Sitting of Thursday, 7 May 2026

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Opening: Special Security Arrangements on 08 May 2026 1 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Report 4 speeches ▸
3. 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches ▸
4. 4 Oral question Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa 7 speeches ▾
   • Mr. Speaker procedural
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   • The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB

     AI summary Mujibur Rahuman asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to provide student enrolment figures for Dhammarathana Vidyalaya, Lakshapathiya Shikshadhana Vidyalaya and Sunandopananda Primary School in Moratuwa. He also asked whether the Ministry is aware that these schools are reportedly at risk of closure and what measures will be taken to address the situation.

     Education Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB

     AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Deputy Minister provided enrolment figures for Dhammarathana Vidyalaya, Lakshapathiya Shikshadhana Vidyalaya, and Sunandopananda Primary School from 2023 to 2026, noting growth at Dhammarathana and declines at the other two schools. He stated that teaching and learning continue with required facilities in all three schools, despite Lakshapathiya having only 30 students in 2026. He attributed reduced demand at Lakshapathiya partly to its location and nearby alternative schools, and said the Primary Schools Development Project includes development of nearby Salina Vidyalaya in 2027, with possible accommodation of Lakshapathiya students there if necessary.

     Education Full speech →
   • The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB

     AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s policy allowing 42 students in Grade 1 classes, arguing it contradicts the Supreme Court’s 2012 direction to reduce class sizes to 35 and worsens overcrowding in popular schools while reducing enrolment in smaller schools. He asked why the Government has not restored the 35-student cap previously implemented progressively under former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

     Education Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB

     AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that class sizes should be based on educational criteria, noting that overcrowding persists in both secondary and primary schools. He said the Government aims to reduce class sizes below 35, but only gradually alongside education reforms, school rationalization, infrastructure improvements, and the recruitment of additional teachers. He clarified that no decision has been taken to raise secondary class sizes beyond 40 or to 45, and that limits will be enforced according to classroom capacity.

     EducationInfrastructure Full speech →
   • The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB

     AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s school admissions policy, arguing that continuing the 40-student limit and expanding parallel classes in popular schools would lead to the closure of smaller nearby schools. He urged implementation of the Supreme Court ruling limiting Grade 1 classes to 35 students and called for an end to further expansion of parallel classes in popular schools.

     Education Full speech →
   • The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB

     AI summary Dr. Madhura Senevirathna stated that the Government has no policy of increasing parallel classes in popular schools and asked for any specific instances to be submitted for review by structural committees. He said the policy focus is to strengthen peripheral secondary schools and improve local schooling rather than expand popular schools or increase class sizes.

     Education Full speech →
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women 6 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question 6 (1337/2025): Sports Officers and District Youth Service Officer in Ampara 7 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question 7 (1457/2025): Post Offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts 7 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala 6 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya 6 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) 8 speeches ▸
11. 11 Procedural Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Standing Order 27(2) 6 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military 9 speeches ▸
13. 13 Papers Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation 21 speeches ▸
14. 14 Procedural Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business 39 speeches ▸
15. 15 Papers Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval 16 speeches ▸
16. 16 Debate Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations 17 speeches ▸
17. 17 Procedural Suspension of Proceedings for Lunch 1 speeches ▸
18. 18 Debate Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 19 speeches ▸
19. 19 Debate Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 48 speeches ▸
20. 20 Procedural Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution 15 speeches ▸