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- 9 January 2025 AI summary Asked what actions the Government has taken or intends to take regarding reports of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and related media coverage in Sri Lanka that has caused public concern. The question sought clarification on public health preparedness and communication measures. Oral Questions Healthcare Read →
- 9 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised concerns about the recent emigration of doctors and specialists, noting that many more qualified doctors remain in Sri Lanka after passing migration-related exams. He asked what measures are being taken to retain medical professionals and address staffing shortages in the health system, citing a shortage of about 665 nurses at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya despite some nurses having completed training. Oral Questions HealthcareEmployment Read →
- 9 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the economic crisis had caused doctors and other trained health professionals to leave Sri Lanka, negatively affecting the health service. He requested detailed category-wise figures on current staff, future staffing requirements, premature departures from 2022 to November 2024, and personnel currently in training, including specialist training. He also asked what steps the Ministry would take to recruit the needed professionals expeditiously, or the reasons if no action is planned. Oral Questions HealthcarePublic Finance Read →
- 7 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised a supplementary question on reported blindness and deaths linked to medicines used at Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital and the National Eye Hospital. He urged that institutions and importers responsible for the problematic medicine imports be blacklisted, penalized, and made to reimburse the State, seeking government intervention to prevent recurrence. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) HealthcareJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 7 January 2025 AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera raised concerns about past shortcomings in the procurement of medicines and the need for stronger controls within the Ministry of Health. He asked whether the Ministry would conduct a comprehensive review of cancelled tenders, incomplete procurement processes, and medicine imports, and present a report to Parliament on the resulting financial loss to the country and the impact on the public. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) Public FinanceHealthcareCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 7 January 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Government is aware of shortages of medicines, surgical and medical equipment, laboratory testing tools, and radioactive examination equipment in public and private hospitals. He requested details of any current availability and shortage reports, plans to ensure uninterrupted supply until the end of 2025, possible future shortages, and procurement or risk-mitigation measures. Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) Healthcare Read →
- 3 December 2024 AI summary Expressing disappointment at disruptions during the debate on the President’s programme, the member said Parliament should focus on rebuilding the country rather than isolated incidents. He argued that the Government’s mandate reflects a collective public call for national reconstruction and responsible conduct by all MPs. He highlighted the NPP’s emphasis on human development and integrated reform of health, education, and social systems, noting concerns over high out-of-pocket health spending and pledging disciplined rebuilding of these sectors. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Public FinanceEducationHealthcare Read →
- 3 December 2024 AI summary Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera made a brief procedural remark to the Deputy Chairperson, stating that the members value their allotted time. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or legislative matter was raised. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Parliamentary Procedure Read →