Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, M.P.
Profession: Medical Practitioner
Speeches 68 #74 of 225·#33 in party
Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 26 speeches
Last spoke 5 May 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
40 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
68 speeches- 19 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera said the earlier extension of the public sector retirement age to 65 was a temporary response to the economic crisis and recruitment constraints, not a general policy to limit youth employment. He argued that any further extension should be justified only by proven shortages in the public service and assessed against efficiency, productivity, training opportunities for youth, and fiscal costs. He stressed that raising the retirement age could delay the entry of young, skilled workers into the public sector and should not obstruct youth employment. Adjournment Debate: Public Administration Circular No. 19/2022 Parliamentary ProcedureEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
- 18 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera informed the House that he was raising a question on behalf of Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara. No substantive details of the question or related matter were provided in the excerpt. Oral Questions: Teachers' Service and Principals' Service Salary Anomalies (Q.502/2025), Estates in Badulla District Drinking Water Projects (Q.505/2025), Damage to Cultivations by Wild Animals (Q.498/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 17 March 2025 AI summary On behalf of Hon. Padmasiri Bandara, Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised a parliamentary question. No substantive details of the question or related policy matter were provided in the excerpt. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 15 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Deputy Minister what steps the Ministry intends to take regarding unused allocated areas at the Galle Techno Park, including space earmarked for a conference hall. Oral Question: Projects Planned on Land of Walahanduwa Estate, Galle (Q.255/2024) Infrastructure Read →
- 15 March 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked for clarification on the Government’s plans for the remaining land within the 401-hectare Walahanduwa Estate, noting that parts have been earmarked for projects while unauthorized occupations and irregular allocations exist. He requested details on the steps to be taken to address those occupations and allocations. Oral Question: Projects Planned on Land of Walahanduwa Estate, Galle (Q.255/2024) Land & Housing Read →
- 15 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on planned subdivisions and project allocations at Walahanduwa Estate in Nugaduwa, Galle District. He sought information on the current status, expenditure, identified needs and expected benefits, which projects are considered essential, whether halted projects can be restarted, and the potential losses if they cannot proceed. Oral Question: Projects Planned on Land of Walahanduwa Estate, Galle (Q.255/2024) AgricultureLand & HousingPublic Finance Read →
- 10 March 2025 AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation regarding the stalled iRoad Project in the Hiniduma Electorate. The inquiry sought information on the status of the project and implied a request for action or clarification on delays affecting road development in the area. Oral Answers to Questions Infrastructure Read →
- 1 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera presented three petitions from residents of Hapugala, Wakwella, and Galle. The petitions were ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Samaraweera defended the Budget, arguing that the Government is prioritizing public relief and economic revival while reducing its own privileges within fiscal constraints. He said the Government has no intention of driving away investors such as Adani, but will assess concessions based on benefits to Sri Lanka. He emphasized that public sector salary reforms, including for health workers, shift income toward higher basic salaries rather than allowances, and stated that existing overtime or extra-duty earnings would not be reduced while further salary improvements are intended as the economy recovers. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Public FinanceEmploymentHealthcare Read →
- 19 February 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised a supplementary question about activities at a park said to fall under the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau, alleging that recent actions had taken place without the Bureau’s knowledge or coordination. He asked the Minister to intervene and examine whether the responsibilities assigned to the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau were being properly carried out, noting concerns about briefings to local residents and resulting public protests. Oral Questions: Holuwagoda Development Project and Sports Facilities Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 19 February 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised concerns that the objectives of the Holuwagoda initiative have not been fully achieved, noting that about 4,000 acres have become heavily waterlogged, including paddy lands now unsuitable for other cultivation. He said the new Government is planning measures to reduce accumulated water, but requested a proper review of the project, particularly as expected tourism benefits have not materialized due to low foreign arrivals. Oral Questions: Holuwagoda Development Project and Sports Facilities InfrastructureAgriculture Read →
- 19 February 2025 AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to report on the current status of the Holuwagoda Development Project. He sought details on the extent of agricultural land expected to be developed, obstacles preventing its agricultural use, and whether the project’s benefits have materialized in proportion to the expenditure incurred. Oral Questions: Holuwagoda Development Project and Sports Facilities AgricultureInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
- 7 February 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked what programme the Ministry has to use cultural centres and folk arts centres not merely to preserve past practices, but to contribute to a broader social and cultural transformation. He framed the question as concerning the alignment of these institutions with wider cultural change. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Religion & Culture Read →
- 7 February 2025 AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera raised public concerns that Cultural Centres and Folk Arts Centres are perceived as falling under the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, leading to blame when their functions fail. He asked how many such Cultural Centres are operating across Sri Lanka and whether they are currently fulfilling their intended mandate. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Religion & Culture Read →
- 7 February 2025 AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs whether the Folk Arts Centre established in Kaikawala, Bentara, has been abandoned and whether it remains usable. He sought information on whether the Centre could be restored through renovation if necessary, and what steps would be taken to resume its administrative functions. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Religion & Culture Read →
- 23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera urged the urgent establishment and strengthening of primary healthcare, arguing that it would help address many public health issues. He emphasized the role of family physicians and asked the Government to state what measures are being taken to develop primary healthcare. Oral Question: Family Medicine Specialist Training Stream Healthcare Read →
- 23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera briefly indicated that he was raising a question in Parliament. No further details of the question or related subject matter were provided in the excerpt. Oral Question: Family Medicine Specialist Training Stream Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked a supplementary question regarding the Ministry of Health’s initiative to install linear accelerator systems for radiotherapy in hospitals. He sought details on how many hospitals would be covered by the project and when cancer patients would be able to access its benefits. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) Healthcare Read →
- 21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera sought clarification on the placement process for specialist medical teams returning after overseas training, stating that poor placements and inadequate facilities have contributed to specialists leaving Sri Lanka again. He highlighted impacts on fields such as ENT and requested data on specialists currently in service, those who have left, and those expected to return, so that placements can be planned to prevent future shortages. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) EmploymentHealthcare Read →
- 21 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Health and Media whether a new “End Post” designation for specialist doctors in certain major government hospitals has been created and, if so, on what scientific basis. He questioned whether such posts are being created at the discretion of individual officers and requested a formal, transparent methodology to prevent manipulation, including a timeframe for its implementation. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions) Healthcare Read →