Sitting of Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23618 ·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: Parliament Session Commencement and Points of Order 4 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Ministry Reports 29 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) 71 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural: Motions and Privilege Matter 42 speeches
- 5 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 99 speeches
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha moved an adjournment motion citing the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Annual Economic Review 2025 as evidence that the economy has stabilized after the 2022 crisis, with low inflation, GDP exceeding USD 100 billion, per capita income above USD 5,000, higher remittances, a current account surplus, and improving financial-sector indicators. He contrasted these outcomes with the 2022 contraction, high inflation, depleted reserves, and increased debt-to-GDP ratio, arguing that the Government’s policies since 2024 had restored growth across agriculture, industry, and services. He proposed that all Members support the continuation of structural reforms while managing external economic risks.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a point of order objecting that he had been delayed for seven minutes before being allowed to speak. He stated that Chamara Sampath Dissanayake represents his party, the NDF, and had raised a serious issue requiring attention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson requested the Chair to give Hon. Chamara Sampath 30 seconds to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman makes a brief interjection suggesting that allowing the matter or person in question further opportunity would effectively conclude the issue. No specific proposal, policy position, or legislative reference is raised in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that the Government inherited a severely weakened economy in 2024 due to past policy failures, citing the 2022 crisis and declines in growth, revenue, reserves, and living standards. Referring to the Central Bank’s 2025 Review, he said the first two Budgets and improved management had stabilized key indicators, increased GDP and per capita income, strengthened reserves and the banking sector, expanded tourism, remittances, private credit, and revenue, and reduced the fiscal deficit. He urged support for the Government’s economic programme despite natural disasters and global shocks.
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar objected to language used by the Leader of the House and asked the Chair to expunge improper words. He criticized the Government’s economic management, citing rupee depreciation, rising debt, increased electricity tariffs, vehicle import restrictions, low FDI, and alleged payment and banking irregularities, and called for investigations into reported vehicle import LC approvals. He argued that the Government had failed to deliver on promises to reduce electricity bills, taxes, fuel costs, prices, and recover stolen assets, and said the Opposition would take these issues to the public.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih said the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025 reflected a national recovery marked by returning confidence, stronger remittances, a current account surplus, improved banking sector stability, and expanding private sector credit. He emphasized that reforms such as digital payments, stronger supervision, and anti-money laundering measures must continue alongside fiscal discipline and policy consistency. He cautioned against complacency given global risks, energy price volatility, and climate vulnerability, and called for inclusive, people-centred growth with social protection, youth opportunities, institutional strengthening, and national unity.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s economic record, alleging it had failed to deliver promised reductions in electricity and fuel costs, support for farmers and fisherfolk, poverty alleviation, health services, education reforms, and cheaper vehicle imports. He claimed a sudden 50 percent import surcharge had been leaked to connected parties who opened letters of credit for vehicles in advance, causing major losses to the State. He also questioned the Government’s position on a USD 2.5 million payment to a fraudulent account, citing the Central Bank Governor’s statement that responsibility lay with the Ministry of Finance rather than the independent Central Bank. He urged the Government to fulfil the promises in its policy statement and said the Opposition would continue to stand with the public.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi supported the Adjournment Debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, stating that 2025 marked a major economic recovery after the 2022 crisis. He cited reduced fiscal deficit, a current account surplus, improved revenue performance, and a shift from a Treasury deficit to surplus as evidence of fiscal discipline under the Government’s 2025 Budgets. He argued that these achievements addressed economic distress, changed public pessimism about state finances, and formed part of a broader political and social renewal following the people’s struggle.
