Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage

## Summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage spoke in support of a regulation under the **Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017**, arguing that it reflects tangible economic stabilisation achieved by the current government. He cited key fiscal indicators from 2025 as evidence of recovery, including tax revenue reaching 15.8% of GDP (against a target of 15.3%), a budget deficit reduced to approximately 2.4% of GDP, a primary surplus of around 5.6%, and interest rates brought down from 30–35% to single digits. The speaker outlined the specific regulatory changes under debate: raising the capital transaction ceiling for **Business Foreign Currency Accounts** from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000, and increasing the limit for **Personal Foreign Currency Accounts** from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, providing greater flexibility for overseas investment and personal transactions. He attributed these relaxations to improved balance of payments conditions, rebuilt foreign reserves, and stronger import cover. The speech also defended the government against Opposition criticism, characterising Opposition arguments as politically motivated attempts to undermine public confidence in the economic recovery.

The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage moved a procedural motion for Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda to assume the Chair. The motion was put, agreed to, and carried out, with the Deputy Speaker vacating the Chair and Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda taking the Chair accordingly.

Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage spoke in support of approvals under the Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Orders, and Motor Traffic Act regulations, framing them within the government's broader economic recovery narrative. He cited key indicators to argue that Sri Lanka has stabilised its economy within a year, including government revenue rising from Rs. 4,090 billion to Rs. 5,120 billion and tourist arrivals increasing from 2 million in 2024 to 2.36 million in 2025, presenting the Motor Traffic Act amendment permitting tourists to use foreign driving licences from the airport as a measure to further boost tourism. The Minister also referenced the recently hosted India–Pakistan cricket match as evidence of Sri Lanka's restored international standing and stability, and noted the passage of legislation repealing MPs' pensions as an example of political reform. He criticised the Opposition for parliamentary disruptions and characterised their pre-election economic warnings as unfounded, arguing that genuine development requires progress across economic, social, and political dimensions.

The speech contains no substantive content beyond a closing remark indicating the conclusion of a supplementary question or statement. No arguments, proposals, or policy positions were presented.

Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage raised concerns regarding alleged financial misappropriation exceeding Rs. 1,000 million involving the Gampaha Sanasa enterprise and an associated private entity, GDC. He noted that over 200 complaints have been filed, including with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), and that multiple agencies — including the UDA and the Department of Cooperative Development — have jurisdictional involvement in the matter. He directed a question to the Minister asking what steps the Ministry would take to expedite the investigations into these complaints.

## Summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage submitted a written question to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs seeking detailed information about police complaints filed by depositors of Gampaha Sanasa Development Bank who allege they have suffered financial injustices. The question requests specifics including the number of complaints received, the dates each complaint was lodged, and the current status of police investigations into those complaints. Additionally, Gamage inquires whether police have received any complaints concerning Gampaha Development Company (Pvt.) Ltd. (GDC), an entity that obtained a loan from the same bank, and if so, the progress of any related investigations.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage responded to a question regarding the alleged abandonment of McHeyzer Stadium, clarifying that a 400-metre track was inaugurated there in December. He confirmed that development of sports grounds in Trincomalee will continue, with remaining work to be completed within the year, and indicated plans to introduce facilities for night-time sports as part of a broader public sports grounds initiative.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage outlined government efforts to develop sports infrastructure in the Northern and Eastern provinces. He noted that equipment has been provided to schools in Trincomalee and Ampara districts to introduce leather-ball cricket, and confirmed that Budget allocations have been made to identify and address deficiencies in school sports facilities in these regions.

## Summary The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports provided a written answer regarding sports infrastructure in the Trincomalee District. He confirmed that the McHeyzer Stadium serves as the district's national-level competition venue, with development works largely complete — including a swimming pool, indoor sports complex, and 400-metre track — with only grandstand construction remaining. However, the Minister acknowledged that Trincomalee has no turf-pitch cricket stadium, as Sri Lanka Cricket has failed to secure suitable State land for approximately ten years despite ongoing discussions with the Trincomalee Municipal Council. He further noted that since 2016, three State lands in Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee were identified for development as international-standard district cricket grounds, but construction remains on hold as the lands have not yet been acquired, though funds have been allocated in Sri Lanka Cricket's 2026 budget.

Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of Mr. D.K. Susantha Gunasiri, a resident of Telijjawila, submitting it through the formal parliamentary petitions process. No further details regarding the substance or subject matter of the petition were provided in the speech.