Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy

Profession: Academician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 215 #20 of 225·#9 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

215 speeches

10 June 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that the Mannar wind power plant has a capacity of 50 MW and that construction is in its final phase. He said the Government expects to connect the plant to the national grid by the end of 2026. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) InfrastructureEnvironment Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, that Parliament approve the President’s Proclamation under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance. The Proclamation brings Part II of the Ordinance into operation throughout Sri Lanka with effect from 28 May 2026. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Parliamentary ProcedureLaw & Order Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka moved, on behalf of the Leader of the House, that Parliament refer the Committee on Public Accounts report on inquiries into the Department of Motor Traffic to the Attorney General for observations and necessary action under Standing Order 119(4). The motion, concerning Parliamentary Series No. 243 dated 25 July 2025 and inquiries held on 10 and 21 March 2025, was agreed to by Parliament. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, for Parliament to approve an Order under Section 2A of the Value Added Tax Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2478/07 and presented on 19 May 2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to under the Standing Orders. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, moved for approval of an Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2478/06 of 3 March 2026 and presented on 19 May 2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Public Finance Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, for parliamentary approval of an Order under Section 3(3) of the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2478/05 and presented on 19.05.2026. He noted that Cabinet approval had been granted, and the motion was agreed to. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka disputed opposition claims on thermal power generation and coal ship demurrage, arguing that inaccurate statistics were being used to mislead Parliament and the public. He then addressed an Extraordinary Gazette under the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, explaining that revised HS classifications and new subheadings were intended to reapply existing tax rates without substantive changes. He noted that Middle East conflicts were disrupting global aviation and affecting SriLankan Airlines, clarified reports about Treasury funding, and said the airline’s operational loss had been reduced from USD 150 million to USD 100 million while a restructuring process with private sector participation was being considered. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) InfrastructurePublic FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary The Minister responded to claims by a previous speaker regarding poverty and electricity generation. He stated that poverty had declined from 24.5 per cent in 2024, when the National People’s Power took office, to around 22 per cent in 2026, and disputed the claim that 900,000 litres of diesel were being used daily for power generation, citing 7 June data showing oil-based thermal generation at 11.68 MW out of 2,417 MW. He asked for the source of the figures and indicated he would clarify before allowing a response. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
22 May 2026 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka tabled a written answer detailing Sri Lanka Ports Authority operating profits and losses from 2010 to 2024, showing losses up to 2015, profits in most later years, and a peak operating profit of Rs. 1,176.09 million in 2022. He stated that no Ports Authority-owned jetties have been leased to private companies, but the disused Vegetable Jetty has been temporarily leased to the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau for tourism-related beautification, with lease revenue and taxes reported for 2024 and 2025. He also listed jetties in the relevant port area, identifying several as not in use, and said other requested details were provided in an annexure. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
22 May 2026 AI summary The Minister of Energy acknowledged concerns that although initial installations are completed to standard under supervision, safety hazards may arise later. He stated that future work would continue under proper procedures and supervision, with the concerns taken into account to improve safety and standards. Oral Question: Low-capacity electricity cable systems - Expansion (Q.5/2025) Public Finance Read →
22 May 2026 AI summary CEB and its subsidiaries do not install unsafe poles or cables as a matter of policy, though unsafe conditions may develop later due to natural or human factors. The Minister stated that installations follow standard procedures and that complaints about hazards are prioritized for inspection and rectification. He outlined ongoing distribution upgrades through annual system improvements and a biennial Medium Voltage System Development Plan, with Rs. 17,835 million allocated in Budget 2026 for these purposes. Oral Question: Low-capacity electricity cable systems - Expansion (Q.5/2025) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
22 May 2026 AI summary The Minister presented a report under Standing Order 119(4) on observations and actions taken regarding electricity sector matters under the Ministry of Energy, as raised in the Committee on Public Accounts report. He moved that the report be referred to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Opening and Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister rejected the claim that the Government is constrained by the IMF and said renewable energy curtailment is carried out only for technical system-stability reasons, affecting ground-mounted solar farms rather than rooftop solar. He stated that any tariff impact from exchange rate movements or Middle East tensions would mainly affect consumers using over 180 units, with Rs. 15 billion allocated to the National System Operator to cushion other users. He added that the Government does not expect to request a PUCSL-approved tariff increase before September. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments EnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that outstanding payments to renewable energy developers total Rs. 8.06 billion, affecting 386 developers, and said Rs. 2 billion had been paid on 19 May 2026 with a further Rs. 1 billion due the following week, with the balance expected to be settled by end-June. He rejected the claim that thermal suppliers were prioritized, saying cash flow decisions were made to maintain fuel availability, grid stability and continuous supply during high demand, high fuel prices and low hydro conditions. He provided comparative unit cost figures for thermal and renewable generation, explained that renewable curtailment occurs only for technical stability reasons, and outlined battery energy storage procurements including 160 MW contracted, a 300 MW tender planned and 100 MW for frequency control ongoing. He also said Cabinet had approved the National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy, including a renewable energy roadmap covering tariffs, storage, grid integration and consumer safeguards. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Public FinanceEnvironment Read →
19 May 2026 AI summary The Minister presented a report under Standing Order 120(4) on observations and actions taken regarding matters concerning the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, following issues referred to in the Committee on Public Enterprises report. He moved that the report be referred to the Committee on Public Enterprises, and the motion was agreed to. Opening and Announcements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that, according to available data, the only recorded cancellation in April 2026 was due to Verrington UAE, and that there was no evidence of a supplier violating a term tender and later supplying through a spot tender unless a specific case is provided for verification. He said the Government is not fully passing Middle East war-related fuel price increases to consumers, noting that diesel would be about Rs. 750 under the formula but is sold at Rs. 410, with the Treasury bearing about Rs. 100 per litre on diesel and Rs. 20 per litre on petrol. He added that fuel sector companies are expected to manage monthly profits and losses over the year while sharing the burden with the Government. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister responded under Standing Order 27(2) on petroleum procurement, listing suppliers registered in the past year and explaining that CPC rejected altered payment terms from Verrington UAE after a Cabinet-approved procurement from an unregistered supplier. He outlined ongoing term and spot procurements for crude and refined products, stated that evaluations follow international standards adapted to CPC infrastructure, and said further comparative price, bid, supplier, audit, and refinery-yield information would be compiled or tabled subject to confidentiality requirements. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
6 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka said no final decision had been reached on SriLankan Airlines’ future business model, with discussions continuing on options such as public-private partnership, management arrangements or continued State ownership. He detailed the airline’s debt position, Cabinet-approved debt settlement arrangements, payments to State banks, projected Treasury outflows, and outstanding sovereign bond liabilities. He also clarified that ground handling remains under SriLankan Airlines, while SriLankan Catering has separate audited accounts, and outlined recent profitability, route management, load factor, staffing and passenger-share data. He stated that bonuses paid in 2025 were reduced and justified on industrial relations grounds, and that they did not conflict with the IMF programme. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Points of Order InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
6 May 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that SriLankan Airlines’ restructuring process has progressed with the completion of the Rs. 91.3 billion State bank loan restructuring, including a Rs. 25.2 billion payment in December 2025 to Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank, with further Government capital payments scheduled twice yearly until 2030. He said the USD 175 million sovereign bond guarantee is being restructured and is expected to be completed by end-2026. He acknowledged the Auditor-General’s concern over the airline’s going concern status, noting continued Government support but said the Government does not intend to continue operations in the current form and is discussing a viable business model with the Treasury and potential investors. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Points of Order InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
5 May 2026 AI summary The Minister moved the adjournment motion, stating, “That Parliament do now adjourn.” The Chair proposed the question for consideration. Procedural: Adjournment Motion Introduction Parliamentary Procedure Read →