Sitting of Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23608 ·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 and Announcements 8 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers and Reports Tabled 14 speeches
- 3 Procedural Procedural Matters and Oral Questions (Standing Order Issues) 23 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions 38 speeches
- Department of Wildlife Conservation: Vacancies
AI summary The matter raised concerns vacancies in the Department of Wildlife Conservation under Question No. 588/2025. It appears to seek information from the relevant minister or authority regarding staffing shortages in the Department and any action being taken to fill the vacant positions.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara asked the Minister of Environment to state whether the Department of Wildlife Conservation is recognized as an important department, and to provide details of its approved cadre, current staffing levels, and vacancies by position. He also requested information on measures being taken to fill vacancies and supply necessary resources, particularly in the context of the escalating human-elephant conflict.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary The Minister of Environment responded to a question on the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s staffing position, stating that the approved cadre, officers in post, and vacancies as at 31 March 2026 were provided in annexes. He said vacancies had arisen due to recruitment restrictions and retirements, but recruitment action was under way, including examinations for Wildlife Park Rangers and Wildlife Guards, appointments to Storekeeper posts, and the deployment of Electric Fence Maintenance Assistants and Civil Security Department personnel to human-elephant conflict areas. He also stated that vehicle procurement had resumed following a policy change permitting imports, with pickups, tractors and motorcycles being procured for the Department.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned the Government’s response to the continuing human-elephant conflict, citing recent deaths and delays in second-stage compensation payments despite prompt initial payments by Divisional Secretariats. He challenged Ministers who had previously promised scientific solutions while in Opposition to explain why such measures had not been implemented after one and a half years in office, and asked whether the Government had practical alternatives beyond expecting people to coexist with elephants.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi said the Government recognises the human-elephant conflict as a serious issue causing deaths of both people and elephants, worsened by past political decisions and environmental degradation. He stated that the Department is being strengthened with human and physical resources while daily mitigation continues, including elephant fencing, nutrition sites, and work on elephant corridor declarations. He said the Government will appoint an expert committee to update and implement a scientific action plan, noting that the 2020 plan requires revision and stronger implementation powers, and that the Supreme Court has been informed of the need for such a plan.
Environment Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara questioned the Minister’s claim of having scientific solutions for the human-elephant conflict, stating that the response indicated solutions were still being identified. He asked whether the previous system for issuing elephant-repellent ammunition would be restored until the new plan is implemented, citing lapses in distribution. He also raised concerns about Civil Security Department personnel seconded to the Department being posted far from former duty stations, receiving inadequate daily allowances, and facing safety risks, and asked whether allowances and facilities would be improved.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary The Minister requested details on any issues related to ammunition issuance, stating that irregularities or inadequacies would be investigated and addressed. He said the Ministry is engaging daily with field officers on staff concerns and is working to provide prompt solutions on matters such as allowances and facilities.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- School Children with Special Educational Needs: Western Province
AI summary Question No. 1925/2026 concerns schoolchildren with special educational needs in the Western Province. The Member seeks information from the relevant Minister on the provision, administration, or support arrangements for special education in provincial schools, including any related data, services, or policy measures.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to report on implementation of compulsory education regulations for children aged 5–16 in government schools in the Western Province. He sought details on whether school committees had been established, whether intermittent attendees, long-term absentees, dropouts, low-achieving students, and students with special educational needs had been identified, and the relevant numbers. He also requested information on the officers responsible, special education programmes, and any regulatory process for readmitting students who leave school.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Deputy Minister provided data on compulsory education implementation in the Western Province, stating that 1,217 of 1,344 government schools had established required school committees by December 2025 and that instructions had been issued to complete the remaining 127. He reported figures on out-of-school children identified, reintegrated, and re-admitted in 2024 and 2025, and outlined mechanisms under Circulars 33/2022, 37/2020, 28/2024, and 2025/01 for assessing and supporting learners with special educational needs. He also described measures including zonal assessment committees, early identification through health services, teacher training, assistive devices, special education units, and the planned role of the National Institute for Special and Inclusive Education, while noting that a precise number for one requested category could not be provided.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera acknowledged Ministry efforts on special educational needs learners and school system recovery but argued that outcomes remain inadequate. He questioned the reliability of recently provided dropout data and asked what concrete measures would be taken to ensure compulsory education mechanisms meet regularly, monitor early absences, and reduce dropouts among children aged 5 to 16 under the policy in place since 1997.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Ministry recognized that past attention to the issue had declined, prompting new programmes and a special intervention. He stated that 1,217 of 1,344 schools in the Western Province had established the relevant committees, with follow-up continuing, and expressed confidence that the situation could be corrected through intensified monitoring.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera raised a supplementary question on the Non-Formal Education Unit established in 1997 to support compulsory education. He stated that the unit had weakened over time and lacked clear direction, and asked what measures were being taken to revitalize it.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that a unit established to focus on the relevant group of children had become inactive and is now being considered for revival. He said the Ministry will strengthen the unit and restore its original mandate, particularly to identify and reintegrate those children.
Education Full speech → - Playground on Fatima Road, Mabola: Acquisition by Wattala Mabola Urban Council
AI summary A question was raised regarding the proposed acquisition of the playground on Fatima Road, Mabola, by the Wattala Mabola Urban Council. The matter sought clarification on the status, purpose, and administrative action related to the acquisition, in the context of local authority management of public recreational land.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Stepni (Stephanie) Fernando JJB
AI summary Asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to explain how the Fatima Road playground land in Mabola was acquired by the Wattala Mabola Urban Council. She questioned whether the land belonged to a former Urban Council Chairman, whether he could legally sell his own land to the Council while serving as Chairman, and whether the sale involved a forged deed. She also requested details of the purchase price, the legality of the transaction, and any action to be taken against officials involved.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna
AI summary The Minister provided details on the Urban Council’s purchase of land for the Fatima Road playground in Mabola, stating that three lots were bought by registered deeds in 2007 and 2012 for a total of Rs. 10,020,000. He said the original owner was Joseph Emilian Samarasinghe, who had not served as Urban Council Chairman, and that the purchases were legally executed and registered. He noted that although the land is recorded as non-paddy dry land, the deed names include “kumbura,” raising a question about whether any portion may previously have been paddy or marshland.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB
AI summary Asked whether, when the lands purchased with public funds were acquired, the then Chairman examined and verified the relevant title documents.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna
AI summary In response to a query on land acquisition procedure, the Minister stated that the records do not confirm whether a specific title examination was conducted. He noted that standard land acquisition practice requires verifying relevant title documents before purchase, and therefore it is presumed the purchases followed such verification.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB
AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando raised a supplementary question concerning a playground consisting of three lots, stating that two lots have unregistered deeds and a third 38-perch lot has neither a deed nor registration, based on information obtained through RTI. She requested a clear investigation into the land’s ownership and registration status, as well as broader examination of land use by the Council, alleging past mishandling of lands during the tenure of former Chairmen.
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna
AI summary All three lots have been duly registered according to Council documents. The Member indicated that if any issue remains as raised, steps can be taken to conduct a formal investigation.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Ministry currently lacks data on children with disabilities aged 3–5, but is developing a mechanism and will collect relevant information through the forthcoming preschool census. He outlined measures to support inclusive preschool education, including national ECD standards on accessible facilities, inclusive spaces and appropriate learning assessments, as well as increased enrolment through the Morning Meal Programme. He noted that preschool admissions are handled by provincial authorities under devolved functions, and said teacher training includes 50 hours on children with disabilities, with further 2026 plans for capacity-building and an autism awareness handbook.
- The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva said early childhood development gives insufficient attention to children with disabilities compared with general education. He called for a national, scientifically based screening and assessment process, linked to hospitals, MOH offices and the wider health system, to identify disabilities early and direct children to preschool education. He asked the Deputy Minister what steps the Ministry is taking to establish a strong data system to support this process.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana JJB
AI summary Under the Government’s digitalization initiative, data systems are being developed across ministries, including the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. Allocations were provided last year and this year, and the system is being implemented with the Ministry of Digital Economy, with completion expected by the end of the year.
Women & Children Full speech → - The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva asked the Deputy Minister what provision the Ministry has made in the National Child Policy for including children aged 3–5 with special educational needs in preschools. Referring to the Rs. 5,000 monthly allowance introduced in recent Budgets for children with neurological disabilities and developmental delays, he sought details on the inclusive policy and programme planned to ensure fair early childhood opportunities within the preschool system.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana JJB
AI summary Dr. Namal Sudarshana stated that Sri Lanka had not previously had a standalone national policy on preschool education, despite the 2008 National Policy on Early Childhood Development. He said a National Preschool Policy is now in its final stage, developed by the Ministries of Education and Women and Child Affairs with the National Institute of Education, prioritizing equitable access for all children regardless of socio-economic status or disability. He also noted that a Five-Year Action Plan for 2026–2030 on Early Childhood Development has been prepared with the involvement of the Ministries of Women and Child Affairs, Education, and Health.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided a detailed response on Cyclone “Ditwah” impacts in the Kandy District, covering landslides, floods, high winds, house and business damages, road obstructions, religious site damage, and fatalities across multiple Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. He reported 6,119 fully damaged houses, 11,352 partially damaged houses, 4,179 damaged businesses, 3,404 families living in rented accommodation, and Rs. 625,999,000 paid as compensation to families who lost houses. He also stated that 14 housing relocation projects had been proposed, five initiated, 302 families had received alternative land, and compensation to Gampola businessmen was ongoing subject to documentation and registration issues.
- The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF
AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne acknowledged progress on ex gratia payments but questioned delays in providing housing for families whose homes were fully destroyed, citing 1,739 such cases in Kandy District against the Deputy Minister’s figure of 1,630. He referred to specific affected areas, including Mawathura and Ududumbara, and noted that many displaced families remain with relatives or in rented accommodation nearly six months after “Ditwah.” He asked the Government to state when housing would be completed and raised concerns over delays in securing land, including from estates, for relocation.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is responsible for promptly providing land and compensation to affected persons, and that officials from Grama Niladhari level to District Secretaries are working on implementation. He explained that land identification, NBRI certification, and coordination among multiple landowners and institutions create technical and administrative delays, making it difficult to give a specific completion date. He said the President had discussed the issues during recent visits and assured that the process would be concluded as quickly as possible with cooperation from all parties.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF
AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne raised practical difficulties faced by persons whose houses were fully damaged, noting that delays in land identification, NBRI reports, and Divisional Secretary certification can cause sellers to withdraw or sell land elsewhere before the Rs. 5 million assistance is released. He asked the Government to create a process to resolve this issue, particularly in Gampola in relation to “Ditwah.” He also questioned the adequacy of disaster preparedness, citing concerns about the Mahaweli Authority’s awareness of cyclone warnings, and requested that officials be properly directed with a structured plan and empowered team to manage risks affecting reservoirs, drinking water, and agriculture.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera stated that the “Ditwah” disaster affected 22 districts and that the Government has ground-level information on the impact. He said special procedures have been adopted, grievance-handling measures through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre were further strengthened, delays in obtaining technical information are being addressed, and special on-ground action plans have been prepared to expedite relief efforts.
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister, provided details on the Irrigation Training Institute in Galgamuwa, established on 1 January 1959 on a 16-acre site with 36 buildings and 31 current staff. He stated that the institute trains technical and other irrigation staff, conducts induction and in-service courses, Efficiency Bar Examinations, water management and field training, and survey camps, with 1,260 trainees having completed the Engineering Assistant Diploma since the first 35-student intake in 1959. He noted that the most recent diploma intake was in 2014 and that training functions are also linked to the Kotmale International Irrigation and Water Management Training Institute.
- The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB
AI summary Chandana Thennakoon raised concerns that interrupted student enrolment at the institute has led to underuse of physical and human resources and weakened its academic culture. He noted significant vacancies for engineering assistants and asked the Deputy Minister whether any legal or other barrier prevents recruiting students to the institute.
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Aravinda Senarath stated that there is no legal impediment to enrollment at the institute, but intake limits under previous administrations resulted in no cohorts being recruited for about three years. He said the Department plans to restart enrollments this year, with advertisements already published, qualifications under review, and preliminary steps underway.
- The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB
AI summary Chandana Thennakoon highlighted that a local institute with significant land, buildings, staff, IT facilities, and residential and lecture capacity is being used only minimally for irrigation-related programmes. He asked whether additional technical or higher-education programmes could be introduced, or whether the facility could be converted into another educational institution to better serve regional education needs and improve resource use.
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Aravinda Senarath stated that any use of the institute’s land and resources must be considered within its mandate and legal framework. He said the Department would study the legal provisions regarding allowing local students to benefit from these resources and, if feasible, implement changes and develop an appropriate plan.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam) SJB
AI summary An answer was tabled to a question raised on behalf of Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam regarding the relevant Post Office and land status. The Minister stated that the existing departmental building is structurally unsound and cannot be renovated, so a new Post Office building estimated at Rs. 29.5 million was commenced after a foundation stone was laid on 18 September 2025. It was also stated that the land parcel concerned is no longer under Sri Lanka Army control and was arranged to be handed back in 2026.
Infrastructure Full speech →
- 5 Oral question Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements 22 speeches
- 6 Papers Bills Presented: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill and Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2 speeches
- 7 Debate Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage 89 speeches
- 8 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict 20 speeches
- 9 Papers Written Answers to Questions 9 speeches