Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, M.P.
Profession: Businessman
Speeches 97 #49 of 225·#3 in party
Attendance 4/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 34 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
40 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
97 speeches- 20 February 2025 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concerns about severe overcrowding in prisons, citing Mahara Prison holding 3,136 inmates against a capacity of 975 and Kalutara Prison holding 1,400 against a capacity of 800, with similar conditions at Colombo Magazine, CRP, and Welikada. He referred to government plans to demolish prison buildings and drew attention to the situation at Kalutara Prison, seeking clarification in that context. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) InfrastructureJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana sought the Speaker’s permission to respond during the proceedings. No substantive policy position, proposal, or question was stated in the provided excerpt. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Requested that both sides of the House be informed, addressing the Chair. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana briefly responded to the Speaker, stating that he had not taken 15 minutes of speaking time. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana stated that, as a senior Member, he listens respectfully to proceedings, while urging the Chair to consider the importance of the matter under discussion. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised a second supplementary question concerning overcrowding in prisons, citing Mahara Prison as an example. The intervention appears to seek clarification on conditions and possible measures to address prison congestion. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Law & Order Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana requested the line Minister to consider aligning the salary scales of the Police and Prisons Departments. He argued that both departments perform similar services and should therefore receive comparable pay. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Law & OrderPublic Finance Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana highlighted staffing shortages in the Prisons Department, noting that 37 prisons hold about 30,000 inmates and remandees with 5,218 officers against an estimated cadre need of around 7,000, and referred to planned recruitment. Referring to the incident at the Hulftsdorp Courts complex and past incidents including at Kalutara Prison, he urged attention to the safety of prison officers and staff. He also asked what action would be taken to address prison officers’ pay, which he said is lower than that of police despite comparable duties, and to improve their security. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
- 20 February 2025 AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration to provide prison-by-prison details on staffing levels, infrastructure deficiencies, and measures taken to improve facilities. He also sought information on rehabilitation centres for imprisoned persons, including the number of centres, the number of persons undergoing rehabilitation in each, and the rehabilitation methods used. Oral Question: Prison Officer Staffing and Overcrowding (Q.2/2025) Justice & Human Rights Read →
- 10 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana paid tribute to the late Hon. Kumara Welgama, recalling his nearly 30 years in Parliament, ministerial service, and longstanding role in Kalutara politics. He highlighted Welgama’s contributions to infrastructure development in Agalawatta, employment opportunities in transport-related sectors, and annual provision of school supplies to Grade 1 students. He also noted Welgama’s independent political positions, the assault he suffered during the Aragalaya, and his later call for leniency toward the assailants. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the Kalutara political fraternity and referred to Senal Welgama continuing his father’s political path. Votes of Condolence: Hon. Kumara Welgama, Hon. H. Nandasena, and Hon. Tudor Gunasekera Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana supported the objectives of the President’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative but questioned its implementation, particularly enforcement actions affecting private buses and three-wheelers. He urged the Government to consult Provincial Transport Authorities, the NTC and operators before removing bus accessories such as roof-rack ladders, and proposed regulating vehicle modifications through the Motor Traffic Act with an annual levy applied fairly to all vehicle categories. He also called for attention to CTB buses, railways and public littering, warned against insensitive enforcement involving religious or cultural displays in three-wheelers, and briefly criticised the Government’s rice import decision as failing to satisfy consumers. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Cost of LivingLaw & Order Read →
- 17 December 2024 AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana welcomed the Supplementary Estimate on education but argued that support for children’s schooling must be linked to broader family welfare. He urged the Government to present the 2025 Budget early and address public expectations, including salary increases for public and private sector workers, removal of PAYE tax, reductions in electricity bills, and VAT relief on educational items and essential foods. Referring to the resignation of the former Speaker and the role of “Viyath Maga,” he said academic qualifications should be balanced with social connection and public experience, citing the COVID-19 forced cremation policy as a lesson. He stated that the Opposition would support measures that benefit education. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) EducationCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 5 December 2024 AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana made only a brief expression of thanks. No substantive policy issue, proposal, question, or legislative matter was raised. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 December 2024 AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana requested clarification from the Government Chief Organizer regarding the list of liquor licences issued to wine stores under the previous Government, which had been tabled the previous day. He specifically asked that the names of any public representatives who recommended each licence, including in Kalutara District where more than six new licences were issued, also be tabled so that responsibility can be identified. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana congratulated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the new Government on its mandate following the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, while thanking voters in Kalutara for re-electing him. He said the Government had received broad public confidence and must now meet expectations for prosperity, equality, and “one law for all,” particularly through its forthcoming programme and Budget. He stated that the Opposition should act constructively by supporting measures beneficial to the country and opposing those it believes harmful, while cautioning that governing under current conditions and public scrutiny would be difficult. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 December 2024 AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana congratulated the Speaker on his appointment and urged him and the Leader of the House to follow past parliamentary practice regarding Party Leaders’ meetings. He noted that constituent parties in alliances had previously been allowed representation at such meetings and requested similar consideration for parties that contested under the NDF. Procedural: Points of Order (Party Leaders Definition, Provincial Council System) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 3 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana briefly raised a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the excerpt. Procedural: Points of Order (Party Leaders Definition, Provincial Council System) Parliamentary Procedure Read →