Sitting of Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23541 ·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 Presented: Annual Reports 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented 2 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: GCE Advanced Level Examination Results and Higher Education Reforms 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) 19 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1/885/2025 deferred; Q.5/1763/2025 absent; Tea Industry Budget Provisions) 5 speeches
- 7 Procedural Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Points of Order 35 speeches
- 8 Papers Bills Presented 2 speeches
- 9 Procedural Motion on Sitting Hours 1 speeches
- 10 Debate Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading 88 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of a new insolvency and rescue Bill, describing it as a comprehensive reform to replace Sri Lanka’s outdated Insolvency Ordinance and amend related provisions in the Companies Act and Inland Revenue Act. He argued that the current liquidation-focused framework lacks effective restructuring options for companies, partnerships and individuals, contributing to disorderly recoveries, non-performing loans and loss of business value. The Bill would introduce rescue and insolvency procedures, creditor participation, moratoria, regulated insolvency professionals, a Regulatory Authority, and special mechanisms for MSMEs and “no assets, no income” debtors. He urged Parliament to support the Bill, citing international models and technical assistance, including from the IMF and World Bank.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly sought a clarification from the Minister. No specific policy issue or proposal was stated in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva sought clarification from the Minister on whether two proposals submitted by the Committee on Public Finance, following consultations with 15 stakeholder groups, would be incorporated at Committee Stage. He specifically asked whether the Bill’s 60-day period for MSMEs to negotiate with creditors and present a restructuring plan to court would be amended to 180 days, as proposed by the Committee, instead of relying on extensions through court orders.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government would not introduce certain proposed Committee Stage amendments at that time because the Attorney-General had advised that some changes could not be accommodated immediately. He thanked the Chair of the Committee on Public Finance for convening it quickly and stated that the Committee would be reconvened soon to reconsider Members’ proposals and bring any necessary amendment later.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake only addressed the Chair, saying “Hon. Deputy Speaker,” with no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy arguments recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman raised concerns during debate on the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill about the alleged disappearance of about USD 2.5 million from the Treasury and questioned why the Opposition was denied adequate time to debate it. He demanded that the President, as Minister of Finance, make a statement to Parliament, and questioned the delay in referring the matter to the CID, the interdiction of junior officers, and the role of the Finance Ministry Secretary. He also alleged inconsistencies surrounding the death of Ranga Rajapaksha, criticized premature statements describing it as suicide, and said the Justice Minister had misled Parliament regarding whether the family had lodged a complaint.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara denied allegations attributed to Hon. Mujibur Rahuman, stating that the deceased’s wife had not made any police complaint regarding the matter. He rejected claims involving “Asela, the Secretary” as false and challenged Hon. Rahuman to table the relevant letter and specify the police station and date of any alleged complaint.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman tabled a letter from the Ministry of Health and Media, also tabled previously by Hon. Ajith P. Perera, concerning Case No. B 88575/2026. The letter, signed by Dr. Asela Gunawardena, refers to an order to appoint a medical board and conduct a post-mortem examination following a report that Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage Ranga Nishshanka Rajapaksha died under suspicious circumstances on 30.04.2026.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman challenges a claim made in the chamber by asking whether a referenced letter is being described as false. The intervention seeks clarification on the authenticity or accuracy of the document under discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman requested that the Deputy Speaker provide him access to the microphone.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman referred to a letter purportedly presented by Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services, and challenged the Minister to state whether it was false. The remarks were interrupted before he could elaborate further.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara disputed claims that a woman had lodged a police complaint alleging her husband’s death was suspicious. He challenged the opposing Member to provide the relevant police station and date, and asserted that the allegations made were baseless.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman briefly indicated that he was referring to the contents of a specific letter before the House. No further substantive argument, proposal, or question is contained in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri rose on a point of order before the Deputy Speaker. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was recorded in the provided speech text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri raised a point of order under Standing Order 91(6), objecting to remarks by the Minister of Justice which he said insulted him by suggesting he was deaf. He requested the Deputy Speaker to direct the Minister to maintain decorum, while parts of his own remarks were expunged by order of the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB
