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
- 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
- Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera said the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill seeks to simplify tax administration, reduce taxpayer burdens, improve compliance and broaden the tax base without raising rates. He outlined measures including removal of estimated tax statements, audit relief for compliant taxpayers, lower investment thresholds for SME machinery allowances, deductions for exporters’ overseas expenses, interest waivers on arrears, revised treatment of salary arrears, simplified refunds for senior citizens, exemptions for minor incidental income and private vehicle capital gains. He also noted that, following Supreme Court petitions, Cabinet agreed to withdraw three clauses and amend provisions on deficiency assessments and appeals, while providing a legal framework for withholding tax self-declarations. He stated that Inland Revenue and overall tax collections exceeded Budget targets in 2025, which he attributed to improved administration and compliance.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim, speaking for the Opposition on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, argued that effective taxation depends on public trust, fairness and a social compact, citing earlier periods of higher revenue used for social programmes and warning that its erosion contributed to fiscal collapse. He welcomed the reported withdrawal of several clauses after Supreme Court petitions, but urged amendments to Clause 31(4), saying provisions allowing tax default certificates to be treated as criminal fines and limiting judicial scrutiny had been found constitutionally problematic. He also opposed Clause 34, which criminalizes failure to file returns and delays in TIN registration, arguing that it is disproportionate and could affect young people and small online earners. He called on the Government to revise punitive provisions to protect trust in the tax system and consider broader social and economic consequences beyond narrow constitutional compliance.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Government has failed to recover large VAT and tax arrears, citing Rs. 309 billion allegedly paid by consumers to private companies and Auditor General findings on missing files related to court cases. He criticized Clause 34 introducing Section 185A as a draconian criminal-law approach to tax compliance that would intimidate small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially amid IMF revenue pressures. He also questioned the consistency of launching an SME strategy while introducing measures he said would deter businesses, and urged the Government to amend the clause.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Bill as creating an enforceable process for tax recovery, including Inland Revenue notice, time for rectification and representations, and Magistrate’s Court proceedings before action against deficiencies. He said the measure is aimed at formalizing economic activity and preventing persistent tax evasion while protecting compliant taxpayers, and noted RAMIS integration and expected collection efficiencies. He outlined proposed tax changes including exemptions or clarifications on motor vehicle sales, donations, life insurance, small interest income, salary arrears, investor visas, exporter expenses, capital allowances, and relief for SMEs through possible waiver of penalties and interest if arrears are settled within six months. He also said the Government is widening the tax base through TIN registration and mandatory use of TINs for economic activities.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera paid tribute to Sri Lanka’s armed forces, Police, Civil Security Department, wounded and fallen personnel, and their families, noting commemorative activities including visits to Ranaviru Sevana and Mihindu Seth Medura and district-level appreciation events. He outlined Government welfare measures, including upgrades to military and police medical facilities, a planned 1,000-strong UN peacekeeping contingent to Haiti, and a proposed regulatory authority for the private security sector employing retired personnel. He also referred to a Cabinet-approved amendment to the Widows’ and Orphans’ Pension scheme to extend benefits for dependants of medically boarded-out personnel, and programmes to connect veterans with industry, entrepreneurship and overseas maritime employment opportunities.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa paid tribute to war veterans, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the tri-forces, Police and Civil Security forces on the anniversary of the war victory, while calling for reconciliation among affected communities to prevent any recurrence of conflict and protect national unity and sovereignty. He criticised proposed tax administration measures that would criminalize tax lapses, arguing that international practice applies tiered penalties and reserves criminal liability for intentional non-compliance. He said economic hardship and rising costs made the measures burdensome for businesses and citizens, and called for Inland Revenue Department strengthening, digitization, reasonable deadlines, leniency for voluntary disclosure, and acceptance of amendments to be moved by Sujeewa Senasinghe.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran criticized the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill on the grounds that higher taxes would increase prices and disproportionately burden poor households, small industries and SMEs. He urged the Government to focus instead on domestic production, investment promotion, export expansion and foreign exchange earnings as sustainable economic measures. He also called for further wage increases, protection against rising fuel and commodity prices, and support for farmers and fisherfolk, including affordable fertilizer and a guaranteed price for paddy.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, stating they are intended to align Sri Lanka’s tax system with international standards, simplify administration, remove ambiguities, broaden the tax base and improve compliance rather than reintroduce arbitrary criminal enforcement. He cited Sri Lanka’s low government revenue-to-GDP ratio in 2022 and argued that revenue must rise to at least 15 percent of GDP to support state functions and development. He outlined measures including changes to estimated payment reporting, exemptions for specified Sri Lanka Air Force payments to non-residents, clarification of life insurance proceeds, net-basis treatment of donations to state universities, and an increase in capital gains tax for individuals and partnerships from 10 to 15 percent. He also attributed rupee depreciation to external shocks affecting freight, oil prices, imports, exports, remittances and tourism, calling for further discussion on interest rates and reserves.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe paid tribute to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the armed forces and Police for ending the war, and emphasized that terrorism against civilians by any group should be condemned. He argued that tax administration should focus on widening compliance, education and remedies before punishment, warning that online filing requirements and jail penalties could unfairly affect elderly people and small traders. He criticised the Government’s economic management, citing unpaid dues to electricity producers, alleged losses and irregular payments in coal, energy, transport, banking, postal and welfare sectors, and concerns raised by the Central Bank, Treasury and ADB. He warned of rising poverty, declining reserves, currency depreciation and higher living costs, and urged the Government not to lead the country toward another bankruptcy.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, arguing that they seek to broaden the direct tax base, improve compliance, and create a fairer, more transparent and technology-enabled tax system. He highlighted measures including lowering the enhanced capital allowance threshold from USD 3 million to USD 250,000 to benefit SMEs, strengthening enforcement for non-filing or non-appearance, and increasing capital gains tax for individuals and partnerships to 15 percent for rationalization. He said taxpayers who pay at least 20 percent more than the previous year would receive relief from further scrutiny, and stated that RAMIS is integrated with banks, Customs and other state institutions to support revenue collection.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa marked the 17th anniversary of the end of the war, arguing that the conflict was against the LTTE and calling for recognition of the sacrifices of security forces and civilians. He criticized the Government’s tax policy, particularly threats of imprisonment for not obtaining a TIN, and linked currency pressure to increased fuel-based power generation following alleged coal procurement failures. He also alleged failures in safeguarding public funds, citing missing or misdirected funds in banks, the RDA, SriLankan Airlines, the Treasury and local administration. He urged the Government to address fertilizer shortages and present a plan for affordable fertilizer for paddy, tea, spices and vegetables in the coming seasons, citing wider food and energy security concerns.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees (The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara)
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees called the House to order and announced that she was taking the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Dr. Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, arguing that tax administration must be simplified while strengthening compliance, preventing evasion, and rebuilding public trust in revenue collection and spending. He said politically connected tax losses and arrears, including those linked to the sugar tax reduction and distillery licences, should be recovered, and noted that the Bill provides a six-month opportunity for taxpayers to settle arrears with penalties and interest waived. He also said the amendments clarify taxation of life insurance proceeds, including death benefits, surrender values and maturities. Referencing National War Heroes’ Day, he criticized the political use of military personnel for private or partisan purposes and said respect for war heroes should be shown through proper systems rather than rhetoric.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the Bill, stating that it sets clear limits to prevent tax evasion while exempting death compensation and life insurance payouts from tax, except for related transactions. He highlighted amendments connected to the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, under which donations to State universities would be exempt from income tax and capital gains tax, and said the measures would simplify and improve the efficiency of the tax process.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna paid tribute to war heroes and criticized perceived restrictions or objections to the use of the term “Ranaviru” and to acts of commemoration. Speaking on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, he argued that while intentional tax evasion and fraud should remain criminal offences, the Bill risks criminalizing administrative or technical lapses such as delayed registration or clerical errors. He called for equal enforcement of the law, citing uncollected taxes, alleged frauds including the coal issue and missing tax revenue, and warned against using criminal provisions to target the Opposition or government critics.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill as part of the Government’s policy to simplify taxation, improve tax administration, and increase reliance on direct taxes to fund education, health, rural infrastructure, and public services. He argued that past tax administration was weakened by corruption, tax evasion, politically connected concessions, and misuse of public funds, citing pending cases and controversies involving former politicians and the Airbus and sugar tax matters. He said the Government is pursuing reforms, modernization, and digitization to manage public finances properly, and rejected Opposition claims on exchange-rate management by arguing that the economy is now open and being stabilized despite difficult conditions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna marked May 18 by paying tribute to Tamils killed in 2009, describing the events as genocide and criticizing the Sri Lankan State and Tamil political figures whom he accused of undermining Tamil interests. He thanked Tamil Nadu leaders, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, for their support and said Tamil Nadu remained a refuge and political ally for Tamils in Sri Lanka. He called for Tamil MPs to speak openly about the Tamil Eelam cause, referred to memorialization and land-related grievances, and urged Sinhala and Tamil people not to clash but to resolve issues through discussion, including with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, by 2029.
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna urged Members not to incite communal tensions or provoke conflict among innocent people. He referred to a personal willingness to resolve matters directly, though part of the statement was expunged by order of the Chair, and concluded with an appeal to avoid making the public fight.
Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB
AI summary Amendments to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 were presented as measures to simplify tax administration, reduce evasion, and improve compliance without increasing tax rates or imposing new burdens. The speech highlighted relief measures, including the earlier increase of the PAYE threshold, removal of tax for senior citizens earning below Rs. 60,000 per month, and provisions for carrying forward large crisis-related donations by businesses. It also defended enforcement against tax defaulters, rejected Opposition criticisms, and linked the Government’s fiscal approach to support measures such as fuel subsidies and disaster relief, including assistance and housing reconstruction in Kegalle District after the “Ditta” cyclone.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said war remembrance should continue, but raised concerns about alleged links between public figures and diaspora networks, and criticized the Government’s handling of vehicle import restrictions and fuel price announcements. He questioned practices at CIABOC, urged resolution of recruitment issues affecting Kotelawala Defence University medical graduates, and called for action on matters including the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, student accommodation at South Eastern University, unused railway quarters, and illegal structures in Kotmale/Nuwara Eliya. He also demanded urgent support for SLTB depots facing shortages of tyres, diesel and funds, and appealed for measures to protect Buddhism and avoid inquiries or actions he said could undermine Buddhist institutions.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the Inland Revenue Act amendments as a measure to strengthen direct taxation, improve tax compliance, and ensure that all legally liable taxpayers contribute fairly rather than relying mainly on VAT and other indirect taxes. She argued that low revenue contributed to the 2022 economic crisis, while higher revenue had enabled relief measures, and cited recent Government actions such as increasing the PAYE threshold and removing VAT on infant nutrition. She rejected claims that the amendments are draconian, stating that the IRD would issue notices, allow time for compliance, and pursue legal action only after due process.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill contextually while using the debate to highlight economic and agricultural issues in the Eastern Province, especially Ampara District’s role in national paddy production. He urged the Government to complete drainage projects, modernize agriculture, fisheries and dairy production, and address fertilizer shortages, stating that Ampara farmers had paid Rs. 6.3 billion but still lacked 8,194 MT of the required allocation. He also requested the Ministry of Finance to provide special funds to transport or mill around 50,000 MT of paddy held in Paddy Marketing Board warehouses before the next harvest to prevent losses to farmers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister noted that the debate concerned amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, while also referring to forthcoming import and export control regulations, including on rice imports. He outlined Government action on paddy procurement and rice market supply, stating that the Paddy Marketing Board holds about 135,000 MT, with stocks being milled through CWE and released via Sathosa, cooperatives and private channels, and further Cabinet approval sought to mill an additional 45,000 MT before the next harvest in key regions. He also referred to war commemoration events, housing allocations for war-displaced people in the North and East, and said the Government is pursuing anti-corruption measures and improved tax compliance, claiming revenue rose significantly by end-2025 without new taxes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister of Justice and National Integration moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir criticized the Finance Ministry’s tax proposals, arguing that bringing small traders and fuel station operators into the tax net effectively passes indirect taxes on to ordinary consumers while the Government later presents subsidies as benefits. He requested relief for local distributors, particularly fuel station operators facing reduced margins and lower sales under QR rationing despite higher turnover values caused by price increases. He also warned against policies aimed at conserving dollar reserves if they restrict essential inputs, citing past fertilizer import limits, and raised concerns that farmers in Ampara lack timely fertilizer and cannot sell stored paddy at viable prices.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir recalled the 1988 reduction of the district-level electoral cutoff from 12.5% to 5%, following discussions between President R. Premadasa and M.H.M. Ashraff, noting that it enabled minority party representation in Parliament. He also referred to a pledge to fund the Nintavur Cultural Hall in Ashraff’s name and thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for visiting Nintavur to initiate related works.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it aims to broaden revenue, improve tax administration, curb evasion, and create a stable fiscal base while providing concessions and taxing profits rather than ordinary livelihoods. He attributed the present tax burden to past failures in asset management, borrowing, and weak domestic production, and said expanding exports and production is necessary to reduce taxes over time. He also raised flood damage in Puttalam District following the “Tithwa” cyclone and recent rains, requesting urgent action on a drainage system for Puttalam town and repairs or widening of damaged bridges in Karaitivu, Mundal, Kanamulla, and near Pulichchakulam School.