Hon. Arkam Ilyas, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Matara

Deputy Minister of Power

Profession: Structural Design Engineer

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 22 #168 of 225·#106 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

22 speeches

8 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported regulations under the Port City Commission Act, arguing that the Colombo Port City and related legal changes should be used under strong government oversight to attract investment, revive construction, improve ease of doing business, and create jobs. He linked the need for such economic measures to youth unemployment, low wages, migration and brain drain, warning that reliance on remittances is unsustainable. He also noted risks including environmental impacts, unequal benefits, tax concessions, money laundering, and effects on local businesses, and called for safeguards to protect sovereignty and national security. He additionally rejected blame on the Government for red raw rice shortages in the South, attributing them to climatic changes and irrigation deficiencies. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Public FinanceInfrastructureEmployment Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas, in his maiden speech, thanked voters in the Matara District and said the National People’s Power’s election victories reflected a shift beyond ethnic and communal political divisions, including in the North, East and Hill Country. He argued that national unity is now a practical basis for development and that reduced internal conflict would enable progress over the coming decade. He urged planned economic expansion, particularly through tourism and foreign exchange generation, citing Sri Lanka’s coastal, climatic, biodiversity, gemstone and cultural assets. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Public FinanceForeign AffairsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →