Sitting of Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23707 ·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 Meeting and Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Committee report Committee Reports: Public Finance and Sectoral Oversight Committees 2 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 5 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) 7 speeches
- 5 Procedural Procedural: Points of Order and Supplementary Questions 59 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Rebuilding Sri Lanka Account Expenditure (Q.2) 2 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) 12 speeches
- 8 Oral question Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) 39 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) 14 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Questions and Ministerial Statement: Hajj Pilgrims and Fisheries (Q.7-8, Ministerial Statement) 8 speeches
- 11 Procedural Procedural: Questions of Privilege and Motions 17 speeches
- 12 Procedural Procedural: Motions on Standing Order Exemptions and Electoral System Committee 13 speeches
- 13 Debate Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution 104 speeches
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya moved for parliamentary approval of rules made under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2492/10 of 9 June 2026, noting that Cabinet approval had been signified. She also moved for approval of a resolution under the Essential Public Services Act.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva sought clarification from the Chair or Prime Minister on whether the item just moved by the Prime Minister concerned forced conversion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Asked that the matter be raised during the debate scheduled for that day.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva briefly requested that the relevant number be provided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. 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 The Minister addressed regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act and a resolution under the Essential Public Services Act, while also referring to ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks. He argued that accountability should be pursued through scientific evidence and the courts, rejected political speculation and elite impunity, and stated that investigations into both the Easter attacks and corruption would continue despite obstruction or “theatrics.” On the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, he said public contributions are lawfully received through Treasury accounts and credited to the Consolidated Fund, with expenditure requiring parliamentary authorization, and urged Members not to discourage donors by misrepresenting the mechanism.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order citing Standing Orders 92(2)(b) and 91(e), arguing that points of order have precedence and that Members must confine remarks to the subject. He requested consistent application of these rules, noting that his microphone had previously been cut on grounds of alleged irrelevance.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concern over the arrest and detention of villu paattu artist Kanesukumar Sangeethkan under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, describing it as part of wider intimidation of artists, creators and journalists. He called for Sangeethkan’s immediate release and reiterated a demand to repeal the PTA. He also highlighted severe hardship among Northern Province fishers in Mullaitivu, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna, citing illegal purse-seine and light-assisted fishing as threats to their livelihoods.
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns about blast and dynamite fishing in the North, alleging inaction by the Fisheries Department and Navy and requesting ministerial attention and corrective measures. Addressing the Monetary Law Act Rules and the Essential Public Services Act Resolution, he said tighter requirements on exporters to repatriate and convert foreign exchange may support reserves and the rupee but could undermine exporter confidence if not temporary. He also criticized domestic stock management, citing large quantities of paddy deteriorating in Northern Province warehouses while scarce foreign exchange is spent on rice imports, and warned that uncleared stocks could affect the next harvest.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran argued that foreign exchange policy should focus on incentives for those bringing foreign currency into Sri Lanka, rather than placing constraints on traders. He called for stronger domestic production and import substitution to reduce dollar demand, as well as measures to attract diaspora investment. He also urged investment in school-level infrastructure, including classrooms, computers and reliable internet, to build capacity in knowledge-intensive export sectors such as IT and artificial intelligence.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported the foreign exchange Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act as a temporary, calibrated response to recent exchange market volatility linked to higher import costs, especially energy, arising from Middle East conflict. He said the Government’s macroeconomic management, including fiscal consolidation, primary surplus efforts, and an independent Central Bank, had strengthened confidence, while rejecting past practices of artificially fixing the exchange rate and depleting reserves. He explained that the reintroduced rule on export proceeds would require banks to convert only remaining surplus foreign currency after exporters meet legitimate foreign currency needs, with the aim of improving dollar availability without disrupting trade or production.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s disaster relief payments in Kolonnawa, alleging that many flood-affected households have not received rent assistance, and criticized delays in filling key public posts. He challenged Government claims on the exchange rate, inflation, fuel costs, IMF targets, reserves, growth, and tourism, citing figures on reserve sales, rising inflation, fuel imports, and weaker-than-targeted reserve and growth projections. He argued that many state-owned enterprises appear profitable only because of monopolies or budgetary support, with losses in entities such as SriLankan Airlines, the CEB, and the Water Board, and called for the Government to focus on regulation, revenue improvement, and fast-tracking investment rather than engaging in commercial activities.
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary S.M. Marikkar criticised the Government’s economic management, saying it had failed to apprehend wrongdoers or stabilise the economy. He stated that national debt had increased from US$ 93 billion to US$ 107.28 billion since Anura Kumara Dissanayake became President, and urged the Government to take credible measures to increase dollar earnings, reduce debt, restore investor confidence, and remove unnecessary barriers.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that new rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act reduce the period exporters may retain export proceeds in foreign currency before converting balances into rupees, while allowing deductions for specified foreign currency obligations such as inputs, debt service, wages, dividends, Treasury investments and supplier payments. He said the measure responds to rupee volatility caused by higher dollar demand from Middle East-related import costs and increased vehicle imports, while noting improved remittances, exports and expected tourism recovery. He also stated that replacing the CESS on imported textiles with VAT would not disadvantage exporters because VAT paid through domestic suppliers is refundable under the SVAT system.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva sought clarification on VAT treatment for domestic suppliers selling inputs to exporters. He noted that imported raw materials for exporters are not subject to VAT, but argued that the law passed the previous day appears to impose VAT on locally produced inputs, and asked the Government to state clearly whether domestic suppliers to exporters are exempt.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB
AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that when exporters purchase domestically produced inputs, VAT is charged but later refunded through the SVAT mechanism. He argued that, as a result, VAT on such inputs should not be treated as a production cost for exporters.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that VAT rules disadvantage domestic input suppliers to exporters compared with imported inputs, while noting that SVAT had helped streamline refunds and that policy should support domestic producers becoming exporters. He questioned the use of forced conversion regulations on export proceeds, saying such crisis-era measures restrict economic freedom and should only be imposed during a declared crisis. He urged the Government, if maintaining the rule, to state in Parliament that it is temporary and set a clear timeframe for removal to preserve market confidence.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government was managing external economic pressures while restoring growth, reserves, relief measures, and agricultural support. He rejected claims that fertilizer payments were being withheld, stating that subsidies are paid only for cultivated land and that 571,025 farmers had been credited, with the two-hectare subsidy doubled from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000. He outlined fertilizer procurement and distribution at subsidized prices through Agrarian Service Centres and said the Government was reimbursing eligible purchases and extending assistance to intercropping on paddy lands. He also defended the Government’s paddy pricing policy, citing guaranteed prices based on production cost plus 30 percent, and said preparations were underway for possible El Niño/La Niña-related food security risks.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticised rules requiring exporters to convert dollar proceeds into rupees, describing them as a response to currency depreciation, and opposed the continued use of Emergency Regulations and the Essential Public Services Act framework. He raised concerns about reported proposals to extend judges’ retirement age and alleged that delays in nominating judges to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal amount to undue interference with judicial independence and a constitutional failure. He also warned against replacing the PTA with potentially harsher legislation and called for investigation into allegations concerning the wartime killing of Prabhakaran’s son if the facts support a possible war crime.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha supported the Rules under the Central Bank Act requiring residual export proceeds to be converted by the 10th of the following month, arguing they would help stabilize the exchange rate and strengthen the economy amid external shocks. She cited improved Government revenue and primary balance figures for early 2026, and said price reductions at Lanka Sathosa and support for farmers, fishers, SMEs, and flood-affected Kolonnawa residents showed that fiscal gains were being passed on to the public. She also stated that compensation payments to Kolonnawa flood victims were ongoing, with Rs. 4,028 million already disbursed out of Rs. 9,836 million due.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s economic management, arguing that revenue and primary balance gains have been achieved mainly through higher taxation while poverty, job losses, business closures and cost-of-living pressures have worsened. He questioned why cigarette taxation had declined relative to WHO benchmarks while other taxes increased, claiming this had caused Rs. 17.3 billion in annual revenue loss that could fund relief measures. He also called for action against Sri Lanka becoming a “cyber-fraud hub” due to regulatory relaxations, and urged the restoration of the higher interest rate previously provided to senior citizens’ deposits.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Labour, raised a point of Order during the proceedings. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or argument was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe requested that the Leader of the Opposition clarify his statement, made under Standing Orders, that hundreds of thousands of jobs had been lost. The intervention sought further explanation for the claim in the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa’s recorded intervention contains only the form of address to the Deputy Chairperson of Committees and no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy positions. No legislation, event, or issue is discussed in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara intervened procedurally to request that the relevant member be allowed to answer the question that had been asked.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether the relevant member was aware of how many Hirdaramani factories had closed. The remark raised concern about factory closures and their potential implications for employment and the industrial sector.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked how many MAS Holdings factories had closed or relocated out of Sri Lanka, seeking a specific answer on the scale of factory closures or departures.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa asked how many Brandix factories have closed, seeking specific information on closures within the company’s manufacturing operations.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concern over closures in the apparel sector, asking how many of the 200 apparel factories have shut down and stating that hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost. He said he would table in Parliament a list of the factories that have closed.
Employment Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB
AI summary R.M. Gamini Rathnayake defended the Government’s economic management and rejected the Opposition’s claim that the economy is collapsing, citing a reported Budget surplus of Rs. 116 billion in the first quarter of 2026 after earlier deficits and referring to Bloomberg’s recognition of the Sri Lankan rupee as the strongest in South Asia. He argued that past factory closures occurred under previous administrations and criticized the Opposition’s record on employment and apparel-sector policy. He supported the proposed Central Bank rules as legal tools to stabilize the foreign exchange market and maintain rupee strength, contrasting them with what he described as the Opposition’s preference for bans and rigid controls.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that the Government’s economic management had led to factory closures, job losses, rising inflation, increased poverty, and a weakening rupee. He cited the closure of MAS Holdings in Thulhiriya, Hirdaramani in Nivitigala, and other small and medium factories, and questioned whether the Acting Labour Minister was aware of the scale of job losses. Referring to Rules under the Central Bank Act, he warned that tighter controls on exporters’ foreign exchange earnings resembled measures seen in 2002 and during the end of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, indicating further economic strain.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected Opposition claims of large-scale job losses and economic deterioration under the Government, challenging them to table statistics and institutional evidence. He said the Labour Ministry had intervened in industrial disputes, including at Hela Clothing, to protect jobs and maintain industrial peace, while the Government had increased reserves, remittances and tourism despite reopening vehicle imports and external pressures such as the Middle East conflict. He also cited reductions in fuel and essential goods prices, cyclone relief allocations, recruitment to essential services, public sector salary increases, teacher recruitment and regularization of casual workers as examples of Government action.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s sudden decision to require exporters to convert foreign currency earnings into rupees within 30 days, arguing that it reverses earlier liberalization commitments to the IMF and indicates a domestic dollar shortage. He said ad hoc controls and Central Bank directions to prioritize essential import payments would not restore market confidence, despite higher reserves and IMF disbursements. He urged immediate relief for fruit and vegetable exporters affected by the Middle East conflict and port demurrage charges, and called for action on fabric importers and local producers facing higher costs after the replacement of the CESS with 18 per cent VAT.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. 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. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB
AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the regulations under the Monetary Law Act requiring faster repatriation and conversion of export proceeds, arguing they are necessary to manage foreign exchange pressures caused by global instability, higher import costs, and increased dollar demand. He rejected Opposition claims that the measures restrict business freedom, contrasting current economic indicators with the 2022 crisis and citing improved revenue, reserves, inflation, remittances, tourism, and IMF-related fiscal performance. He also highlighted planned Port City-related foreign investment, job creation, and international agreements as part of the Government’s development strategy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam raised concerns over government actions in Mullaitivu, alleging that permanent housing for 244 seasonal fishing families from Negombo in Kokkilai would alter local demographics and should be halted. He also objected to the Mahaweli Authority’s allocation of land in Kokku Thoduvai–Kunjukkalvelai to a southern trader, claiming it involved privately owned freehold land and further encroachment into mangroves, grazing land, and forest reserves. He requested intervention to stop both the housing project and the land allocation, and to restore the disputed land to its original private owner.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported the Central Bank regulations on safeguarding export income and converting dollar earnings into rupees, arguing they are proactive measures to protect reserves and prevent future crises. He said the Government inherited economic, administrative, legal, and social challenges, and cited efforts over the past 18 months to rebuild the economy, strengthen law and order, recruit to the public service, and allocate Rs. 25,000 million through the rural development and social security ministry. He criticized the Opposition’s response to current difficulties, linking recent pressures to floods, the 2025 cyclone, and the Middle East conflict, and said the Government’s duty is to increase, safeguard, and prudently use national income.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized Government economic measures, arguing that mandatory dollar conversion by exporters signals a foreign exchange crisis and that higher duties on imported edible oils will undermine value-added coconut exporters who generate significant foreign exchange. He opposed the planned reduction of the VAT registration threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million from 1 July, saying it would burden SMEs and traders already facing high costs and weak demand. He urged the Government to halt the threshold reduction, engage practically with the business community, and improve public access for grievances in electorates.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said the Central Bank regulation is not a new export control but a revision requiring exporters, after legitimate offshore deductions, to convert repatriated proceeds into rupees within one month instead of the previous longer period. He argued it does not impose new taxes or discourage exporters, but is a temporary measure to manage exchange-rate volatility while supporting export growth, citing record 2025 export earnings of USD 17.25 billion. On the Essential Public Services Act resolution, he said its current use was limited to recovery operations after the “Didva” cyclone and not intended to suppress workers, unlike past uses of the law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda objected to Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s repeated references to the Rajapaksas and protested against remarks made by Hon. Thurairasa Rachikaran during the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill debate, alleging that he had praised an LTTE figure and asking what action the Government and Speaker would take. He contrasted this with the detention of Mr. Salley under anti-terror laws and argued that discussion of the Easter attacks should be handled separately with evidence, without political misuse. He also requested urgent intervention for Security Officer No. 16649 at the Sapugaskanda Refinery, citing alleged harassment and her family circumstances.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam supported the regulations on repatriation of export proceeds and the Essential Public Services Act resolution, arguing that export earnings and public cooperation are necessary to protect the economy amid international pressures and conflict in the Middle East. He said the Opposition was politicizing the situation and causing fear among exporters instead of offering alternatives. He also condemned efforts he said were aimed at shielding those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, called for the conspirators to be punished, and urged MPs not to prioritize political alliances over justice and national unity.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake criticised the regulation reducing the export proceeds conversion period to one month, arguing it reflects weak export performance, limited investment, slowing tourism, and overreliance on remittances. He questioned Central Bank management of the exchange rate, reserves, inflation and interest rates, warning that rupee depreciation and rate hikes were increasing borrowing costs, reducing fiscal space, and risking stagflation. He urged a review of PAYE thresholds and tax policy, stronger financial sector supervision, export-led stabilisation of the rupee, reform of investment and trade institutions, and greater accountability from the Central Bank and Finance Ministry.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra explained that the Central Bank regulation shortens the permitted period for converting export proceeds to a maximum of 40 days, replacing earlier arrangements that allowed longer holding periods. She said the measure is temporary and intended to reduce pressure on the rupee, limit imported inflation, and protect consumers from higher costs of fuel, raw materials, and essential goods. She argued that, alongside other demand-management measures such as temporary import duties, exporters have a responsibility to repatriate and convert proceeds in the national interest.
- Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that export foreign currency earnings should be repatriated and converted domestically to ease pressure on foreign reserves. She said concerns about rising debt should be assessed through debt sustainability indicators rather than nominal debt stock, citing declines in debt-to-GDP from 95.5% to 91.6% and external debt share from about 55.8% to 50.4% between 2024 and 2025. She also stated that lower interest costs had been supported by Treasury cash buffers and interest rate anchoring, and contrasted current trends with debt increases during the 2015–2019 Yahapalana government.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. Hector Appuhamy to speak and informed him that he had seven minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government for relying on emergency powers amid economic hardship and questioned the adequacy of its current and future economic plans in the context of regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act. He argued that exporters, businesses, fisheries, agriculture, and health services require targeted support, including consideration of exporters’ dollar needs, an immediate fuel subsidy for fishers, timely fertilizer subsidies, and action on medicine shortages. He also questioned resignations at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and called for scrutiny of the NMRA Chairman, saying relevant documents would be submitted to Parliament.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. Jagath Manuwarna to speak and informed him that he had nine minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna rejected claims of a continuing national medicine shortage, saying the Government is addressing official inefficiencies and urging reports of any local shortages. He criticised the Fort protest and Opposition parties, linking their actions to attempts to undermine the Government and to sensitivities around renewed investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, including matters related to Suresh Sallay and Channel 4 allegations. He argued that global conflicts are affecting fuel prices and supply, but said the Government has maintained services and welfare support, including compensation of Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses after the “Dittachchi” cyclone, with officials instructed to process claims without political bias.
- Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asks an Hon. Member to state the point of order being raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order under Standing Order 82(2)(b), objecting to a colleague’s remark, “What cloth is that?” He asked the Presiding Member to rule whether the language was permissible in Parliament and, if not, to expunge it from the Hansard.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member stated that any unparliamentary words would be expunged from the Hansard and advised that the matter need not be pursued further in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna’s recorded intervention consists only of the salutation “Hon. Presiding Member,” with no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or references to legislation or policy included in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Mr. Presiding Member intervened to caution the Member not to turn the exchange into a debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna sought permission from the Presiding Member to respond to a point raised during the debate. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question is included in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invited the member to proceed with their remarks. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Manuwarna rejected an allegation that he had used unparliamentary language. He stated that the Member making the accusation habitually speaks in a more indecent manner.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member stated that the matter would be dealt with appropriately and that a statement would be made if necessary. He then called Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna to speak, allocating him six minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna said the Easter Sunday attacks should not be used for political advantage and called for an independent, impartial process to identify and prosecute those responsible, with the law applied equally to all. He criticized the JVP/NPP for past support to the Rajapaksas and questioned attempts to shift blame for their governance failures. He said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund should be legally regularized and asked why donations for disaster victims had not been used while people remained in camps. He also argued that the Government’s economic difficulties predated the Middle East conflict, citing depreciation, weaker exports, slowing tourism, higher import costs and rising living costs, and urged a credible economic plan.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy to speak and informed him that he had nine minutes for his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy rejected allegations about misuse of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” funds, saying they risk deterring diaspora contributions, and linked current economic policy to the need to bring export-earned foreign exchange through the formal banking system after legitimate business expenses. He argued that artistic expressions such as those linked to the arrest of Kilinochchi rap artist Sangeethsan should be understood in the context of unresolved Tamil grievances, including land, disappearances, power-sharing, development, education and employment, rather than treated as a return to militancy. He affirmed the NPP Government’s position against any return to war or ethnic violence and called for inclusive governance, avoidance of provocations, and policies that ensure economic benefits and equality for all communities.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath to speak and informed him that he had six minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported discussion on regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act concerning repatriation of export foreign earnings. He warned that rising inflation, dollar appreciation, and monetary pressures, compounded by the Middle East conflict, require Government planning to stabilize the economy. He urged action to prevent a recurrence of the shortages and queues experienced in 2022.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member asked whether the House agreed to extend sitting time until the business scheduled for the day’s debate was concluded.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member invited the Hon. Member to continue speaking.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the North and East had been further affected by the economic crisis after years of ethnic conflict, and called for a decisive economic recovery plan linked to a permanent political solution and justice for Tamils. He urged the Government to set a guaranteed paddy price of at least Rs. 150 per kilogram, citing high production costs and imminent harvests in Batticaloa, and to urgently release the Mayilathamadu-Madhavanai grazing lands following the President’s assurance. He also requested humane and just action regarding the arrest of singer Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan, stressing freedom of expression and reiterating opposition to the Emergency and the PTA.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi to speak and informed him that he had eight minutes allotted for his contribution.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi supported regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act to shorten the period for repatriating export earnings from 100 days to 40 days, stating that permitted foreign payments may be made first and only the residual must be brought in and converted. He argued that the measure is intended to increase onshore foreign exchange and reserves while allowing the exchange rate to function as a shock absorber, unlike past policies that used reserves to defend the currency. He cited the IMF Managing Director’s 13 May letter to highlight reported macroeconomic stabilization, 5 per cent growth in 2024 and 2025, stronger reserves, improved revenue collection, primary surpluses, and debt restructuring. He also rejected opposition claims about tax policy, exchange-rate effects, governance, and the use of Emergency powers.
- Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Mr. Presiding Member called on Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence, to speak and informed him that he had nine minutes.
Security & Defence Full speech → - Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister supported extending the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act for another month, citing the need to maintain uninterrupted water, electricity, fuel, health, communications and transport services after the cyclone and amid global crises. He said a Commissioner-General of Essential Services would coordinate state institutions down to local administrative levels, with sectoral regulations to ensure continuity and economic stability. He also stated that the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund is lawful and auditable, and defended legal accountability for all individuals, including veterans, while stressing the need for justice for victims of the Easter attacks.
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, approval was moved for a proclamation under the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2490/07 of 28 May 2026 and presented on 9 June 2026. The motion was put to the House and agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Presiding Member
AI summary Items 1 and 2 on the Order Paper were declared passed as moved. The sitting then proceeded to adjournment.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 14 Adjournment Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector 17 speeches