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan reviewed the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Annual Economic Review 2025, highlighting improved growth, higher per capita income, lower inflation, stronger revenue collection, a primary surplus, declining external debt, increased FDI, remittances, tourism earnings, reserves, and lower unemployment. He noted that the trade deficit had widened and that poverty remained high at 24.5 percent, with Sri Lanka ranked 89th on the Human Development Index. He argued that the economy had recovered from contraction in 2023 and sustained growth through 2024 and 2025, with per capita income exceeding USD 5,000 as a key indicator.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan stated that most of the economic indicators under discussion showed positive trends, with 15 of 18 favourable and three adverse. He argued that, with the uncertainty of 2023 easing, Sri Lanka was on a firmer path toward economic recovery.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha argued that the Government had stabilized and improved the economy after the 2022 crisis, citing resumed foreign debt payments, GDP growth above 5 percent, higher per capita GDP, growth across agriculture, industry and services, and recovery in tourism and worker remittances. He said the Treasury position had improved from a large overdraft to a surplus, enabling the Government to allocate around Rs. 500 billion for relief after the “Ditva” cyclone. He also contrasted current conditions with the crisis period, stating that fuel and gas queues and power cuts had ended despite global economic pressures.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha rejected the Opposition Leader’s claim that fertilizer is unavailable, stating that the Government has expanded the tea fertilizer concession from once to twice a year. He also argued that the Government has restored a strong economic foundation capable of withstanding global conflicts, citing recognition by the IMF, World Bank, and ADB.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about a fertilizer shortage affecting paddy farmers in Polonnaruwa, stating that farmers had paid Rs. 23,875 but were not receiving the promised quantity of fertilizer. He urged the Government to release the funds or fertilizer immediately through farmer organizations and questioned how farmers could meet recommended fertilizer requirements if only part of the needed amount is supplied. He said delayed fertilizer support threatens Yala cultivation, rice supply, and the wider economy, and proposed ensuring that quality fertilizer is available in the market by the Maha season, referring to the Opposition’s proposal to provide a fertilizer bag at Rs. 5,000 rather than free fertilizer.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about the lack of fertilizer supply and called for verification of fertilizer quality, contrasting the current situation with previous availability of both organic and chemical fertilizer. He defended the Opposition Leader’s focus on public grievances and said the Opposition would acknowledge positive government action while highlighting continuing issues. He also cited problems in Polonnaruwa’s health sector, including the absence of an MRI scanner at the General Hospital, forcing patients to travel to Anuradhapura.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson raised concerns about healthcare access, citing a letter from the Anuradhapura Medical Officer stating that its MRI machine had been nonfunctional for six months and that Polonnaruwa patients should not be referred there. He also urged the Government to address farmers’ grievances, warning that unresolved agricultural issues could lead to serious political and social consequences.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review showed economic stabilization in the NPP Government’s first full year, citing projected 5 percent real GDP growth, low inflation, a current account surplus, higher tourism earnings, remittances, FDI, and improved revenue collection. He defended increased fertilizer subsidies for farmers, saying the subsidy rose to Rs. 30,000 per hectare and that fertilizer for the Yala season had been imported, while rice prices remained relatively stable. He also noted debt repayments, the reopening of vehicle imports, and allocations for social welfare, including relief for damage from the “Ditva” cyclone and support to cushion global energy price shocks.
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson sought a brief clarification from the Minister. No substantive policy issue or proposal was stated in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the timing of fertilizer distribution for the Yala season, noting that farmers had begun land preparation about a month earlier without urea. He urged the Government to ensure that the fertilizer said to have arrived is distributed to farmers without delay.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB
AI summary All fertilizer required for the Yala season has been imported, and distribution is currently underway. The member stated that relevant data can be provided if required and assured Parliament that there will be no fertilizer shortage in the country.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued that despite large allocations for post-“Ditva” cyclone recovery, implementation remains inadequate, citing unresolved relocation needs for 25 affected schools in Kandy and delays in technical assessments. He raised concerns over paddy farmers in Ampara being unable to sell harvests at fair prices and facing shortages and high open-market prices for urea despite subsidies. He also warned that rupee depreciation, limited Central Bank intervention under IMF conditions and the CBSL Act, and high fuel import spending could worsen inflation and growth pressures, calling for immediate government measures. He further requested an investigation into allegations that companies opened letters of credit for thousands of vehicle imports just before a Customs duty surcharge, suggesting possible misconduct similar to past duty-related windfalls.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, speaking on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, argued that recent economic indicators show progress under the Government, citing increases in GDP, per capita income, remittances, revenue, reserves, and the primary surplus, alongside a reduced budget deficit. He acknowledged challenges including global energy pressures, rupee depreciation, poverty support, and disaster recovery after “Ditva,” while stating that the Government maintained fiscal discipline and continued development programmes. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding vehicle letters of credit and economic mismanagement, and called for collective support to rebuild the country.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana criticized the Government for alleged incompetence, corruption, and misuse of public funds, citing reported cases involving immigration systems, fuel procurement, misdirected payments, container releases, coal imports, social welfare payments, and other public sector transactions. He argued that these failures have increased costs for fuel, utilities, construction materials, medicines and essentials, worsening the burden on taxpayers and the economy. He also urged the Government to address post-cyclone housing hardships, especially in the hill country, and called for the appointment of a Catholic nun as principal of Nayakakanda Good Shepherd Girls’ School in line with requests from the Catholic community and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe disputed Opposition claims about fertilizer shortages, stating that fertilizer is available for the Yala season and arrangements, including discussions with Russia, are being made for Maha supplies, while alleging some stocks have been hoarded. He challenged claims of poor-quality fertilizer by asking the Opposition to present laboratory evidence and testing criteria. He also rejected claims that health services in Polonnaruwa had collapsed, citing government efforts to secure 16 new catheterization laboratories through the ADB and donors, and referred members to the Central Bank report as evidence of progress.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected Opposition claims on poverty, vehicle letters of credit, and the e-passport tender, stating that official clarifications and available data contradicted those allegations. He argued that Sri Lanka’s economy, weakened over decades of rule by previous administrations, had now achieved macroeconomic stabilization recognized by the World Bank, ADB, and IMF. He cited projected GDP growth, a per capita GDP above USD 5,000, sectoral expansion, a primary surplus, and a current account surplus as evidence of recovery, while noting tourism disruptions from Middle East conflict and plans to focus on Indian and Chinese markets.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan recalled the suffering of civilians during the final phase of the war at Mullivaikkal and said affected families continue to seek justice without adequate relief. He urged the Government to prioritize establishing university campuses in Mullaitivu and Mannar, citing stalled plans for a Jaffna University campus in Mullaitivu and the need to improve education in war-affected Vanni areas. He also raised environmental and public health concerns in Mannar villages, calling for a ban on the use of poultry offal as fertilizer and action against a canned fish factory allegedly contaminating water sources. He warned that continued neglect of teacher shortages in the Vanni, particularly in science and mathematics, could lead to public agitation unless the Northern Provincial Education Department and Government intervene.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan warned that continued neglect of education in the Vanni could lead to unrest. He urged attention to the region’s educational needs before concluding his remarks.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala, during the debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, argued that the weakening rupee and rising dollar rate were increasing import costs, inflation, and hardship for households, and questioned the Government’s claim that the economy had stabilized. He said tourism arrival figures should be judged by actual foreign exchange earnings, comparing them unfavourably with pre-Easter attack levels. He also raised concerns about public officials being reluctant to take decisions following a remittance error involving USD 2.5 million, and criticized delays in post-“Ditva” cyclone housing and land allocation, urging the Government to focus on delivery rather than blaming the Opposition.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage argued that the Government’s economic management had restored growth from the 2022 contraction to about 5 per cent in 2025, exceeded revenue expectations, and raised per capita GDP above USD 5,000. He said fiscal gains had been directed to public relief, citing public sector salary increases up to 2027, higher Mahapola scholarships, increased estate worker wages, and the resumption of stalled construction and development projects. He rejected Opposition criticisms, stating that the Government had maintained stability despite external pressures through measured interventions, including import controls.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Government’s presentation of the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review, arguing that claimed economic improvements are not felt by the public amid rupee depreciation, higher taxes, and rising prices of essentials. He compared the situation to the Gotabaya Rajapaksa period, questioned the Government’s record on production, reserves, and completed development projects, and said farmers are facing higher fertilizer costs, shortages, and inadequate crop prices. He further alleged politicization of public administration, underutilization of capital allocations, rising poverty, and policy uncertainty, while warning that agricultural output may decline.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy reflected on May remembrance events in the North and East, recalling civilian suffering and disappearances during the final stages of the war and welcoming the absence of obstruction to commemorations on 18 May. He said the Government and President had committed to preventing another war and to pursuing truth and justice for victims, including Tamil communities. Supporting the Adjournment Motion on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review for 2025, he argued that Sri Lanka had moved from the 2022 economic collapse toward stability through structural reforms, citing improved reserves, single-digit inflation, GDP exceeding USD 100 billion, and per capita income above USD 5,000, while noting continuing external risks and the need to unlock regional economic potential.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri argued that the Government is claiming credit for economic indicators, such as reserves, remittances, the balance of payments and the primary balance, which he said were largely achieved under the previous administration before the current President and Parliament took office. He accused the Government of failing to fulfil election promises on matters including fuel and electricity prices, public sector salaries, prosecutions, Easter attacks investigations and compensation pledges, while cost-of-living pressures remain severe. He also said policies previously criticised by the NPP, such as Sajith Premadasa’s sanitary pad initiative and smart education tools, had since been adopted or left unaddressed, and called for “true intellectuals” to join in building an alternative economic, political and social programme.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam rejected an allegation made by an Opposition Member that he had abused a female member of the public in Parliament, stating that he had not spoken to anyone in the Library or elsewhere in Parliament connected to that Member. He requested permission from the Chair to raise the matter formally as a question of privilege at the earliest opportunity the following day.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera defended the Government’s 2025 economic programme, arguing that reserves in the previous period were built through debt non-servicing, import controls, and stalled development, while the current administration used reserves to resume debt servicing, lift restrictions, restart development projects, and expand employment. He said the Government had chosen a people-centred path different from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s approach, citing higher-than-expected growth and improvements in governance indicators, including the Corruption Perceptions Index. He also rejected Opposition claims on fertilizer support and housing, asserting that agriculture inputs had been provided through official systems and criticizing unfinished housing projects from the Opposition Leader’s tenure. He urged the Opposition to act responsibly in the current global and domestic economic context.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticised the Government’s economic management, arguing that the rupee depreciation, rising cost of living, inflationary pressure and increased borrowing show that the country is returning to crisis conditions similar to 2021-2022. She questioned the effectiveness of the Central Bank and its Governor, alleging that political leadership lacks the capacity to respond to economic risks and that public confidence in the Government’s ability to manage the economy is declining. She also raised district-level concerns in Matale, citing unresolved resettlement and relief issues after Cyclone “Dittha” and tabling data on relief payments and deaths, while referring to a District Secretariat circular showing limited progress in housing assistance for high-risk beneficiaries.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila defended the government’s handling of the 2025 economy during the debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review, rejecting Opposition claims of economic collapse and instability in the exchange rate. He cited public sector salary increases, estate worker wage increases, grassroots programmes such as Praja Shakthi, and May Day participation as evidence of public support and policy delivery. He outlined plans to strengthen village economies, agriculture, dairy production, and livestock, including raising daily milk output from about 1 million to 3 million litres and bringing fallow fields back into cultivation. He also emphasized national reconciliation among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities as part of economic recovery.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage moved that Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna take the Chair as the Presiding Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana JJB
AI summary The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana formally seconded the motion. The question was then put and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna took the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that current economic improvements are not sufficiently visible at village level and credited growth and infrastructure foundations to the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration, citing per capita income, GDP, growth rates, and projects such as expressways, ports, Norochcholai, Port City and Uma Oya. He said the opposition would support genuine economic strengthening, but raised concern over Victory Day commemorations in the North, alleging separatist symbols and rhetoric and urging government action against such activities. He also requested that Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd. workers who had served unpaid be absorbed into the approved 102 vacancies, rather than being displaced through open recruitment, citing a prior ministerial assurance.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s economic record by citing the Central Bank report, arguing that GDP, per capita income, reserves, tourism, exports and employment indicators improved in 2024, while rejecting Opposition claims about debt growth and vehicle prices as false. He contrasted these figures with the records of previous UNP and SLPP-led administrations, alleging that past growth was accompanied by excessive debt, currency depreciation and weak fiscal outcomes. He also highlighted changes to political practices, including a smaller Cabinet, reduced benefits for MPs and limits on vehicle permits, and outlined disaster-relief payments provided after the 2024 floods and landslides.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda raised a point of order responding to Hon. Nalin Hewage’s remarks, questioning whether the government had borrowed during its recent one-and-a-half-year period in office. He rejected criticism that his side engaged in publicity gimmicks, citing the launch of the Clean Sri Lanka programme in Galle as an example of similar conduct by the government.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir argued that official economic figures should be tested against living costs faced by people, citing increases in fertilizer, milk powder, fuel, and the dollar rate, and questioned whether vehicle import LCs had contributed to exchange-rate pressure. He urged the Government and Opposition to move beyond blame over past administrations and work collectively to rebuild the economy. Representing Puttalam, he called for urgent action on severe flooding, including proper canals and drainage, noting damage to salt pans, prawn farms, public buildings, and livelihoods, and asked the Government to provide immediate relief and long-term flood-management solutions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir concluded his remarks and thanked the Presiding Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam welcomed reported economic recovery in the Central Bank’s 2025 review but argued that stronger growth requires reducing regional disparities, particularly by increasing the North and East’s contribution to national output. He called for a special government plan for industrialization, investment, infrastructure, ports and airports, and development of livestock, agriculture and fisheries in those provinces. He also raised an allegation that about 40 acres of reserved forest in Vavuniya near the University had been cleared with possible Forest Department involvement, while local farmers and cattle herders face restrictions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam submitted documents to Parliament concerning a survey plan identifying an area as reserved forest and questioned how large-scale destruction of that forest was being permitted. He asked whether the Forest Department and the Government were aware of or involved in the matter and requested an official clarification to Parliament, with the documents placed in the Library.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R. M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Central Bank report for 2025 shows broad improvement in economic indicators compared with 2024, while also identifying sectoral setbacks, including declines after the November natural disaster that affected tourism, construction, and development work. He rejected opposition criticism as not grounded in the report and said the Government had stabilized the economy while managing debt-service obligations and increasing scholarships, child benefits, public-sector salaries, and pensions. He cited Northern development initiatives including the Northern Coconut Triangle, fisheries harbour development, and over Rs. 5,000 million for road projects, and said the Government was preparing for 2026 by addressing disaster impacts and external energy shocks.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith Agalakada JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith Agalakada said the Central Bank report for the first full year after the Government assumed office showed significant improvements in revenue, fiscal deficit, primary balance, per capita income, remittances, tourism, and growth following an inherited economic crisis. He argued that the Government reduced the deficit from 6.8 to 2.3 per cent of GDP, exceeded the IMF primary balance target, and increased state revenue to 16.7 per cent of GDP through disciplined, collective, and data-based governance. He contrasted these results with past economic mismanagement and said allocations were now made fairly across districts based on need rather than political influence.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, speaking during the debate on the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review, questioned the consistency and credibility of official economic data, including claims on growth, reserves, remittances, revenue, debt and Central Bank profits, and asked how much of the reported Rs. 193 billion profit was remitted to the Government. He cited recent alleged frauds and cyber-related incidents across banks and public institutions, and argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen safeguards while preparing for external shocks. He criticized reliance on IMF-linked measures such as fuel and electricity price increases and rupee depreciation, arguing that devaluation had increased the debt burden and interest costs, and called for more localized growth-oriented solutions, stronger revenue collection, broader tax compliance and greater urgency on exports, trade and investment.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved that Hon. Upul Kithsiri take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna left the Chair and Hon. Upul Kithsiri assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri defended the Government’s response to the Middle East war-related crisis, citing a Rs. 100 billion relief package and increases to Aswesuma, fertilizer subsidies, and fuel and vessel support for fishers. He rejected opposition claims regarding unpaid allowances, lack of cyclone assistance, and non-payment of fertilizer subsidies in Polonnaruwa, providing figures on payments and fertilizer distribution. He argued that the Government inherited a bankrupt and halted economy in 2024, but has since improved economic conditions and public confidence, while criticizing the opposition’s conduct and asserting the Government’s commitment to village-level development.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman conveyed condolences on the death of journalist D. P. S. Jeyaraj and urged the Government to proceed with a promised meeting involving plantation companies, police, MPs and media to address alleged thuggery and lawlessness on estates. He argued that upcountry housing and service delivery are being obstructed by estate land control mechanisms, calling for habitable plantation areas to be taken over by the Government and for increased allocations beyond the current level. He cited earlier proposals, including a Cabinet paper to allocate land to upcountry families, and asked the Government to implement its programmes and wage commitments for estate workers effectively.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Responding to media reports, the Deputy Minister rejected claims that the Government was seeking to weaken the Right to Information framework, stating that discussions with civil society concerned strengthening the RTI Commission through staffing, digitization, improved allowances, premises, proactive disclosure, and possible legal amendments. She also defended the Government’s approach to media freedom and questioned opposition to a proposed National Media Policy. Turning to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s 2025 report, she highlighted growth, improved labour force participation, falling unemployment, and sectoral expansion, arguing that economic gains were driven by workers and supported by public spending on health, education, and transport. She called on the Opposition to engage constructively and avoid spreading inaccurate claims.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara JJB
AI summary The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara supported the CBSL Annual Economic Review 2025, arguing that it reflected economic recovery under stable and transparent policy management rather than a political narrative. He cited sustained GDP growth of about 5 per cent, improved inflation management toward the 5 per cent target, stable food and energy prices despite external pressures, and lower interest rates that expanded private sector credit. He also noted the relaxation of vehicle import restrictions as part of efforts to revive commerce and market activity.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala argued that Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis must be understood in the context of institutional politicization, policy failures, debt distress, and shocks such as the Easter attacks and COVID-19, which he said led to bankruptcy and shortages of essential imports. He said the Government’s post-crisis programme prioritized stabilization through the Central Bank and Treasury, restoration of public and international confidence, and a strategic growth plan. Citing the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review, he highlighted growth in agriculture, industry, and services, and pointed to measures such as the “Urumaya” land rights programme and support for SMEs as contributing to food security, productivity, and industrial recovery.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala cited improvements in public finance, stating that government revenue increased from 13.6 to 16.7 per cent of GDP, the budget deficit narrowed from 6.8 to 2.3 per cent, and the primary balance rose from 2.2 to 5.4 per cent in 2025. He argued that these results reflected a disciplined recovery programme and warned that obstructing continued economic progress would harm future generations. He also criticized the absence of Opposition Members during the debate.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha reviewed 2025 economic performance, citing 5 percent growth, per capita GDP above USD 5,000, lower lending rates, stronger exports, tourism and remittances, and a record current account surplus of USD 1.73 billion. He said fiscal management reduced the budget deficit, increased public wages and capital expenditure, supported private sector credit growth, and enabled a Rs. 500 billion response to the Ditva cyclone amid global shocks. Responding to Opposition claims, he rejected assertions of a Rs. 5 trillion debt increase, citing official debt figures showing total debt rising from Rs. 29.8 trillion at end-2024 to Rs. 31 trillion at end-2025 and falling to Rs. 30.82 trillion by April 2026, with external debt also declining by April 2026.
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Tourism - Room Capacity and Occupancy Rates (Q.?) 2 speeches