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill introduces criminal penalties for tax-related non-compliance for the first time and warned that, with a broadened tax base and lower thresholds, ordinary taxpayers could be affected without receiving any corresponding benefits or priority services. He contrasted current tax enforcement with earlier efforts to recover unpaid taxes and criticized past statements by government figures on tax compliance. He also raised concerns over incomplete RTI responses on fuel procurement, alleged inflated fuel pricing, and the 50 per cent surcharge on vehicle imports, while additionally commenting on the conduct of war hero commemorations and the need to recognize all civilian suffering during past conflicts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over vehicle import allowances, claiming that importing more than 1,000 vehicles valued at about US$20,000 each could cause a revenue loss of around Rs. 3.5 billion. He compared current exchange rates and fuel prices with those under former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, arguing that the rupee has depreciated again and citing petrol and diesel prices as part of his critique of current economic management.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara compared economic indicators under Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, citing reductions in inflation, improved reserves and primary balance, and a shift from negative to positive growth. He warned that if the exchange rate again reaches around Rs. 360–370 per US dollar, the country could return to a previous crisis situation, and alleged that efforts were being made to form governments by attracting members from other parties.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary Lt. Cdr. (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga argued that the Government was conducting a genuine War Heroes’ Remembrance Day commemoration and contrasted this with what he described as past misuse of military personnel for political or personal purposes. He rejected claims of genocide, stating that the Tri-Forces conducted a humane war against the LTTE and supported civilians, while attributing the prolongation of the conflict to political agendas and citing casualty figures among security forces. He said the best tribute to fallen and disabled service personnel is national unity beyond ethnic and religious divisions, and extended remembrance and wishes to fallen and living war heroes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB
AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to strengthen tax administration, widen the tax net, reduce evasion, and improve revenue collection following past weaknesses and corruption. He highlighted proposed measures including mandatory TIN registration, relief for senior citizens on withholding tax, tax relief for donations to higher education institutions, rules on advance installments, reduced cash transactions, and exemptions for certain insurance and vehicle-related benefits. He also referred to the anniversary of the end of the war, paid tribute to security forces, rejected claims that the Government was neglecting the military, and said land issues affecting veterans at Rana Jaya Pura were being reviewed for resolution.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi marked War Heroes’ Day by questioning why the President did not use the term “war hero” while acknowledging that Sri Lanka’s freedom was secured by them. On the Bill under debate, he raised concerns about Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, arguing that the profitable State entity should not be moved toward stock market listing without explanation. He alleged political interference by the SLIC Chairman, including the removal of senior officials and improper recruitment influence, and called on the Government to remove political appointees from key State posts and clarify its policy on SLIC’s future.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi raised concerns about alleged unequal treatment within a union, stating that its General Secretary faces charges and that an inquiry by Wasantha Jayaratne made observations without subsequent action. He alleged that politically connected individuals are being protected while others have been sent home without cause and are receiving only part of their salaries, and called for the authorities to investigate.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana marked the anniversary of the end of the war by calling for rejection of ethnic chauvinist politics and for remembrance of all who died, arguing that national unity must be protected to prevent a recurrence of conflict. He criticised media narratives he said were inflaming communal divisions and stated that the National People’s Power Government was formed by uniting people across regions against such politics. He also addressed economic conditions, citing external supply shocks, higher fuel import costs, increased remittances and state revenue, and expected foreign inflows, arguing that Sri Lanka can manage pressures while maintaining internal stability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the Inland Revenue Amendment’s timing and fairness are problematic, warning that criminal liability for failures such as filing returns or obtaining a TIN could deter young entrepreneurs, especially amid a lowered VAT threshold, rupee depreciation and rising oil prices. He said the Opposition sought a reasonable implementation period and cautioned that immediate enforcement could harm growth. He also raised the reported detention by Israeli authorities of Sri Lankan Global Sumud Flotilla volunteer Sameera Mahboobdeen, asking what action the Government had taken to secure her release given its relations with Israel.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that he expected the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to respond.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the authorities had been in contact for two days with Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Türkiye and relevant activists regarding the matter raised. He noted that the individual concerned had not yet boarded at the time and that the Palestine Solidarity Committee was also aware of the situation, adding that the Deputy Minister would provide a formal response.
Foreign Affairs Full speech → - The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper stated that while he did not oppose the revenue objectives of the Bill, he was concerned that matters previously handled through civil and administrative processes were being converted into statutory offences without consideration of mens rea. He warned that first-time offenders could face fines and imprisonment, and proposed that imprisonment should not apply to a first offence.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra said the Ministry is pursuing diplomatic channels after reports that Sri Lankan national Sameera Mahboobdeen was detained following Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla, with the Embassy in Tel Aviv seeking consular access to confirm her condition, welfare, and legal status. He stated that the Government supports the Inland Revenue amendments as necessary reforms. He also said the Government had inherited a fragile economy but, through fiscal discipline and management, was working to maintain energy security, avoid shortages, stabilize production, and respond to external shocks.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF
AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha criticized the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, arguing that proposed criminal sanctions for administrative tax lapses such as late filing, non-registration, or failure to appear before tax authorities are excessive and would disproportionately affect ordinary taxpayers. He referred to the Supreme Court’s determination on Clause 31, saying it showed the Government’s intent to give the Commissioner broad powers even where appeals were pending, and urged the Government to avoid treating inadvertent non-compliance as criminal conduct. He also objected to the reduction of the monthly VAT threshold from Rs. 5 million to Rs. 3 million, noting that VAT applies to turnover and, with SSCL, creates an effective burden of 20.5%, and requested that the threshold decision be reviewed.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Inland Revenue amendments are intended to make taxation fairer, simpler and more efficient, while broadening compliance and reducing evasion. He highlighted measures including raising the individual annual tax-free threshold to Rs. 1.8 million, facilitating voluntary instalment payments, strengthening related-party disclosure, clarifying tax treatment for insurance and seafarer income, simplifying estimated tax statements, expanding online payments and improving data sharing among State agencies. He also defended VAT and SSCL calculations, outlined SME-related relief through thin capitalization and capital allowance changes, and stated that litigation would be used only as a last resort after administrative steps.
Public Finance Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member sought the House’s consent to continue the debate until the day’s business was concluded. Members agreed to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary The Labour Minister moved that the Bill be referred to a Committee of the whole Parliament following its Second Reading. Parliament agreed to the motion, and the Bill was then taken up in Committee with the Presiding Member in the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary During the Committee Stage consideration of the Bill, the Minister moved several amendments that were agreed to by the House. Clause 1 and Clause 11 were amended, while Clauses 4 and 9 were removed from the Bill after the relevant deletion amendments were approved. The remaining clauses, including Clauses 2, 3, 5 to 8, 10, and 12 to 27, were ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved amendments to delete specified lines on pages 27 to 29 of the Bill. The amendments were agreed to, resulting in Clause 28 being left out, while Clauses 29 and 30 were ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved amendments to Clause 31 of the Bill, including a proviso preventing production of a tax certificate where an administrative review or appeal to the Tax Appeals Commission is pending. He also amended wording to require matters to be determined or proceedings fixed expeditiously. The amendments were agreed to, and Clause 31 as amended, along with Clauses 32 and 33, was ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe moved three amendments to a tax-related Bill concerning enforcement against non-compliance with notices issued by the Commissioner-General. He proposed extending the compliance period from 30 to 90 days with staggered penalties, targeting only fraudulent or willful tax evasion, and preventing action under section 185A(2) where the person had already been punished or fined under Chapter XVII within the previous three years.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that he did not agree to the proposed amendment.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe recorded his protest that an amendment he proposed was not accepted. He requested that the protest be formally entered into the record.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved an amendment to the Bill to replace the wording on page 51, line 16 with a reference to “the period ending on 31st March, 2025.” The amendment was agreed to, after which Clause 45 as amended, Clause 46, and the Enacting Clause and Title were ordered to stand part of the Bill, and the Bill was reported with amendments.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved that the amended Bill be read a Third time and requested leave to make consequential amendments correcting typographical, printing, grammatical and numbering errors. The House agreed, and the Bill was read the Third time and passed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 8 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict 20 speeches
- 9 Papers Written Answers to Questions 9 speeches