AI summary The Minister supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, stating that it would help revive failing businesses, facilitate efficient liquidation where necessary, and create better opportunities for entrepreneurs affected by insolvency or external economic factors. He also criticised the Opposition for not engaging with the Bill’s substance. Separately, he outlined concerns about the decline of Sri Lankan cricket and said he had appointed an Interim Cricket Committee, chaired by Eran Wickramaratne and including former cricketers such as Sidath Wettimuny, Kumar Sangakkara, and Roshan Mahanama, to reform Sri Lanka Cricket and strengthen the sport’s future.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary USD 2.5 million had been lost through alleged fraud and administrative failures, and politicized public-sector appointments had weakened oversight and sidelined competent officials. The Opposition Leader called for an end to cadre-based appointments under programmes such as “Clean Sri Lanka,” protection for public officers acting according to procedure, and safeguards for freedom of expression, citing the remand of a social media activist who criticized such appointments. He also urged humane treatment and land-based empowerment for the Malaiyaha Tamil community, proposing small tea plots or micro-holdings for landless people and unemployed youth instead of evictions and short-term job quotas.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s approach to public administration and disaster-resilient housing, stating it would protect lawful public officers and build 20,000 homes for people affected by floods and landslides. He said the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill modernizes the 1853 Insolvency Ordinance by prioritizing rescue and rehabilitation before insolvency, with particular relevance to SMEs affected by recent crises and parate action. He outlined provisions including an Insolvency Regulatory Authority, structured repayment and turnaround plans, insolvency practitioners, possible use of District or Commercial Courts, relief for smaller loans and individuals, protection from perpetual credit blacklisting, and standstill periods before parate enforcement. He argued the framework would help viable businesses recover, preserve jobs and supply chains, and attract capital to distressed enterprises.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns over the Sports Ministry preventing Sri Lanka’s junior volleyball teams from attending the CAVA championship, delays in restoring upcountry railway services, and alleged government statements undermining the judiciary. He called for implementation of the Budget promise to make eligible casual workers permanent, changes to women police recruitment age and qualification criteria, and reconsideration of the digital ID project involving an Indian company. He also demanded investigations into land permit renewal delays and alleged corruption, publication of beneficiary lists for government loan and housing claims, and urged that Neville Fernando Hospital remain under Health Ministry oversight rather than be transferred to the Air Force.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Although the debate concerned the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, Najith Indika responded to Opposition allegations about a Treasury-related transaction and the death of a Treasury officer. He said the police, due to the sensitivity of the case, requested the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate to order a panel post-mortem, after which the Director General of Health Services appointed four consultant judicial medical officers. He rejected claims that the reference to “suspicious circumstances” proved a complaint by the deceased’s wife, stating it was standard procedural wording, and urged Members to await the post-mortem report before making political allegations.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary While supporting the Bill relating to SME progress, protection and security, Chanaka Madugoda raised several public administration and local service concerns. He urged the withdrawal of an IGP order requiring disabled police officers to wear a different uniform, arguing that it undermines their dignity, and asked that police recruitment criteria be reviewed in light of vacancies. He also requested a faster expressway access corridor to Karapitiya hospital facilities in Galle, opposed the removal of the Mahamodara OPD, and noted that an issue at the Department of Railways requires attention.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill at its Second Reading, arguing that existing insolvency laws are inadequate in light of the sharp rise in non-performing loans and the impact of the economic crisis. He said the Bill would shift the legal framework from creditor-focused enforcement toward business rescue, restructuring, orderly liquidation, job protection, and improved creditor recoveries. He highlighted standstill provisions and relief from pressures such as parate enforcement as measures to help debtors and entrepreneurs re-enter economic activity, while linking the reform to restoring investor confidence and economic recovery.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran linked the debate to the Tamil community’s continued demands for justice, remembrance of civilians killed in the war, political detainees, and missing persons, and appealed to the international community for accountability. Addressing the Bill on rescuing and rehabilitating distressed enterprises and individuals, he welcomed its objective of reviving MSMEs and protecting jobs, but urged that its procedures be equally accessible to MSMEs and individuals in the Vanni and other affected regions. He cited the exclusion of broadcast-seeded paddy cultivation from relevant agricultural and insurance circulars as an example of regional neglect, and called for the Bill’s implementation to ensure regional equity, awareness, and access.