2025-02-19
News Categories : Committee News
Hon. Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena said that steps have already been taken to formulate a strategic plan to subject every Vidatha Officer to supervision and a performance-based evaluation system.
He made this statement at the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Science and Technology held in Parliament on February 18.
The Minister emphasized the need to formulate a national policy in collaboration with all institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and there was also a lengthy discussion on bringing technology to the villages. The officials present said that bringing technology to the villages is mainly done through Vidatha Officers, and the issue of replacing Development Officers instead when there are vacancies for Vidatha Officers was also discussed.
Addressing the meeting, officials from the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) said that many entrepreneurs are not aware of the services provided by their institution. They also said that last year, their institution obtained 7 patents and earned an income of Rs. 350 million through the commercialization of products.
They further stated that they had introduced two technologies for making natural dyes using king coconut and that their institution had the necessary skills to nurture entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, officials representing the Arthur C. Clarke Institute stated that since their institution has the ability to identify areas where oysters can be cultivated and fish harvests can be identified through satellite technology, a clear coordination process should be established between the institutions in this regard.
The committee meeting was attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament including the committee members, officials of the Ministry of Science and Technology and affiliated institutions.
2026-01-07
CoPF approves the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill and Regulations Issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 post considerationIn consideration of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill, it was stated that the amendment thus limits income tax exemptions for employees of new entrant authorized persons. However, officials present stated that a 3-year transitional period for existing entities has been given.This was discussed at length at the Committee on Public Finance, chaired by Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva, held in Parliament on 06.01.2026, when Members of the Committee sought clarity on the rationale for amending tax incentives, particularly the decision to limit income tax exemptions for employees of authorized persons to a transitional period for existing entities, while discontinuing such exemptions for new entrants.The Committee also examined proposed changes to application fees and charges, to reduce upfront costs on the part of investors by deferring certain payments until licensing, while seeking assurance that the revised structure would remain competitive and transparent.The Committee also queried the alignment of foreign exchange provisions with the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017, seeking clarification on the treatment of rupee earnings, currency conversion, and safeguards to ensure consistency with national monetary and financial regulations.The offshore banking framework attracted significant attention, with the Committee Members requesting updates on the status of banking licence applications, differences between Port City offshore banking operations and domestic banking activities, and the adequacy of regulatory oversight. The Central Bank’s enhanced supervisory role, including capital, liquidity, governance, and compliance requirements, was discussed in the context of international best practices.Concerns were also raised regarding enforcement and penalties for non-compliance, with Members of Parliament emphasizing the need for deterrent-level sanctions, effective monitoring, and strong reputational safeguards to maintain the integrity of the Port City.Officials noted that the amendments are intended to operationalize the Port City framework, enable approvals of new business activities, and balance investor attractiveness with fiscal discipline, transparency, and international commitments.The Committee also took into consideration the Regulations issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 (as amended). Accordingly, Regulations issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969(as amended), were presented to the Committee seeking approval to enable tax exemptions, streamlined procedures, and the swift clearance and distribution of relief goods donated by foreign donors to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, received in the name of the Disaster Management Center or any government institution.The Committee questioned the Ministry of Finance on the non-establishment of the Disaster Management Fund, despite the existence of the necessary legal provisions and approvals. The Committee also raised concerns regarding the delay in establishing the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund” as statutory fund, noting the potential issues that could arise if further delays persist. Accordingly, the Committee urged officials of the Ministry of Finance to take proactive measures in this regard.Following in-depth deliberations, the Committee approved the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill and the Regulations issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969. (as amended)The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Nishantha Jayaweera, Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law, Nimal Palihena, Wijesiri Basnayake, Thilina Samarakoon, Champika Hettiarachchi, Sunil Rajapaksha, Ajith Agalakada, and Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law.
2025-12-19
The attention of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations was drawn to the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill and the proposed amendments thereto.This was looked into when the Committee met in Parliament yesterday (Dec. 18), under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra, (Attorney at Law). A group of officials representing the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Department of Development Finance of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and the Legal Draftsman's Department participated in the meeting.The Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 26.11.2025. Accordingly, the Committee held an extensive discussion on the amendments that have been proposed to the Bill. The Chair of the Committee, Hon. Member of Parliament Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra, (Attorney at Law) stated that it is important to give careful and further consideration to this Bill and that discussions on the proposed amendments will be held again on a future date.Hon. Members of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Thilina Samarakoon, Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law, Sagarika Athauda, Attorney at Law, Suranga Ratnayaka, and Wijesiri Basnayake also participated in this Committee meeting.
2025-12-19
The supplementary sum of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster situation to be approved in Parliament todayThe Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) considered and approved a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster. Accordingly, the supplementary estimate is scheduled for approval in Parliament today (Dec. 19).The above approval was granted yesterday (18) at a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance held under the chairmanship of Dr. Harsha de Silva, Hon. Member of Parliament.Officials present stated that although the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 (Budget) was passed in Parliament on December 5, the recent disaster situation has necessitated the mobilization of additional funds beyond the amounts approved under the Budget. Accordingly, an estimated supplementary sum of Rs. 500 billion has been proposed to support and empower affected communities and to restore and strengthen essential infrastructure.The proposed supplementary estimate comprises allocations of Rs. 100 billion for the renovation of houses destroyed by the disaster, Rs. 250 billion for the restoration and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, and Rs. 150 billion to support the rebuilding of livelihoods and the restoration of normal living conditions for affected communities.The Committee observed that the supplementary estimate results in the primary expenditure for 2026 rising about 1.5% of GDP above the 13% of GDP ceiling imposed by the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act. Under the PFM Act such a breach of the ceiling is permitted under Section 16 in case of “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances such as major economic downturn, severe external shocks, natural disaster, emergence of major contingent liabilities or any such other eventuality in the opinion of the Cabinet of Ministers.” Under Section 16 and Section 26, which covers supplementary estimates, the Ministry of Finance has submitted documents that provide the necessary explanations and justifications, including an updated medium term fiscal framework (MTFF). When inquired into the implications of this expenditure on the Public Financial Management Act, officials explained that while there is a mandatory requirement not to exceed the primary expenditure ceiling of 13 percent of GDP, the Act provides for exemptions in situations involving a disaster or national crisis.The Committee also inquired into the selection of beneficiaries of such funds. Officials stated that the National Building Research Institute (NBRO) has identified 15,000 houses, and that a plan has been in place since 2017, although progress has been slow. Officials further stated that the 2026 Budget has allocated Rs. 5,000 billion to construct approximately 3,000 houses that have already been identified. In addition, funds will be allocated for restoration and relocation purposes. The Committee emphasized that accurate data should be acquired and a proper plan should be in place to support those who have actually been affected by the disaster.Moreover, the Committee urged the need for the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund to be formally established as a statutory fund with Parliamentary approval without further delay to ensure that the funds are utilized in an accountable and transparent manner.Following an in-depth discussion, the Committee approved the supplementary sum of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster situation.The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Ministers Dr. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne and Nishantha Jayaweera, Hon. Members of Parliament and Committee Members Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Wijesiri Basnayake, Thilina Samarakoon, Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law, as well as Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law.
2025-12-16
The estimated loss incurred by the Ceylon Electricity Board is approximately Rs.20 billion Officials of the Ministry of Transport and Highways and Urban Development stated that, due to the destruction of roads and bridges caused by the disaster situation that occurred across the island, it has been preliminarily estimated that the Road Development Authority has incurred a loss of approximately Rs. 75 billion.Furthermore, the officials stated that when taking into account the additional rehabilitation work required to fully restore the destroyed roads and bridges, it has been estimated that a sum of approximately Rs. 190 billion will be required for this purpose.This was disclosed at the meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, convened to discuss and analyses the nature of the disaster that the country has been struck with and the measures to be taken to assess the resulting social, economic, and environmental damage. The meeting was held recently (Dec. 11) at Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament S.M. Marikkar.During the meeting, officials of the Ministry of Transport and Highways and Urban Development pointed out that, as a result of the disaster situation, 316 roads and 40 bridges under the purview of the Road Development Authority have been damaged. However, the Chair of the Committee pointed out that assessments regarding damage to railway lines and regional roads across the island have not yet been carried out. The Chair further emphasized the importance of the Ministry taking the lead in formulating a mechanism to provide financial allocations for the rehabilitation of regional roads.Accordingly, the officials informed the Committee that it is currently expected to obtain a loan of Rs. 2 billion from the World Bank, and that funds required to carry out these rehabilitation works are also expected to be obtained from several other institutions.Meanwhile, officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board informed the Committee that the Board has incurred an estimated loss of approximately Rs. 20 billion due to the disaster situation. They further stated that discussions are underway to obtain a loan from the World Bank for this purpose. Commenting on this, the Chair of the Committee advised the officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board to attempt to obtain these funds as a grant rather than as a loan. He emphasized the importance of securing the funds as a grant, as obtaining them as a loan could result in an increase in electricity bills for consumers.In addition, officials informed the Committee that Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd. has incurred an estimated loss of approximately Rs. 252 million due to the disaster situation. Officials representing Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd. further stated that since the expenditure required for the repair work can be covered through the budgetary allocations already provided to them, no additional loan or grant is required.Officials also informed the Committee that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board has incurred an estimated loss of approximately Rs. 5.6 billion due to the disaster situation. The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply stated to the Committee that 156 water supply schemes of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board were damaged, and that all of them have now been restored after carrying out maintenance work. The Secretary further informed the Committee that arrangements are currently underway to obtain the funds required for rehabilitation as a grant from the Asian Development Bank.Accordingly, emphasizing the importance of preparing plans to face potential future disasters, the Chairman of the Committee stated that the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development is prepared to provide the necessary support to the relevant ministries and officials for this purpose.Members of Parliament Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Ajith P. Perera, and Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, along with a group of officials, were present at this occasion.
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
How Parliament Works
Business of Parliament
Copyright © The Parliament of Sri Lanka.
All Rights Reserved.
Design & Developed by TekGeeks
