Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

## Summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised several interconnected concerns spanning national security, economic policy, and local governance issues. On the Easter Sunday attacks, he questioned the inconsistent treatment of detainees, arguing that while Pillayan and Saleh remain in custody, senior police and intelligence officials—Ravi Seneviratne, Shani Abeysekara, and Aruna Jayasekara—who held command responsibility at the time of the bombings have been rewarded with senior government appointments; he also noted reported Indian intelligence inquiries about whether true masterminds have been identified. He raised several economic grievances, including an unheeded December warning about a gas shortage, the impact of a LKR 3 per-stick levy on beedi workers in Gampaha, Kegalle and Matara, and restricted import quotas for black gram disadvantaging small papadum producers. Additionally, he flagged a public health concern regarding Ulankulama Dairies in Maradankadawala—where a Supreme Court order and MOH report citing unsuitability had not resulted in closure, and relevant health officials were reportedly transferred under pressure—as well as procurement irregularities in the tendering of 100 backhoe machines and salary deductions from Galle police officers' pay in lieu of quarters.

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake made a brief intervention directed at the Minister, arguing that awarding a contract at a lower price (USD 15 less) is counterproductive if the supplier fails to deliver, citing Oman as an example of a supplier that did not fulfill its obligations. He contended that the resulting supply disruption would cause the public to suffer losses far greater than the savings achieved through the lower price.

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake referenced a speech he made two months prior in which he warned that replacing Oman's state gas supplier with a Swiss company — awarded the tender on the basis of a USD 15 price difference — would cause supply disruptions, as the new supplier operated only two ships and had no distribution experience in Asia. He asserted that his prediction of a shortage, made on 25 December, has now proven correct, and cited a Minister's prior assurance to Parliament that no shortage would occur. The speaker called on the government to acknowledge the current gas queues, rejecting suggestions that the Opposition was fabricating or exaggerating the supply crisis.

## Summary The speech by Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake consists primarily of a procedural action — the playing of an audio recording in the chamber — directed at the attention of Hon. Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. The Hansard record does not capture the content of the audio recording itself, making it unclear what specific argument or evidence was being presented. The intent appears to have been to draw the Minister's attention to the recorded material as part of a parliamentary point or challenge.

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the necessity of establishing a new Board or company, arguing that the existing administrative structure — including the District Secretary and Ministry Secretary — already falls under the government's authority. He urged that any issues be addressed through the current institutional framework rather than creating a new entity.

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake alleged that the Minister had improperly nominated three personal associates to the board of a company overseeing economic centres, contrary to the intent of the relevant Cabinet decision which designates the subject Minister to make such appointments. He argued that the existing oversight structure — involving the Ministry Secretary, District Secretary, District Coordinating Committee, and police — is already sufficient. Dasanayake contended that this conduct is politically damaging to both the President and the Government, citing the Minister's reported inability to enter the Dambulla market due to public opposition as evidence of the problem. He framed his intervention as a matter of national concern rather than a personal attack.

Hon. Dasanayake raises concerns about the Minister's decision to establish a new company, National Agri Market Services Limited, under the Companies Act to manage economic centres previously administered by government custodians under the Ministry of Trade and related agencies. He questions the qualifications and affiliations of the seven appointed directors, including Chairman K.R. Senanayake, and notes that four remaining directors are serving public officers. The speaker highlights significant grassroots opposition to this change across multiple economic centres including Thambuttegama, Keppetipola, Nuwara Eliya, and Dambulla, citing instances where appointment letters were refused and a writ petition has been filed. He asks the Minister whether the government intends to proceed with the company and its Board despite this opposition.

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake presented a Bill seeking to incorporate the Mahawilachchiya Education Centre for Children as a legally recognized entity. The speech consisted solely of the formal introduction of the Bill for parliamentary consideration.

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake directed a procedural complaint at the Speaker, asserting that party leaders — rather than ordinary MPs — control the parliamentary agenda through their meetings. He called on the Speaker to first discipline party leaders before imposing order on backbench members.

## Summary The speech by Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake is largely procedural in nature, with the member clarifying to the Speaker that his remarks were directed at both sides of the House rather than any single party, and asserting that he did not refer to any party by name. A portion of the speech was expunged on the order of the Chair, limiting the available content for full contextual analysis.