The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair.
Announcements by the Speaker
1 : Co-opted Members to serve in the Legislative Standing Committee for the consideration of the “Online Safety (Repeal)” Bill
2 : Meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business
Presentation of Papers
(i) Annual Report and Accounts of the University of Kelaniya for the year 2024
(ii) Annual Performance Report of the Inland Revenue Department for the year 2025
(iii) Performance Report of the Judges of the Superior Courts for the year 2025
(iv) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Election Commission in the report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(v) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Audit Service Commission in the report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(vi) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in the report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(vii) Regulations made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under Section 20 read with Sections 4(1), 6 and 14 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 as amended by Acts, No. 48 of 1985 and No. 28 of 1987 and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2493/03 of 15th June 2026
(viii) Regulations made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under Section 20 read with Sections 4(1) and 14 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 as amended by Acts, No. 48 of 1985 and No. 28 of 1987 and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2493/39 of 18th June 2026
(ix) Annual Performance Report of the Mass Media Division of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media for the year 2025
(x) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Government Information for the year 2025
(xi) Annual Performance Report of the Irrigation Department for the year 2025
(xii) Annual Report of the Janatha Estates Development Board for the year 2020
(xiii) Performance Report of the Fisheries Reward Fund of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for the year 2025
(xiv) Annual Performance Report of the Ministry of Energy for the year 2025
(xv) Performance Report of the Department of Forest Conservation for the year 2025
(xvi) Annual Performance Report of the Sri Lanka Police for the year 2025
(xvii) Performance Report of the Department of Immigration and Emigration for the year 2025
(xviii) Annual Report of the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation for the year 2024
Presentation of Reports from the Committees
The Report of the Committee on Public Finance was presented by the Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.
Presentation of Petitions
(i) The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, Member of Parliament
(ii) The Hon. Ajith P. Perera, Member of Parliament - Two Petitions
(iii) The Hon. D. V. Chanaka, Member of Parliament - Two Petitions
(iv) The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama, Member of Parliament
(v) The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila, Member of Parliament
(Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)
Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament
(i) The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah
Solution for theft and piracy faced at sea by fishermen from Batticaloa and Ampara district
(ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam
Issues regarding Port City
Ministerial Statements
(i) Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education replied to the Question asked from the Prime Minister by the Hon. Mujibur Rahman on 10.06.2026 regarding details of ‘Ditwah’ cyclone relief.
(ii) Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development replied to the Question raised by the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 05.05.2026 regarding financial fraud at NDB bank and accountability concern of Central Bank in regulations.
Main Business of the House for Today
The following Motions (appearing as Item Nos. 2,3 and 5 to 7 of today’s Order Paper) were moved by the House and Passed: -
• Preservation of places of historical value in Sri Lanka, including Maduwanwela Walawwa, which belongs to the Kolonna Divisional Secretariat Division of the Ratnapura District
That this Parliament resolves that whereas there are many places of historical value in Sri Lanka including the Maduwanwela Walawwa, a historical place belonging to the Kolonna Divisional Secretariat Division of the Ratnapura district, whereas such places have attracted tourists and such places have become extremely unsafe at present, the government should formulate a course of action to save them for posterity for utilizing them for the tourism industry while preserving such places without damaging their original antiquity and promptly surveying and settling the lands belonging to such places.
• Appointment of a trained student counsellor to every school for the educational development, vocational development and personal social development of school children
That this Parliament resolves that the Government should take necessary steps to appoint a trained student counsellor to every school for the sake of educational development, vocational development, and personal social development of school children, whereas various psychological disturbances are currently observed among many school children and these conditions indirectly affect their physical and social well-being, and whereas teachers are appointed as student counsellors and the service expected from them has not been effectively delivered in some instances despite their being appointed as such due to their role of school teachers impinging, and whereas the necessity for a student counsellor has emerged in every school.
• Formulation of a pension scheme for the Sri Lankans working abroad, who are styled as “Rata Viruwan” (Migrant Heroes)
That this Parliament resolves that the Government should formulate a pension scheme by establishing a pension fund using a certain percentage of the money received from the Sri Lankan labour force working overseas as foreign exchange, whereas the contribution of them is very significant in revitalizing the national economy of Sri Lanka, and whereas the said employees have to undergo various difficulties by being unable to engage in a job after returning to Sri Lanka while living with their children after working abroad for many years due to the economic crisis.
• Formulation of a system to prevent the sale of unhealthy food to children in school canteens within the school system of Sri Lanka
That this Parliament resolves that the government should introduce and implement restrictions on the types of food and beverages permitted for sale in school canteens, in order to control the diabetes condition among school children in Sri Lanka, whereas specialist doctors have pointed out that diabetes is now widely diagnosed among school children in Sri Lanka, and whereas the types of food consumed, as well as dietary habits and eating patterns, are major causes of diabetes, and whereas food items containing high amounts of sugar and flour, which contribute to diabetes, along with foods such as fried rice, kottu, and instant noodles, are being sold in large quantities to schoolchildren through school canteens within the Sri Lankan school system.
• Promoting tourism services and economic development in Jaffna
That this Parliament resolves that Jaffna and Northern Sri Lanka be recognized as key tourism hubs and steps should be taken to support the creation of a centralized tourism platform in Jaffna to connect travelers from across the country and abroad with local hotels, restaurants, and service providers, promoting authentic travel experiences, by encouraging and facilitating the establishment of tourism service businesses that empower local operators and promote cultural heritage, supporting policies and investments that enhance infrastructure, digital connectivity, and marketing to boost tourist arrivals and satisfaction in Northern Sri Lanka, promoting public-private partnerships to foster sustainable tourism development and economic growth in the Jaffna region, and by monitoring the impact of such initiatives on local employment and business opportunities, aiming for sustainable economic benefits within 12 to 18 months, whereas promoting tourism services and economic development could strengthen the local tourism economy, create jobs, and showcase Jaffna as a vibrant cultural destination.
Motion at the Adjournment Time
Motion at the Adjournment Time on “Market specific strategy for tourism industry” was proposed by the Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi, Member of Parliament.
The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1627 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 21st July 2026.
2026-09-25
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Meetings of the Committee on Parliamentary Business and Committee of SelectionPresentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the State Printing Corporation for the year 2024(ii) Order made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development having considered the recommendations of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission and following the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers under Section 53 of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021 relating to Primary Business of Strategic Importance and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2483/17 of 10th April 2026(iii) Orders made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development having considered the recommendations of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission and following the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers under Section 53 of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021 relating to Secondary Business of Strategic Importance and published consecutively in 68 Gazette Extraordinary Nos. from 2483/18 to 2483/85 of 10th April 2026(iv) Orders made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development having considered the recommendations of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission and following the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers under Section 53 of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021 relating to Primary Business of Strategic Importance and published in the Gazette Extraordinary Nos. 2488/03 and 2488/04 of 11th May 2026(v) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Ministry of Health in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(vi) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Animal Production and Health for the year 2025Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Member of Parliament(iii) The Hon. Rohana Bandara, Member of Parliament(iv) The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament (v) The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament (Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. K. Kader MasthanCadre vacancies in government institutions in Northern and Eastern Provinces(ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamFinancial and other issues of local government institutions in Northern and Eastern Provinces PrivilegeThe Privilege motion that the question of privilege arising out of the matter raised by the Hon. D. V. Chanaka, M.P. on 09th September, 2026 in Parliament to the effect that his privileges have been infringed, moved by the Hon. Chief Opposition Whip, was referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges in terms of the provisions of Standing Order 118 of the Parliament. Main Business of the House for Today The following Bills (appearing as Item Nos. 1 and 2 of today’s Order Paper) were passed by the House : -(i) Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution – was passed with amendments with a majority of two-thirds (158 in favour; 63 against)(ii) Judicature (Amendment) - was passed after having taken a division (158 in favour; 62 against)The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 2015 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 6th October 2026.
2026-09-24
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Official Oath or Affirmation by New MembersThe Hon. Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan was sworn in as a Member of Parliament before the Hon. Speaker.Announcements by the Speaker1 : International recognition for Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva, M.P.Presentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka for the year 2023(ii) Annual Report of the Coconut Research Institute for the year 2023(iii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Energies (Pvt) Ltd for the year 2023Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama, Member of Parliament - Three Petition (Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. Ravi KarunanayakeGrievances faced by lecturers of State Universities of Sri Lanka(ii) The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. HizbullahLand issue at Eravur Aligar National School Ministerial StatementsHon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence, on behalf of the Minister of Defence replied to the Questions raised by the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 04.08.2026 regarding issues regarding national El Nino preparedness and response plan.Presentation of BillsThe Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government moved the Bill entitled“Elimination of Rabies and Registration of Dogs”to provide for the elimination of rabies in Sri Lanka by vaccination of dogs, control of dog population and regulation of breeding of dogs for commercial purposes; for the registration of dogs; for the establishment of the National Rabies Elimination Advisory Committee and the Regional Rabies Elimination Advisory Committees; to repeal the Rabies Ordinance (Chapter 476) and the Dog Registration Ordinance (Chapter 477) and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.Main Business of the House for Today The following Items (appearing as Item Nos. 1 and 2 of today’s Order Paper) were debated and adjourned for tomorrow: -(i) Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill - Second Reading(ii) Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1916 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Friday 25th September 2026.
2026-09-23
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Endorsement of the certificate on a Bill under Article 79 of the Constitution2 : Question of privilege raised by the Hon. D. V. Chanaka, M.P.Presentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Skills Development Fund Limited for the year 2023(ii) Annual Report of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority for the year 2024(iii) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(iv) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Institutions coming under the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament (v) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Department of Forest Conservation (Parliamentary Series No. 489) in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(vi) Reports on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Department of National Zoological Gardens, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest Conservation (Parliamentary Series No. 492) in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to ParliamentPresentation of Reports from the Committees(i) The Report of the Committee on Public Finance was presented by the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.(ii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection was presented by the Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament - Two Petitions (Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. Sajith PremadasaDitwah post disaster management and El Nino situation in the country (ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamOccupation of traditional pasture lands in Madavanai Ministerial StatementsHon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources replied to the Questions raised by the Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 10.07.2026 regarding solution for theft and piracy faced at sea by fishermen from Batticaloa and Ampara district.Main Business of the House for Today The following Items (appearing as Item Nos. 1 and 2 of today’s Order Paper) were approved by the House: -(i) Promotion of Export Agriculture (Amendment) Bill(ii) Supplementary Sum - Head 119 - Programme 01 Questions at the Adjournment Time(i) The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, Member of ParliamentThe Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1800 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Thursday 24th September 2026.
2026-09-22
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Determination of the Supreme Court on the Bills entitled “Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution” and “Judicature (Amendment)”2 : Determination of the Supreme Court on the Bill entitled “Anti-Corruption (Amendment)”3 : Receipt of a copy of a petition in respect of the Bill titled “Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) (L.D.O. 08/2026)” and “Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) (L.D.O. 11/2026)” filed at the Supreme Court4 : Regarding of Parliamentary seat of the Hon. M. S. Abthul Wazeeth, Member of Parliament becoming vacant5 : Mobile Application for Members of Parliament6 : Ascertaining the preference of each Member of Parliament, to receive all the reports presented to Parliament in digital formatPresentation of Papers by the SpeakerA. (i) First Installment – Part III (3) of the Report of the Auditor General for the Financial Year 2025 in terms of Article 154(6) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.(ii) In terms of Article 154(6) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, I present the Report containing the observations of the Auditor General on the Working Loss of Rs. 65,654,746.90 (Sixty-Five Million Six Hundred and Fifth Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Six Rupees and Ninety Cents) relating to the ─• Advance Account for the Potato Cultivation Expansion Programme bearing Account No. 7000/0/0/0285/0010;• Advance Account for the Operation of Welisara Agricultural Farm bearing Account No. 7000/0/0/0999/0409;• Advance Account for Agricultural Repair Workshops bearing Account No. 7000/0/0/0999/0002; and• Advance Account for Narahenpita Agricultural Central Stores bearing Account No. 7000/0/0/0285/0004incurred by the four advance accounts maintained by the Department of Agriculture for which the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has already been granted for the closure.B. • Ninth Installment – Part XLVIII (48) of the Report of the Auditor General for the Financial Year 2022; • Second Installment – Part LIX (59) of the Report of the Auditor General for the Financial Year 2023; • Second Installment – Parts LXIV (64) and LXV (65) and Ninth Installment – Part XLVIII (48) of the Report of the Auditor General for the Financial Year 2024; and • Second Installment – Part III (3), Third Installment – Part III (3) and Ninth Installment – Part I (1) of the Report of the Auditor General for the Financial Year 2025in terms of Article 154(6) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.Presentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Welfare Benefits Board for the year 2023(ii) Annual Performance Report of the Sri Lanka Army for the year 2025(iii) Annual Performance Report of the Sri Lanka Navy for the year 2025(iv) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Sri Lanka Coast Guard for the year 2025(v) Supplementary Estimate No. 05 of 2026(vi) Annual Report of the Urban Development Authority for the year 2022(vii) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Department of Sri Lanka Railway in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(viii) Annual Report of the Elkaduwa Plantations Limited for the year 2019(ix) Annual Report of the Chilaw Plantations Ltd for the year 2024(x) Annual Report of the National Institute of Plantation Management for the year 2024(xi) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Manpower and Employment for the year 2025(xii) Annual Report of the Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka for the year 2025(xiii) Annual Report of the Central Environmental Authority for the year 2024(xiv) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 119(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Department of Probation and Child Care Services in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to ParliamentPresentation of Reports from the Committees(i) The Report of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Energy was presented by the Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, the Chair of the Committee.(ii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women's Empowerment was presented by the Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. Ananda Wijepala, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. B. Ariyawansha, Member of Parliament (iii) The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament (Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. Sajith PremadasaProper mechanism to provide job to unemployed graduates (ii) The Hon. Ravi KarunanayakePossibility of establishment of Sri Lanka as a preferred Indian Oceans Maritime transshipment and logistic hub Ministerial Statements(i) Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism made a Ministerial Statement on government’s intervention and diplomatic measures taken regarding Sivaraja Anojan’s death sentence in Saudi Arabia.(ii) Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence, on behalf of the Minister of Defence made a Ministerial Statement regarding circular regarding relief for retired Tri forces, Police personals and families’ grievances.Main Business of the House for Today The following Items (appearing as Item Nos. 1 and 3 of today’s Order Paper) were approved by the House and Item No. (ii) was referred to the Legislative Standing Committee: -(i) Regulations under the Petroleum Resources Act(ii) Tredzo Development Foundation (Incorporation) Bill — Second Reading Motion at the Adjournment TimeMotion at the Adjournment Time on “Formulation of a mechanism to resolve prison system issues” was proposed by the Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1753 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Wednesday 23rd September 2026.
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