The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, the Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees took the Chair.
Announcements by the Speaker
1 : Question of privilege raised by the Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P.
2 : Regarding security arrangements for Monday, the 17th of February 2025
Presentation of Papers
(i) Report on the submission of 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 Prisons, Department of Debt Conciliation and Department of Community Based Corrections in the report of the Committee on Public Accounts which was presented to Parliament.
(ii) Annual Report of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau for the year 2022.
Presentation of Petitions
(i) The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri
(ii) The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney at Law - Two Petitions
(iii) The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka - Two Petitions
(iv) The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha
(v) The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna - Five Petitions
(Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)
Ministerial Statements
(i) Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism replied to the Question raised by the Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 22.01.2025 regarding youth from Sri Lanka recruited into the Russian Army.
(ii) Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing made a Ministerial Statement regarding misleading news report regarding importing of hydrated lime for water purification plants.
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:-
• Acquisition of estate roads to the Government
That this Parliament resolves that necessary steps be taken to acquire the estate roads to be under the Local Government and Provincial Council roads as the ownership, as management and administration of estates that have a significant place in the plantation sector of Sri Lanka are subjected to changes at different times whereas the dwellings of the plantation workers are located in the middle of the estates far away from the main road and whereas the estate roads used by these people are in highly dilapidated condition with no development.
• Preparation of a proper procurement program for the process of purchasing goods for cooperatives
That this Parliament resolves that the government should formulate a proper procurement procedure for the process of purchasing goods for the cooperative societies since the cooperative movement, which is quite close to the rural community, has been facing various problems.
• Making arrangements for maintaining a rice reserve with the government
That this Parliament resolves that an appropriate arrangement be made for maintaining a rice reserve with the government in order to control the price of rice in the market as the rice market in Sri Lanka is currently in the grip of a few private businessmen.
• Formulation of a proper methodology for the appointment of Labour Welfare Officers
This Parliament resolves that the government should formulate a proper methodology in appointing Labor Welfare Officers responsible for the welfare of migrant workers, who make a significant contribution to the economy of Sri Lanka, in order to avoid the many issues that have arisen because of not adopting a proper methodology so far.
• Abolishing the Pension Scheme of the Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka
That this Parliament resolves that the Pension Scheme of the Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka should be abolished with immediate effect as it is very apparent that Sri Lankan voters are very hostile for Parliament Members to receive pensions after the completion of their term of office.
• Appointing a Select Committee of Parliament to investigate and make appropriate recommendations regarding the cremation, instead of burial, of the bodies of COVID-19 pandemic victims
Whereas the remains of COVID-19 Pandemic victims were cremated without the consent of the relatives based on a policy decision by the government in 2020 to the effect that there was a risk of the virus mixing with underground water while the World Health Organization had issued instructions that the bodies of those who died due to the COVID-19 pandemic could be buried, whereas the government later extended an official apology stating the decision was incorrect, whereas the relatives of those who died in the pandemic lost the opportunity to perform their final rites according to their religion or witness the bodies, whereas, instead of cremation, the bodies were buried in an isolated area called Oddamawadi, Majma Nagar in Batticaloa in the face of the protests and pressure locally and internationally, still depriving the relatives of the right to perform religious rites and pay their last respects, this parliament resolves that a select Committee of Parliament be appointed to investigate the above-mentioned serious mistakes on the part of the Government and to make recommendations, considering the need to do justice to the families and the next of kin of the deceased and considering the requests on the part of the general public.
Motion at the Adjournment Time
Motion at the Adjournment Time on “Implementation of law against corruption and fraud in cricket” was proposed by the Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi.
The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1832 Hrs. until 1030 Hrs. on Monday 17th February 2025.
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