Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Nuwara - Eliya

Profession: Teacher

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 29 #138 of 225·#78 in party

Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

29 speeches

10 September 2025 AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi briefly intervened to raise a question before the Chair. No substantive policy issue or proposal was stated in the provided excerpt. Oral Questions: Stand Down (Q.2-117/2024 and Q.3-1253/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported the Second Reading of the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, presenting it as a corrective transitional step away from the previous restructuring plan that he said would have split the Ceylon Electricity Board and reduced its workforce. He argued that Sri Lanka must move from an electricity-focused framework to a broader energy policy, prioritising renewable and environmentally friendly generation, lower tariffs, consumer protection, investment, and energy independence. He criticised past reliance on diesel and coal, alleged cartels and debt burdens within the sector, and assured CEB workers and the public that the Government would protect the institution, livelihoods, and public ownership. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading EmploymentInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that Sri Lanka’s bus system has developed through repeated institutional changes without a sustained, scientific approach, resulting in inefficiency, unsafe competition, harassment, and poor service. Referring to the recent Gerandi Ella bus tragedy in Nuwara Eliya District, he cited police findings on road conditions, overcrowding, driver fatigue, and inadequate safety controls as evidence for reform. He proposed stronger vehicle inspections, mandatory driver rest and duty schedules, technological fleet and driver monitoring, reduced competition among buses, proper bus chassis standards, modern fleet replacement and maintenance, and relief drivers for long-distance hill-country routes. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Public FinanceInfrastructureLaw & Order Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Asked what measures would be taken in Nuwara Eliya District to regulate the Thondaman Memorial Foundation’s control over sports facilities, particularly the Norwood sports ground. He said local youth access had been restricted and a Rs. 15,000 fee charged per football match, and called for curbing the Foundation’s undue authority and supporting sports development in the area. Oral Question: Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation (Q.1/2025) InfrastructureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi asked what action the Government will take regarding foundations and similar institutions allegedly maintained with public allocations and international funds without proper audits. He alleged that, in the Central Province including Nuwara Eliya, public funds and State assets had been misused through such a foundation for personal and family political purposes. Oral Question: Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation (Q.1/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure for details on the Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation, including whether it was incorporated by an Act of Parliament, its staff strength, and its assets. He also requested year-by-year Budget allocations from 2020 to 2024 and asked whether the Foundation had been audited during that period, seeking reasons if the information was not available. Oral Question: Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation (Q.1/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi spoke in support of the 2025 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, arguing that longstanding policy failures had contributed to serious social risks affecting women and children. Citing Central Province police data, he highlighted high levels of child abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, suicides, vulnerable children, and drug or alcohol risk, with particular concern over Nuwara Eliya District and the lack of adequate shelters or safe homes. He said the Budget proposes targeted measures including nutrition packs for pregnant mothers, preschool breakfasts, allowances for preschool teachers, support for pregnant women, and facilities for children with autism as part of a more scientific intervention plan. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Justice & Human RightsWomen & ChildrenPublic Finance Read →
24 February 2025 AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi used the Budget Second Reading debate to highlight Nuwara Eliya District’s contribution to the national economy through tea, dairy, vegetables, potatoes and spices, while arguing that its people continue to face severe deprivation. He cited shortages and deficiencies in education, health, housing and roads, including teacher vacancies, limited advanced-level science facilities, under-equipped hospitals, line-room housing and thousands of poor roads. He said the Budget should mark a shift toward sharing the benefits of production with these communities through “economic democracy” and addressing long-standing neglect. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day AgricultureEducationHealthcare Read →
7 January 2025 AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi said the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report shows some positive economic indicators, while attributing the crisis to past borrowing, weak production sectors, inadequate social protection and corruption that led to IMF-related constraints. He argued that the NPP Government has a mandate to pursue macroeconomic stabilization alongside social protection, citing measures such as fertilizer support, enhanced Aswasuma benefits, VAT reductions on dairy products, fuel subsidies for fishers, school allowances for low-income children and allowances for pensioners. He said the forthcoming Budget would implement the Government’s programme over five years, with attention to exchange-rate stability, investor confidence, remittances, stalled projects and improved relations with countries including India and China. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report AgriculturePublic FinanceCost of Living Read →