PARLIAMENT

The Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker took the Chair.


Announcements by the Speaker

A : Members to serve in the Committee on Banking and Financial Services
B : Members to serve in the Committee on Economic Stabilization      
C : Members to serve in the Committee on Ways and Means      
D : Joint Annual General Meeting


Presentation of Papers

(i) Annual Report of the Homoeopathic Medical Council for the year 2018
(ii) Annual Reports of the Palmyrah Development Board for the years 2016 and 2017


Presentation of Reports from the Committees

Two Reports of the Committee on Public Finance was presented by the Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, the Chair of the Committee.


Presentation of Petitions

(i)    The Hon. Vidura Wikramanayaka                    
(ii)    The Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya
(Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)


Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament

The Hon. Sajith Premadasa

Poverty and malnutrition problems in the country


Ministerial Statements

Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, State Minister of Finance on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies replied to the Question raised by the Hon. (Ven.) Athuraliye Rathana Thero under the Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament on 02.12.2022 regarding selling of Sri Lanka Telecom, CEB and other institutions.


Presentation of Bills

The Hon. Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms moved the Bill entitled

“Regulation of Election Expenditure”

to regulate the expenditure incurred by candidates at every election conducted under the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), the Provincial Councils Elections Act, No. 2 of 1988; the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981 and the Presidential Elections Act, No. 15 of 1981 and to provide for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.


Main Business of the House for Today

(i)    Appropriation Bill (2023) - Committee

Appropriation Bill – Twentieth Allotted Day - Committee Stage Debate

The Appropriation Bill (2023) (Budget) was passed with amendments by the House, with a majority of 43 votes (123 in favour; 80 against).

The following Items (appearing as Item Nos. 2 to 26 of today’s Order Paper) were approved by the House.:-
(ii)    Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act
(iii)    Two Orders under the Value Added Tax Act
(iv)    Regulation under the Finance Act
(v)    Six Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act
(vi)    Five Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act
(vii)    Three Resolutions under the Customs Ordinance
(viii)    Two Orders under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act
(ix)    Resolution under the Foreign Exchange Act
(x)    Order under the Casino Business (Regulation) Act
(xi)    Regulations under the Casino Business (Regulation) Act
(xii)    Two Orders under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act


The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1914 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Friday 9th December 2022.


[Budget 2023]

*  This is an unedited version. For the official record of this day's proceedings, please refer the Hansard.