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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

Profession: ---

Roster profile ↗
Speeches 137 #31 of 225·#15 in party
Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 60 speeches
Last spoke 21 May 2026 in Adjournment

Activity by sitting

53 sittings · counts only, no scoring.

Topic focus

AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.

Speech history

137 speeches
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary The Minister said the Government has ensured priority fuel supplies for fishers, farmers and other essential activities, including kerosene and petrol during the fishing and paddy harvesting seasons. He argued that current fuel pressures stem from global war-related disruptions rather than domestic mismanagement, while contrasting this with the 2022 economic crisis, which he attributed to the previous rulers. He cited economic recovery indicators, including GDP growth, sectoral growth and increased fisheries earnings, and accused the Opposition of using the adjournment motion to revisit past issues rather than offer constructive proposals. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Cost of LivingPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary The Minister criticized the Opposition for moving a Motion to Postpone the House on the fuel issue while no Opposition Members were present in the Chamber during the debate. He argued that the absence showed the Motion was not pursued in earnest and that the Opposition had failed in its attempt to raise public concern over the issue. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 19 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasinghe take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Chanaka Madugoda left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasinghe assumed it. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 6 March 2026 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar supported the extension of emergency regulations, arguing that they were introduced in response to the “Ditwah” cyclone and later needed amid regional tensions caused by conflict in the Middle East, while stating that emergency laws and the PTA should ultimately be reformed or repealed. He contrasted the current Government’s use of emergency powers with past administrations, claiming no innocent civilians had been targeted under them during the present administration, and criticized Opposition and Tamil parties for politicizing the issue. He also reported a fatal boat accident near Paalai Theevu, expressed condolences, and said the Navy and fisheries officials had responded to assist victims. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Security & DefenceEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionForeign Affairs Read →
  • 5 March 2026 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the initiative aims to empower women by recognizing the dignity and qualifications of those who guide families and society. He stated that further action would be taken to ensure women deprived of rights can secure those rights and live better lives. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Women & Children Read →
  • 5 March 2026 AI summary The Minister warned fishers against crossing into other maritime zones amid heightened Indian Ocean security tensions, noting that two Kankesanthurai fishers reported missing had been arrested by Indian coastal security and that the Government would seek clarity and pursue diplomatic action for their release. He then supported the Adjournment Motion linked to International Women’s Day, emphasizing the need to recognize women’s economic contribution and unpaid care work through a National Care Policy. He highlighted the impact of war, microfinance debt, fisheries work, and poverty on women in the North, East, and plantation communities, while citing increased women’s representation in Parliament and local authorities. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Women & ChildrenForeign AffairsSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 4 March 2026 AI summary The Minister said authorities had been informed of the reported missing fishermen and that the Sri Lanka Navy had begun search operations. He noted that key details, including the boat’s registration and exact location or circumstances of disappearance, had not yet been properly provided, despite reports that Indian fishermen had encountered them. He said the Government expected clearer information by that night. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Foreign AffairsLaw & Order Read →
  • 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to concerns about the stake-net fishing industry, stating that operations have resumed but that the use of winches and tractors has been stopped due to safety and environmental concerns. He said previous approvals were granted without adequate study, environmental reporting, or proper mapping, and that net lengths had expanded far beyond the permitted 1.5 km, endangering over 5,000 small boats. He noted that affected parties had been informed six months earlier and that discussions, including with the President, were ongoing to consider limits, alternatives, or procedures to continue the traditional industry appropriately. Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) EnvironmentAgriculture Read →
  • 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the supplementary question was unrelated to the main question and could be answered if raised separately. He stated that traditional beach-seine fishing had not been obstructed, but concerns had been raised by environmental reports, including from NARA, about coastal damage caused by the use of winches and tractors. He said operators were given six months’ notice to stop such practices, discussions were held after their protest, and further consultations with stakeholders and experts would determine, within about two months, how the fishery could continue without environmental harm. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) EnvironmentEmployment Read →
