Politick Parliament. On record. For every citizen.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 21 May 2026

10th Parliament· 21 debates· 196 speeches· 66 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23621 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

‹ Previous sitting Next sitting ›

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  4. 4 Oral question Oral Question Q.841/2025: Colombo National Art Gallery Renovation 6 speeches
    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB

      AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for details on the renovation of the Colombo National Art Gallery managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs. He sought the closure date, confirmation of delays, expenditure to date, whether 42 valuable ancient paintings had gone missing, and what measures were being taken.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary The Minister replied that the National Art Gallery has been largely closed for renovation since 2012, with only the Eastern Exhibition Hall displaying paintings in 2020 before closing again on 29 December 2020. He stated that Rs. 163.58 million had been allocated or spent for the renovation, and confirmed that a 2015 inventory found 281 paintings in the stock book but only 239 physically present, leaving a discrepancy of 42 paintings. He said a Ministry-appointed committee is conducting a preliminary inquiry and the Colombo South Divisional Crime Investigation Unit is also investigating the matter.

      Religion & CultureJustice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB

      AI summary Mujibur Rahuman asked when the National Art Gallery’s main gallery, reportedly closed since 2012, will be reopened. He noted that the closure has limited artists’ access to the National Art Gallery and forced them to incur high costs by hiring private venues.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that, due to delays in the renovation of the John de Silva Theatre, Cabinet approval was obtained to reallocate funds from that project to complete renovations at the National Art Gallery. He said meetings and inspections had been held with Moratuwa University consultants, the contractor, the Sri Lanka Navy and others, and that officials expect the National Art Gallery to reopen before December 2026.

      InfrastructureReligion & CulturePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB

      AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman asked whether the Government would reconsider closing the National Museum on Fridays, citing its historical practice from 1877 to 2013 in honour of Wapichchi Marikkar’s request. He noted that the practice was changed during CHOGM 2013, later restored by officials in January 2025, and sought confirmation that it would continue as a mark of respect.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary The Minister responded to an unexpected supplementary question concerning the Museum, noting that the main question related to the Art Gallery. He said he could not provide an immediate answer but would examine the proposal, including the reasons for the change and any connection to tourist footfall or visitor demand, and report back to the House.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →