Sitting of Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23546 ·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 Opening: Message from the President - Public Security Proclamation 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Reports and Regulations Tabled 12 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Reports: Sectoral Oversight Committee Reports 4 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions: Citizens' Petitions (Four Petitions) 5 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question Q.1 (233/2024): Establishment of Provincial High Court for Western Province 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question Q.2 (361/2024): The Finance Company - Liquidation and Compensation to Depositors 6 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question Q.3 (467/2025): Tourist Arrivals from 2010 - Details 10 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question Q.4 (568/2025): Loans Obtained from State Banks by CEB 8 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question Q.5 (642/2025): Committees Investigated into Nationwide Power Failure on 09.02.2025 9 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question Q.6: Speaker's Personal Staff, Vehicles and Official Residence 17 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines 13 speeches
- 12 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order and Privilege Question (Dayasiri Jayasekara) 15 speeches
- 13 Oral question Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Debt Service Payment and Central Bank 15 speeches
- 14 Procedural Procedural and Main Business: Adjournment Motion Request and Agriculture Statement 33 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders 49 speeches
- 16 Procedural Procedural: Adjournment Motion Introduction 16 speeches
- 17 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament 127 speeches
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka moved an adjournment motion seeking an urgent debate on reports that millions of US dollars intended for bilateral debt repayment had been diverted. He argued that no information had been provided to Parliament by April 2026, undermining Parliament’s constitutional control over public finance, and noted that the Government had previously refused a debate when the issue first became public. He then requested time for Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, to second and speak on the motion.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper objected to the Speaker’s earlier interpretation of Standing Order 19, arguing that written notice and prior permission were not required once 20 Members sought the debate. He alleged serious negligence by Ministry of Finance officials in a USD 2.5 million transaction, saying fraudulent emails from a non-government domain were mistaken for official Australian export finance communications, and called for accountability from the Minister of Finance. He asked whether the public funds were lost through negligence or theft, characterizing any negligence as criminal, while also referring to the death of a senior officer connected to the matter.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha said investigations are ongoing into the alleged diversion of USD 2.5 million intended for Export Finance Australia during bilateral debt restructuring payments, and into a related attempted email-based interference in an Indian EXIM Bank payment stream. He outlined the payment-processing chain, the detection of a suspicious email anomaly on 22 March, subsequent notifications to SLCERT, the CID and cybercrime authorities, the appointment of a technical committee, and the transfer and interdiction of several officers connected to the process. He rejected claims of government complicity and other alleged financial irregularities as misinformation, stating that findings would be presented to Parliament after law enforcement and technical inquiries conclude.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha vacated the Chair and Hon. Madugoda presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna alleged that USD 2.5 million in public funds had been lost and said attempts were made to conceal the matter from Parliament and the Committee on Public Finance. He argued that the Treasury and relevant Finance Ministry authorities failed to report irregularities despite warning signs, and questioned compliance with Financial Regulations. He called for a fair and thorough investigation, including into doubts surrounding a related death, and warned that the loss would ultimately be borne by citizens through taxation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government is investigating the reported loss of USD 2.5 million to determine whether it resulted from negligence or fraud, and rejected claims that it was being concealed. He outlined a timeline of action, including detection on 22 March, a complaint on 24 March, internal audit measures, notification of the Financial Intelligence Unit and SLCERT, police reporting to court, interdiction of four officers, and cooperation with Australian and US authorities. He contrasted this response with alleged past financial losses under previous administrations, stating that the current Government is also investigating those matters and has filed cases, including in relation to Greek Bonds.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member informed the Minister that only two minutes remained for the speech. This was a procedural timekeeping intervention during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara said court proceedings and investigations into matters including Prageeth Eknaligoda’s disappearance and the Easter Sunday attacks are now progressing after initial delays caused by what he described as a collapsed system. He stated that further investigations may lead to charges and called on those implicated to answer them, while asserting that the Government would continue its programme despite Opposition attempts to obstruct it.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or question was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invited the Hon. Member to state the point of order being raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna invoked Standing Order 91(1), which bars Members from referring in debate to matters under court adjudication or pending judicial decision. He argued that comments made about individuals connected to a case were sub judice and requested that the Standing Order be explained to the Minister of Justice in Sinhala.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member acknowledged the previous Member’s point as clear and then called Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe to speak. He allotted Hon. Senasinghe five minutes, noting the time as 4.28 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe questioned Ministers Harshana and Anil over inconsistent statements regarding action taken in a particular matter. He noted that one Minister referred to interdictions while the other referred to four transfers, and said the Government had not properly clarified the position.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that the individuals in question were first transferred and subsequently interdicted. The remark appears to clarify the sequence of administrative actions taken against them.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe urged that proceedings not be delayed and requested the Chair to maintain order in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member directed the Member to continue speaking without interruption and not to be distracted. This was a procedural intervention to maintain order and allow the debate to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe questioned how an impartial inquiry into alleged financial fraud could proceed while a Deputy Minister, Minister, and Secretary remained in office, and asked why only four workers had been removed. He alleged that information about a USD 2.5 million fraud and an LKR 13.5 billion NDB Bank transfer had been withheld from Parliament, and called for proper disclosure and investigation. He further demanded an urgent audit of Sri Lanka’s banking sector, linking recent banking frauds and past allegations, including coal-related losses, to significant costs borne by taxpayers.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member informed the Member that only two minutes remained for their speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe questioned the Government on energy sector management, referring to earlier Opposition allegations of coal procurement fraud and claiming that about 15 coal shipments were not arriving. He also alleged that payments had been outstanding for five months to around 390 wind, solar and hydropower companies, amounting to over Rs. 12 billion, and called for an explanation. He criticised the Government’s broader economic performance, citing low growth and reserves.
- An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member made a brief procedural remark urging that contributions remain relevant to the debate. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized investigations into alleged large-scale theft, claiming that a billion dollars had been misappropriated while authorities sought answers from those connected to the accused. He questioned whether justice could be expected from state institutions, comparing the current situation to the Rajapaksa era’s military and police.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe alleged political interference in law enforcement and the judiciary, claiming CID officers and other officials were acting politically and that judges were being transferred following certain rulings or custody orders. He specifically referred to incidents involving Mount Lavinia and Colombo courts, with part of his remarks expunged by the Chair, and accused the Government of interfering with judicial independence.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Asked whether the remarks being made in Parliament could be repeated outside the House, implying concern that they may rely on parliamentary privilege.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe asserted that the manner in which transfers were carried out was widely known. The remark appears to respond to or challenge discussion in the debate about transfer practices, but no specific case, policy, or proposal was detailed in the excerpt.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member informed the Member that the allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe accused the Government of interfering with the Judiciary, CID and Police, including by transferring judges after arrest orders. He alleged that multiple major corruption scandals had occurred during the Government’s tenure, including container, coal and multibillion-rupee scams, and argued that the Government had failed to act on its pledge to catch wrongdoers. He warned that members of the Government would face legal action after a change in administration.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra to speak and informed her that she had seven minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Raised a point of order noting that Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe had mentioned his name, but indicated that this was not the matter at issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member calls on the Minister to state his point of order during the parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the matter under discussion was before court. He indicated that further parliamentary comment should take account of its pending judicial status.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member rejected the Minister’s attempted point of order, stating that no valid point of order had been raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara objected to remarks made by Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe, stating that they amounted to an insult to the judiciary. He asserted that the judiciary should not be insulted and challenged him to repeat the remarks outside Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was presented in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Mr. Presiding Member instructed Members not to prolong the proceedings and not to interrupt. The intervention was procedural, aimed at maintaining order and moving the debate forward.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra briefly thanked the Presiding Member for granting her time to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member recognizes Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe and asks him to state his point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe challenged Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to hold a public debate outside Parliament. No specific policy issue, legislation, or proposal was raised in the intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member intervened to prevent an exchange from becoming an argument and directed Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra to proceed with her speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra briefly thanked the Presiding Member for the opportunity to speak. No substantive policy argument, proposal, question, or legislative issue is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member briefly requested that a footnote be included.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member directed the Hon. Member to continue speaking and to disregard an interruption or distraction. No substantive policy issue or proposal was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra noted that the Opposition had raised a main issue in the debate, but the provided excerpt ends before she explains the substance of that issue or any related arguments, proposals, or demands.