  • 3 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the original question concerned insurance, while the supplementary related to kerosene for fishers. He stated that the Government reinstated the kerosene subsidy after taking office, enabling small fishing boats that had been pulled ashore due to high fuel costs to resume operations. He added that the current fuel issue linked to the war was expected to ease within one or two weeks, and that further measures would be considered if fishers continued to face difficulties. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) EmploymentCost of Living Read →
  • 3 March 2026 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources reported that Sri Lanka’s fishing industry includes marine fisheries, inland fisheries and aquaculture, with about 320,470 active fishers in 2024. He stated that, due to the hazardous nature of the sector, two personal insurance schemes are being implemented through the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and the Social Security Board, including accident, disability, death, hospitalization and other benefits. He also noted that a new contributory Fisher Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme was launched on 21 November 2025, offering lifetime pensions from age 60 and lump-sum benefits for disability or death, with amendments proposed to extend future pension benefits to spouses. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) AgricultureEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
  • 19 February 2026 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented the 2024 Annual Report of the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka. He moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Plantation and Sustainability of Resources, and the House agreed. Opening and Auditor-General's Report Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said shore seine fishers had been given a six-month grace period after discussions on the environmental impacts of winches and detectors, following which a ban was imposed and a court case was filed. He stated that consultations have begun with five fisher representatives and technical experts to assess impacts on beaches, crabs, turtles and turtle eggs, and to determine whether such technology should be permitted. He said a permanent solution would be provided within two months after consulting the President, while the ban remains in force and fishers are asked to continue hand-hauling nets in the interim. Oral Question: Fishery Buildings and Shore Seine Fishing in Pottuvil (1750/2025) EnvironmentAgriculture Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary The member responded to a matter raised outside the main question concerning disaster-related damage to fishers’ boats, nets, and livelihoods. He said the relevant documents should be provided so authorities can assess whether funding can be allocated immediately or future action taken, and indicated readiness to pursue further measures if required. Oral Question: Fishery Buildings and Shore Seine Fishing in Pottuvil (1750/2025) Public Finance Read →
  • 18 February 2026 AI summary The Minister replied to a question on post-tsunami fishery buildings in the Pottuvil Division, listing facilities handed to fishery organizations, cooperatives, individuals or other bodies, and identifying which are in use or non-functional. He stated that the Jalaldeen Square cold room was handed to the Sri Lanka Army in 2016 and that the ice factory is damaged, with documents submitted to the Divisional Secretariat to bring these facilities under the Department and restart them. He said non-functional buildings and facilities not under the Ministry should be discussed with the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat and at Divisional or District Coordinating Committee meetings, including possible public use or alternative land arrangements where appropriate. Oral Question: Fishery Buildings and Shore Seine Fishing in Pottuvil (1750/2025) AgricultureInfrastructure Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary The Minister supported the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, stating that it fulfils the Government’s promise to establish a new political culture without harming current beneficiaries. He argued that the special pension scheme and past parliamentary privileges had not improved governance, addressed corruption, or resolved ethnic discrimination and reconciliation issues. He said abolishing such entitlements is part of restoring public trust in Parliament and encouraging representatives committed to public service and sacrifice. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 9 January 2026 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented a petition to Parliament from S.A. Kanthasami Naidu of Jayasiripura, Pannala. Papers Presented and Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 8 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar presented, under Standing Order 119(4), a report on observations and actions taken regarding Ministry of Fisheries matters arising from a Committee on Public Accounts report previously presented to Parliament. He proposed that the report be referred to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 8 January 2026 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented the 2023 Annual Report of the Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Corporation. He proposed that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability of Resources, and the House agreed. Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 6 January 2026 AI summary The Minister supported the proclamation of emergency law following a recent national calamity, stating that the powers are intended for rapid recovery and public welfare, not for suppressing dissent. He contrasted this with past uses of emergency powers and the PTA, which he said were associated with killings, disappearances, abductions, and attacks on media. Responding to Tamil MPs, he rejected allegations of current police brutality against Tamils, said the Thayiddy–Tissa Vihara issue is being addressed fairly, and accused opposition figures in the North of raising such claims to divert attention from inquiries into alleged fraud, liquor permits, and sand mining. He assured that no Tamil citizen had been harmed under the current emergency and said the Government would protect people in the North and East. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionSecurity & DefenceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →