Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Matara

Profession: ---

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 31 #133 of 225·#75 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

31 speeches

21 May 2026 AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that import controls and temporary rice imports were needed to stabilize food supply and prices while moving toward a production-based, self-reliant economy. He said limited imports of Ponni Samba similar to Keeri Samba were permitted under licence to address shortages, while the Government had increased support for paddy farmers, moderated price volatility, and reduced retail prices of some rice and food items. He also cited measures in Matara District to restore uncultivated land affected by salinity in the Nilwala River area, including canal clearing, salinity barriers, and Rs. 1,200 million in compensation to farmers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Public FinanceAgricultureCost of Living Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mr. H.K. Kamal Udaya Kumara of K.B.N. Ceylon Tea Factory, Narangala, Matara, and two others. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
18 February 2026 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama argued that the proposed Special Commodity Levy of Rs. 50 on big onions and Rs. 80 on potatoes should be maintained to protect local farmers whose production costs are far higher than competitors in India, Pakistan and China due to climate, disease, seed costs and lower subsidies. He said the levies should serve as a temporary measure until para-tariffs are phased out by 2030, while revenue and budget allocations are used for agricultural modernization, cold storage, warehousing, local seed production and farmer organization. He proposed using technology, cooperatives and producer groups to reduce unit costs and make Sri Lankan onion and potato farmers competitive within two to three years. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
18 February 2026 AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama stated that the discussion was being held under the Special Commodity Levy Act in relation to agricultural products, specifically potatoes and big onions. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act and Related Orders (Main Business) AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
6 February 2026 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama formally posed the question listed under his name in Parliament. No substantive argument or additional context was provided in the speech. Oral Questions: Various (Q.3, Q.5, Q.6) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 January 2026 AI summary Asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details on the “Nearest School—the Best School” infrastructure projects in the Matara District, including total expenditure and the numbers completed and incomplete. He also sought information on why two teacher quarters at Urubokka National School cannot be used and what steps will be taken to make them usable. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order clarification InfrastructureEducation Read →
5 December 2025 AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama sought leave to present the Sri Lanka Institute of Agriculture (Incorporation) Bill. The Bill aims to incorporate the Sri Lanka Institute of Agriculture. Papers - Sri Lanka Institute of Agriculture (Incorporation) Bill Presented Agriculture Read →
27 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama expressed condolences over weather-related losses and argued that flooding in Matara was worsened by an improperly located salinity barrier across the Nilwala Ganga, noting that the 2026 Budget provides compensation for affected farmers and funds remedial work. He criticized the previous chemical fertilizer ban for damaging agriculture and said the current Budget prioritizes restoring agricultural infrastructure and bringing fallow land back into cultivation. He stated that the Government is implementing a long-term expert-led agricultural plan focused on using all cultivable land, applying technology to reduce unit costs, and increasing farmer margins rather than raising prices. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) EnvironmentPublic FinanceAgriculture Read →
27 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama presented two petitions from constituents in Kamburupitiya and Thihagoda. The petitions were ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Opening and Announcements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama raised concerns about the continuing disruption at Thelijjawila Central College in Matara following an incident on 03 October 2023. He noted that nearly two years later debris and earth had not been cleared, forcing Advanced Level classes to be held in museum spaces, and asked what obstacles had prevented even basic clearance work. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) InfrastructureEducation Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education about the condition of the three-storey building at Thelijjawila Central College, Matara, which has been taken out of use after a mound of earth damaged two ground-floor classrooms. He noted that the building had housed 17 classrooms and key offices, causing disruption to school activities, and sought information on any recent renovation efforts, proposed repair measures, and steps to conserve the affected land. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) EducationInfrastructure Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama questioned land allocations along a road frontage that allegedly restrict access to interior plots, citing a 2006 circular requiring Ministerial approval for such allocations. He stated that requested documentation on approval, valuation and allocation had not been provided, and alleged that the Rs. 1,000-per-perch valuation appeared to relate to a different land while other allocations used higher valuations. He asked whether an investigation would be conducted into the allocation and valuation process, noting that related legal action concerned the Divisional Secretary’s power to cancel allocations rather than the validity of the allocations themselves. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Corruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama questioned the Land Reform Commission’s policy of granting 10- or 20-perch plots to employees with five years’ service, noting the high market value of such land at “Ratalankawa.” He asked whether any special risk or justification warranted this benefit for LRC employees compared with other public sector employees, and whether the policy would be reconsidered or extended to departments such as Forest, Wildlife, Railways, and Divisional Secretariats. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission EmploymentLand & HousingPublic Finance Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary The member asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on the “Ratalankawa” land in the Kamburupitiya DS Division of Matara District, including its total extent and the portions allocated to various institutions, particularly the Industrial Development Board. He sought clarification on whether allocations to Land Reform Commission employees had proper approval, requested tabling of any relevant approval letter, and questioned whether approval for another LRC land had been misused to allocate this land unlawfully. He also asked what action would be taken regarding families allegedly occupying the land unlawfully. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Land & HousingCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama stated that a site about 7 km from Matara is facing investor reluctance due to poor and narrow access roads. He requested the Ministry to coordinate improvements and widening of access infrastructure, preferably completing the work within 2025 to help attract partners. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Infrastructure Read →
22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama raised concern that a project on which about Rs. 1,432 million had been spent was abandoned after 2019 and is now deteriorating and exposed to damage. He noted that previous efforts to hand the premises over to the University had not progressed and asked whether the Ministry would intervene to restart the process and bring the asset into use. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) EducationInfrastructure Read →
22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for details on the halted and unused SAARC Cultural Centre in Navimana, Matara. He requested the total construction expenditure, the institutions that funded it, the annual maintenance and security costs, and any current plan for utilizing the building complex. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Religion & CulturePublic Finance Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama raised concern that lowering entry requirements for a premier education institute would undermine standards. He requested broader consultation on the Scheme of Recruitment and urged that candidates without a degree class not be appointed to Senior Educator or Senior Lecturer posts. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Education Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama questioned changes to the Scheme of Recruitment for Senior Educator and Senior Lecturer posts at the National Institute of Education during education reforms. He asked why the longstanding requirement for a class in a bachelor’s degree, in place since 1985 to maintain quality, and the requirement for teaching experience were being removed, and raised concern that parties other than the Department of Human Resource Development had intervened in the process. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Education Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education whether the updated recruitment scheme for Senior Lecturer and Senior Educator posts at the National Institute of Education had removed prior requirements for a bachelor’s degree with a class and teaching experience. He also asked whether recognized private institution experience had been added as qualifying experience, and sought the objectives behind any such amendments. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Education Read →