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

9 May 2025 AI summary The Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing presented the 2023 Annual Report of Hotel Developers (Lanka) PLC. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the motion was agreed to. Opening and Announcements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 May 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka stated that a second supplementary question may be asked by another Member only with the consent of the Member who posed the original question. He argued that, absent such permission, the Standing Orders do not provide for another Member to proceed with the supplementary question. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) - IMF Conditions and Privilege Matters Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 May 2025 AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer stating that the NWSDB undertook the first phase of a Kurunegala East water supply project, constructing a shallow well with funds allocated and reimbursed by the Kurunegala District Secretariat. The well was completed on 4 May 2019, but pipeline distribution to the Divisional Hospital and surrounding villages has not proceeded because no funds were allocated for the subsequent phase. The NWSDB indicated it can begin and complete the second phase once the Kurunegala East Divisional Secretariat provides the necessary allocations. Oral Questions: Martyrs' Day Commemorations and OPD Attendance (Q.10/2024, etc.) Infrastructure Read →
8 May 2025 AI summary The Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing presented the 2023 Performance Report of the Department of Government Factories. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the motion was agreed to. Papers - Tabling of Annual Reports and Documents Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 April 2025 AI summary The Minister presented the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2021. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Petitions Land & HousingParliamentary Procedure Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka supported the Second Reading of the Proceeds of Crime Bill, arguing that existing anti-corruption and money-laundering laws were insufficient to recover assets disguised as lawful property. He cited international investigative reports on offshore foundations, luxury assets, art collections, and alleged transactions linked to former Sri Lankan political and official figures as examples of the types of wealth the Bill is intended to address. He said public demand and international expectations had created the need for stronger legal mechanisms to investigate, seize, and recover proceeds of crime, particularly from political corruption, official abuse, narcotics, and organized crime. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka explained that community participation in pipe-laying is normally organized through Community-Based Organizations for National Community Water Supply Department projects, while National Water Supply and Drainage Board schemes are implemented directly by the Board. He stated that although 62% of the national population has piped drinking water, coverage is lower in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which will be prioritized for future funding. He said water sources, capacities, and plans have been identified for Kuchchaveli and other Divisional Secretariat divisions, with projects to begin as funds become available. Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka provided answers on water supply coverage and planned improvements in Trincomalee District, noting full NWSDB piped supply in several DS Divisions, partial supply in Kuchchaveli, and no supply yet in Morawewa, Gomarankadawala, and Padavi Sri Pura. He outlined proposed MGPK and Periyaru-based schemes, the planned Waan Ela treatment plant, and ongoing community water projects, while stating that implementation is constrained by funding and the economic situation. He also stated that Kinniya DS Division has received daily water supply since March 2025 after transmission pipeline improvements enabled the Urban Council area to be supplied from the Mahamaru tower. Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka acknowledged the difficulties raised and stated that the concerns would be referred to the relevant authorities for resolution. He added that, regarding sluice elevations, a technical report already exists and further action would be taken accordingly. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that temporary permits had been issued, Cabinet approval for land grants obtained, and the Divisional Secretariat was continuing the grant process. He said irrigation constraints around Periyaru tank were due to elevation differences, but Provincial funds had enabled water supply to three tanks and transplanting. He undertook to refer access road improvements and the elephant issue to the relevant Ministers and to alert the Divisional Secretary regarding possible road allocations. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) AgricultureInfrastructure Read →
8 April 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to questions on alternative land and support measures related to an affected project area in Vavuniya, stating that temporary permits have been issued, Cabinet approval obtained for grants, and work is proceeding through the Divisional Secretariat with irrigation and road works accepted by farmers. He said agreed employment for 18 affected family members at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board requires approval due to recruitment restrictions, while they will be prioritized for labour contract vacancies in the interim. He also reported that a feasibility study found surplus water from the Periyaru tank cannot technically be released to certain higher-elevation renovated tanks, but provincial-funded interconnections among other tanks and canals have enabled water supply and paddy transplantation. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) InfrastructureEmploymentAgriculture Read →
20 March 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the Millaniya development zone referred to under the Urban Development Authority is a separate matter. He indicated that he has views on it but did not provide further details in this intervention. Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Land & Housing Read →
20 March 2025 AI summary The Minister supported amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, focusing on PAYE reforms intended to improve fairness in personal income taxation following concerns raised by professionals during the 2023 IMF-linked revenue measures. He argued that taxpayers had sought fair taxation, transparency and efficient public spending, and said the proposed relief would reduce or moderate PAYE liabilities despite salary increases. He illustrated the impact with salary and tax examples for university academics, stating that similar relief would apply across professions paying personal income tax. Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
20 March 2025 AI summary The Minister tabled an answer on water supply coverage in several areas, stating that Nediyamadu has about 90 per cent piped water coverage while Unnichchai has about 50 per cent, with high-elevation areas and low pressure limiting further connections in several villages. He said the NWSDB has begun pipeline extension measures and proposed package treatment plants, with works for Unnichchai expected to take about one year subject to external conditions, while no new Community Water Supply projects have begun due to resource constraints. Oral Questions 2-5: Second Round (Multiple Questions) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
10 March 2025 AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the Government has increased higher education funding to Rs. 118 billion and allocated 1.9 per cent of GDP for education, while noting fiscal limits on the policy goal of reaching 6 per cent. He highlighted shortages in academic and non-academic university staff and urged that Rs. 3 billion allocated for recruitment be used efficiently in consultation with the Treasury. He also called for faster A/L results and university admissions through modernization of the Examinations Department and UGC processes, and proposed easing duty on research equipment and expediting foreign university MoU approvals. He outlined increased salaries and allowances for academic and non-academic staff, stating the Government’s commitment to retaining qualified personnel in universities. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Public FinanceEducation Read →
7 March 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, moved Committee Stage amendments to the Appropriation Bill, 2025 for the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. The amendments increased the Ministry’s total capital allocation to Rs. 101.25 billion and raised Head 123, Programme 02 capital expenditure by Rs. 3.25 billion to Rs. 98.253 billion, incorporating provisions under Budget Proposals Nos. 18, 20, 25 and 30. The related recurrent and capital expenditure votes for Head 123 were put to the Committee and agreed to. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Public FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
7 March 2025 AI summary The Minister clarified that revisions to hydrated lime standards and the tender process predated the current administration, that a non-compliant consignment was rejected and not used in water purification, and that batch testing accounts for natural variations in limestone-derived products. He outlined the Ministry’s 2025 priorities in sustainable urban and rural planning, noting Rs. 180.9 billion allocated across water, housing, urban development and waste management, with most funds for capital expenditure. He announced city branding initiatives under the Clean Sri Lanka Programme and detailed housing plans, including Rs. 39.2 billion for housing and construction and Rs. 3,054 million through the National Housing Development Authority to support low-income housing and complete some of the 45,117 unfinished houses begun in earlier years. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Land & HousingPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
7 March 2025 AI summary Anura Karunathilaka rejected responding to hypothetical issues and said they should be raised only if they arise. He also challenged opponents over their response to past allegations concerning a former Minister and the importation of carcinogenic drugs, cautioning against misleading Parliament and the public through speculation. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 March 2025 AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the relevant items are kept in designated warehouses and, according to procedure, are dispatched only while awaiting required tests. He clarified that any items which fail the tests are not used. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board is not using the hydrated lime stock that failed quality requirements and that the request to raise permissible limits predated the current administration. He said tenders include specified quality parameters, stocks are tested both on receipt and before use, and non-compliant supplies are rejected and must be replaced by suppliers. He assured Parliament that only SLS-compliant hydrated lime is used for water purification. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) HealthcarePublic Finance Read →