The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair.
Announcements by the Speaker
1 : 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 Court
4 : Regarding of Parliamentary seat of the Hon. M. S. Abthul Wazeeth, Member of Parliament becoming vacant
5 : Mobile Application for Members of Parliament
6 : Ascertaining the preference of each Member of Parliament, to receive all the reports presented to Parliament in digital format
Presentation of Papers by the Speaker
A.
(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. 7000/0/0/0285/0004
incurred 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 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 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 Parliament
Presentation 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 Premadasa
Proper mechanism to provide job to unemployed graduates
(ii) The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake
Possibility 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 Time
Motion 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.
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.
2026-09-11
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Member to serve in the Committee on Public AccountsPresentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Disaster Management Centre for the year 2024(ii) Annual Performance Report of the Sri Lanka Air Force for the year 2025(iii) Regulations made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under Section 29 read with Section 7 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2493/36 of 18th June 2026(iv) Regulations made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under Section 29 read with Section 7 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2493/37 of 18th June 2026(v) Order made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2493/38 of 18th June 2026(vi) Annual Performance Report of the Rehabilitation of the Visually Handicapped Trust Fund for the year 2025Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Member of Parliament(iii) The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha, Member of Parliament (iv) The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, Member of Parliament - Two Petitions (v) The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi, 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 PremadasaIssues in ‘Aswesuma’ welfare programmeThe Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamDetails of development projects of ports and aviation in North and EastMinisterial Statements(i) Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation made a Ministerial Statement regarding measures to mitigate the impact on the agriculture due to El Nino climatic condition developing in the country.(ii) Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy made a Ministerial Statement on El Nino situation in the Sri Lanka.(iii) 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 Questions raised by the Hon. Sajith Premadasa and Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 22.05.2026 and 05.08.2026 regarding ‘Issues regarding CESS Tax and local industries’ and ‘loss incurred to state owned banks due to non-performing and written off loans’ respectively.House agreed to the following Motion moved by the Hon. Chief Government Whip,Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament on the matter of selecting the Electoral System under which the Provincial Council Elections should be held and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regardThat the time period granted to the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament on the matter of selecting the Electoral System under which the Provincial Council Elections should be held and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, as specified in the Resolution passed by Parliament on 06th January 2026, be extended up to 17th December 2026 in terms of Standing Order 102 of the Parliament, as the Committee needs further time to report its observations to Parliament.Main Business of the House for Today The following Motions (appearing as Item Nos. 1 to 6 of today’s Order Paper) were moved by the House and Passed: - • Bringing Industries related to Petroleum, Fuel and Water under the regulation of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka That this Parliament resolves that, whereas industries related to electricity, petroleum, fuel and water should be regulated, industries related to petroleum and water have not been subjected to regulation for more than 21 years because the Acts relevant to the supervision of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board have not been amended and therefore, necessary legal procedures be implemented to change this state of affairs.• Providing an incentive to family units to increase the number of births in Sri Lanka That this Parliament resolves that the government should take necessary measures to introduce an attractive incentive for family units with a view of increasing the number of births in Sri Lanka whereas it has been observed that the annual number of births in Sri Lanka has been continuously declining since 2018, whereas the youth population of Sri Lanka will definitely decline in the future as a result, and whereas such a decline in the youth population will have a severely detrimental impact on the economic development process of the country.• Abolishing the additional six percent pension deduction from the salaries of Pirivena Teachers That this Parliament resolves that necessary measures be taken, to abolish the deduction of an additional six percent from the salaries for the pension of Pirivena Teachers, who play a key role in Pirivena education with effect from 1st April 2026, whereas the traditional Pirivena education system, in parallel with the modern school system, holds a prominent place in the country’s education sector and whereas the privileges and recognition afforded to the modern school education system, its teachers, and students are not equally extended to the Pirivena education system and its teachers and lay and monastic students.• Food crop cultivation in mountainous areas That this Parliament resolves that steps should be taken to cultivate food crops such as jackfruit, mango, breadnut (Kosdel) and wild mango (Etamba) in the said landslide-hit mountainous areas for the food of these animals, for the preservation of environmental balance and also for the prevention of soil erosion, whereas the mountainous areas in the districts of Kegalle, Kandy, Matale and Badulla were extensively subjected to landslides due to the ‘Cyclone Ditwah’ which severely affected Sri Lanka in the month of November 2025; and whereas crop damages are currently caused by wild animals such as the toque macaque, monkey and giant squirrel in many districts of Sri Lanka.• Developing the Kithul Industry That this Parliament resolves that an appropriate mechanism be developed to integrate this industry with the emerging tourism industry, to develop new approaches for the economic development of the ordinary rural masses using modern technology, and to ensure the long-term protection of the Kithul industry, whereas declaring of the Kithul tapping technology of Sri Lanka as a World Heritage by UNESCO has earned special admiration of the world for our country, and since thousands of traditional industrialists are already engaged in the Kithul industry in the Galle, Matara, Kalutara, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Badulla, Gampaha and other districts are running this industry with great difficulty.• Establishment of a Faculty of Medicine for South Eastern University of Sri Lanka That this Parliament resolves that a Medical Faculty be established for the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, taking into account the growing needs of the medical sectors in Sri Lanka, as well as global requirements, whereas considering that South Eastern University of Sri Lanka is an institution that supplies graduates with modern technical skills who fulfil requirements of both the domestic and foreign job markets.Questions at the Adjournment Time(i) The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe, Member of ParliamentThe Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1738 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 22nd September 2026.
2026-09-10
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair. Announcements by the Speaker1 : Co-opted Members to serve in the Legislative Standing Committee for the consideration of the “National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka (Incorporation)” Bill2 : Meetings of the Committee on Parliamentary Business and Committee of SelectionPresentation of Papers(i) Performance Report of the Department of Posts for the year 2025(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 Health in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(iii) Annual Report of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board for the year 2024(iv) Annual Report of the Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd for the year 2024(v) Annual Performance Report of the Department of National Zoological Gardens for the year 2025Presentation of Reports from the CommitteesThe Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability was presented by the Hon. Kins Nelson, Member of the Committee, Member of Parliament, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, Member of Parliament – Two Petitions (ii) The Hon. Kins Nelson, Member of Parliament (iii) The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Member of Parliament -Two Petitions (iv) The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha, 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 PremadasaMitigation steps taken in regarding El Nino climate condition developing in the country(ii) The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. HizbullahMeasures taken to prevent sea erosion faced by fishing community in Puttalam district The Hon. Minister of Environment replied to the above Question. Ministerial Statements(i) Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment made a Ministerial Statement regarding mitigation steps taken in regarding El Nino climate condition developing in the country.(ii) Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply made a Ministerial Statement on issues regarding water supply under the El Nino situation.House agreed to the following Motion moved by the Hon. Leader of the House of Parliament,Select Committee of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive study on the lack of preparedness to face Cyclone Ditwah and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regardThat the time period granted to the Select Committee of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive study on the lack of preparedness to face Cyclone Ditwah and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, as specified in the Resolution passed by Parliament on 21st January 2026, be extended up to 19th December 2026 in terms of Standing Order 102 of the Parliament, as the Committee needs further time to report its observations to Parliament.Main Business of the House for Today Determination under the Women Empowerment Act (appearing as Item No. 1 of today’s Order Paper)was approved by the House.Motion at the Adjournment TimeMotion at the Adjournment Time on “Establishment of specialized care villagers’ across Sri Lanka” was proposed by the Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1749 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Friday 11th September 2026.
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