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill at Second Reading, stating that it modernizes outdated insolvency and company law frameworks and creates better conditions for businesses, individuals, entrepreneurs, and legal and commercial practitioners. He said the reform would contribute to economic recovery and reflected the Government’s wider efforts to stabilize the country, rebuild international confidence, and improve governance. He also criticized the Opposition over its past economic record and its response to a recent fraudulent foreign remittance incident involving the Ministry of Finance, while emphasizing the Government’s engagement with public officials and salary increases for public servants.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan congratulated the Tamil Nadu Victory Forum on its election success while raising concern over alleged assaults on Malaiyaha estate workers by private security personnel at Neelagama Estate and a similar incident in Matara. He urged the Government and the Minister in charge of Police to ensure estate residents are treated as Sri Lankan citizens protected by the Sri Lanka Police, and proposed banning plantation companies from maintaining paramilitary-style private forces. He also demanded implementation of government commitments, including the NPP Hatton Declaration, to provide land, housing, roads and livelihoods for Malaiyaha communities, warning that the TPA would mobilize if estate lands are distributed to others while their community’s needs are ignored.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman raised a Point of Order under Standing Order 91 to correct what he said was a misrepresentation by Hon. Najith Indika of his earlier remarks. He stated that he had tabled a letter from the Director-General of Health Services to an investigating committee concerning the reported suspicious death of a Ministry of Finance officer, and argued that any allegation of falsehood should be addressed to the Director-General rather than directed at him.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra rejected claims that the Government had supported the Neelagama incident and accused the Opposition of misinformation, before addressing the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill. He said the Bill modernizes Sri Lanka’s insolvency framework, drawing on older domestic laws and international models, to help viable businesses, especially MSMEs, restructure after shocks rather than face liquidation. Citing crises such as the war, Easter attacks, Covid-19, debt distress and supply chain disruptions, he argued the legislation would protect jobs, preserve asset value and prevent unnecessary business closures, and urged Members to support it.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan rejected the Deputy Minister’s claim that he had implicated the Government in attacks related to Kahawatte Plantations. He said he had condemned the company’s conduct, spoken to its CEO, and urged that the actions stop, while emphasizing that he had not alleged Government support; he added that if the Government believed otherwise, it should intervene to stop the incidents.
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi welcomed the new insolvency legislation as a comprehensive reform of an outdated framework, noting its creation of an Independent Insolvency Regulatory Authority and new procedures for personal bankruptcy and MSMEs, while acknowledging contributions by current and former ministers. He urged the Justice Minister to proceed with delayed criminal and civil law reforms. He also raised concerns about stalled annual transfers in the public service, naming several officials and citing a specific case of non-compliance, and requested that they be summoned before the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committee.
- The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, describing it as a necessary reform that replaces outdated insolvency approaches with court-supervised restructuring, administrators, and business reorganization options to preserve viable firms and jobs. He noted that the Opposition had not objected to the Bill, while criticizing Opposition claims about political interference in the public service and raising past employment practices. He also defended the Government’s housing policy, stating that priority is being given to completing unfinished housing units, resolving land and title issues, and building 50,000 houses in the year.
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman welcomed the Tamil Nadu election result and urged the incoming Chief Minister to engage with Sri Lanka on issues including Katchatheevu, fisheries disputes between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan Tamil fishers, Sri Lankan Tamils in camps, and recognition of the distinct identity of Malaiyaha Tamils. He criticised the Government’s performance on estate-sector issues, alleging it had not delivered new housing despite citing the Indian Housing Project, and questioned its response to incidents in plantation areas. He demanded clear answers on whether the Government will grant land titles to estate residents, implement housing programmes, and ensure that the Police, rather than private actors, handle estate disputes, while stating that allegations of past corruption should be investigated rather than used to avoid these questions.
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif spoke during the debate on the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, focusing largely on the conditions of Malaiyaha estate communities and pledging that the Government would address long-standing needs such as roads, housing, land titles and basic facilities within its term. He said proposals were being prepared through the relevant Ministry to ensure Tamil communities receive services on par with other communities, and rejected claims that the Government was obstructing Muslim Udhiyah rituals except on Poya days. He also referred to development work under the Clean Sri Lanka programme and urged the Gampola Municipal Council to promptly remove accumulated garbage along the Gampola–Skandza Road to protect public health.
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Chithral Fernando linked the insolvency debate to broader concerns about alleged mismanagement of public funds, citing the SJB’s Supreme Court fundamental rights case and the recent USD 2.5 million cross-border payment incident. He questioned why Parliament was not promptly informed despite reported Central Bank warnings and conflicting official explanations, arguing that Parliament’s control over public finance and COPF’s mandate over public debt and debt service required disclosure. He also raised concerns about the impact on public confidence in digital banking and called on the Government to acknowledge any mistakes and provide transparent information.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala moved that Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha take the Chair during the proceedings. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Thushari Jayasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bill to create a modern rescue, rehabilitation and insolvency framework, arguing that the current liquidation-focused regime destroys businesses, jobs and entrepreneurial capacity. He said the Bill would provide structured, time-bound mechanisms such as dialogue, restructuring plans and administrative intervention, including an initial 60-day rehabilitation window, to preserve viable enterprises. He linked the need for reform to the impact of Covid-19, the 2022 economic crisis, and pressures on MSMEs, and argued that the legislation would strengthen domestic and foreign investor confidence by aligning Sri Lanka with international insolvency practices.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella supported the Second Reading of the Rescues, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Bill, noting that it repeals the 1853 Insolvency Ordinance and is intended to provide restructuring and relief mechanisms, particularly for MSMEs affected by the economic crisis and tax changes. She stressed that the Bill’s objectives depend on timely implementation, especially the establishment of the Insolvency Regulatory Authority and merit-based appointments to its key posts. She criticized delays in activating statutory bodies and raised concerns about political appointments, citing an alleged USD 2.5 million public funds fraud and calling for accountability and proper appointment procedures.
- The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Bill as a modernization of Sri Lanka’s outdated insolvency framework and a measure to shift from punitive action to restructuring and rescue. He highlighted the proposed Insolvency Regulatory Authority, protections for small borrowers and essential assets, temporary stays on creditor action, and penalties for fraud. He argued that the Bill would support MSMEs, protect livelihoods, improve investor confidence, and address financial distress in the North and East, including issues linked to predatory microfinance, non-bank finance institutions, and post-war industrial decline.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna congratulated Mr. Joseph Vijay on his victory in Tamil Nadu and clarified that his earlier Tamil remarks on northern island issues had been misinterpreted, stating he had not called for Sri Lanka or Katchatheevu to be ceded. He highlighted inadequate transport and safety arrangements for people travelling to islands such as Nagadeepa, including reliance on unsafe private boats without lifejackets. He also raised concerns about his personal security, saying he faces attacks without assigned police protection, and requested adequate security for Opposition MPs.
- The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna supported the Bill replacing the 1853 Insolvency Ordinance, arguing that Sri Lanka needs a modern insolvency framework aligned with the Companies Act, 2007. He said the proposed law shifts from merely winding up failed businesses to rescuing viable enterprises, managing orderly liquidations, regulating insolvency practitioners, improving creditor recoveries, and giving honest debtors a second chance. He highlighted provisions for pre-insolvency restructuring and a moratorium on enforcement for an initial 60 days after filing a reorganization plan, stating that these measures would improve investor confidence and business resilience.
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir welcomed the Bill as timely relief for small-scale entrepreneurs facing loan and vehicle repossession pressures after successive crises including war, the Easter attacks, cyclones and regional conflict effects. He supported proposed Grade 6 education reforms but urged the Government to address inadequate preparation for Grades 1–5 reforms, including teacher training, technology, textbooks and a nationwide teacher shortage. He also requested streamlined local authority procedures for Muslim Qurbani observances during Hajj, while calling for all religious practices, including Vesak, to be facilitated harmoniously without communal tensions.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne – Deputy Minister of Mass Media
AI summary Moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. T. B. Sarath – Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply
AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath formally seconded the motion under consideration. The House agreed to the question, after which the Chair changed from Hon. Thushari Jayasingha to Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala said the Bill modernizes Sri Lanka’s insolvency framework, replacing outdated laws and introducing measures such as a 60-day period for distressed businesses to consider revival before liquidation. He linked the reform to the Government’s broader economic stabilization efforts and rejected Opposition claims of judicial interference, arguing that independent institutions and the Constitutional Council have strengthened judicial independence. He cited past incidents as examples of political pressure on the judiciary and said ongoing corruption and criminal cases against public figures are being pursued in line with the Government’s mandate, not as an attempt to influence courts.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary The member argued that government mismanagement is reducing state reserves and revenue, citing recent declines in reserves and rupee depreciation despite reliance on taxpayers’ money. He alleged irregularities in several areas, including duplicate RDA contractor payments, the US Postal Service repayment issue, the e-passport tender, fertilizer and coal procurements, oil purchases, and funds at NDB, and warned of risks to GSP+ and exports. He also referred to a Treasury-related USD 2.5 million incident and tabled a letter requesting FBI involvement and an international forensic post-mortem into a deceased officer’s death.
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan raised concerns over whether deposits collected by banks in the North and East are being reinvested locally to support production, livelihoods, and post-war development. He called for stronger Central Bank monitoring of microfinance institutions, citing excessive interest rates and borrower distress, and urged relief for depositors affected by failed finance companies such as The Finance Company. He also requested legal and regulatory measures to improve access to finance in the North and East, and briefly referred to political developments in Tamil Nadu and their relevance to Tamil communities.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha addressed claims about alleged USD 2.5 million Treasury debt service payments, rejecting related allegations of concealment, reprisals, and links to an officer’s death, and urged those with information to provide it to investigators. He then supported the Rescues, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Bill, stating that it would create an integrated framework for individual and corporate distress, emphasizing pre-insolvency intervention, structured moratoria, professional administration, and orderly liquidation where necessary. He said the Bill would establish an Insolvency Regulatory Authority, protect bona fide businesses while deterring willful default and fraud, improve asset realization, and support investor confidence, FDI, and broader economic recovery.
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the Bill as a long-prepared measure to assist entrepreneurs and employers, but questioned why its tabling was delayed despite groundwork under the previous government, saying many MSMEs lost assets to bank seizures in the interim. He called for clarity on any government amendments, practical implementation measures, and a longer bank negotiation period of 180 days to support out-of-court business recovery. He also raised concerns about Colombo Port City company registrations and business visas being misused for alleged cybercrime, urging stronger scrutiny of registrations, visas, tax compliance, and post-registration reviews.
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad raised concerns about alleged irregularities in overseas money transfers, saying the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Government should accept responsibility rather than placing blame solely on public officials, as such incidents could undermine investor confidence. He also cited complaints from crab sellers in Negombo that local authorities are attempting to relocate or evict stalls employing around 1,500 people, and urged that any relocation of small businesses be planned, suitable, and non-arbitrary. He further alleged that some Ministers and local authority heads are using State influence to demand money from businesses for Vesak zones, including from airport hire-car drivers who fear obstruction if they do not pay.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad urged the Government not to hinder or harass businesspeople through arbitrary actions while businesses are struggling to rebuild. He argued that such conduct would undermine the purpose of business-enabling laws and discourage entrepreneurs, and requested government attention to the issue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka needs a modern framework to replace the 1853 Insolvency Ordinance and improve the ease of doing business. He said the Bill shifts the focus from rapid winding-up to rehabilitation of viable individuals and businesses, including through an Insolvency Regulatory Authority and special attention to MSMEs facing finance, debt-servicing and cash-flow difficulties. Citing Central Bank 2025 credit expansion data, he linked the measure to economic recovery and confidence-building, while stating that the Government aims to strengthen resilience and prevent future collapses.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB
AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe moved that Hon. Upul Kithsiri take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha left the Chair and Hon. Upul Kithsiri assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem criticised remarks by the President that he said appeared to signal pressure on the judiciary, noting the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s objections. He then congratulated Joseph Vijay on his Tamil Nadu election victory and highlighted the importance of linguistic identity over religious identity among Tamil-speaking communities, also extending greetings to elected representatives from Muslim and allied parties in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. He urged Vijay to avoid “emotional and unrealistic” claims on Kachchativu and instead promote stronger India-Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka ties, including engagement with the Indian Central Government.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about inadequate financial relief and bank lending in disaster-affected districts, noting low disbursements in Kandy, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya despite earlier Government commitments. He questioned why affected property owners were being asked to accept a one-off Rs. 500,000 instead of the promised support of up to Rs. 5 million, and asked what had happened to the large parliamentary allocation and donated funds. He urged urgent action to ensure proper distribution of relief.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill as timely but said it required further corrections to create a practical restructuring mechanism similar to Chapter 11 processes. He proposed extending the 60-day timeframe to 180 days, prioritizing SMEs, establishing specialized district courts, reviewing parate execution separately, and aligning related tax provisions through tax law amendments. He also cautioned that cross-border insolvency provisions require Central Bank assessment of foreign exchange and dollar exposure risks, and argued that business revival, employees, and company continuity should take priority over tax recovery in receivership.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development
AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill seeks to address business and personal insolvency arising from the economic crisis, high interest rates, COVID-related disruption, and bank seizures, particularly affecting SMEs and tourism enterprises. He said the Bill would establish an Insolvency Regulatory Authority, require full disclosure of liabilities and circumstances of distress, and provide an orderly mechanism to restructure, revive, bring in partners, or transfer businesses while minimizing losses. He argued that the framework goes beyond existing Companies Act provisions, reassesses processes such as parate execution, and is intended to strengthen investor and entrepreneur confidence by providing a lawful “second chance.”
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- 11 Debate Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Committee and Third Reading Stages 9 speeches