Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Gampaha

Profession: ---

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 19 #179 of 225·#117 in party

Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

19 speeches

8 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama explained the academic meanings and requirements for titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor,” noting that professorial titles require a PhD, further scholarly qualifications, institutional approval, and, after retirement, Council approval for emeritus status. He said honorary doctorates may be conferred only through rigorous university processes, and noted that the Education Ministry is already working on regulating institutions that award or sell degrees and honorifics. He supported the Motion if made in good faith and proposed that regulation also cover misuse of other titles, including designations such as “Attorney-at-Law” and commercially sold honorifics. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Parliamentary ProcedureEducation Read →
8 May 2026 AI summary The Government stated it has no objection to Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Motion to prevent the misuse of the titles “Professor” and “Doctor.” It also noted that the debate highlights public misconceptions regarding the proper use and meaning of such titles. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 February 2026 AI summary Ruwan Mapalagama rejected the Opposition’s allegations over coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant, arguing that the Government had followed a tender process and that Opposition speakers had not presented substantive evidence. He contrasted current energy and fuel management with previous practices, citing reductions in petrol, diesel and kerosene prices since the Government took office and denying claims that power cuts or energy instability would return. He also demanded that MP S. M. Marikkar substantiate or publicly withdraw an allegation regarding a bank account linked to Minister Kumara Jayakody’s family. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) EnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
23 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama supported the Universities (Amendment) Bill, arguing that the 1978 Universities Act must be updated to modernize higher education governance, broaden eligibility for senior posts such as Deans, and introduce performance- and skills-based leadership. He said education should be treated as a public investment and an instrument of social transformation, not as a commodity, and linked the reforms to the National People’s Power education policy. He also called for modern post-1948 history, including events such as the rise of the LTTE, Black July, and the burning of the Jaffna Library, to be included in school curricula. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Education Read →
8 January 2026 AI summary The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama presented a petition from Ms. K. A. Ariyawathi of Ranmutugala, Kadawatha. The petition was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
25 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama defended the education allocations in the Budget, highlighting the relaunch of the Suraksha student insurance scheme from 2026, grants for students in small schools and Aswesuma families, transport support, sanitary pad provision, and funding for pirivena education. He rejected Opposition claims that education reforms were merely presentational, stating that a formal reform report with ten objectives had been prepared and made available. He also defended the tuition sector, arguing that it provides supplementary education and livelihoods, and said any tax issues should be addressed without disparaging the entire profession. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Education Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Ruwan Mapalagama supported expanding Civic Education into “Law and Civic Education” to give students early awareness of lawful conduct, rights, and responsibilities. He argued that legal education could help children recognize and report abuse, and said it would reinforce the Government’s policy of equal application of the law. He also endorsed the proposal to offer Law as an optional subject at O/L and A/L. Private Members' Motion P.43/2025: Integrating Law and Ethics to School Curriculum Justice & Human RightsEducation Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama stated that Law will not be introduced as a standalone school subject at present. Instead, from next year, a Law module will be incorporated into Civic Education for Grade 6 in Term 3, with similar inclusion across Grades 6 to 11. Private Members' Motion P.43/2025: Integrating Law and Ethics to School Curriculum Education Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama moved a resolution urging the Government to integrate basic legal education into the Civic Education syllabus from Grades 6 to 11, arguing that citizens are expected to know the law despite the absence of structured legal instruction in schools. He proposed renaming Civic Education as “Law and Civic Education” under the 2026 Grade 6 reforms and strengthening legal modules without adding a separate new subject. He cited international examples and noted support from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka for including law in the school curriculum to promote legally aware and responsible citizens. Private Members' Motion P.43/2025: Integrating Law and Ethics to School Curriculum EducationLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama presented two petitions to Parliament on behalf of Mr. I.D. Arunanaaga of Katana and Mr. P.R. Nishantha Sujeewa of Kalagedihena. Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
26 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama addressed the adjournment debate on COPE’s Fourth Report, outlining procedural changes under the 10th Parliament’s COPE, including seeking written responses from all 458 institutions on Auditor General findings, issuing institution-specific reports, and proposing Standing Order amendments to enable referrals to the CID or Bribery Commission. He identified recurring governance weaknesses in State institutions and cited findings at the University of Sabaragamuwa, including alleged overpricing of book purchases, removal of soil from university land, and concerns linked to a recent student suicide and possible ragging. He also referred to procurement concerns at the National Youth Services Council and said COPE would pursue fraud, corruption, and illegality beyond mere reprimand. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Justice & Human RightsParliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mr. H.G.C.S. Kumara of Bodhi Pihituwala, Horampella, Minuwangoda. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
25 July 2025 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mr. R.A.N.D.S. Rajapaksha of Magalegoda, Veyangoda. No further details of the petition’s subject matter were stated. Petitions Presented to Parliament Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama supported the government’s education reforms, describing them as a major shift that will be phased in from 2026 for Grades 1 and 6 and later for Grade 10 students. He said the reforms would move beyond exam-centred education, introduce a Grade 9 National Competency Assessment, guarantee education up to Grade 13, and ensure students complete schooling with at least NVQ Level 4 pathways. He highlighted new curriculum areas, inclusive and non-formal education, and clarified that History would remain compulsory up to Grade 11, rejecting claims that it was being removed. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms (continued) Education Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama presented a petition from U. G. P. M. Udalamatta of Gampaha. The petition was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions, after which the House proceeded to oral questions, including a question on the Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation. Presentation of Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama defended the Government’s cultural policy and Budget allocations for the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs portfolio, arguing that a national cultural revival is needed to address violence, frustration and loss of compassion in society. He outlined proposed programmes including literary festivals, teacher training in literature and aesthetics, support for children’s arts, plantation community cultural initiatives, Jaffna school library books, sign-language films, and competitions for creators with disabilities. He also said cultural centres should be restored to their core cultural role and that aesthetic appreciation should be broadened across the education system. The speech also criticized the Opposition’s parliamentary attendance and predictions about the Government’s instability, while asserting that the Government’s large mandate remains intact. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment EducationReligion & CultureWomen & Children Read →
21 February 2025 AI summary Accepted thirteen public petitions from constituents residing in areas including Rambukkana, Gonawila, Piliyandala, Ganemulla, Ragama, Nittambuwa, Kotugoda, Gampaha, Veyangoda, Mabodala, Dewalapola, and Wewala North. No substantive issues or requests contained in the petitions were stated during the speech. Petitions Presented by Members Parliamentary Procedure Read →
18 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama supported the President’s Budget, highlighting allocations for the Karasnagala Integrated Water Supply Project in Gampaha, an inland container terminal at Veyangoda, and tourism development in Attanagalla and surrounding historic sites. He cited welfare and education measures including increased allowances for schoolchildren, preschool meals and teachers, scholarship recipients, sports school students, TVET trainees, and university students. He also referred to policy moves on digital payments, support for persons with autism and special needs, restoration of the Jaffna Public Library collections, and the removal of MPs’ vehicle permits and concessions. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Cost of LivingInfrastructureEducation Read →
3 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama thanked voters in Gampaha for the National People’s Power mandate and framed the 2024 presidential and parliamentary results as a peaceful democratic rejection of corrupt and hereditary politics. He argued that the mandate requires delivering justice for victims of past killings and implementing the NPP programme “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” defining prosperity as social, cultural, intellectual, and moral development as well as economic improvement. He criticized previous administrations for failures such as examination delays, paper shortages, electricity bill printing issues, and temporary identity card measures, and pledged that NPP MPs would not betray the public mandate. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →