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

28 February 2025 AI summary The response states that the listed lands are those expected to be used for projects referred to in the question. It further notes that some project proposals are still being prepared and that requests for proposals are being readied. Oral Question 1 - UDA Lands in Colombo City (Q.258/2024) Land & Housing Read →
28 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the projects under discussion are expected projects and that, as a general practice, investors are selected through open tender procedures. Oral Question 1 - UDA Lands in Colombo City (Q.258/2024) Public Finance Read →
28 February 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the cited 125.9 hectares of UDA-held land was the figure as of 2020 and that additional lands have since been acquired. He said each land parcel is assessed through UDA planning for its suitability for particular projects, citing the Wellawatta Mayura land as designated for a nature area, after which investment proposals are invited and lands are leased on a rental basis. Oral Question 1 - UDA Lands in Colombo City (Q.258/2024) Land & Housing Read →
28 February 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that, by 2020, approximately 125.9 hectares of land within Colombo City had been acquired or vested in the Urban Development Authority under relevant land acquisition and UDA laws. He tabled an annexure listing 20 identified land parcels intended for investment projects, including proposed mixed developments at Chalmers land in Fort and No. 125, Chatham Street, with details of location, extent and proposed use. He said the remaining part of the question was not applicable. Oral Question 1 - UDA Lands in Colombo City (Q.258/2024) Land & HousingInfrastructure Read →
24 February 2025 AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka defended the NPP Government’s first Budget as a foundation for social and economic transformation, arguing that increased capital expenditure, regional development funding, and planned reductions in recurrent spending are intended to expand production and services while maintaining fiscal discipline. He highlighted social protection allocations, public sector salary increases, tax relief for professionals, and clarified that revised pay and allowance calculations would increase rather than reduce benefits, inviting unions to discuss the figures with the Treasury. He rejected claims that the Budget was externally dictated, stating it provides fair relief within the IMF programme, and emphasized major education allocations aimed at improving school access, quality, and human capital development. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day EmploymentPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
24 February 2025 AI summary The Minister answered a parliamentary question on Pradeepa Halls and related land leases, stating that Government Chief Valuer assessments had not been obtained for the Modara and Maligawatta halls due to unresolved vesting and valuation processes, and that the halls were leased based on a Board decision rather than procurement. He also stated that a 109.71-perch land parcel at Maththegoda had been leased to the Venerable Muruttetuwe Ananda Thero Foundation for an annual ground rent of Rs. 453,000, based on a Government Chief Valuer assessment, to support community and religious activities. Oral Question: Question No. 4 - 449/2025 (Housing) Land & HousingPublic Finance Read →
22 February 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka formally moved that Parliament adjourn. The presiding member put the question to the House. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Unlawful Fishing Activities in the North Parliamentary Procedure Read →
22 February 2025 AI summary The Minister presented a report on observations and actions taken under Standing Order 119(4) concerning matters related to the Ministry of Water Supply and Infrastructure Development identified in a Committee on Public Accounts report. He moved that the report be referred back to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Opening: Parliament Convenes and Papers Tabled Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 February 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board has acknowledged that some sections require rehabilitation, with designs, estimates and funding arrangements underway. He added that an alternative access route has been proposed after discussions, fence construction has been suspended until that route is completed, and the matter will be further investigated as requested. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Land & HousingInfrastructure Read →
21 February 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the Maththegoda lagoon sewerage system is over 40 years old but remains operational, with treated effluent monitored by the NWSDB and CEA, though some components require rehabilitation and funding. He explained that fencing was initiated to prevent unsafe access, heavy-vehicle damage, illegal dumping and accidents, citing a 2023 fatal incident, but the Rs. 7.1 million project has been suspended following public protests until an alternative access route is completed. He added that the contract was awarded through NWSDB tender procedure and that the issue has been discussed with local authorities, police and relevant public representatives. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Land & HousingInfrastructureEnvironment Read →
