Sitting of Thursday, 7 May 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23540 ·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: Special Security Arrangements on 08 May 2026 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Report 4 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question 4: Cybercrime Cases Against Women 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question 6 (1337/2025): Sports Officers and District Youth Service Officer in Ampara 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question 7 (1457/2025): Post Offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts 7 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) 8 speeches
- 11 Procedural Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Standing Order 27(2) 6 speeches
- 12 Oral question Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military 9 speeches
- 13 Papers Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation 21 speeches
- 14 Procedural Procedural Matters: Points of Order, Privilege, and Parliamentary Business 39 speeches
- 15 Papers Presentation of Bills and Regulations Approval 16 speeches
- 16 Debate Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations 17 speeches
- 17 Procedural Suspension of Proceedings for Lunch 1 speeches
- 18 Debate Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 19 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
AI summary Moved approval of the President’s Proclamation under the Public Security Ordinance and a related Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act, citing the emergency response to Cyclone “Ditcha.” He said the measures enabled coordination of essential services, appointment of a Commissioner General of Essential Services, and implementation of a Rs. 500 billion recovery programme, detailing payments for resettlement, equipment, subsistence, rent, housing reconstruction, agriculture, fisheries and livestock losses. He stated that relocation decisions are being guided by NBRO safety certification and that the emergency powers have been used only for disaster relief and essential services, requesting a one-month extension to complete remaining relief and reconstruction work.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government had allocated Rs. 10,000 million to provide relief amid fuel, gas and electricity price pressures linked to the Middle East conflict, including possible electricity tariff subsidies, fertilizer price support and extended harvest relief. He moved to extend provisions relating to essential services and the mandate of the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, seeking House approval. He also outlined ongoing police recruitment, including 200 trainee Sub Inspectors already recruited and further recruitment processes for about 10,000 personnel, while noting a review of revised qualifications. Responding to allegations over the e-passport tender, he denied that it had been awarded, said procurement and related litigation were still ongoing, and stated that Cabinet and the Procurement Commission processes would be followed.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB
AI summary The Minister of Public Security requested one or two additional minutes from the Deputy Chairperson to continue his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations surrounding government tenders and Treasury matters, stating that suspected irregularities should be pursued through courts and formal legal channels rather than public accusations. He said CID investigations into the Treasury incident were underway, with statements recorded from 21 persons, and cited past financial losses in the Beeraluvala Project and a dairy cattle import arrangement to argue that alleged wrongdoing under previous administrations would also be pursued. He affirmed respect for free expression but warned against fake news and interference with investigations, and said he had instructed the IGP to investigate concerns raised by Hon. Jeevan Thondaman while the Government would address public pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was presented in the recorded statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Jeevan Thondaman rose on a brief point of personal reference, stating that his name had been mentioned in the debate. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand was raised in the statement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman questioned the Government’s response to repeated attacks on hill-country people, particularly youth, saying that arrests and bail releases do not constitute a lasting solution. He criticized Government Members representing the hill country for failing to raise the matter with the leadership and urged the Minister to address the long-standing grievances of the community.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB
AI summary The Minister said police had acted promptly on two incidents reported the previous night in Sabaragamuwa and Nuwara Eliya, with suspects arrested, investigations initiated, and court production underway. He rejected claims of inaction, stated that the Government would not allow such incidents to continue, and offered to facilitate discussions with the Police, including in Nuwara Eliya, following concerns raised by Members including Hon. Mano Ganesan.
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan requested a brief opportunity to respond. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan said recurring incidents involving the plantation sector should be addressed without politicization, while acknowledging the Minister’s remarks. He requested that the Minister convene the heads of Regional Plantation Companies, the IGP, and relevant members for a discussion to find a resolution.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security JJB
AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala said he was willing to facilitate discussions between plantation executives and the Inspector General of Police regarding safety concerns in the hill country. He stated that the government had a responsibility to protect all hill-country residents and would take necessary action if such incidents continued.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Condolences were offered on the death of Dhanigala Mahabandara of the Rathugala Veddah community before raising a series of questions on disaster relief, damaged infrastructure, fertilizer shortages, harvest relief, and public security. Concerns were raised over the alleged loss of US$ 250 million from the Treasury and a further US$ 6 million from the Department of Posts, with a demand that COPF proceedings and Treasury Secretary responses on the matter be made public. The speech also criticized proposed removal of CESS and PAL under IMF commitments, questioned fertilizer procurement decisions, and asked the Government to clarify reports of a Polish complaint to the EU over passports. It further called for stronger action to protect and empower the Malaiyaha estate community amid reported violence and rejected claims that the Opposition opposed wage and benefit increases for estate workers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- 19 Debate Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 48 speeches
- 20 Procedural Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution 15 speeches