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
- 19 Debate Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 48 speeches
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath supported extending emergency provisions under the Essential Public Services Act in response to the “Ditva” cyclone, arguing that temporary powers are needed to maintain essential services, public order, security, and supplies during disasters and potential global supply disruptions. He cited government actions including evacuations, deployment of security forces, restoration of rail services, measures against hoarding, and an interim housing programme for affected districts. He stressed that emergency powers should remain temporary and subject to parliamentary, judicial, and constitutional oversight, and urged the House to approve the extension.
- The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB
AI summary The Minister of Science and Technology moved that Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Jayasingha presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that a Cabinet memorandum on e-passports sought approval to award the procurement to Thales DIS Finland Oy/Just in Time Technologies despite ministerial claims that no decision had been made, and he tabled the document while warning of possible international and GSP-related repercussions. He also questioned plans to use Indian funds to assign digital ID printing to Madras Security Printers, citing earlier parliamentary allegations about losses, counterfeit excise stickers and blacklisting concerns. He further raised allegations over an Airbus A330-200 lease, arguing that RTI-disclosed details indicated excessive cost and maintenance risks for an ageing aircraft, and referred to broader corruption and governance concerns including Treasury and municipal-level issues.
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Aboobucker Athambawa supported extending the state of emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing the severe impact of Cyclone “Ditva” on lives, housing, livelihoods, agriculture, roads, railways, tanks, canals, bunds and bridges. He said the Government was providing compensation to farmers, fishers and affected households, restoring damaged infrastructure through the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme and relevant state agencies, and managing these efforts despite economic pressures and global instability. He urged Opposition cooperation, stating that emergency powers were being used responsibly to meet public needs.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda opposed reliance on emergency powers, arguing that the Government should first implement actions available under ordinary law. He urged immediate action on railway delays caused by strict speed-limit compliance after recent derailments and faults, including instructions to Railways or attendance relief for affected public and private sector workers. He also accused the Government of failing to act on its anti-corruption mandate, listing numerous alleged losses, procurement irregularities, governance failures, delayed elections, undisclosed agreements, and unresolved investigations, and demanded accountability and disclosure.
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Dewananda Suraweera supported extending the emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating it was proclaimed to manage the aftermath of the Ditva cyclone and speed up reconstruction and relief. He said the emergency is intended to expedite procurement, repair infrastructure, allocate land for displaced people, maintain essential services, and protect officials acting urgently, not to restrict democracy, unions, assemblies, or protests. He argued the measure is necessary to restore normalcy, support economic revival, tourism, and investment, while criticizing the Opposition’s attacks and inviting constructive criticism.
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha questioned the need to extend the state of emergency for cyclone Ditva recovery, arguing that ordinary laws, courts and administrative machinery should be sufficient and that emergency powers create a climate of fear even if not used for suppression. He urged the Government to reconsider the extension and explain why emergency regulations are specifically required. He also raised concerns about economic security, citing alleged Treasury and banking losses, overpayments by state institutions and risks to investor confidence, and called for accountability, a special task force on systemic financial lapses, stronger Central Bank supervision of bank resilience and digital transfers, and a focus on solutions rather than blaming previous governments.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB
AI summary The member spoke in support of extending emergency provisions under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979. She framed the measure in the context of the Government’s period in office and the need to maintain essential public services.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB
AI summary Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the further extension of emergency regulations, arguing that they are needed to continue relief delivery and accelerate reconstruction after what she described as Sri Lanka’s most severe natural disaster. She cited official figures on deaths, missing persons, damaged homes, affected families, and a World Bank estimate of USD 4.1 billion in infrastructure damage, and referred to measures including the emergency Gazette, essential services declarations, an Essential Services Commissioner-General, the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Presidential Task Force, and special subcommittees. She stated that major relief grants had been largely disbursed, gave percentage completion figures for several payments, and said remaining work includes completing benefits and rebuilding railways, highways, and other essential infrastructure.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar opposed the extension of emergency powers, alleging it was being used to intimidate public protests and suppress Opposition scrutiny. He cited alleged irregularities including container, coal, palm oil VAT, Treasury payment, banking, telecom, and solar project matters, and demanded accountability, including the resignation of Treasury Secretary Harsha Suriyapperuma. He argued that ministers and officials linked to the President or government allies were being protected, and warned that public mobilisation would continue despite emergency measures.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe — Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply
AI summary Hon. Dr. Susil Ranasinghe defended the extension of the emergency, arguing it was needed after Cyclone Ditha to maintain 15 essential services, expedite recovery, and address wider supply pressures arising from the Middle East conflict, not to suppress speech or media freedoms. He outlined housing and relief measures, including Rs. 500,000 for fully destroyed homes, allowances for flood damage, household losses, student books and rent, and said emergency powers were helping speed up land allocation and disbursements through administrative channels. He rejected opposition allegations on issues such as coal fraud and Treasury-related matters, saying evidence should be presented to the appointed commission, and argued that the Government had stabilized the economy and restarted stalled development projects.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody rejected an allegation by Mr. Marikkar that he awarded a contract to United Solar. He stated that by 2024 the company’s provisional approval had expired and it had withdrawn, and challenged Mr. Marikkar to table the relevant documents and lodge a complaint with the CID.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Government’s continued extension of emergency measures after the Ditha cyclone, arguing that affected families still lacked housing, land, rental support, and repaired access roads in areas including Mawathagama, Hiriyala, Mirissala, and Bambarakanda. He questioned official claims of rehabilitation progress and demanded justice and relief for cyclone victims six months after the disaster. He also alleged broader Government mismanagement, citing coal procurement losses, rising fuel, electricity and gas costs, increased poverty, and irregularities involving a USD 2.5 million Treasury incident, Postal Department payments, and relief overpayments in Kurunegala and Kegalle.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB
AI summary Krishnan Kalaichelvi raised several incidents of alleged intimidation and violence against estate workers in Ratnapura, Maskeliya, Ragala and Delmar, stating that ministers, MPs, local councillors, unions, police and the Justice Ministry had intervened and taken legal action in some cases. She criticised opposition representatives from the hill country, arguing that past leaders had failed to resolve estate workers’ issues and that the current government had acted on wages and plantation concerns. Speaking on the resolution under the Public Security Ordinance, she said emergency powers had previously been misused but argued that their extension was necessary to expedite relief and recovery work after the 2025 “Ditha” cyclone, and expressed support for the resolution.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala moved a procedural motion for Hon. Upul Kithsiri to take the Chair. The motion was seconded and agreed to, after which Hon. Thushari Jayasingha left the Chair and Hon. Upul Kithsiri assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera questioned the Government’s continued use of emergency powers after Cyclone Ditha, arguing that promised relief—particularly Rs. 500,000 housing grants and land or houses for displaced families—had not been delivered six months later. He cited high-risk families in Kegalle, especially Yatiyantota, who had been instructed to vacate but had not received land or housing, and requested an investigation and expedited payments and allocations. He also challenged government claims on estate worker wage increases, saying part of the increase came from companies and that higher workloads undermined the benefit. He demanded amendments to circulars that restrict land allocation for estate worker housing and called for action on evictions, housing shortages, assaults on estate workers, and basic protections.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law — Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the 90-day extension of the emergency, stating it had been used only to address public needs arising from the Ditha cyclone and not to suppress fundamental rights. He rejected Opposition criticisms on service delivery, coal procurement, Treasury issues, containers, RDA payments, and fertilizer allegations, saying inquiries, committees, or legal processes were in place and inviting members to present evidence through those channels. He said concerns raised by the Bar Association and an Opposition motion would be considered through parliamentary procedures, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the rule of law and an independent, efficient judiciary.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan said emergency relief for Ditha cyclone victims had not reached estate communities and welcomed the President’s planned visit to Nuwara Eliya. He argued that land rights for estate-line communities remain the core solution to many estate problems, and called for equal enforcement of the law against estate officials accused of assaulting workers. He also requested intervention on low potato prices and imports affecting Nuwara Eliya farmers, provision of fire engines for estate and industrial areas after the Brookside Estate factory fire, and noted the importance of continued ties with Tamil Nadu.
- The Hon. Shantha Padmakumara Subasingha
AI summary The Hon. Shantha Padmakumara Subasingha supported the extension of the emergency, citing the recent landslide risk in the Opatha DS Division of Ratnapura where 30 families were evacuated and 11 high-risk families were sheltered with relief. He defended the Government’s disaster relief and estate-sector measures, including a proposed Rs. 5,000 billion relief package and a Rs. 400 estate wage increase, while accusing the Opposition of politicizing incidents in Kahawatta, Nuwara Eliya and the hill country. He said the Government had acted promptly over the Neelagama estate assault by arresting suspects, warning the estate company, and working to provide land and housing to affected families. He also referred to past ethnic violence and disaster resettlement failures under previous governments, and urged the Opposition to present evidence before the appointed commission and act responsibly.
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir addressed the resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to extend the emergency for providing relief and compensation to those affected by the Ditha cyclone. He said public debate had been dominated by competing claims between the government and opposition, but the central issue was whether promised assistance had reached affected people. He referred to the President’s earlier assurances of substantial compensation for damaged houses, land and roofing, and questioned whether all affected persons had in fact received relief, noting that several Members had raised similar concerns.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir raised concerns about public access to police stations, saying complainants are sometimes treated like offenders and calling for changes to improve public safety. He requested the Government to facilitate Muslim Qurbani practices during Eid al-Adha, noting its proximity to Vesak and asking that arrangements be made for the 10th to 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah to prevent communal tensions. He also questioned what legal action would be taken against individuals and groups allegedly spreading rumours or provoking anti-Muslim sentiment, citing claims about extremists targeting Buddhist sites and the use of the ICCPR Act in other cases.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary During the Emergency debate, Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir urged the State Minister of Defence to address safety risks around the Sea Cadet training camp on the Kalpitiya peninsula, where Air Force training has allegedly caused bombs to fall and damage affecting fishermen, farmers, tourists, and residents. He asked for measures to protect people within the surrounding 10–15 km area, particularly during adverse winds, and to ensure justice for affected residents in the economically important region. He also requested action under the Emergency to maintain peace during Qurbani and prevent extremist-related tensions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister justified extending the state of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing ongoing relief and resettlement needs after the “Ditwah” cyclone and possible fuel supply disruptions arising from instability in the Middle East. He argued that emergency powers had been used only to deliver essential services and not to detain, suppress dissent, or restrict media freedom. He rejected Opposition claims of interference with judicial independence, stating that corruption investigations and prosecutions proceed through an independent judiciary and that the Government is committed to equal application of the law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the Government’s handling of national and public security, linking it to economic, energy, environmental, health and food security. He cited alleged misappropriation at the Central Bank, losses at the Department of Posts, an alleged Rs. 13 billion issue involving NDB, and duplicate payments to RDA contractors, demanding clear accountability and answers on who authorized or benefited from these transactions. He also criticized the Government’s anti-corruption performance, referred to the resignation of a Kurunegala Municipal Council member over unmet promises, and raised concerns over energy-sector failures and 122 reported shootings with 68 deaths between December 2024 and December 2025.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson criticized the Government for appointing a former MP as Secretary to the Treasury, comparing it to past controversies over Central Bank appointments and arguing that the promised change has not materialized. He urged the Government to correct such practices, safeguard public funds, and avoid politicizing the death of a public officer, while noting that similar incidents under previous governments would have drawn strong protests.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said recent estate-related incidents in Ragala, Maskeliya and Ratnapura had been addressed through police action, trade union involvement or official discussions, and alleged that some political groups were exaggerating them during the Emergency and public safety debate. He argued that estate workers’ long-standing problems in education, health, transport, wages and land rights were being addressed by the Government, citing the Rs. 1,750 wage arrangement with a Rs. 200 state contribution. He rejected racist and sectarian politics, referred to past ethnic violence against estate workers, and said the Government was pursuing housing, road repairs, local industry support and anti-narcotics measures in the North while encouraging diaspora investment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary K. Kader Masthan questioned the continued extension of the Emergency, acknowledging its use in anti-narcotics operations but arguing that disaster relief and public order concerns should not justify prolonged extraordinary powers or heavy-handed action against citizens and unions. He cited the arrest of youths in Pottuvil–Arugam Bay and cautioned against possible abuse in enforcement, while calling for the Emergency not to be repeatedly extended. He requested extensions to customs clearance and tax exemption periods for overseas disaster relief consignments, including relief goods affected by shipping delays, and urged correction of gaps in compensation for “Ditwah” cyclone victims, including livestock farmers. He also asked the Government to present details of India–Sri Lanka energy and land-link plans, expedite connectivity for Northern Province economic benefits, and curb illegal sand mining in Mannar through proper regulation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the extension of the Emergency for narcotics control and accelerated post-“Ditwah” reconstruction, while urging the authorities to prevent unnecessary arrests and apply emergency powers only where needed. He welcomed the Supreme Court ruling enabling Kalmunai Municipal Council and Sainthamaruthu Urban Council to function separately, and requested restoration of previous Kalmunai boundary delineations to avoid ethnic tensions. He also asked that land occupied by the Eravur Police Station be transferred to Aligarh National School, with the police relocated to land already allocated by the Eravur Urban Council.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised two local infrastructure requests, urging the provision of urgently needed buildings for Eravur Aligarh National School. He also asked that the Eravur Police Station be established on land already allocated by the Urban Council.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported discussion on the Emergency by raising land and security-related concerns in the North and East, urging implementation of the President’s direction to release private lands occupied for wartime security purposes or provide compensation. He requested permanent police station facilities on properly allocated state land in the Eastern Province, including action on the Eravur Urban Council’s allocation, and called for implementation of local authority arrangements for Kalmunai–Sainthamaruthu following a Supreme Court judgment. He also urged a special security and tourism plan for Pottuvil–Arugam Bay, citing multiple roadblocks, recent arrests of visiting youths, and the need to reduce disruption to residents, fishers, farmers, and tourists while maintaining security.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that national security depends not only on immigration controls but also on resolving minority political aspirations and improving economic conditions in the North and East. He called for streamlined investment approvals, development of Kankesanthurai harbour using the Indian grant, and progress on Trincomalee oil tank arrangements to support jobs and economic revival. He opposed the use of Emergency powers and the PTA, stating Tamil representatives were prepared to vote against Emergency. He also sought clarification on enforcement where operators hold over 20 per cent of inter-provincial route permits and requested that the Vavuniya bus stand be transferred to Northern provincial or municipal authorities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Emergency is being maintained only to ensure uninterrupted public services and accelerate recovery following Cyclone “Ditwah” and the Middle East conflict, rejecting allegations that it has been used to detain youths, prevent gatherings, or support anti-narcotics operations. She outlined progress in relief payments for affected households, displaced families, schoolchildren, farmers, livestock owners, inland fishers, and boat owners, citing high disbursement rates across most schemes. She said infrastructure restoration, including housing, highways, and railways, is being carried out with disaster risk reduction and scientific siting, and argued that the Emergency is being used to deliver relief and services efficiently rather than to protect the Government or oppress citizens.
- 20 Procedural Division Vote and Adjournment: Public Security Ordinance Resolution 15 speeches