The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair.
Announcements by the Speaker
1 : Endorsement of the certificate on a Bill under Article 79 of the Constitution
2 : Receipt of copies of petitions in respect of the Bill titled “Sri Lanka Cricket” filed at the Supreme Court
3 : Receipt of copies of petitions in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” filed at the Supreme Court
4 : Appointment of 13-Member Committee to provide leadership and oversee the implementation of the actions assigned to Parliament under the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2025-2029)
5 : Parliamentary debate requested by Opposition regarding delays in filling vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal
6 : Parliamentary Publications in digital format
Presentation of Papers by the Speaker
(i)
• Ninth Installment – Part XLIX (49) of the Report of the Auditor General for the Financial Year 2022;
• Ninth Installment – Parts L (50) and LI (51) of the Report of the Auditor General for the Financial Year 2024; and
• Second Installment – Parts VIII (8), IX (9), X (10), XI (11) and XII (12), Third Installment – Parts VIII (8), IX (9), X (10) and XI (11) and Ninth Installment – Parts IV (4), V (5) and VI (6) 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) First Installment – Part VI (6) and Fourth Installment – Parts IV (4) and V (5) and Fifth Installment – Part V (5) 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 Ranaviru Seva Authority for the year 2024
(ii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Limited for the year 2025
(iii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Life Limited for the year 2025
(iv) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited for the year 2025
(v) Supplementary Estimate No. 06 of 2026
(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 for Registration of Persons in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(vii) Order made by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under Section 19A of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) as amended by the Customs (Amendment) Law No. 35 of 1974 and the Customs (Amendment) Act, No. 83 of 1988 relating to Customs Import Duty and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2502/21 of 18th August 2026
(viii) Order made by the then Minister of Education under Section 27(1)(b) read with Sections 25A and 70C of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978 regarding the change of the name of the SLT Campus (Pvt) Limited to Sri Lanka Technology Campus (Pvt) Limited and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2384/27 of 16th May 2024
(ix) Order made by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education under Section 25A of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978 with regard to the Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Studies Degree awarded by Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2446/36 of 22nd July 2025
(x) Order made by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education under Section 27(1)(b) read with Section 25A of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978 with regard to the Honours Degrees awarded by Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (Guarantee) Limited and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2450/40 of 21st August 2025
(xi) Order made by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education under Section 27(1)(b) read with Section 25A of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978 with regard to the Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Science in Acupuncture Degree programme awarded by KIU Campus (Private) Limited and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2454/39 of 17th September 2025
(xii) Order made by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education under Section 25A of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978 with regard to the Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology Degree awarded by The American College of Higher Education (Private) Limited and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2455/06 of 22nd September 2025
(xiii) Order made by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education under Section 27(1)(b) read with Sections 25A and 70C of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978 regarding the change of the name of the Esoft Metro Campus (Private) Limited Company to Esoft Uni (Private) Limited and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2458/13 of 13th October 2025
(xiv) Order made by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education under Section 27(1)(b) read with Section 25A of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978 with regard to the Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Analytics Degree awarded by Sri Lanka Technology Campus (Pvt) Ltd and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2468/08 of 23rd December 2025
(xv) Annual Report of the National Transport Commission for the year 2024
(xvi) Annual Report of the Independent Television Network Ltd for the year 2024
(xvii) Annual Report of the National Design Centre for the year 2024
(xviii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation for the year 2024
(xix) Performance Report of the Rubber Development Department 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 Local Authorities coming under the Central Provincial Council in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(xxi) 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 Local Authorities coming under the Western Provincial Council in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament
(xxii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission for the year 2024
(xxiii) Performance Report of the Department of Wildlife Conservation for the year 2025
(xxiv) Performance Report of the Department of Public Trustee for the year 2025
Presentation of Reports from the Committees
(i) The Report of the Committee on Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability was presented by the Hon. Hector Appuhamy, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.
(ii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development was presented by the Hon. S.M. Marikkar, Member of Parliament, the Chair of the Committee.
(iii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection was presented by the Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.
Presentation of Petitions
(i) The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena, Member of Parliament
(ii) The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake, 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
Death of Tusker Kavantissa
The Hon. Minister of Environment replied to the above Question.
(ii) The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake
Island wide power outage on 17th October 2026
The Hon. Minister of Energy replied to the above Question.
Ministerial Statements
(i) Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy made a Ministerial Statement regarding Island wide power outage on 17th October 2026.
(ii) Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment made a Ministerial Statement regarding death of Tusker Kavantissa.
Presentation of Bills
The Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration moved the following Bills entitled-
(i) Prevention of Foreign Terrorist Fighters - to give effect to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 adopted on September 24, 2014 relating to the prevention and suppression of the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(ii) Prevention of Organised Crimes - to Give Effect to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime; to provide for the prevention, investigation and prosecution of serious crimes through effective national and international cooperation; to protect society from the threats posed by organised criminal groups; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
House agreed to the following Motion moved by the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration,
Select Committee of Parliament to look into and Report to Parliament on the release of 323 Containers from the Port of Colombo without undergoing mandatory physical inspection and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard
That the time period granted to the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and Report to Parliament on the release of 323 Containers from the Port of Colombo without undergoing mandatory physical inspection and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, as specified in the Resolution passed by Parliament on 19 November 2025, be extended up to 21 December 2026 in terms of Standing Order 102 of the Parliament, as the Committee needs further time to report its observations to Parliament.
Adjournment Motion
Adjournment Motion on “Current situation of the Country” was proposed by the Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, Member of Parliament.
The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1740 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Wednesday 21st October 2026.
2026-10-23
The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker took the Chair.Announcements by the Speaker1 : Receipt of a copy of a petition in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” filed at the Supreme Court2 : Meeting to make aware Hon. Members of Parliament3 : Meetings of the Committee on Parliamentary Business and Committee of SelectionPresentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Regional Development Bank for the year 2025(ii) Annual Report of the Jaya Container Terminals Limited 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 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. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe, 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. K. Kader MasthanExclusion of Miss Fathima Shafiya from the 20th Asian Games in Japan (ii) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamRecruitment of Teachers and non-absorption of Development Officers into Teachers’ Service The Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education replied to the above Question.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 23.09.2026 regarding occupation of traditional pasture lands in Madavanai.(ii) Hon. (Prof.) A. H. M. H. Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government replied to the Question raised by the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 25.09.2026 regarding financial and other issues of local government institutions in Northern and Eastern Provinces.Main Business of the House for Today Elimination of Rabies and Registration of Dogs Bill - Second Reading (appearing as Item No. 1 of today’s Order Paper)was debated and adjourned for future date.Motion at the Adjournment TimeMotion at the Adjournment Time on “Developing Benthara, Karandeniya and Elpitiya as new tourism zones” was proposed by the Hon. Nishantha Perera, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1759 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 3rd November 2026.
2026-10-22
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 “Protection of the State from Terrorism” filed at the Supreme Court2 : Awareness programme for the Hon. Members of Parliament regarding Educational ReformsPresentation of Papers(i) Annual Report and Accounts of the Institute of Human Resource Advancement of the University of Colombo for the year 2024.(ii) Annual Report of the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute for the year 2024(iii) Annual Report of the Official Languages Commission for the year 2024Presentation of Reports from the CommitteesThe Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection was presented by the Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney at Law, Member of the Committee, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. T. B. Sarath, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake, Member of Parliament - Three Petitions (iii) The Hon. Upul Kithsiri, Member of Parliament (iv) The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara, 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 PremadasaProposal implementation and physical & financial progress of Budget-2026 (ii) The Hon. Ravi KarunanayakeEconomical and financial impact on Sri Lanka due to US, Israel, Iran conflict Ministerial Statements(i) 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 18.08.2026 regarding issues in official reserves of the country.(ii) Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence, on behalf of the Minister of Defence replied to the Questions raised by the Hon. Sajith Premadasa under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 10.09.2026 and 23.09.2026 regarding ‘Mitigation steps taken in regarding El Nino climate condition developing in the country’ and ‘Ditwah post disaster management and El Nino situation in the country’ respectively.Main Business of the House for Today The following Items (appearing as Item Nos. 1 to 11 of today’s Order Paper) were approved by the House:-(i) Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill (L.D. – O 8/2026) – with amendments(ii) Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill (L.D. – O 11/2026) – with amendments(iii) Annual Report of the National Institute of Labour Studies (2022)(iv) Annual Report of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (2022)(v) Annual Report of the Janatha Estates Development Board (2015)(vi) Annual Report of the Janatha Estates Development Board (2016)(vii) Annual Report of the Janatha Estates Development Board (2017)(viii) Annual Report of the Janatha Estates Development Board (2018)(ix) Annual Report of the Ranaviru Seva Authority (2023)(x) Annual Report of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (2022)(xi) Annual Report of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (2023)Motion at the Adjournment TimeMotion at the Adjournment Time on “Government Shortcomings in Extending a Diplomatic Reception to the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand” was proposed by the Hon. Dilith Jayaweera, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1758 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Friday 23rd October 2026.
2026-10-21
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 “Sri Lanka Cricket” filed at the Supreme Court2 : Receipt of copies of petitions in respect of the Bill titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism” filed at the Supreme Court3 : Receipt of a copy of a petition in respect of the Bill titled “Immigration” filed at the Supreme Court4 : Awareness programme for the Hon. Members of Parliament regarding the New Group Insurance SchemePresentation of Papers(i) Performance Report of the Public Debt Management Office 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 Digital Economy and then Ministry of Technology in the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament(iii) Annual Performance Report of the Southern Provincial Council 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 Western Provincial Council and the Institutions coming under its purview 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 Committee on 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. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda, Member of Parliament (Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament(i) The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran RasamanickamIssues regarding illegal liquor consumption and new liquor licenses The Hon. Deputy Minister of Economic Development replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan ArchchunaIssues regarding Thileepan Remembrance DayThe Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs replied to the above Question.Ministerial StatementsHon. Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs replied to the Questions raised by the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 07.08.2026 and Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 09.10.2026 regarding ‘Details regarding investigation of Sathurukondan killing and disappearance in Batticaloa’ and ‘Measures to protect ethnic harmony and national security’ respectively.Presentation of BillsThe Hon. Chief Government Whip moved the Bill entitled“Trusts (Amendment)”to amend the Trusts Ordinance (Chapter 87).Main Business of the House for Today The following Items (appearing as Item Nos. 1 to 12 of today’s Order Paper) were approved by the House:-(i) Resolution under the Public Debt Management Act (ii) Supplementary Sum - Head 243 - Programme 02 (iii) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (2021) (iv) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (2022) (v) Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (2023) (vi) Annual Report of the BCC Lanka Limited (2021/2022)(vii) Annual Report of the BCC Lanka Limited (2022/2023)(viii) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Salt Limited (2021/2022)(ix) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Salt Limited (2022/2023)(x) Annual Report of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (2022)(xi) Annual Report of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (2023)(xii) Annual Report of the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute (2023)Questions at the Adjournment Time(i) The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe, Member of Parliament(ii) The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara, Member of Parliament The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1732 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Thursday 22nd October 2026.
2026-10-09
The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, the Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees took the Chair.Announcements by the Speaker1 : Determination of the Supreme Court on the Bill entitled “Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment)”2 : Navaratri Festival organized by Parliament of Sri LankaPresentation of Papers(i) Annual Report of the Sugarcane Research Institute for the year 2024(ii) Annual Report of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation for the year 2020Presentation of Petitions(i) The Hon. Kins Nelson, Member of Parliament (ii) The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana, 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. HizbullahMeasures to protect ethnic harmony and national securityThe Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs replied to the above Question. (ii) The Hon. Amirthanathan AdaikkalanathanEffect of “Whitefly” infestation of coconut cultivation in Northern Province and MannarMinisterial 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. Dilip Wedaarachchi on 09.09.2026 regarding export of stones removed from Hambantota harbour.(ii) Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation made a Ministerial Statement regarding El Nino weather condition in near future and food security.(iii) Hon. Hon. (Prof.) A. H. M. H. Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government replied to the Question raised by the Hon. K. Kader Masthan under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 25.09.2026 regarding cadre vacancies in government institutions in Northern and Eastern Provinces.Main Business of the House for Today The following Motions (appearing as Item Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 of today’s Order Paper) were moved by the House. Items Nos. 1, 4 and 5 were passed and Item No. 2 was not passed as it is: - • Protection of the Diyagama Forest That this Parliament resolves that, urgent action should be taken to immediately halt all clearance and development activities within the Diyagama Forest, to gazette it as a protected area under the Fauna and Flora Protection Act (FFPA), to place it under the jurisdiction of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and to ensure the strongest possible legal protection against future encroachment and unsustainable development; whereas the Diyagama Forest is one of the last remaining urban lowland rainforest near Colombo and the closest rainforest fragment to the city; whereas it plays a vital role as a natural flood buffer by regulating water flow through its wetlands and streams that feed the Bolgoda River, thereby protecting surrounding communities from flooding; whereas this forest is home to over 220 species of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Red Slender Loris, Purple-faced Langur, and Fishing Cat; whereas it constitutes a critical biodiversity hotspot serving as a last refuge for approximately 12.6% endemic flora and 11.58% endemic fauna, many of which are increasingly threatened by urban expansion; whereas the Diyagama Forest is internationally recognized for its Loris population, attracting foreign visitors and presenting strong potential for sustainable eco-tourism; whereas the protection of this forest is essential for safeguarding biodiversity, climate resilience, and community safety; and whereas the loss of the Diyagama Forest would be irreversible, making its immediate conservation imperative for future generations and in fulfillment of Sri Lanka’s national and international conservation commitments.• Appointment of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to seek the truth about the ethnic violence that occurred during the 'Black July' of 1983, to assess the damages and to make recommendations to prevent the recurrence of such ethnic violence That this Parliament resolves that a Presidential Commission of Inquiry should be appointed to seek the truth about the said violent acts, to assess the damages caused and to make recommendations to prevent the recurrence of such ethnic violence whereas the 'Black July' of 1983 and the massacres at the Welikada Prison, ethnic conflicts, and violent acts have left a severe scar on the national integration, social structure, and economy of the country; and whereas thousands of people were killed, tens of thousands were displaced and made refugees; and whereas valuable property including homes and business places were set on fire and completely destroyed during the said conflicts and violent acts; and whereas the perpetrators of these conflicts and violent acts have not been identified despite the lapse of over forty years since this event took place; and whereas a comprehensive and independent investigation into the human rights violations and damages to property has not been conducted to date; and whereas it is essential to ensure that such ethnic conflicts and violent acts do not recur in this country and to build sustainable harmony and reconciliation among all communities of the country.• Formulating a programme to exercise justice to the individuals who have become the victims of microfinance loans this Parliament resolves that a programme should be formulated to ensure justice to the individuals who have obtained microfinance loans due to the fact that the majority of them have now become victims of the loans concerned.• Making Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka free from politicization That this Parliament resolves that the elected politicians should be prohibited from contesting and holding leading positions in sports bodies, as it is evident that these organizations have become heavily politicised in Sri Lanka.Motion at the Adjournment TimeMotion at the Adjournment Time on “Restructuring of energy sector” was proposed by the Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney at Law, Member of Parliament.The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1633 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 20th October 2026.
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