Topic
Parliamentary Procedure
9,520 speeches · 1,565 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 955 |
| 2 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 548 |
| 3 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 403 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 403 |
| 5 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 359 |
| 6 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 333 |
| 7 | Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, M.P. SJB | 286 |
| 8 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 257 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 210 |
| 10 | Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, M.P. JJB | 179 |
Speeches
9,520 on this topic- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya supported the Bill to Abolish Parliamentary Pensions, saying it fulfils a government pledge and is intended to end a special privilege for MPs rather than gain popularity. She traced post-1977 pension amendments as progressively expanding benefits to Members and their families, arguing that these reflected a broader political culture of privilege that widened the gap between representatives and citizens. She said abolishing the pension was both symbolic and substantive, aimed at rebuilding public trust, reducing elite entitlement, and presenting politics as public service rather than a route to lifelong benefits. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake opposed the proposed abolition of parliamentary pensions, arguing that some former MPs and widows rely on them, and said he had submitted an amendment to the Bill. He challenged JVP/NPP members who previously received such pensions to return those funds to the Treasury, while also criticizing the transfer of the Badulla District Secretary after his cyclone-related work. He raised allegations regarding a Rs. 19 million payment connected to the Sekkuwatta playground in Ja-Ela and an alleged Japan employment fraud linked to persons associated with NPP nomination efforts, requesting investigations and stating he would table documents. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported repealing the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977, arguing that it created an unjust benefit for MPs compared with ordinary public servants. He traced the law’s enactment and subsequent amendments in 1982, 1985 and 1990, stating that they expanded pensions to MPs’ spouses and children and further entrenched the scheme. He said the repeal would end a long-standing system that allowed elected representatives to receive pension benefits after short periods of service. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that MPs should receive pensions to provide financial security and help attract qualified people to Parliament, while cautioning against portraying all MPs as corrupt. He questioned the Government’s consistency on pledges relating to voluntary service, fuel and electricity price reductions, VAT, abolition of the Executive Presidency, and constitutional reform, citing low implementation of promises. He also raised concerns about alleged interference in Parliament’s independent administration, referring to action involving the Deputy Secretary-General and possible moves concerning the Secretary-General, and called for protection of institutional independence. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Opposition had again avoided addressing the substance of the Bill under discussion. His brief remark was procedural and critical of the Opposition’s approach to the debate. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Moved the Second Reading of a Bill to abolish the non-contributory pension entitlement for Members of Parliament, stating it would apply prospectively to current and future MPs after enactment while not requiring existing pensioners to repay benefits. He framed the measure as fulfilling a National People’s Power election pledge and cited the January 2025 payment of Rs. 34,406,186 in former MPs’ pensions as context for the reform. He also referred to public approval data, government actions on reducing presidential privileges, narcotics and crime, and condemned the recent killing of an attorney and his spouse, saying investigations and arrests were proceeding. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Imran Maharoof seconded the motion for the Bill’s First Reading. The House agreed to the question, ordered the Bill to be printed, and referred it under Standing Order No. 52(6) to the Minister of Health and Mass Media for report. Indira Cancer Charitable Trust (Incorporation) Bill - First Reading Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Moved for leave to introduce the Indira Cancer Charitable Trust (Incorporation) Bill, seeking parliamentary approval to incorporate the Trust. Indira Cancer Charitable Trust (Incorporation) Bill - First Reading Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order under Standing Order 3(2) concerning the Speaker’s discretion over seat allocation. He noted that front-row seats are reserved for party leaders and questioned why Hon. Sumanthiran’s seat had not been changed despite information that he was no longer the Parliamentary Group Leader. Privilege Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper stated that he had proposed allocating Rs. 2.5 million from the MPs’ quota to convert the abandoned first floor of the Narpittimunai market into a community hall, as the area lacks such a facility. He said the proposal had been submitted to the District Coordinating Committee, but inaction by the Kalmunai Divisional Secretariat had prevented approval and amounted to a breach of his parliamentary privilege. He requested that approval be granted for the project. Privilege Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe raised a question of parliamentary privilege regarding a statement allegedly made by Chaminda Wijesiri on 6 February 2026 accusing him of land sales, court avoidance, and theft. He described the remarks as false and baseless, and requested that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Privilege Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody requested about ten minutes of speaking time, stating that he could use it to answer all the questions raised. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake seeks the Speaker’s permission to pose a question. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody responded briefly to a Member’s question, noting that it covered multiple subject areas. He indicated he would provide a concise answer rather than address each field in detail. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary A tabled answer provided district-level figures for community halls in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya, including numbers in usable condition, lacking basic facilities, and Grama Niladhari Divisions without halls. The Minister stated that community halls are not intended for officials’ routine service delivery, so their absence does not affect public service provision, and that new halls are constructed only according to local or community needs upon request. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Bimal Rathnayake requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka informed the House that he was raising a question on behalf of Hon. Siva Gnana Sri Tharan. No substantive details of the question or related issue were provided in the excerpt. Oral Question Second Round and Ministerial Response (Q.1184/2025, Security Incident) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister answered on behalf of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, stating that four state media institutions fall under the Ministry: the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Independent Television Network, and Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited. Details requested on related matters were tabled in an annex, while salary payments for staff with official media identity cards follow Management Services Circular procedures and payments to freelance or provincial correspondents are made with the approval of the respective institutional boards. She stated that no irregularities had been reported, making the remaining parts of the question not applicable. Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Environment, Bimal Rathnayake requested one month to provide an answer to the question. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Roshan Akmeemana formally asked the scheduled parliamentary question. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy position was presented in the recorded statement. Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.6/2025) Read →