Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Deputy Minister of Tourism

Profession: Academician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 48 #97 of 225·#46 in party

Attendance 4/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

48 speeches

7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said lands previously held by the Tri-Forces are being progressively released after the war, while the Sweat Bay land remains subject to court proceedings. He stated that, once legal matters conclude, SLTDA lands will be opened for proposals for environmentally appropriate, sustainability-focused tourism projects involving local and foreign investors, and that discussions will be held with Defence authorities to release other suitable military-held lands for commercial tourism investment. Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) Land & HousingInfrastructureForeign Affairs Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority owns 632 acres, 3 roods and 5 perches of land in the Trincomalee District, including major extents at Kuchchaveli and Nilaveli. He said the lands face significant encroachment issues, with action being taken to remove unauthorized occupants, while tourism resort development plans, investor leases, approvals and calls for Expressions of Interest are proceeding. Regarding the 12-acre Sweat Bay land, he said Red Rock Beach/Dilmah is in occupation, no authorization has been given, and the Divisional Secretary’s notice to vacate is subject to a writ application before court. Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) InfrastructureLand & Housing Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said a national branding campaign and tourism marketing programme are being developed systematically, with the Presidential Task Force established to coordinate existing tourism institutions and improve decision-making. He tabled Extraordinary Gazette No. 2450/27 of 20 August 2025 on the establishment of the Task Force for implementing the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Programme. He also outlined its 28-member composition, including ministers, ministry secretaries, heads of tourism and related public agencies, law enforcement and immigration officials, and private sector tourism experts. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Foreign AffairsInfrastructure Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister reported that tourism earned USD 3.17 billion in 2024 and USD 1.7 billion in the first half of 2025, with a 2025 target of USD 5 billion and a projected GDP contribution of about 4.5%. He said arrivals up to 31 August 2025 reached 1,566,523, a 16% year-on-year increase, and noted the recent fatal incident in Ella while acknowledging local and emergency responders. He outlined the Presidential Task Force on Tourism’s role in policy planning, monitoring, decentralised implementation, infrastructure development, sustainable community participation, and international promotion, and stated that its Gazette and membership would be tabled in Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Tourism Promotion and Finance Company Interest Charges Foreign AffairsInfrastructure Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said drug and underworld networks had developed over decades with political links, and that ongoing investigations would be given independence and support to identify and punish those responsible. He argued that, in the context of bankruptcy and heavy debt, Sri Lanka must attract investment, promote tourism, and sustain remittance growth to rebuild the economy. He urged Parliament to approve the Agreement before the House by a two-thirds majority as part of a broader effort to secure long-term foreign direct investment and economic stability. Division Vote on UAE Agreement Law & OrderPublic FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
9 September 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Sri Lanka–UAE Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, stating that it would strengthen legal protections, dispute-resolution mechanisms and investor confidence while benefiting investors in both countries. He argued that economic and political stability had improved, citing the rise in the Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI and reported investment inflows, and compared Sri Lanka’s economic indicators with the UAE’s to underline the value of the partnership. He said long-term investment was necessary alongside IMF-supported stabilization, remittances and tourism, and urged Parliament to approve the agreement with the required two-thirds majority while rejecting diversions to unrelated issues. Debate: Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (Continued) Public FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe defended the Government’s renewable energy tariff revision, arguing that reducing the rate from 37% to 20% was intended to balance the interests of consumers, businesses and solar investors rather than harm investors. Speaking on the Companies (Amendment) Bill, he said the amendments address gaps in the 2007 law by requiring disclosure of beneficial ownership in line with FATF Recommendation 24. He argued that stronger transparency provisions are needed to curb money laundering, terrorism financing and the black economy, and called on the Opposition to support the Bill as part of efforts to promote political and economic stability. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & OrderPublic Finance Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary Plans for tourism development will involve the Ruhunu Tourism Agency and aim to cover attractive tourist areas across Sri Lanka. District Coordinating Committees, particularly tourism subcommittees, are being used to review proposals, with two days to be allocated in the Southern Province for discussion and decision-making. Oral Question: Tourism Zones in Matara District (Q.6/2025 – 866/2025) Foreign Affairs Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary A Southern Tourism Agency has been established to coordinate tourism activities in the Southern Province, and related projects are being carried out with its involvement. The member proposed consulting the agency and other stakeholders on whether the area should be included in the Deniyaya Tourism Zone gazette or brought under an expanded Matara tourism zone. Oral Question: Tourism Zones in Matara District (Q.6/2025 – 866/2025) Infrastructure Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Deputy Minister stated that 24 Tourism Development Areas have been gazetted nationally, including approximately 1,040.75 hectares in the Matara District. He outlined key tourist attractions in and around Matara, Weligama, Mirissa, Gandara, Kottegoda and Dikwella, and acknowledged tourism potential in the Kotapola and Pitabeddara Divisional Secretaries’ Divisions. He said any declaration of Kotapola and Pitabeddara as a Tourism Development Area must follow the standard process of identifying need, attractions and boundaries, consulting stakeholders, and issuing public notification, with a decision needed on whether to add them to the existing Matara City area or a proposed future Deniyaya area. Oral Question: Tourism Zones in Matara District (Q.6/2025 – 866/2025) InfrastructureForeign Affairs Read →
