The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair.
Messages from the President
1 : Order under the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40)
Presentation of Papers by the Speaker
• Second Installment – Part LVIII (58) and Ninth Installment – Part XXXII (32) of the Report of the Auditor – General for the Financial Year 2023;
• Second Installment – Parts LXII (62) and LXIII (63), Third Installment – Part XXVIII (28) and Ninth Installment – Part XLVI (46) of the Report of the Auditor – General for the Financial Year 2024; and
• Second Installment – Part II (2) and Third Installment – Part I (1) 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.
Presentation of Papers
(i) Annual Report of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya for the year 2024
(ii) 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 Seven Institutions coming under the purview of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(iii) Note on Supplementary Allocations from the Development Activities Programme appearing under Expenditure Head No. 240 of the Department of National Budget for the period from 01.06.2026 to 30.06.2026 in terms of Section 6(1) of the Appropriation Act, No. 23 of 2025
(iv) Annual Report of the Right to Information Commission for the year 2023
(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) 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 Ayurveda in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(vii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment for the year 2024
(viii) Annual Reports of the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022
(ix) Annual Report of the National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka for the year 2022
(x) Annual Report of the Water Resources Board for the year 2024
(xi) Annual Performance Report of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply for the year 2025
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. Ajith P. Perera, Member of Parliament
(ii) The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament
(iii) The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake, Member of Parliament
(iv) The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara, 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 Premadasa
Government policy basis and future actions regarding proposal to extend the retirement age of supreme court judges
The Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration replied to the above Question.
(ii) The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake
Issues regarding national El Nino preparedness and response plan
Ministerial Statements
(i) Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation replied to the Question raised by the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 19.02.2026 regarding Ethnic based land allocation under Mahaweli development project and the impact on population in North and East provinces.
(ii) Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence, on behalf of the Minister of Defence replied to the Question raised by the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 08.07.2026 regarding resettlement of lands in North and East belonging to civilians.
Presentation of Bills
The Hon. Leader of the House of Parliament moved the Bill entitled
“Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal)”
to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009 and to provide 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 moved by the House:-
(i) Supplementary Sum - Head 240 - Programme 02 - approved
(ii) Determination under the Constitution – adjourned for tomorrow
Motion at the Adjournment Time
Motion at the Adjournment Time on “Housing scheme for tenants on concessional payment basis” was proposed by the Hon. Dewananda Suraweera, Member of Parliament.
The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1803 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Wednesday 5th August 2026.
2026-08-07
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Receipt of copy of petition in respect of the Bill titled “Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka” filed at the Supreme Court2 : Meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary BusinessPresentation of Papers(i) Regulations made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under Section 20 read with Section 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. 2496/38 of 10th July 2026(ii) 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 Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(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 Department of Technical Education and Training in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(iv) Annual Report of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited for the year 2023(v) Annual Report of the Palmyrah Development Board for the year 2023(vi) Annual Report of the Coconut Cultivation Board for the year 2024(vii) Performance Report of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for the year 2025Presentation of Reports from the CommitteesThe 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 PetitionsThe Hon. Hector Appuhamy, Member of Parliament (Petition stands referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. Sajith PremadasaRising of cost of living, inflation and poverty in Sri Lanka The Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamDetails regarding investigation of Sathurukondan killing and disappearance in Batticaloa The Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs replied to the above Question. Ministerial StatementsHon. (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. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 10.07.2026 regarding issues regarding Port City.Presentation of BillsThe Hon. Chief Government Whip moved the Bill entitled“Promotion of Export Agriculture (Amendment)”to amend the Promotion of Export Agriculture Act, No. 46 of 1992.Main Business of the House for Today The following Motions (appearing as Item Nos. 1 to 7 of today’s Order Paper) were moved by the House and Passed: - • Promoting self-sufficiency in milk production That this Parliament resolves that a National Dairy Development Policy be implemented by the Government to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production, by improving breed access and veterinary services, expanding fodder cultivation, strengthening farmer training and infrastructure, providing incentives to dairy farmers, promoting public-private partnerships, and encouraging research in dairy development, and a mechanism be devised for the relevant Ministries to coordinate with provincial councils and farmer groups, and the relevant Committee of Parliament to monitor implementation and recommend further action, whereas country currently relies on dairy imports, leading to significant foreign exchange loss, and farmers face issues such as limited access to good breeds, veterinary care, fodder, and infrastructure, and whereas addressing these challenges would enhance food security, create rural jobs, and reduce dependency on imports.• Developing a programme to protect the mangrove ecosystem That this Parliament resolves that a programme should be developed to protect the mangrove ecosystem which is extremely important for environmental balance and the fishing industry.• Formulation of a system to stop the ripening of fruits using chemicals That this Parliament resolves that a formal system be developed to stop the practice of ripening fruits using chemicals, which is being carried out by unscrupulous businessmen with the aim of making profits while destroying the future of the country, whereas unripe fruits are artificially caused to ripen using chemicals and are sold in the Sri Lankan fruit market instead of naturally ripened fruits, whereas imported fruits are also sold after being artificially ripened using chemicals, and whereas these fruits are mostly consumed by children.• Formulation of a National Policy and Methodology for the Wildlife Management in Sri Lanka That this Parliament resolves that a practical and modern policy and methodology be formulated and implemented, whereas Sri Lanka is internationally recognized as a country with high biodiversity, whereas due to deforestation, human encroachment, illegal wildlife trade, and escalating human-wildlife conflicts, both these wildlife as well as human lives are lost in large numbers annually, whereas the formulation of a National Wildlife Management Policy through new policies and plans is a sustainable development objective, and whereas this would result in protection of animal habitats, reduction of human-wildlife conflicts, and improvement of the economic status and social life of the farming communities.• Expanding the railway line from Batticaloa to Pottuvil or the railway line from Matara to Kalmunai That this Parliament resolves that steps should be taken to expand the railway line from Batticaloa to Pottuvil or the railway line from Matara to Kalmunai since a large number of people in the Batticaloa, Ampara and Moneragala Districts will benefit from the expansion of the railway line from Batticaloa to Pottuvil and the expansion of the railway line from Matara to Kalmunai.• Establishment of a Commission to Investigate the Unilateral and Forced Cremation of the Remains of Deceased Muslims During the COVID-19 Pandemic That this Parliament resolves that a Commission be established to investigate the number of bodies of Muslims that were unilaterally and forcibly cremated contrary to the guidelines of the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 Pandemic, to investigate the names and addresses of the victims who were so cremated, to inquire into the background that led to the forced cremation of the said dead bodies, to assess the mental state of the relatives of the victims who were so cremated, and to investigate steps to be taken against government officials including politicians who acted contrary to the said guidelines in support of such cremations.• Establishment of a special Development Fund dedicated to reduce regional disparities in development That this Parliament resolves that the Government of Sri Lanka should take steps to; establish a National Development Fund for lagging regions such as Northern Province, Eastern Province, Monaragala District, and Nuwara Eliya District, to mobilize contributions from government, bilateral and multilateral partners, private investors, and philanthropic donors, with a target size of USD 250 million over a 10+2 year programme tenure; deploy the Fund strategically to revive rural livelihoods through agriculture, fisheries, and cottage industries, to develop infrastructure for promoting employment and women's socio-economic empowerment, to activate idle assets and support SMEs and cooperatives, to invest in renewable energy and other commercially viable ventures, to initiate capacity building and educating women and youth; facilitate the establishment of a Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) to build local capacity, close viability gaps in investments, and ensure effective and transparent utilization of funds; ensure gender inclusivity across all investment areas, with measurable targets to promote women's participation in economic activities and decision-making; mandate relevant Ministries, Provincial Councils, and local authorities to coordinate with the Fund to ensure equitable regional coverage, accountability, and sustainability in project implementation, by considering the establishment of the Fund an urgent national measure towards inclusive growth, reconciliation, and sustainable development of Sri Lanka, whereas these lagging regions are continuing to face severe economic deprivation due to the effects of the protracted civil conflict and historical neglect over the past decades; whereas the present economic crisis has further aggravated these disparities, placing disproportionate burdens on the livelihoods of the people in these lagging regions; and whereas it is necessary to establish a dedicated national initiative to address these concerns, with the objective of promoting equitable growth, sustainable development, and gender empowerment in economically deprived areas.Questions at the Adjournment Time(i) The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake, Member of Parliament The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1752 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 18th August 2026.
2026-08-06
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Presentation of Papers(i) Annual Reports of the Sustainable Development Council for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024(ii) Performance Report of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the year 2025(iii) Annual Performance Report of the then Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation for the year 2025(iv) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 120(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau in the report of the Committee on Public Enterprises which was presented to Parliament(v) Annual Report of the Sri Lankan Airlines Limited for the year 2024/2025(vi) Annual Report of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for the year 2024Presentation of Reports from the Committees(i) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability was presented by the Hon Upul Kithsiri, Member of Parliament, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.(ii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development was presented by the Hon. Ravindra Bandara, Member of Parliament, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament (iii) The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya, Member of Parliament (Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. Ravi KarunanayakeImplementation of Mobile number portability and Telecommunication network services related matters The Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Amirthanathan AdaikkalanathanRelocation of Northern Provincial Sports Department to Kilinochchi The Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government replied to the above Question. Ministerial StatementsHon. (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 11.06.2026 regarding Government’s strategy to reduce tobacco related illnesses, death, combat illicit trade and maximise lawful revenue to the State.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) Animals (Amendment) (ii) National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Amendment)Questions at the Adjournment Time(i) The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. Ajith Agalakada, Member of Parliament The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1808 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Friday 7th August 2026.
2026-08-05
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Endorsement of the certificate on Bills under Article 79 of the ConstitutionPresentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Regional Development Bank for the year 2024(ii) 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 Audit Office in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(iii) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Textile Industry for the year 2025(iv) Annual Reports of the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation for the years 2022 and 2023(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 Uva Provincial Council and the Institutions coming under its purview 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 Eastern Provincial Council and the Institutions coming under its purview in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(vii) Performance Report of the Government Analyst’s Department for the year 2025(viii) Performance Report of the Department of Civil Security for the year 2025(ix) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs for the year 2025Presentation of Reports from the CommitteesThe Report of the Committee on Public Finance was presented by the Hon. Nimal Palihena, Member of Parliament, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana, Member of Parliament(iii) The Hon. Stepni Fernando, Member of Parliament(iv) The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka, Member of Parliament (Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister(i) The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon, Member of Parliament(iii) The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, Member of ParliamentQuestions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. K. Kader MasthanDetails of Quazi Courts functioning in Sri Lanka (ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickamloss incurred to state owned banks due to non-performing and written off loans Ministerial StatementsHon. K. D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation replied to the Question raised by the Hon. Sajith Premadasa under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 07.07.2026 regarding Government’s policy on paddy pricing, rice importation and food security.Main Business of the House for Today Determination under the Constitution (appearing as Item No. 1 of today’s Order Paper) was approved by the House.Adjournment Motion Adjournment Motion on “Report of the Committee on Public Finance, concerning the fraud linked to cybercrime in relation to the US Dollar 2.5 million debt repayment to Australia” was proposed by the Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1807 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Thursday 6th August 2026.
2026-07-24
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Regarding speeches to be made by Members during the No-Confidence motion today2 : Meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary BusinessPresentation of Papers(i) Supplementary Estimate No. 03 of 2026(ii) Annual Report of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission for the year 2024(iii) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka for the year 2025(iv) Performance Report of the President’s Fund for the year 2025(v) Performance Report of the National Procurement Commission for the year 2025(vi) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 120(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in the Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises which was presented to Parliament(vii) Annual Performance Report of the Parliament of Sri Lanka for the year 2025(viii) Annual Report of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation for the year 2024(ix) Annual Report of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for the year 2024(x) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 120(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Institutions coming under the purview of the Ministry of Energy in the Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises which was presented to Parliament(xi) Report on the observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 120(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka in the Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises which was presented to Parliament(xii) Annual Report of the Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka for the year 2024Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament (iii) The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena, Member of Parliament - Three Petitions (iv) The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe, 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 PremadasaDetails of Employees’ Provident Fund and Employees’ Trust Fund The Hon. Deputy Minister of Labour replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Ravi KarunanayakeImplementation of digital transformation system at Department of Registrar of CompaniesPrivate Members’ BillsThe Hon. D. V. Chanaka was granted leave to introduce the following Bill, entitled“Economic and Rural Resources Development Foundation (Incorporation)”Main Business of the House for Today Vote of No Confidence against the Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, Minister of Justice and National Integration (appearing as Item No. 1 of today’s Order Paper)was defeated after having taken a division (36 in favour; 152 against).The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1816 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 4th August 2026.
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