Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, M.P.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
Profession: Chartered Accountant
Speeches 77 #64 of 225·#28 in party
Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 29 speeches
Last spoke 21 May 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
37 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
77 speeches- 25 November 2025 AI summary Government policy is to harmonize and consolidate training courses through a unified programme coordinated among several Ministries, with action to follow recommendations from an appointed Parliamentary Committee. It was also stated that a shortage of Tamil-medium instructors has been identified, and that from next year the courses will be developed alongside recruitment of instructors to teach in Tamil. A programme for these measures is already being prepared. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Training Centres in Tamil Medium (Q.2/2025) Education Read →
- 25 November 2025 AI summary The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that the current Budget includes provisions to promote relevant courses and increase allocations to certain institutions. He acknowledged minor discrepancies at some centres, said steps are being taken to correct them, and indicated that course fees, payments, and allocations will be revised in the next Budget. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Training Centres in Tamil Medium (Q.2/2025) Public FinanceEducation Read →
- 25 November 2025 AI summary The Minister answered a question on youth training centres, confirming that 13 training centres operate nationally and listing four centres in the Badulla District, including Haldummulla as the Tamil-medium centre. He detailed the courses offered at Orubendigewela, Lewwegoda and Haldummulla, covering agriculture, ICT, beauty culture, hairdressing, computer graphics, English, tailoring and mechanics. He stated that Treasury allocations are insufficient and that centres are managed using both Treasury funds and internally generated revenue. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Training Centres in Tamil Medium (Q.2/2025) EmploymentEducation Read →
- 13 November 2025 AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Citizens’ Budget as a stabilization-focused Budget prepared under heavy debt-servicing obligations, noting Rs. 4,495 billion allocated for debt service and increased capital expenditure compared with 2024. He rejected Opposition claims that the Budget imposed new taxes, stating that no additional people-borne taxes were introduced and that the 18 percent VAT remained unchanged since January 2024. He highlighted improvements in exchange-rate stability, lower Treasury bill yields, export growth, remittances, tourism earnings, and reserves, and said relief for vulnerable groups such as estate workers reflected deliberate policy choices. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Law & OrderPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 8 November 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that a maintenance plan has been prepared for the Kalutara District Sports Complex, with details placed in the Library as Annex 01. He said the estimated cost is Rs. 39.80 million, or Rs. 40,614,586.92 including VAT, and that no payments have yet been made. He added that future repairs will be handled by the maintenance contractor. Oral Question: Kalutara District Sports Complex - Maintenance Infrastructure Read →
- 24 October 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that programmes such as “Mission Olympics 2028” and “Kreeda Shakthi,” along with allowances for coaches, are being implemented to develop athletics. He congratulated Lahiru Arachchinta for winning gold and Nethmi Gimhani for winning bronze at the Asian Youth Games, noting that Lahiru benefited from the Kreeda Shakthi programme. He said continued support would help Sri Lankan athletes advance nationally and internationally. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) EmploymentAgriculture Read →
- 24 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that the Ministry is working with Sri Lanka Cricket to develop sports grounds in multiple locations. He said plans are under way to establish international stadiums in Jaffna and Diyagama, with further district-level developments intended to expand access to sports in rural areas. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) Infrastructure Read →
- 24 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage provided details on Sri Lanka’s cricket infrastructure, stating that there are seven international cricket stadiums, including five owned by Sri Lanka Cricket and two club grounds used for international matches, with two further stadiums proposed in Diyagama and Jaffna. He said lists of grounds with turf, gravel or other pitches, school turf-wicket grounds, and district association grounds or proposals had been provided in annexes. He also stated that Sri Lanka Cricket allocates approximately Rs. 1.5 billion annually through the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association for school cricket development, including infrastructure, equipment, coaching, assistance and competitions. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) EducationInfrastructure Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage moved that the Bill be read a Third time and sought leave to correct typographical, printing, grammatical and numbering errors, along with consequential amendments. The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a Third time and passed. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage clarified that athlete selection and logistical arrangements are the responsibility of sports federations and their selection committees, while the Ministry may only fund or facilitate. He highlighted government support for para-sports, including engagement with India’s visually impaired cricket sector and investment in accessible equipment and infrastructure. He said the Ministry is pursuing inquiries and legal action involving several federations, and presented the Amendment Bill as a measure to strengthen the sports governance framework; the Bill was then read a Second time, referred to Committee, and reported without amendment. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Public FinanceJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary The Minister defended the amendments to the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, stating they were developed through consultations with WADA, Cabinet procedures, and legal advice to reduce ministerial control, align sanctions with due process, and strengthen anti-doping education and testing. He rejected Opposition claims that the Bill had led to international bans, loss of flag status, or funding problems, citing recent and upcoming Sri Lankan participation in international competitions. He also outlined “Mission Olympics” athlete and coach stipend schemes, anti-waste measures, regional sports infrastructure projects, and plans for new regulations and a forthcoming Sports Act to improve governance of national sports federations while keeping competitions active. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Public FinanceEmploymentLaw & Order Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed the Chair in place of Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage clarified that Sri Lanka’s WADA non-compliance issue was not due to negligence, stating that the Government had followed the required Cabinet, Attorney General’s Department, and legislative processes. He rejected claims that the issue had led to bans on hoisting the national flag, loss of international participation, or funding cuts, noting that Sri Lanka does not receive WADA funding. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Foreign Affairs Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports moved that the Bill be read a Second time. The motion was formally proposed for the House’s consideration. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage presented, under Standing Order 119(4), a report on the observations and actions taken by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports Development regarding matters raised by the Committee on Public Accounts. He moved that the report be referred to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented - Annual Reports and Ministry Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 10 September 2025 AI summary The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports presented the 2023 Annual Report of the National Sports Fund. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, and the motion was agreed to. Tabling of Reports and Papers (Annual Reports and Performance Reports) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 20 August 2025 AI summary The Minister defended the regulations under the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, stating they had been gazetted, reviewed in Committee and brought before Parliament after extensive study. He outlined key provisions including eight-year limits for principal federation offices, mandatory women’s representation in relevant sports bodies, and disqualification of persons involved in fraud or corruption. He also described Ministry initiatives to strengthen sports federations, restore rugby, promote regional talent identification, revive cycling and boxing events, develop school grounds, and provide allowances for school, national and elite athletes and coaches. He said air tickets would be provided only for planned and approved events, rejecting ad hoc requests outside procedure and budget. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Women & ChildrenEmploymentCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 20 August 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that the regulations previously promised within two weeks had now been brought before Parliament for debate. He indicated he would respond in detail to the remaining issues later in the sitting if the relevant Member was present. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 August 2025 AI summary The Minister noted that the Government marked the 25th International Youth Day on 12 August with a National Youth Conference held under the President’s patronage, themed around youth action for the Sustainable Development Goals. He said the Government’s youth policy seeks to develop a “future-ready” generation by integrating environmental concerns, skills, leadership, and opportunities for young people. He argued that past political culture had denied youth adequate roles in employment, politics, and leadership, and said the Government is working to address that gap. Ministerial Announcement: National Youth Conference Statement Corruption & Governance ReformEducationEmployment Read →
- 19 August 2025 AI summary The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports presented the Report of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on an Order made under the Sports Law, No. 25 of 1973, as published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/24 of 21 May 2025. The report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Papers: Annual Reports and Sectoral Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →