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- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake explained that, following Cabinet decisions under the new Government on benefits and powers for ministerial officials, the Staff Advisory Committee aligned parliamentary secretariat posts with equivalent ministry posts. He stated that the Secretary-General of Parliament is equivalent to a Ministry Secretary, the Deputy Secretary-General to an Additional Secretary, and Assistant Secretaries-General to Senior Assistant Secretaries, including related entitlements. He added that ongoing inquiries should be allowed to conclude before further action is taken. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe stated that several Members had already clarified the legal position on the matter. He informed the House that he had complained to the Speaker about a question raised at Reception to the Speaker’s Secretary and the Public Health Inspector. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that the inquiry process involving Mr. Kularatne and Mr. Liyanage was procedurally flawed, noting that Mr. Liyanage was junior in the public service to Mr. Kularatne. He invoked the principle of natural justice that no one should adjudicate their own cause, citing the inquiry officer’s inability to determine whether allegations of the Speaker’s animosity toward Mr. Kularatne were true. He urged the Speaker to withdraw from guiding or presiding over decisions in the matter and to refer it to an independent process. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa defended the appointment of Mr. S. K. Liyanage as the Preliminary Investigating Officer, stating that he was selected from the Ministry of Public Administration roster and appointed by the Staff Advisory Committee, which includes the Leader of the Opposition’s representative. He argued that objections raised after the inquiry report and Committee decision were procedurally late, noting that the officer concerned would have an opportunity to respond in the disciplinary process. He clarified that the inquiry concerned the legality and qualifications related to the appointment of the Deputy Secretary-General as Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General, not allegations involving the Speaker. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam criticised the removal of a parliamentary officer, saying it was done without a charge sheet or opportunity to make representations. He argued that the action undermined the offices of Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament and set a damaging precedent for parliamentary administration. He also referred to a complaint against the Speaker at the Bribery Commission and accused the Speaker of acting unfairly toward officers. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the handling of the matter involving Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, particularly the apparent divergence between the Speaker and the Deputy Secretary-General and questions about whether the inquiry process is independent and procedurally proper. He asked whether it is appropriate for an officer junior to an equivalent post to conduct such an inquiry, and urged all parties, including the Speaker, to “take a step back” and re-examine the process. He called for action that safeguards parliamentary procedure, democracy, and Mr. Kularatne’s fundamental and human rights. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Citing the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act and British parliamentary practice in Erskine May, Chamindranee Kiriella argued that any complaint against an officer of Parliament should be examined and the evidence for and against laid before the House before action is taken. She said media reports on the matter concerning the Deputy Secretary-General had damaged the dignity of Parliament and requested the Speaker to inform Members properly and correct the situation. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka clarified that, at the Staff Advisory Committee meeting attended by him as the Opposition’s representative, the Opposition had stated that the Deputy Secretary-General should be given an opportunity, contrary to some media portrayals of the matter. He said several Opposition Members raised concerns about proceeding unilaterally, particularly in light of references to alleged personal animosity involving the Speaker. He also drew attention to the nearly three-month vacancy in the post of Governor of the Southern Province, covering Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that an inquiry into a senior parliamentary officer should not be handled by an Additional Secretary, citing Standing Order 7(1), the Administrative Manual and Public Service Commission rules requiring an investigating officer to be senior to the officer under investigation. He also referred to a bribery or corruption complaint against the Speaker involving alleged misuse of public resources and inducement of MPs, and requested that the report and expenditure details relating to the relevant committee be presented to the House. He tabled a chart he said had been published online and asked for the actual report to clarify the matter. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara cited the Parliamentary Staff Act to argue that disciplinary powers over parliamentary staff lie with the Secretary-General, exercised with the knowledge of the Speaker. He stated that any concerns should be raised through the Staff Advisory Committee with a request for an inquiry and report, and questioned why that procedure had not been followed. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the matter concerning the Deputy Secretary-General was handled through the Parliament’s Staff Advisory Committee in accordance with established procedure. He said the Committee, including Opposition representation, initiated an inquiry, appointed a single-member panel, considered its report, and made the final decision, while the Deputy Secretary-General had opportunities to present his case. He emphasized that the process did not undermine parliamentary traditions or independence and that any claims of injustice could be addressed through further representations. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara stated that, although there are still issues, the situation is comparatively better. No specific policy, proposal, or question was raised. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa stated that both the Speaker and the Parliamentary Secretariat have a duty to protect the independence of Parliament. He also noted that another Member had commended former Speakers from Anura Bandaranaike to Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara requested that an independent committee be appointed to conduct the inquiry. No further details on the inquiry’s subject or proposed committee structure were provided in the excerpt. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara expressed concern regarding the independent functioning of an unspecified party or office within Parliament. The remark indicates a procedural concern about autonomy and impartiality in parliamentary operations. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned why an independent panel had not been appointed to address the situation, describing it as a serious problem affecting the functioning of Parliament. He stated that such a poor situation had not been seen before. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned why an independent person had not been appointed for the matter under discussion. The intervention sought clarification on the appointment process and implied concern about impartiality. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara raised concern over reported conflicts between the Speaker and the Parliamentary Secretariat, saying such disputes were unprecedented and risked undermining parliamentary independence and procedure. He referred to the removal of the Secretary, complaints reportedly lodged with the Bribery Commission by Secretariat officials, and questioned the process by which related inquiries were being handled. He argued that the situation was damaging the dignity of Parliament and asked how parliamentary proceedings could continue effectively under these circumstances. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Moved approval of regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act concerning telecommunications infrastructure sharing, as published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2396/32 of 7 August 2024 and presented to Parliament on 23 January 2026. The motion noted that Cabinet approval had been signified. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake requested that the Prime Minister first move the relevant Regulations before a point of order is taken up, indicating a procedural sequencing matter in the debate. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act Read →