Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara, M.P.
Profession: Other
Speeches 39 #118 of 225·#62 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 11 speeches
Last spoke 21 May 2026 in Petitions
Activity by sitting
21 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
39 speeches- 9 October 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara briefly rose in Parliament to pose a question. No substantive issue, proposal, or policy matter was stated in the provided excerpt. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary The Hon. G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Bill establishing the National Building Research Institute, noting the NBRO’s past work on landslide hazard mapping and road-sector landslide mitigation. He argued that climate change has increased disaster risks and that the new institute should provide technical guidance, identify vulnerable areas, raise awareness, support mitigation, and enforce relevant laws. He also highlighted concerns over clause 12(1) and (2), which require owner consent for inspections of hazardous land or buildings, and noted that an amendment was expected. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill InfrastructurePublic FinanceEnvironment Read →
- 22 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Bills under debate, stating that they would help address exploitation in the private security sector by ensuring fair wages. He argued that wage increases for private sector employees would motivate workers, strengthen both public and private sector labour, and contribute to economic growth. He urged all parties to support the measures despite opposition or obstruction. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
- 22 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Bills amending the Employees’ National Minimum Wage Act to raise the private sector minimum wage to Rs. 30,000 in two stages, citing previous increases in 2021 and 2024. He linked the measure to the Government’s policy pledge to establish a fair national wage structure, reduce disparities, and strengthen economic security alongside earlier public sector salary increases. He also referred to the State’s constitutional duty to eliminate exploitation and misuse of labour, noting past labour struggles including the death of Roshen Chanaka, and highlighted the relevance of wage protections to retired tri-forces personnel working in private security. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) EmploymentJustice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →
- 11 July 2025 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mr. I.D. Dayarathna of Lekam Watta, Barigoda, Nakkawatta. Presentation of Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 April 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara stated that an administrative error by the Navy had caused an injustice to a particular group, as evidenced by relevant documents. He requested the Deputy Minister of Defence to examine the matter and take corrective action. Oral Question: Soldiers Recruitment Special Workwear (445/2025) Justice & Human Rights Read →
- 8 April 2025 AI summary The Member drew the Deputy Minister of Defence’s attention to recruitment and allowance issues concerning Sri Lanka Navy Information Technology Unit personnel recruited under Naval Message No. 5 of 2004, which stated that uniforms would not be provided under that scheme. He tabled the relevant 2004 and 2023 naval messages and the 2024 Internal Audit Management Committee minutes, noting inconsistencies in later recruitment instructions. He said an audit sample found Rs. 1,293,850.34 in uniform allowances had been paid in 28 instances, and emphasized that this reflected weaknesses in internal controls rather than fraud by the sailors. Oral Question: Soldiers Recruitment Special Workwear (445/2025) Public FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →
- 8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara asked the Minister of Defence about tri-forces personnel recruited under special enlistment schemes and deployed in occupational roles. He sought details on their numbers, duties, privileges, and rules governing whether they may wear civilian clothes, workwear, or service uniforms, including who issues relevant instructions and whether institutional heads can require uniforms. He specifically raised the case of 43 Navy IT Division personnel reportedly instructed to wear uniforms and asked what attire they currently use for duty. Oral Question: Soldiers Recruitment Special Workwear (445/2025) Security & Defence Read →
- 17 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara requested the Ministry of Finance to intervene in grievances involving disabled tri-forces personnel, police, Civil Security Force members, and some public and semi-government employees regarding loan or instalment arrangements linked to SDB. He noted that legal action and protests had occurred, with concerns that consent under Form 238 of the Financial Regulations had not been obtained for extending instalments, and urged mediation to secure a fair solution. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Public FinanceJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 17 March 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for details on SANASA Development Bank’s “Uththamachara” loan scheme for retired military officers, including Central Bank regulation, disbursement figures, pension-based lending criteria, and repayment periods. He also sought clarification on COVID-19-related recovery extensions, whether they led to interest payments exceeding the principal, whether such extensions were made at the Bank’s discretion, and what steps would be taken to ensure fairness for affected borrowers. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Justice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →
- 1 March 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara raised concerns about an alleged conflict of interest involving a judge connected to an Opposition MP and requested that the Minister ask the Judicial Service Commission to examine the matter or clarify the allegation. Speaking on reconciliation, he cited his experience in Kilinochchi to argue that unresolved language issues continue to hinder administration and national integration, linking this to the legacy of the 1956 Sinhala Only Act and the marginalization of English. He urged practical reconciliation measures and supported the Government’s initiative to promote a common Sri Lankan identity, including a proposed “Sri Lankan Day” cultural festival. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Justice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 28 February 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara called for the modernization of the Tri-Forces, particularly through new technologies. He said Sri Lanka should regain lost UN peacekeeping opportunities, which he linked to foreign exchange earnings, international exposure, and improved economic conditions for troops. He also emphasized that national security is a shared responsibility of the Government and all communities in Sri Lanka. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate (Defence & Public Security Heads) Foreign AffairsSecurity & Defence Read →
- 28 February 2025 AI summary The speech defended the Government’s approach to defence and public security expenditure, rejecting claims that underworld killings, Army ration shortages, or public opposition to the Army in the North reflected failures of national security. It pledged justice for victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, including affected Muslim communities, and said the masterminds would be prosecuted. The Member emphasized preventing a recurrence of war, honouring and depoliticizing the Tri-Forces, preserving commanders’ institutional independence, and pursuing a non-aligned foreign policy to reduce external threats and pressures. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate (Defence & Public Security Heads) Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human RightsSecurity & Defence Read →
- 24 February 2025 AI summary Requested that the State Minister of Defence be present in Parliament at an early opportunity so that a question can be raised with him. Oral Question: Question No. 1 - 445/2025 (Defence) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 24 February 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara formally raised a question in Parliament. No substantive details of the question or related policy issue are provided in the excerpt. Oral Question: Question No. 1 - 445/2025 (Defence) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara defended the Government’s Budget, citing foreign investment agreements signed during the President’s visit to China and criticizing Opposition claims over credit. He welcomed pension increases, particularly alignment with 2020 salary scales and the implementation of “One Rank, One Pension” for retired Tri-Forces personnel. Representing Kurunegala and Kuliyapitiya, he highlighted allocations for agriculture and irrigation rehabilitation, including neglected tanks, and called for upgrades to Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital, including equipment, ambulances, and ward expansion. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate AgricultureSecurity & DefencePublic Finance Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the Second Reading of the Government’s 2025 maiden Budget, stating that it is viewed positively by the public and provides significant relief. He criticized the Opposition for portraying the Budget as capitalist and anti-people while, in his view, failing to acknowledge its success and public benefits. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Public Finance Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary A petition from Mr. H.L. Samantha Kumara of Kuliyapitiya was presented in Parliament. It was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 February 2025 AI summary The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, arguing that geographical indications and stronger quality standards could protect brands such as “Ceylon Tea” and prevent damage caused by low-quality exports. He cited recent foreign exchange earnings to show the relative decline of traditional exports such as tea, rubber, and coconut, and said higher-value, standards-based production could improve agricultural incomes and export revenue. He linked the regulations to the Government’s policy focus on a production economy, agriculture, modern technology, and value addition, and called on producers to act honestly in implementing the new framework. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Public FinanceAgricultureEnvironment Read →