19 February 2025 AI summary The Minister tabled details of pending works under the Kolonnawa Stormwater Drainage and Environmental Improvement Project, including canal rehabilitation, culvert or box structure reconstruction, stormwater retention ponds, and pumping stations across the Dahamwela, Passenna, Salalihini, and Dandutota canal systems. He stated that rehabilitation in the Kolonnawa DS Division, including Kotikawatta-Mulleriyawa areas and related secondary canals, is planned for 2025–2029 using Treasury funds, with SLLDC responsible for engineering and primary canal works and the Pradeshiya Sabha responsible for secondary canals. He also noted that the Kalu Palama pump installation project is awaiting National Procurement Agency approval and that implementation depends on required approvals and fund allocation. Oral Question (Second Round): Flood Control in Kolonnawa DS Division InfrastructureLand & Housing Read →
7 February 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the Ministry and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board have a duty to provide accurate information on water quality standards to Parliament and the public. He said allegations about high concentrations of carcinogens could create public anxiety, and emphasized that the response was not to defend any contractor but to clarify the facts. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Land & HousingPublic Finance Read →
7 February 2025 AI summary The Minister clarified that laboratory testing methods may produce small variations, citing results of 11 to 14 mg/kg, but said such differences are not large. He stated that the request to revise the Sri Lanka Standard was made on 20 July 2024 and was unrelated to the consignment in question. He added that the consignment had not been accepted into stores or used, and that after further checks the contractor could be required to re-export it and supply material meeting the specification. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Public Finance Read →
7 February 2025 AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka clarified allegations that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board was supplying drinking water contaminated with carcinogens, explaining that a hydrated lime consignment procured through tender had tested slightly above the then-applicable SLS chromium limit of 10 mg/kg. He stated that the consignment had not been accepted or used in any water treatment plant, despite later SLS revisions allowing up to 12 mg/kg, and that the contractor could be required to replace or re-export it under the tender conditions. He said the NWSDB would continue to ensure safe drinking water and criticized statements based on incomplete information that caused public concern. Ministerial Statements on Justice Department, Foreign Employment, and Hydrated Lime Importation Public FinanceHealthcareInfrastructure Read →
7 February 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the Vellaveli tank and pump house under the Mandur Scheme are intended to supply the entire Divisional Secretariat area, with related distribution extensions under planning, including a 2.5 km extension to Tharmapuram–Kirankulam under CEDE 2025. On the issue of hydrated lime, he said he would make a special statement that day and that the supplementary question would be addressed in it. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
7 February 2025 AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka stated that drinking water coverage varies across the named areas, with Kakkachchiwattai about 60 per cent covered, Vilanthottam under 40 per cent, and no facilities in Tharmapuram–Kirankulam. He outlined planned measures including an additional transmission main from the Vadayantalawa storage tank, a new storage tank and pump house at Vellaveli under the Mandur Water Supply Scheme, and distribution extensions for higher-elevation areas. He added that a 2.5 km pipeline extension for Tharmapuram–Kirankulam has been included in the 2025 CEDE budget, and that the National Community Water Supply Department will not initiate separate projects where NWS&DB coverage applies. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions InfrastructureCost of Living Read →
5 February 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that the Committee on Parliamentary Business had extensively considered committee representation and that, in several committees, Opposition membership had been increased beyond the requirements of the Standing Orders. He rejected claims that the Government was reducing Opposition representation and said the changes were intended to provide the Opposition with more opportunities. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 February 2025 AI summary Projects such as Mihindusenpura and Puradora Sewana began in 2013 and 2014, predating President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure, but many residents still lack deeds more than 11 years later; Mihindusenpura has issued 398 deeds out of 830 units, while Puradora Sewana has issued none for its 34 units. On instalment obligations, the Member stated that political statements made at ceremonies do not alter legal requirements unless lawful directions are issued by the competent authority, and that institutions must act within their legal mandate. Oral Question: UDA Housing Units and Deed Distribution (Q.295/2024) Public FinanceLand & Housing Read →
5 February 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the Urban Development Authority flat stock totals 3,792 units, while only about 167 deeds have been issued under the programme in question. He cited this figure to assess the programme’s level of implementation and effectiveness. Oral Question: UDA Housing Units and Deed Distribution (Q.295/2024) Land & Housing Read →
5 February 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that deeds have been issued for 1,678 housing units across 24 projects and that remaining deeds will be granted after compliance certificates, notarial deeds, and settlement of outstanding water, assessment, and monthly charges. He noted that beneficiaries may be required to pay up to Rs. 350,000, but the Government is preparing a mechanism for residents facing hardship and is considering further reductions to expedite the issuance of deeds. Oral Question: UDA Housing Units and Deed Distribution (Q.295/2024) Land & HousingPublic Finance Read →