Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, M.P.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
Profession: ---
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- 15 November 2025 AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar briefly addressed the Committee Stage debate on the Budget, indicating that he wished to make remarks. The excerpt contains no substantive policy points, proposals, or questions before an interruption. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar raised a point of order objecting to Hon. Archchuna having referred to Hon. Ilankumaran as “செம்மறி ஆடு” (“goat”) in the Chamber. He urged that such insulting language was unacceptable in parliamentary proceedings. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar briefly asked the Deputy Speaker for a moment, without making a substantive policy point or raising a specific parliamentary matter. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that ongoing development programmes aim to rebuild public confidence and promote unity, equality, and interfaith harmony among all ethnic communities. He announced that a “Sri Lankan Day” would be held in December to bring citizens together under one flag, and called for cooperation in transforming Jaffna into a progressing region free from political mafias. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate InfrastructureEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar raised a procedural point, stating that although he had been allotted 16 minutes, he had spoken for only 13 minutes. He requested the Deputy Speaker to grant him one additional minute to continue. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar argued that blame for misconduct should not be placed on the entire military or police, but on a few individuals involved. He also alleged that political allies of the opposing side helped create and support mafia networks, while indicating he would proceed despite that contention. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said education in the North has improved, but parents are still sending children to Colombo or abroad because of threats from drug mafias, citing more than 100 children leaving in the past two months. He argued that while some elements within the military and police may be involved in drugs, it is inaccurate to blame the institutions as a whole, and alleged that some Tamil politicians are linked to drug networks, including recent arrests. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Security & DefenceEducationLaw & Order Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary The Minister argued that the 2026 Budget is viewed in the North and by Tamil-speaking communities as inclusive and supportive of national unity, while criticizing opposition parties for relying on grievance-based politics. He highlighted serious challenges in the North and East, including population decline, emigration, poverty, falling educational performance, reduced parliamentary representation, and drug-related criminal activity. He urged greater attention to local issues in the Budget debate and said the Government would take measures to improve education and address the social and economic problems affecting those regions. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 8 November 2025 AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar raised a point of Order objecting to insulting or unfounded allegations being made in Parliament against officials who were not present to respond. He urged that any such information be reported to the Police or CID for appropriate action rather than raised in that manner in the House. Adjournment Motion: Suspension of Development Projects Approved by Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar welcomed the adjournment motion as an opportunity to outline the Government’s first year under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arguing that it has begun addressing corruption, drugs, economic instability and public distrust. He contrasted the Government’s record with past administrations, including references to communal violence, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Jaffna Library burning, while stating he would focus on current work. He said economic confidence had improved, ethnic and religious tensions had reduced, and development in the North was being accelerated through projects including the KKS jetty, Myliddy harbour, sports facilities, land title grants, return of military-held civilian lands, and proposed industrial zones in Iranamadu, Parantan and Mankulam. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Corruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionEmployment Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary The Minister tabled a response detailing enforcement action under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, reporting 568 cases in Northern and Eastern districts in 2024 and 362 cases up to end-August 2025 for offences including illegal gear, prohibited species, unlicensed fishing, and unauthorized Indian operations. He stated that district officers have been instructed to act on complaints despite resource constraints, that 30 prosecutions under the Foreign Fishing Boats Act have been instituted this year and 15 Indian trawlers confiscated, and that no Ministry development activity is taking place at Kurikattuwan. He also outlined the phased development of Myliddy Fisheries Harbour, said sea cucumber aquaculture sites are assessed by relevant agencies before approval, and noted recent Cabinet approvals to fill technical vacancies in the Department. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Law & OrderAgricultureInfrastructure Read →
- 9 October 2025 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources rose under Standing Order 27(2). No substantive remarks, proposals, or questions are included in the provided excerpt. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed the Chair. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to Mano Ganesan by noting that he had opportunities in earlier discussions to pursue changes. He stated that the Government would not abolish institutions serving the hill-country people and would instead protect and strengthen them. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary The Government stated that it does not intend to abolish NEVIDA, but plans to improve and continue it. The member acknowledged that there may be broader systemic issues affecting the Authority and said the Government would address them. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Employment Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the fuel subsidy has been discontinued, but other assistance schemes remain in place. He said many eligible persons had not received previous support due to incorrect bank account or address details, and invited them to resubmit accurate information to officials so the assistance can be provided. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Government banks have begun implementing a concessional loan scheme, with details available through state banks and the relevant ministry. Measures are being taken to provide financial assistance to those engaged in production, agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, and to strengthen related institutions. The concerns raised by the Member were noted, with an assurance that appropriate action would be taken. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary The Minister said the Government had reintroduced fuel subsidies for fishing communities after taking office, including monthly support for diesel and kerosene-powered boats over a six-month period, amounting to more than Rs. 2 billion. He noted that fuel prices are adjusted under the IMF cost-reflective pricing framework and invited Members to participate in a forthcoming parliamentary discussion on kerosene subsidies led by the Minister of Power and Energy. He also outlined fisheries development measures in the North and East, including distribution of Chinese-donated nets, installation of container homes, upgrades to Point Pedro and Myliddy harbours, restarting the Karainagar boatyard facility, and recruitment to address official shortages in the Eastern Province. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan InfrastructureAgricultureCost of Living Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary The Minister said the fisheries and aquaculture sector is being refocused through expansion in the North and East and renewed attention to Puttalam’s contribution. He stated that past political interference had damaged the sector, and that the Ministry will convene exporters and engage stakeholders in producing districts to address issues. He also outlined plans for modernisation, including breeding centres and hatcheries, aimed at sectoral transformation. Oral Answers to Questions Corruption & Governance ReformInfrastructureAgriculture Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the Puttalam District, which contributes around 70 per cent of shrimp production, has been affected by disease risks linked to imported shrimp. He said the Government has identified risks to local farms and Sri Lanka’s export reputation, and therefore prohibits imported shrimp from being sold domestically or exported under the Sri Lankan name while seeking solutions within those controls. Oral Answers to Questions Agriculture Read →