boats, and asked the Fisheries Minister to raise the matter with the President. He also alleged political interference in Hambantota District, including the blocking of New Year promotional activities in Tangalle despite payments by the Traders’ Association, and claimed there was coercion around public meetings and commemorative events.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government’s priority since taking office in 2024 had been restoring macroeconomic stability after the 2022 default and responding to subsequent shocks, including the “Didwa” disaster and the Middle East conflict. He stated that affected fishers and inland aquaculture farmers received support through NAQDA and the Department of Fisheries, including Rs. 238.8 million for boats, canoes and nets and Rs. 139.9 million for repairs. Referring to fuel price increases, he said kerosene and fuel subsidies had helped revive fishing activity, and proposed further assistance of 25 litres per day for small boats and Rs. 150,000 per trip for multi-day boats, with a willingness to adjust the scheme after further consultations.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised a point of order on a national issue, directing a question to the Minister of Power regarding Taranjot Resources (Pvt) Ltd. The excerpt does not include the substance of the question or any further details about the issue being raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka criticized the Government’s announced relief package, arguing that living costs have risen sharply despite its claim to represent oppressed people. He cited high prices and shortages of essential goods such as keeri samba rice, mung beans, dhal, transport, school supplies and food items ahead of Sinhala New Year, and said the burden on low-income households has increased under the current administration.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka concluded his speech by stating that the public is beginning to see the true nature of the Government’s actions. He noted that he had yielded part of his allotted time to Hon. S. M. Marikkar and then ended his remarks.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Arun Hemachandra outlined Government relief measures following the “Ditva” cyclone, tabling official payment records and citing progress on grants for damaged homes, schoolchildren, temporary housing, livelihood losses, deaths, and full or partial housing damage. He rejected Opposition criticism as inaccurate and said compensation and recovery programmes were continuing despite subsequent Middle East tensions. He also welcomed the announced temporary ceasefire in the Middle East and expressed hope it would lead to lasting peace, while noting the President’s new relief package for SMEs, farmers, fishers, and low-income Aswesuma recipients.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker (Presiding)
AI summary The Presiding Deputy Speaker invited the Hon. Member to continue their remarks during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government over the coal procurement controversy, citing the Auditor’s Report and alleging sham tendering, unlicensed certification, and major financial loss, while arguing that responsibility extends beyond the Minister to the President. He disputed government claims that there were no power cuts, referring to a system report indicating manual load shedding due to inadequate generation, and questioned the Government’s strategy for addressing economic collapse across the private sector, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and industry. He called for an innovation-driven, enterprise-based economy with domestic strategies on energy, food security, and sovereignty, and alleged that the Executive was attempting to interfere with the judiciary by extending the Chief Justice’s retirement.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB
AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook argued that the Government has managed economic pressures, disaster relief, and the fuel supply more effectively than previous administrations, citing the country’s prior bankruptcy, fuel queues, and lack of reserves. He listed relief payments provided after the “Ditva” cyclone and said the Government is absorbing losses on fuel while allocating Treasury funds to support sectors such as fisheries and agriculture. He also noted ongoing development projects in Kandy District, including the Katugastota-Ketambe flyover and Mahaiyawa tunnel, and stated that fuel prices would be reduced if the Middle East ceasefire holds.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns over rising essential food prices, particularly the lack of effective price control for Keeri Samba rice, and urged the Government and Consumer Affairs Authority to ensure fair prices for both consumers and paddy farmers. He called for a permanent, non-discriminatory solution to the long-standing garbage dumping issue at Salambaikulum in Vavuniya, warning against racializing the matter and asking local politicians to support alternative arrangements within one month. He also commented on international developments involving the United States, Iran, Israel and Palestine, expressing hope for fair talks and criticizing actions he said had worsened regional tensions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra defended the President’s attendance in Parliament to make clarifications on national issues and rejected Opposition criticism over the coal shipment issue, stating that quality determinations must rely on port and standards reports rather than political claims. She accused Opposition parties of selectively raising corruption allegations while ignoring past controversies, including waste shipments, the Central Bank bond matter, and the Easter Sunday attacks. She also welcomed reported progress toward Iran-America peace talks and said global conflict was affecting Sri Lanka’s energy and food security. She outlined Government relief measures, including Rs. 60 billion for fuel subsidies, targeted support for fishers, Rs. 15 billion for electricity relief for households using under 90 units, and fertilizer support for farmers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra said subsidies for farmers and fishers are intended not only to support incomes but also to control food prices and safeguard future food security. She stated that, in response to the current crisis and rising fuel and electricity costs, Aswesuma payments for April have been increased across beneficiary categories, including from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000. She contrasted this with the Government’s handling of earlier crises such as the Easter Sunday attacks and COVID-19, citing negative economic growth figures in 2019 and 2020.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra stated that the Government is seeking to sustain economic growth and livelihoods by cushioning fuel price increases, with the Treasury absorbing Rs. 20 per litre on petrol and Rs. 100 per litre on diesel. She argued that such relief is a governmental duty given fuel’s wider impact on the economy, and referred to the effects of the Easter Sunday attacks and the pandemic on tourism and other sectors. She also challenged the Opposition to state what relief measures it had provided while in office.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody proposed that Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj take the Chair during the sitting. The House agreed to the proposal, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the Energy Minister on an Auditor General’s Report dated 2 April 2026, which found that Taranjot Resources (Pvt.) Ltd., selected under emergency coal procurement, lacked prior experience and had defective registration. He said similar concerns applied to Trident Chemphar Ltd. and argued that the Minister bore responsibility for coal procurement policy and Cabinet submissions relating to these agreements. He asked the Government to clarify the future of the Taranjot agreement and its policy on emergency coal procurement in light of the Auditor General’s findings.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Iran-Israel-USA conflict had disrupted global fuel logistics and raised insurance and shipping costs, affecting Sri Lanka’s crude and refined fuel supplies. He stated that the Government had prioritised uninterrupted supply over price, using the QR and odd-even systems to curb hoarding and reduce queues, with consumption returning close to normal levels. He reported current stocks and scheduled cargo arrivals, saying diesel, petrol, kerosene, Jet A-1 and industrial fuel supplies had been secured through early June, with further tenders pending.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan welcomed the President’s relief measures and praised commitments to address land-release issues in Mullikulam and Silavathurai, as well as the Puttalam–Ilavankulam–Marichchukkaddi road matter. He urged further subsidies for industrial fuel and electricity costs, stronger monitoring of New Year commodity prices, intervention in rice pricing, and restoration of fuel prices in line with falling global crude prices. He also called for de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East and urged the Government to act firmly against attempts to reignite communal tensions linked to the Easter Sunday attacks.
- The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep said the Government was rebuilding the economy after the 2024 change of administration by reducing corruption, removing privileges for former office-holders, and expanding public relief amid the “Ditva” cyclone and global economic pressures. He highlighted Cabinet-approved Rs. 5 million housing assistance for cyclone-affected hill-country families, housing schemes for plantation communities, wage increases, Aswesuma allowance increases, fertilizer support for tea smallholders, and fuel relief for fishers. He also urged Tamil youth to apply for 7,500 police vacancies to improve Tamil-language public service delivery, and said the Government would continue development and relief measures despite Opposition criticism.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper cited the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report of 2 April 2026 on Lanka Coal Company’s procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, arguing that it identified a flawed process that allowed substandard coal to be supplied over a 36-month period. He disputed earlier assertions about loading and unloading port inspections, stating that the buyer had the right to reject loading-port reports and determine compliance. He challenged the Government to refer the audit report to CIABOC, the CID, and the Attorney General, in light of amended Standing Orders enabling such referrals, to determine responsibility for losses from the coal imports.
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper criticized the Government’s adjournment motion on the Middle East conflict, arguing that it failed to condemn the United States and Israel for unlawfully creating the war situation and for acting contrary to United Nations agreements. He praised Iran and its people for defending their sovereignty and questioned the silence of Muslim-majority countries, religious leaders, and Muslim Government Members on the issue. He also accused the Government of verbally calling Iran a friendly nation while cooperating with America and Mossad.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the Middle East conflict had worsened fuel, electricity and commodity price pressures in Sri Lanka, and while welcoming some government relief, urged similar support for farmers as given to fishermen, including measures to address fuel costs and fair paddy prices. He called for practical, non-partisan programmes to reduce the burden on citizens and affected sectors. He also raised concerns about alleged unequal and delayed decisions by the Department of Archaeology in relation to minority religious and cultural sites, citing Nediyakal Malai and Thirukoneswaram in Trincomalee, and urged the Government to ensure lawful, evidence-based and equal treatment of all communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Proposed that Hon. Upul Kithsiri take the Chair during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary The motion was seconded and agreed to without debate. Following the decision, Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj left the Chair and Hon. Upul Kithsiri took the Chair at 4.49 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha criticised the Government for failing to provide adequate relief ahead of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year despite what he described as available Treasury funds. He said increases in fuel, electricity, gas, food, fertilizer, and construction material prices had worsened hardship for public servants, daily wage earners, farmers, construction workers, and three-wheeler drivers. He also called for effective relief and resettlement programmes for people affected by the “Ditsa” cyclone and long-standing landslides in areas such as Rakwana, Madampe, Suriya Kanda, and Aluthkaella.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary The member welcomed the temporary ceasefire in the Iran–America–Israel conflict and expressed hope that it would become a permanent peace in the Middle East. He congratulated Batticaloa District students for top G.C.E. (A/L) results, especially M.S.M. Fardan of Kattankudy Central College for achieving Island First in the Commerce stream with a record Z-score. He also raised with the Prime Minister the concern of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service Officers’ Association that a recently appointed five-member committee to review National Colleges of Education structures included no Muslim member.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Dr. Harini Amarasuriya intervened to clarify that the Committee on National Colleges of Education includes an academic representative from the South Eastern University.
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah noted that the relevant five-member Committee initially had no Muslim representation, despite the existence of Colleges of Education in Addalaichenai and Dharga Town. He thanked the authorities after being informed that a Muslim member had since been appointed to the Committee.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Adjournment Debate was intended to inform the public about the Government’s response to an external global war-related shock, including the President’s Rs. 100 billion relief package. He argued that the crisis was not domestically created and that the Government had to manage impacts on fuel, exports, banking, fertilizer imports, the Yala season and other sectors. He stated that from 28 February the President held discussions with exporters, banks, the Central Bank and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, followed by measures such as a moderate fuel price increase on 9 March, introduction of the QR code system on 15 March to reduce consumption, and the appointment of Cabinet committees.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth congratulated students who excelled in the recent G.C.E. (A/L) examination, including island-rank holders, university qualifiers, and students from Pottuvil and nearby areas, while also noting education achievements in the Thirukovil Zone and Eastern Province. He requested urgent Government action to supply urea, pesticides and fungicides for paddy cultivation in Pottuvil, and to develop the Radella Scheme by deepening the tank and establishing the anicut to expand cultivation. He also called for a science laboratory and assembly hall for Varipathanchenai Al-Ameen Maha Vidyalaya, repairs and public sanitation facilities at Kalmunai’s Old Kachcheri building, and geo-bag protection along the eastern coastal belt to prevent sea erosion.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya defended the Government’s relief measures, stating that social protection is a core responsibility while maintaining policy stability and fiscal discipline. She said Rs. 50 billion had been allocated for the Ditsa natural disaster and that additional measures announced in response to the war were targeted at affected sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, transport and electricity costs, without printing money, increasing unsustainable debt, selling assets, or altering foreign policy. She argued that the Government was continuing development and public services while monitoring conditions, taking expert advice, and adjusting measures such as fuel-use controls and public holidays according to changing needs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural