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2026-08-20

Business of the House for August 20, 2026

The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Receipt of copies of petitions in respect of the Bill titled “Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution” filed at the Supreme Court2 : Meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary BusinessPresentation of Papers(i) Annual Performance Report of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for the year 2025 (Volume I - General Education, Volume II - Higher Education and Volume III - Vocational Education)(ii) 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 01.07.2026 to 31.07.2026 in terms of Section 6(1) of the Appropriation Act, No. 23 of 2025(iii) Supplementary Estimate No. 04 of 2026(iv) Annual Report of the Distance Learning Centre for the year 2022(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 Environment 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 National Botanic Gardens in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to ParliamentPresentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage, Member of Parliament - Two Petitions (ii) The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha, Member of Parliament (iii) The Hon. Bhagya Sri 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 MasthanIssues in dress code in health sector The Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamIssues in drugs shortage for cancer patients The Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media replied to the above Question. PrivilegeThe Privilege motion that the question of privilege arising out of the matter raised by the Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. on 07th July, 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 Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill (appearing as Item No. 1 of today’s Order Paper)was passed by the House.Motion at the Adjournment TimeMotion at the Adjournment Time on “Dress code issues faced by Muslim Nursing Assistants” was proposed by the Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1810 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Friday 21st August 2026.

2026-08-19

Business of the House for August 19, 2026

The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Receipt of copies of petitions in respect of the Bills titled “Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution” and “Judicature (Amendment)” filed at the Supreme CourtPresentation of Papers by the Speaker(i) Annual Work Programme of the National Audit Office for the year 2026 in terms of Section 35(5) of the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018 which was submitted to me by the Auditor-General in terms of Section 35(1) of the said Act.(ii) Financial Statements and the Independent Auditor’s Report on the Financial Statements of the National Audit Office for the year 2025 in terms of Section 36(3) of the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018 which was submitted to me by the Auditor-General in terms of Section 36(1) of the said Act.Presentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the People’s Bank for the year 2025(ii) Annual Report of the Bank of Ceylon for the year 2025(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 Sri Lanka Railway in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(iv) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board for the year 2023(v) Annual Report of the Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited for the year 2024Presentation of Reports from the CommitteesTwo Reports of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability was presented by the Hon. Hector Appuhamy, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi, Member of Parliament - Three Petitions (ii) The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna, 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. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. HizbullahMuslim representation in National Delimitation Commission The Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamRegarding of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India Presentation of BillsThe Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education moved the Bill entitled“Anti-Corruption (Amendment)”to amend the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023.Main Business of the House for Today Resolution under the Finance Act (appearing as Item No. 1 of today’s Order Paper)was approved by the House.Questions at the Adjournment TimeThe Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, Member of Parliament The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1718 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Thursday 20th August 2026.

2026-08-18

Business of the House for August 18, 2026

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 Constitution2 : Question of privilege raised by the Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P.Presentation of Papers by the Speaker(i) • Fourth Installment – Part XXXI (31) of the Report of the Auditor – General for the Financial Year 2024; and• First Installment – Part II (2) 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.(ii) Budget Estimate of the National Audit Office for the year 2027 prepared by the National Audit Office along with the observations of the Minister assigned the subject of Finance in terms of Section 34 of the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018.Presentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Postgraduate Institute of Management of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for the year 2024(ii) Annual Report of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka for the year 2024(iii) Integrated Annual Report of the National Savings Bank for the year 2025(iv) Annual Report of the State Development and Construction Corporation for the year 2024(v) Regulations made by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development under Section 237 read with Section 202 of the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2489/22 of 19th May 2026. (vi) Regulations made by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development under Sections 141, 143, 144, 157A, 168 and 190 read with Section 237 of the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2493/19 of 17th June 2026(vii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation for the year 2024(viii) 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(ix) Annual Reports of the National Paper Company Limited for the years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018(x) Annual Report of the BCC Lanka Limited for the year 2023/2024(xi) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board for the year 2024(xii) Annual Report of the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka for the year 2024(xiii) Annual Report of the Kalubowitiyana Tea Factory Limited for the year 2024/2025(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 Southern Provincial Council and the Institutions coming under its purview in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(xv) 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 Northern Provincial Council and the Institutions coming under its purview in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(xvi) 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 Labour in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(xvii) Annual Report of the Superior Courts Complex Board of Management for the year 2025(xviii) Performance Report of the Registry of the Supreme Court for the year 2025(xix) Performance Report of the Department of Samurdhi Development for the year 2025(xx) 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 Women and Child Affairs in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(xxi) 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 Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs and Two Institutions coming under its purview in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(xxii) 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 Two Institutions coming under the purview of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(xxiii) Performance Report of the Department of Government Factory for the year 2025Presentation of Reports from the Committees(i) The Report of the Committee on Public Finance was presented by the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, Member of Parliament, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.(ii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability was presented by the Hon. Hector Appuhamy, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.(iii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital was presented by the Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha, Member of Parliament, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.(iv) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations was presented by the Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage, Member of Parliament (iii) The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara, Member of Parliament - Two Petitions (iv) The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama, Member of Parliament(v) The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, 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 PremadasaGovernment’s stance on proposed Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution regarding extension of retirement age of Judges The Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Ravi KarunanayakeIssues in official reserves of the country Ministerial StatementsHon. K. D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation replied to the Questions raised by the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 23.06.2026 regarding Farmers’ protest and other issues in paddy cultivation.Presentation of BillsThe Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration moved the following Bills entitled-(i) Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution - to amend the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.(ii) Judicature Amendment - to amend the Judicature Act, No. 2 of 1978.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 and Item No. (ii) was referred to the Legislative Standing Committee:-(i) Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act(ii) National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Bill - Second ReadingMotion at the Adjournment TimeMotion at the Adjournment Time on “Necessity of appointing Indigenous Medicine Graduates” was proposed by the Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1820 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Wednesday 19th August 2026.

2026-08-07

Business of the House for August 7, 2026

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.

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