6 June 2025 AI summary Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe clarified that when the printed answer was prepared and received, the appointment in question had not yet been made. He said he later checked with the relevant office, added a separate note on whether any such appointments existed, and had already informed Parliament of that update. Oral Question: Ambassadors and High Commissioners with Dual Citizenship Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 June 2025 AI summary After reviewing the matter raised by another Member, Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe stated that an appointment to Dubai had been made after the relevant Answer was prepared. He clarified that the appointee is an Australian citizen and said there is no conflict of interest in relation to her engagement. Oral Question: Ambassadors and High Commissioners with Dual Citizenship Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 June 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Deputy Minister stated that there are no reports of Sri Lankan Ambassadors or High Commissioners holding dual citizenship while representing Sri Lanka. He added that no such appointments have been made, making the related follow-up questions inapplicable. Oral Question: Ambassadors and High Commissioners with Dual Citizenship Parliamentary ProcedureForeign Affairs Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said remittances remain vital and the Government aims to increase overseas employment of skilled rather than unskilled workers through coordination with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission. He noted that Sri Lanka does not consistently secure category-wise minimum wages abroad, unlike some countries such as the Philippines, partly due to skills gaps among workers. He stated that TVEC-led upskilling efforts and negotiations by Sri Lankan foreign missions on category-wise minimum wages are under way. Oral Question: Sri Lankan Workers Migrated to Israel as Caregivers (Q.635/2025) Foreign AffairsEmployment Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary PIBA had temporarily paused and later resumed male recruitment. Complaints have been received about individuals or groups collecting money from or defrauding foreign employment jobseekers, including but not limited to Israel-related recruitment, and investigations are ongoing. Oral Question: Sri Lankan Workers Migrated to Israel as Caregivers (Q.635/2025) EmploymentForeign Affairs Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary From 2015 to 20 May 2025, 16,232 Sri Lankan workers migrated to Israel as caregivers through SLBFE channels, with 650 recorded in 2025 up to that date. Under the 2020 Sri Lanka-Israel agreement, applicants are selected through an online process, eligibility screening, a PIBA-conducted lottery, medical and police clearances, Safe Foundation interviews, and employer selection based on interview recordings. The Deputy Minister said male caregiver applications, previously suspended by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority, were reopened on 10 March 2025, and outlined eligibility criteria including caregiver qualifications, age, education, health, English training, and a clean police record. He also stated that SLBFE provides 45-day residential training and that 16 TVEC-approved institutes are authorized to conduct caregiver courses, with transparency maintained through online applications and PIBA supervision. Oral Question: Sri Lankan Workers Migrated to Israel as Caregivers (Q.635/2025) Foreign AffairsEmployment Read →
4 June 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Deputy Minister requested two weeks’ time to provide responses to the questions raised. Question by Private Notice: Colombo–Kankesanthurai Train Service and Tourism Promotion Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 May 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Tourism said leased properties would be revalued by the Government Valuation Department and regularized at market-based lease rates. He added that inquiries are underway into past releases of Land Reform Commission lands, with temporary suspensions on alienations, and that the Government would seek to secure land required for tourism projects once those inquiries are completed. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Land & HousingInfrastructure Read →
9 May 2025 AI summary Responding on behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the Mahiyanganaya tourist centre covers 6,928 square metres and was built at a cost of Rs. 10,394,662.02 by the Uva Provincial Ministry of Tourism to provide facilities for local and foreign tourists. He said it is currently leased to Mr. Ravindra Anura Widanagama for Rs. 36,000 per month, and that the original objective does not appear to be fulfilled under the present arrangement. He added that leased state properties under the Ministry are to be revalued by the Government Valuation Department and re-leased under proper market conditions and procedures. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
15 March 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s tourism policy, citing recent international recognition of Sri Lanka as evidence of improved global perception and disputing Opposition claims about inaction. He outlined initiatives for tourism development in the North and North-Central, including plans related to Mannar, Talaimannar, Wilpattu access, and the Talaimannar–Rameswaram ferry, and denied that SLTDA land in Kuchchaveli had been allocated for sand mining. He reported increased tourism FDI, clearance of a 5,000-plus SLTDA registration backlog, planned expansion of training, regulation of informal accommodation, and Budget allocations for city-based promotion and upgrading 100 attractions. He also said the Government would introduce a contributory pension scheme and social protection fund for tourism workers while expanding tourism benefits to less-developed areas. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) InfrastructureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →