Sitting of Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23706 ·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 21 speeches
- 2 Papers Messages from President and Petitions 6 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Questions 1-10 46 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions 34 speeches
- 5 Procedural Ministerial Statements 12 speeches
- 6 Debate Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) 39 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined four fiscal measures: remitting stamp duty on government disaster-assistance payments, updating Ports and Airports Development Levy and excise provisions to align with new HS sub-classifications, and replacing the specific Cess on imported textiles with VAT from 01 April 2026. He said the textile VAT change responds to local garment manufacturers’ requests for equal treatment, allows VAT-registered producers to claim input credits, and should not undercut domestic apparel production because finished apparel imports remain taxed. He also stated that Sri Lanka has met the macroeconomic targets and reporting timelines required under the IMF-linked debt restructuring, making it eligible for a 0.75 percentage point interest relief under Macro-Linked Bonds.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva said the Deputy Minister had confused Governance-Linked Bonds with Macro-Linked Bonds, noting that the relevant relief under Macro-Linked Bonds depends on GDP exceeding USD 108 billion. He criticised the removal of SVAT, arguing that imposing 18 per cent VAT on domestic inputs while imports for BOI exporters remain zero-rated disadvantages local suppliers and discourages their integration into export value chains. He proposed retaining SVAT for exporters while addressing past abuses, and called for lower electricity tariffs to improve export competitiveness. He said the measure should be withdrawn and amended to better support domestic production and reduce energy costs.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB
AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the approval of the Gazette Orders and Regulations, arguing that they protect revenue while offering relief and improving fairness for businesses. He said the changes under several tax laws mainly update HS codes to align with international classifications, rather than altering tax rates. He also argued that replacing the specific Cess on imported textiles with VAT and lowering the VAT registration threshold would reduce price distortions, allow input tax credits, and create neutrality between importers, domestic manufacturers, and exporters.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan discussed Orders under the Stamp Duty, Ports and Airports Development Levy, Excise, and VAT laws, noting exemptions for disaster relief payments, new levies on plastic water pipes and consumer durables, and the imposition of 18 per cent VAT on certain textile imports. He raised concerns that VAT on imported textiles would strain apparel exporters’ cash flow, that broader consumption taxes would burden low- and middle-income households, and that a lower VAT registration threshold could pressure SMEs. He recommended expedited VAT refunds for apparel exporters and greater reliance on direct taxation while reducing consumption taxes on essential household items.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne said the Government remains committed to pursuing justice for the Easter Sunday attacks and other serious crimes through independent investigative and judicial institutions, rejecting attempts to create public agitation over the investigations. She then addressed Orders under several tax-related laws, highlighting the Stamp Duty exemption on receipts for Government payments to people affected by natural disasters. Referring to damage caused by Cyclone “Ditti,” she said the Government had provided about Rs. 500 billion in relief and gave progress figures for grants, rent support, schoolbook assistance, and death compensation, noting some delays due to documentation and practical issues.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana argued that rising fuel prices, taxes, electricity and water bills are worsening the cost of living despite public expectations of relief after the 2024 election. He said high costs are affecting households, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and businesses, and urged the Government to use available funds to support people and keep enterprises afloat. He questioned the Government’s plan to meet IMF reserve targets, manage upcoming debt and import costs, and sustain the economy after IMF support ends. He also called for faster relief and housing reconstruction for people affected by Cyclone Ditta.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake rejected allegations about “hackers” by arguing that corruption and economic mismanagement had caused Sri Lanka’s crisis, citing Supreme Court findings against former leaders and noting IMF engagement followed bankruptcy. He said tourism arrivals and private sector credit were improving, while acknowledging seasonal occupancy dips and fuel cost pressures. He outlined reforms at the Department of Motor Traffic, including referrals to the Attorney-General and CIABOC, clearing driving licence backlogs, reforming number plate issuance, expanding one-day services, integrating Customs, Ports Authority and DMT systems, and developing a genuine e-motoring platform. He also announced road-safety measures including medical-centre licence renewals, a demerit points pilot, updated Highway Code rules for expressways, quarterly inspections for passenger vehicles, and regulation of driving schools.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of the economy, citing increased poverty, high fertilizer and fuel costs, import policies affecting farmers and fishers, electricity and coal issues, and alleged port irregularities. He questioned the lack of progress on graduate employment, education scheduling, and post-Cyclone Ditta relief and reconstruction, including the use of announced Indian grant and loan support. He also raised concerns over selective use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, contrasting an arrest over a rap song with alleged LTTE-related campaign material used by government-linked figures, and urged that investigations not be politicized.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary The Minister responded to claims by a previous speaker regarding poverty and electricity generation. He stated that poverty had declined from 24.5 per cent in 2024, when the National People’s Power took office, to around 22 per cent in 2026, and disputed the claim that 900,000 litres of diesel were being used daily for power generation, citing 7 June data showing oil-based thermal generation at 11.68 MW out of 2,417 MW. He asked for the source of the figures and indicated he would clarify before allowing a response.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked that another Member be allowed the opportunity to respond. The intervention was procedural in nature and did not raise a substantive policy issue.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka disputed opposition claims on thermal power generation and coal ship demurrage, arguing that inaccurate statistics were being used to mislead Parliament and the public. He then addressed an Extraordinary Gazette under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, explaining that revised HS classifications and new subheadings were intended to reapply existing tax rates without substantive changes. He noted that Middle East conflicts were disrupting global aviation and affecting SriLankan Airlines, clarified reports about Treasury funding, and said the airline’s operational loss had been reduced from USD 150 million to USD 100 million while a restructuring process with private sector participation was being considered.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera argued that Sri Lanka is approaching a serious economic crisis, saying official indicators such as the primary surplus do not reflect weaknesses in the real economy, including agriculture, tea, manufacturing, SMEs and industry. He compared Sri Lanka’s low usable reserves with India’s and said tourism policy should focus on increasing revenue per visitor, claiming this could generate an additional USD 2–3 billion. He also denied allegations of interfering in investigations relating to Major General Suresh Sallay, stating that he had only participated in a Bodhi Pooja for Sallay’s health and objecting to his continued detention.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake criticised former government advisers and linked past governance to the economic crisis, while also calling for accountability over the Easter attacks. Referring to the COPA report on the Department of Motor Traffic, he highlighted alleged vehicle registration abuses, including motorcycles registered as luxury vehicles, misuse of 120 out of 158 vehicle import licences issued for religious institutions, and an alleged Rs. 931 million fraud involving number plates. He commended public officials, the Auditor General and audit officers for exposing these matters, and said the current Government would not repeat the practices that led to economic damage.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a procedural point, noting that he had been allotted eight minutes to speak. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah thanked the President for allocating about Rs. 300 million to complete the Nintavur cultural hall, but disputed the President’s remarks that the Oluvil harbour had been built without feasibility studies or an EIA. He stated that multiple institutions, including LHI, CECB, COWI, the SLPA technical team and NIRAS, had assessed the project and found it feasible, and that Danish financing and consultants were involved. He argued that the harbour’s present problems arose from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s failure to carry out regular dredging and maintenance as envisaged, rather than from flaws in the project’s approval process. He also defended the late M.H.M. Ashraff’s legacy and said criticism of him was hurtful to the Muslim community.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi highlighted COPA findings on alleged fraud, corruption, and irregularities at the Department of Motor Traffic from 2012 to 2024, stating that nearly Rs. 4 billion in Government revenue was lost or misused. He said the report would be referred, under amended Standing Orders, to the Bribery Commission, IGP, Attorney General and other relevant bodies for further action, and cited specific issues involving motorcycle registrations and driver’s licence software maintenance costs. He also criticised former Rajapaksa-era administrations over unresolved tsunami housing titles, high inflation during 2020–2022, and alleged misuse of publicly purchased Pfizer vaccines during Covid-19, tabling related documents.
- The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, for parliamentary approval of an Order under Section 3(3) of the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2478/05 and presented on 19.05.2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, moved for approval of an Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2478/06 of 3 March 2026 and presented on 19 May 2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, for Parliament to approve an Order under Section 2A of the Value Added Tax Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2478/07 and presented on 19 May 2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to under the Standing Orders.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB
AI summary Anura Karunathilaka moved, on behalf of the Leader of the House, that Parliament refer the Committee on Public Accounts report on inquiries into the Department of Motor Traffic to the Attorney General for observations and necessary action under Standing Order 119(4). The motion, concerning Parliamentary Series No. 243 dated 25 July 2025 and inquiries held on 10 and 21 March 2025, was agreed to by Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- 7 Debate Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency 54 speeches
- 8 Adjournment Adjournment and Written Answers 9 speeches