Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Colombo

Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees

Profession: Medical Practitioner

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 10 #211 of 225·#149 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

10 speeches

20 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih said the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025 reflected a national recovery marked by returning confidence, stronger remittances, a current account surplus, improved banking sector stability, and expanding private sector credit. He emphasized that reforms such as digital payments, stronger supervision, and anti-money laundering measures must continue alongside fiscal discipline and policy consistency. He cautioned against complacency given global risks, energy price volatility, and climate vulnerability, and called for inclusive, people-centred growth with social protection, youth opportunities, institutional strengthening, and national unity. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Cost of LivingPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
20 March 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih argued that Sri Lanka should maintain principled non-alignment and uphold the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace amid growing global uncertainty. Referring to the rescue and repatriation of Iranian naval cadets after an attack on an unarmed vessel within Sri Lanka’s EEZ, he said humanitarian obligations at sea must prevail over political pressure. He also called on parliaments worldwide to establish stronger safeguards over leaders’ authority to command armed forces or catastrophic weapons, including regular independent assessments of mental and emotional fitness. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Security & DefenceForeign Affairs Read →
19 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Speaker supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the related Judicature Act amendment, stating that they close legal gaps in prosecuting drug trafficking on the high seas and give the High Court jurisdiction over such offences. He argued that Sri Lanka’s maritime location exposes it to international drug syndicates and that the amendments align national law with international conventions and strengthen maritime enforcement. He also urged a balanced approach combining firm action against traffickers with rehabilitation, prevention, education and treatment for victims of addiction. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Foreign AffairsLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
23 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Speaker presented the First Report of the Ministerial Consultative Committees for the First Session of the Tenth Parliament. Papers Presented and Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
13 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih supported the Second Reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a continuation of fiscal stabilization aimed at directing resources to education, health, infrastructure, employment, and social welfare. He highlighted provisions including public sector salary and pension increases, recruitment for essential services through examinations, a daily wage increase for estate workers, school stationery support, university and Mahapola funding, and health investments such as a new National Cardiac Unit and assistance for Thalassemic patients. He also urged mandatory genetic screening with counselling for susceptible populations, while emphasizing implementation discipline, anti-drug rehabilitation and prevention measures, and inclusive growth through SMEs, digital infrastructure, and agricultural modernization. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) EducationPublic FinanceHealthcare Read →
21 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of Mr. M. A. Nishshanka Bandara of Maradana Road, Colombo 10. Petitions Presented to Parliament Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 June 2025 AI summary Dr. Rizvie Salih supported the Bill to curb banned substances in competitive sports in line with WADA directives, arguing that anti-doping policy should be punitive, preventive, proactive and rehabilitative, with responsibility extending to coaches, trainers, sponsors and institutions. He called for mandatory registration and licensing of gyms, certification of trainers, regulation or banning of harmful supplements, and awareness campaigns targeting students and parents, citing health risks and possible narcotics activity linked to unregulated gym culture. He also briefly congratulated the Colombo Municipal Council members and urged action on Gaza, calling for an end to violence and support for a UN-endorsed two-State solution based on 1967 borders. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Foreign AffairsHealthcareLaw & Order Read →
20 March 2025 AI summary During the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Rizvie Salih highlighted tourism as a key source of foreign exchange for economic recovery, but raised concerns about alleged illegal business operations and disruptive conduct by some Israeli tourists in surfing destinations, citing a recent newspaper article. He argued that such activity may reduce benefits to the Sri Lankan economy and damage the country’s reputation as a peaceful tourist destination. He also referred to renewed Israeli military action in Gaza following ceasefire breakdowns, citing reported civilian casualties and attacks on designated safe zones. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
6 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih welcomed the discussion as healthy and noted the Opposition’s passionate contributions. He urged Members to focus on leaving a positive legacy for future generations, grounded in service to people beyond political or social differences. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih supported the 2025 Budget allocations for Health and Mass Media, highlighting Rs. 604 billion in total provision and measures for infrastructure, communicable disease control, NCD screening, maternal nutrition, Triposha, and Suwa Seriya. He raised concerns about urban health access, OPD delays, language barriers, poor sanitation, substance abuse, and the effects of past substandard medicine procurement, urging digitalization, stronger prevention, and safeguards against recurrence. He also noted health-sector brain drain and welcomed salary and allowance increases while commending health workers for their service and for calling off trade union action. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media EnvironmentPublic FinanceHealthcare Read →