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member instructed Ministers and Members not to interrupt proceedings and directed the Member holding the floor to continue speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra requested the Presiding Member to maintain order in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called the House to order and instructed Ministers and Members not to interrupt proceedings. The intervention was procedural and aimed at maintaining order during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra stated that the Opposition had raised the issue of USD 2.5 million allegedly missing or transferred to a third-party account and called for it to be reported to Parliament. She also requested the Presiding Member to maintain order in the House.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invited proceedings to continue by asking the next participant to proceed. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra disputed Opposition claims about the handling of a missing USD 2.5 million issue and said details from the Committee on Public Finance should not be disclosed in Parliament before its Chairman, Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva, presents a report. She stated that the Secretary to the Treasury was specifically summoned only for the April 28 committee sitting, requested an alternative date due to inability to attend, and later participated, rejecting claims that he had refused to appear. Citing Articles 148 and 4(b) of the Constitution, she argued that Parliament controls public finance through legal authority over taxation and expenditure, but executive and investigative action within the Ministry of Finance remains the responsibility of the Executive and relevant agencies.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member informed the Hon. Member that their allotted speaking time had expired and requested that they conclude their remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra requested an additional minute to continue her remarks, stating that she had been heavily interrupted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member instructed the member speaking to conclude promptly, stating that additional speaking time could not be granted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Under the Public Financial Management Act, certain fiscal and economic reports, including the Budget, Economic and Fiscal Position Report, and Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, must be presented to Parliament. The Member noted that the Act also permits non-disclosure where publication could prejudice national security or specified government commercial activities.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on the Hon. Member to conclude their remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that the Minister of Finance has lawful authority to withhold information from Parliament where disclosure would harm national security, negotiations, litigation, or government commercial activities. She emphasized that Parliament’s control over public finance is defined by the Constitution and law, and cautioned against demanding immediate disclosure beyond those legal limits.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Mr. Presiding Member called on Hon. Najith Indika to speak and allotted him ten minutes. The intervention was procedural, marking the transition to the next speech in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. Najith Indika acknowledged that USD 2.5 million had gone missing from the Treasury and said investigations and disciplinary action had begun within 24 hours, including complaints to the CID, FIU and SLCERT, an internal inquiry, expert technical review, and engagement with Australian Federal Police. He contrasted this response with what he described as earlier unresolved corruption cases under previous governments, including bond, infrastructure, fertilizer and procurement-related allegations. He argued that the present Government would investigate and punish wrongdoing, while rejecting Opposition claims that the incident reflected a broader pattern of Government fraud.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called for order, asking Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe not to interrupt. He then directed Hon. Najith Indika to continue speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Dr. Najith Indika responded to interruptions by suggesting that those who had written footnotes and books on the bond scam were becoming agitated. He asked not to be interrupted, framing the remark in the context of debate over the bond scam.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called for order, asking Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe not to interrupt and directing Hon. Najith Indika to continue speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika accused opponents of spreading misinformation and fake news in connection with ongoing matters. He specifically cited a claim that the Secretary to the Treasury is a dual citizen and challenged those making the allegation to present it clearly and substantiate it if true.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera briefly requests an opportunity to speak, asking another Member to allow him a short chance to make a point.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika objected to an interruption during his speech and asked the other member to respond only when it was their turn. The statement was procedural in nature, emphasizing adherence to debate order rather than addressing a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asks a Member to state their point of order, indicating a procedural intervention during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera raises concern over allegations that the Secretary to the Treasury, along with his wife and two children, holds dual citizenship. He questions how such a person can hold or exercise authority in relation to Parliament, implying a potential issue of eligibility or conflict of interest.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member ruled that the intervention raised was not a point of order. He directed Hon. Najith Indika to continue his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. Dr. Najith Indika challenged allegations made against him or the Government, urging those making claims to repeat them publicly and pursue legal action if they are true. He criticized statements made about the death of a public official while investigations are ongoing, clarifying that the post-mortem report did not state “suicide” but used the term “suspected self-inflicted injury,” and noted that a panel of four consultant JMOs had been appointed for the inquiry. He also referred to the Tajudeen case to caution against misinformation around forensic investigations, and asserted that current investigations and prosecutions into this incident and past frauds would proceed.
- An Hon. Member
AI summary The Member made a brief reference to individuals who wrote footnotes and books. No specific legislative proposal, policy position, or demand was raised in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika criticized opponents for allegedly making false political claims about theft and urged that action, rather than rhetoric, was needed to catch wrongdoers. He concluded by echoing the phrase “Not only talk—catch thieves,” directing it at those he accused of politicizing corruption allegations.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called Hon. Ajith P. Perera to speak and allotted him eight minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera began to address the Presiding Member, but no substantive remarks, arguments, proposals, or questions are included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose to raise a point of order. No substantive argument, question, or proposal was recorded in the provided extract.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asked the Hon. Member to state their point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna invoked Standing Order No. 91(h) and objected to the way Hon. Najith Indika referred to Sujeewa Senasinghe. He urged that the Member’s name be stated properly, while also making a personal remark directed at Hon. Najith Indika.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member ruled that there was no point of order and directed Hon. Ajith P. Perera to proceed with his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera challenged the Minister of Justice’s statement that the wife of officer Ranga Nishshanka Rajapaksha had not alleged suspicious circumstances in his death. He tabled letters from the Director-General of Health Services and the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate indicating that the wife had reported suspicions and that a medical board was sought, citing case number B 88575/2026.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera rejected claims that the deceased person’s family had not expressed suspicion, calling such assertions false and insulting to the family. He argued that Parliament has a duty to establish the truth and respond to the family’s request rather than repeat false statements.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Mr. Presiding Member called for order in the House and instructed Members not to interrupt the ongoing speech. The intervention was procedural, aimed at maintaining decorum during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera begins to raise concern about the situation and treatment of ordinary public servants in Sri Lanka, suggesting that their fate under current conditions requires parliamentary attention. The excerpt is incomplete, so no specific proposal, demand, or legislative reference can be identified.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera referred briefly to an incident in which a person stopped work and died. No further policy position, proposal, or question was stated in the provided excerpt.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member inquired whether the Minister of Justice was present in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked whether the Minister of Justice was present in the House and noted the Minister’s absence. A document or matter was then placed in the Library.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary An Hon. Member interjected to state that another member clapped and then left the chamber. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera criticized the Minister of Justice for not responding in Parliament to a serious death linked to public administration issues, and said Parliament must use its control over public finance to ensure accountability. He alleged that an inexperienced official was placed in a difficult position by the Power Ministry Secretary following a power sector fraud, leading to pressure and interdiction, and called for a special multidisciplinary panel, similar to the Shaffter case, to determine whether the death was suicide or murder. He also questioned why senior NPP/JVP leaders and Ministers had not attended the funeral or publicly supported the deceased, whom he described as a long-time party worker and honest public servant.
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Asked whether the relevant authorities or Ministers had personally visited and inspected the matter under discussion. The intervention pressed for direct observation before decisions or responses were made.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - An Hon. Member
AI summary A Member briefly remarked that “they go with crowds,” without providing further policy detail, proposal, question, or legislative context.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera challenged Hon. Najith Indika, questioning whether he had attended a funeral in Kuliyapitiya. The remark appears to be a brief personal or procedural interjection rather than a substantive contribution on legislation or policy.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member informed the Hon. Member that their allotted speaking time had expired and requested them to conclude.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera criticized members of the Government for failing to show the courage to defend or honour a political comrade, framing it as a failure of partisanship. He began to address judges, public servants, and administrators, indicating he intended to make a broader warning or observation about the Government’s conduct, though the provided extract ends before the point is completed.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika rose on a point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invites the Member to state their point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Najith Indika intervened briefly on a point of order, responding to a reference to his name and denying that anyone had laughed at a death. He argued that, when he raised the point of order, the Presiding Member should have addressed the other member’s conduct.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member ruled that the Member could not make clarifications at that point in the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika responds to remarks made in the Chamber concerning a death, rejecting the suggestion that anyone laughed at it. He indicates that a question had been raised on the matter and refers to an earlier statement about the death, but the excerpt ends before the substantive point is completed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member ruled that the Member could not make clarifications and directed Hon. Ajith P. Perera to conclude his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera briefly addressed the Presiding Member and referred to Dr. Najith Indika, Chief Media Advisor to the President, indicating that he had posed a question to him. The excerpt does not include the substance of the question or any further argument or proposal.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member instructed the Member not to introduce new matters and to conclude the speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera referred to a union convener and asked whether he had attended the funeral of a deceased comrade. He urged that, if the funeral was not attended, the person should at least attend the subsequent sermon or almsgiving.
Religion & Culture Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member instructed the Hon. Member to conclude their remarks and refrain from introducing new matters.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera criticized Ministers and MPs for allegedly failing to attend the funeral of one of their own colleagues, arguing that this reflected poorly on their example to the country. He questioned whether such a group could effectively perform its duties.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Minister Nalinda Jayatissa to speak and informed him that he had thirteen minutes allocated.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha — Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary The Minister rejected claims that appointments in the Ministry of Finance and related departments were made through external influence. He stated that the officer referred to had over ten years’ experience in the External Resources Department and that his 2023 appointment as Director-General was an internal promotion, with no outside intervention.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member recognized Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa and invited him to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera rose to raise a point of order. No substantive issue or argument was stated in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invited Hon. Ajith P. Perera to state his point of order during the proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister to clarify the citizenship status of the Ministry Secretary, Harshana Suriya-Peruma, specifically whether he is a Sri Lankan, Australian, or dual citizen. He questioned whether the Secretary is legally eligible to hold that office.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member intervened procedurally to state that the moment was not for responses from both sides. He indicated that the Minister could respond if he wished.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary The member rejects allegations that the person in question holds dual citizenship, stating that although he previously lived in Australia, he regularized his citizenship status before contesting the election. He challenges those making the claim to provide proof outside Parliament rather than repeating what he describes as false propaganda.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member intervened to manage proceedings, stating that the matter was clear and asking Members not to prolong the argument. He called on Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa to speak and instructed Members not to interrupt the Minister.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa — Minister of Health and Mass Media, and Chief Government Whip
AI summary The Minister said the Government permitted the debate despite procedural discretion to refuse it, and accused the Opposition of raising the Treasury fund loss without adequate facts or sensitivity regarding the deceased official’s family. He stated that after a verbal report on 23 March, the External Resources Department Director-General complained to the CID on 24 March, an internal Finance Ministry technical inquiry committee was appointed the same day, its report was received on 10 April, four officers were transferred and later interdicted, and investigations by the CID, SLCERT and others were ongoing with efforts to recover the funds and strengthen cybersecurity. He also referred to a separate Postal Department payment issue involving USD 0.6 million and said investigations were underway to determine whether the lapse was due to complicity, error, or technical weaknesses. On the death of the Assistant Director, he said the Director-General of Health Services had arranged a panel of consultant judicial medical officers to conduct the inquest under normal procedure.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe referred to freedom of expression, indicating it as the subject of his intervention. No further substantive arguments, proposals, or questions were provided in the excerpt.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa argued that freedom of expression does not extend to making false claims, referring to recent statements that he said may lead to complaints by affected relatives. He challenged those alleging wrongdoing by the Secretary to the Treasury to prove that he held foreign or dual citizenship while serving as Secretary, Deputy Minister, or MP, and accused critics of making claims and then withdrawing or qualifying them.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invited an Hon. Member to state their point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe stated that the issue was not whether Ranjula’s certificate exists, and clarified that they had not requested anyone to locate it. The remark appears to address a procedural or evidentiary matter concerning a certificate in the course of the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member ruled that no point of order had arisen and directed the Minister to continue speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government had acted responsibly by not disclosing details while CID and internal investigations were ongoing into a matter involving the Treasury Secretary and an alleged USD 2.5 million loss. He criticized the circulation of fake social media posts, including falsely attributed statements and misuse of a news logo, saying they caused distress to the family of a public officer who had died, and called for those responsible to be investigated. He stated that any officials found involved would be punished while innocent officials would be protected, and said the Government’s priorities were recovering the funds, seeking international assistance including from the FBI, and strengthening state institutional systems and cyber security.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the excerpt provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invited the Hon. Member to state their point of order.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Citing Standing Orders 91(o) and 92(2), Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a procedural question near the end of the sitting. He asked the Minister to state whether the JMO report would be tabled.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member instructed an Hon. Member to stop interrupting and noted that the allotted time had ended. He then called on the Minister to respond.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that all relevant reports would be sent to court. The House then agreed to the question put, and Parliament was adjourned until 9.30 a.m. on 6 May 2026.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 18 Procedural Closing: Written Answers and Hansard Publication Information 5 speeches