Hon. Lal Premanath, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Matara

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 59 #82 of 225·#37 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

59 speeches

21 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath stated that the Government had acted during the economic crisis to improve higher education, sanitation, estate hospital facilities, and wage entitlements for estate workers, while addressing exploitative labour practices. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government neglected people affected by the “8962” cyclone in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Kandy, saying all possible measures had been taken. He argued that the Government was advancing equal opportunities and dignity for Malaiyaha communities and asserted that no citizen would be treated as second-class under the Malima Government. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream EducationEmploymentEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath said the Government has moved away from treating Malaiyaha people as a political vote bank and is working to integrate them as equal, dignified citizens rather than defining them only as estate or upcountry communities. He argued that previous governments failed to address their needs adequately and cited the Government’s policy framework, “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” and the “Hatton Declaration” as guiding its approach. He stated that the Government is taking lawful steps on land, livelihood, housing, infrastructure, and social cohesion, while rejecting communal, regional, and divisive politics. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream EmploymentLaw & OrderEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
8 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath highlighted suicide prevention as a sensitive national issue, identifying causes such as examination pressure, family conflict, social acceptance pressures, online harassment, mental health conditions, trauma, economic hardship, imitation, and harmful media content. He urged legal action against publicizing or glamorizing suicide methods, closer attention to online games and digital risks, and consideration of these issues in new legislation. He proposed a 24-hour national rapid response unit or emergency hotline, with a task force to intervene when at-risk individuals are reported, and called for reducing stigma around mental healthcare. He also supported including character development in education reforms, potentially as a compulsory subject, to strengthen resilience among children and students. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.60/2025 - Preventing Suicide Among Young Children HealthcareJustice & Human RightsWomen & Children Read →
8 May 2026 AI summary Lal Premanath moved a resolution calling for deeper intervention by political authorities, officials, the media and the public to prevent youth suicide, arguing that existing counselling, university training and hospital psychiatric services remain inadequate. He cited high risks among school-age girls linked to relationship, exam, family and online pressures, and among young men linked to drugs, unemployment, economic stress and domestic disputes, while noting stigma and poor coordination between schools, police, divisional offices and hospitals. He urged increased funding at district and divisional levels, use of community structures such as “Praja Shakthi”, stronger roles for the Youth and Sports Ministry, field-oriented counselling, resilience education, responsible media reporting, parental awareness of social media and gaming risks, and the creation of a national rapid-response unit. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.60/2025 - Preventing Suicide Among Young Children Women & ChildrenEducationHealthcare Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath asked whether the Ministry has taken steps to assist beneficiaries who are digitally and educationally disadvantaged and face difficulties accessing information and dealing with officials. He sought clarification on the measures or solutions being implemented to address these barriers. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution EducationPublic Finance Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary Lal Premanath raised concerns about continuing implementation issues with the Aswesuma welfare programme at ground level. He asked what steps the Ministry has taken to support poor households awaiting relief, particularly in light of the current global conflict situation. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath posed a question to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on the Aswesuma welfare programme, seeking figures on appeals and objections, their resolution, reinstated benefits, and the expected completion timeline. He asked whether a scientific data system would be introduced to select beneficiaries, what new data would be verified, and whether false claims had been identified, with recovery of funds and legal action. He also requested information on proposed cost-of-living-based benefit adjustments, empowerment programmes for beneficiary families, and related local or foreign funding allocations. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Parliamentary ProcedureCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
17 March 2026 AI summary Lal Premanath requested urgent completion of the relevant court facility, stating that current court proceedings are being held at a location lacking basic sanitary facilities for the public, witnesses and sureties. He also noted that holding sittings at Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya has disrupted religious activities at the heavily visited temple. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) InfrastructureJustice & Human Rights Read →
17 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath asked a supplementary question about a long-running issue that has persisted for more than four years and was repeatedly raised by the public, attorneys, and officials at District Coordination Committee meetings. He questioned whether the relevant authorities had recognized the delays by officials responsible for implementing the solution. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
18 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath defended the Government’s approach to governance, arguing that it is based on participation, transparency, collective responsibility and fulfillment of Budget commitments, while criticizing the Opposition for persistent criticism and for opposing measures such as abolishing MPs’ pensions. He highlighted Government initiatives including planned housing programmes, 1,000 houses for children leaving care, 1,000 houses for parents who have offered a child to the Sangha, and a preventive public health agenda. He also cited Cabinet approval of LKR 6,000 million for a new hospital in Deniyaya due to landslide risks and said health and education facilities would be planned according to population and geography rather than political considerations. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Corruption & Governance ReformLand & HousingHealthcare Read →
6 February 2026 AI summary Lal Premanath welcomed the Minister’s stated measures and asked whether the Government has considered a formal programme to reassign vehicles brought into the country for large-scale projects funded by bodies such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. He specifically queried whether such vehicles could be allocated to public institutions facing vehicle shortages and transport difficulties. Oral Question: Divisional Secretariats Vehicle Requirement (Q.1571/2025) Infrastructure Read →
6 February 2026 AI summary The Member asked what measures the Government is considering to address transport difficulties faced by staff in Divisional Secretariats, particularly field and development officers in remote areas who struggle to report on time due to limited public transport. He specifically sought the Government’s position on establishing or strengthening a common vehicle pool for these officers. Oral Question: Divisional Secretariats Vehicle Requirement (Q.1571/2025) Employment Read →
6 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government for details on vehicle availability in Divisional Secretariats, including the total number of Secretariats, vehicles allocated, and the adequacy and roadworthiness of those vehicles. He sought information on how many Secretariats lack roadworthy vehicles and whether the Government has a systematic programme, timeframe, and budgetary allocations to provide or maintain vehicles needed for administrative and field duties. Oral Question: Divisional Secretariats Vehicle Requirement (Q.1571/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath raised concerns about delays in computerizing Samurdhi Banks and the continued reliance on handwritten, paper-based transactions. He stated that beneficiaries face difficulties such as not receiving funds, being unable to withdraw savings, or obtain loans, and asked whether an interim SMS-based programme could be introduced to inform and guide them. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) Public FinanceWomen & ChildrenCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath raised a supplementary question regarding long-standing pension issues faced by Samurdhi Development Officers, including some recruited after exceeding the usual age limit following a past political upheaval. Acknowledging current fiscal constraints, he asked whether the Government could provide an interim allowance or other relief until their pensions are regularized. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath asked the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment to report on unresolved pension entitlements and arrears affecting Samurdhi Development Officers, including Government measures and timelines to address them. He also sought information on plans and progress for a promotions and grading system, action to expedite disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct and corruption, and steps to complete the computerization of the Samurdhi Bank system. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath supported reviewing the concerns in the Adjournment Motion while stressing that tourism should be protected and the law applied equally to foreigners and Sri Lankans. He presented data showing that only about 1.17 to 1.29 per cent of tourists from August to October 2025 obtained temporary licences, generating Rs. 13.27 million in State revenue. He clarified that licences issued at Bandaranaike International Airport cover only light vehicles, not three-wheelers or heavy vehicles, while the Automobile Association of Ceylon issues certain permits under relevant road traffic conventions and ordinances. He said there was no evidence of a surge of accidents caused by these licences, but agreed that the issues raised should be examined and acted on if necessary. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Law & OrderInfrastructureForeign Affairs Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mr. M.G. Sarath of Pelenwatta, Pannipitiya. The statement was limited to the formal tabling of the petition in Parliament. Petitions: Five Citizens' Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 October 2025 AI summary At the Deniyaya “51 Junction” on the Galle–Madampe Main Road, Lal Premanath urged the Minister to expedite the establishment of a filling station at this key tourism location. He noted that the Morawak Korale Tea Producers’ Co-operative Society and the Kotapola Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd. are prepared to operate the facility. Oral Question 10: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Land at Deniyaya Infrastructure Read →
21 October 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Energy to clarify whether the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation owns land at Junction 51, Deniyaya, and to state its current condition and use. He sought information on the closure of a previous filling station on the site, the reasons for that closure, and whether steps have been or will be taken to construct a new filling station there promptly. Oral Question 10: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Land at Deniyaya Parliamentary Procedure Read →