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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Puttalam

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

Profession: Academician

Roster profile ↗
Speeches 146 #25 of 225·#12 in party
Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 62 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Oral question

Activity by sitting

58 sittings · counts only, no scoring.

Topic focus

AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.

Speech history

146 speeches
  • 13 November 2025 AI summary The Minister said Sri Lanka already extends orphan benefits up to age 26, beyond the age of majority used in many countries, and indicated that further legal provisions could be examined for special circumstances. He also noted that appointing beneficiaries to jobs in the same institutions is limited by qualification requirements, but said targeted programmes, projects, or concessional support mechanisms could be considered to provide relief. Oral Question: Payment of Pension since 2020 (1354/2025) EmploymentWomen & Children Read →
  • 13 November 2025 AI summary Approximately 735,110 pensioners are currently recorded, with about 2,500 new pensioners added monthly, and annual pension allocations have increased from Rs. 263,279 million in 2020 to Rs. 441,300 million in 2025. The Minister stated that pension benefits to spouses and eligible children are provided under the relevant Widows’, Widowers’ and Orphans’ pension laws, with unreduced pensions payable to spouses and orphans’ pensions payable to unemployed children under 26 where applicable. He noted that actual use of such pensions depends on the economic circumstances of the family unit. Oral Question: Payment of Pension since 2020 (1354/2025) Public Finance Read →
  • 13 November 2025 AI summary Under Standing Order 119(4), the Minister presented the observations and actions taken report on matters concerning the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Department of Registrar General, based on a report submitted by the Committee on Public Accounts. He proposed that the report be referred back to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the House agreed. Opening and Papers Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary The Minister defended the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had stabilized the economy through exchange-rate management and improved market performance. He rejected claims that funds were for MPs’ vehicles, stating that allocations were for vehicles and machinery needed by public institutions and local authorities, and outlined public service recruitments to address officer shortages across key services. He also highlighted increased Mahapola and scholarship allowances, provincial allocations for school nutrition, maintenance, operations, and development grants, and said provinces were expected to reach high levels of financial progress by December. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Public FinanceEducationEmployment Read →
  • 8 November 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to the adjournment motion regarding the Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha’s allocation of Rs. 19 million for 41 development projects, stating that implementation was temporarily suspended after a complaint raised concerns about jurisdiction, road ownership, and pending court matters. He said the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Commissioner of Local Government acted under Section 196 of the Pradeshiya Sabha Act to appoint two officers to inquire and report, with recommendations due to be submitted to the Governor by 21 November 2025. On the proposed recruitment of 10 waste management workers, he said deficiencies in the submission had been addressed and the proposal forwarded for the Governor’s approval. He added that the Government intends to provide equipment and facilities to local authorities without discrimination, while ensuring lawful use of public funds and proper deployment of staff. Adjournment Motion: Suspension of Development Projects Approved by Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha Corruption & Governance ReformInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
  • 8 November 2025 AI summary The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that outstanding wastewater works are targeted for completion by the end of 2027. He also said initial steps are being taken to address municipal solid waste management issues. Oral Question: Grant by Asian Development Bank to Colombo Municipal Council (Q.739/2025) Infrastructure Read →
  • 8 November 2025 AI summary The Minister acknowledged remaining gaps in the Greater Colombo wastewater projects and outlined the status of ADB-funded components, noting that several sewer rehabilitation, supply, and consultancy contracts have been completed while some pumping station, Kirulapone, and other works remain incomplete. He stated that further allocations are required and that the Government aims to complete outstanding works under the two projects by 31 December 2027. He also said foundational measures are underway to improve solid waste management operations and introduce new interventions. Oral Question: Grant by Asian Development Bank to Colombo Municipal Council (Q.739/2025) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
  • 8 November 2025 AI summary The Minister provided details of Asian Development Bank loan financing used by the Colombo Municipal Council for sewerage improvements in Colombo, listing utilized amounts under the Greater Colombo Wastewater Management Project and the Greater Colombo Water and Wastewater Management Improvement Investment Program. He stated that no portion of the ADB funds had been placed in deposit accounts without being utilized, making the related follow-up questions inapplicable. Oral Question: Grant by Asian Development Bank to Colombo Municipal Council (Q.739/2025) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
  • 8 November 2025 AI summary The Minister laid before Parliament, under Standing Order 119(4), reports on observations and actions taken concerning matters related to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Southern Provincial Council, as arising from a COPA report. He moved that the reports be referred to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 23 October 2025 AI summary The Minister answered a question regarding a purported internal road from Weppamkulam to Silawathurai in Mannar District, stating that no such road is recorded as belonging to the Provincial Council or its institutions. He said that, because the road is not recorded, the ministry has no information on reconstruction, ownership, agreements, or related arrangements, and the remaining parts of the question are therefore not applicable. Oral Question: Road from Weppamkulam to Silawathurai (Q.5/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 21 October 2025 AI summary Necessary measures have been initiated to address the requests raised. A committee chaired by the Prime Minister is examining them with the aim of ensuring fair outcomes. Question by Private Notice (SO 27(2)): Department of Pensions Services Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 21 October 2025 AI summary The Minister detailed service arrangements at the Department of Pensions, including Public Day access, weekday inquiries, front-desk officers for high-demand areas, ongoing online coordination with District and Divisional Secretariats, training programmes, and an Advisory Council for district-level issues. He said phone responses are constrained by staffing, but recruitment is being arranged, including 15 dedicated call-handling posts and additional staff for the 1970 hotline. He stated that complete and error-free online pension applications should result in the first pension being paid the following month, while W&OP death gratuity and pension payments take about two and three months respectively if documents are complete. He also explained that appointments made over the age limit of 45 require Cabinet approval before pension payment, and pensions remain subject to the Pensions Minute requirements, with gratuity or compensation payable where those requirements are not met. Question by Private Notice (SO 27(2)): Department of Pensions Services Public Finance Read →
  • 9 October 2025 AI summary The Minister answered that no circular has been issued under the relevant law, as existing legislation does not provide for such a circular, and said Registrar General’s Department officers have not harassed anyone while Muslim citizens have been informed of the current legal position. He stated that amendments to Section 2 of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act should be considered in light of social, cultural, legal and other factors, including its application to Muslims resident and non-resident in Sri Lanka. He added that, given the sensitivity of the matter, any reform should follow consultation with all stakeholders. Oral Question 4: Special Schools and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Religion & CultureJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 9 October 2025 AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna stated that if officials have misused the law or failed in their duties, the matter can be referred to the CID and addressed through departmental inquiries. He requested that specific details be provided so that appropriate action can be taken. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
  • 9 October 2025 AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna stated that he was not aware of any ongoing investigation and had only explained the applicable legal framework. He said the CID could investigate any evidence of dereliction of duty, while institutional action could also be taken if relevant details are provided. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Justice & Human Rights Read →
  • 9 October 2025 AI summary The Minister answered that the relevant Establishments Code provisions and Public Administration Circulars No. 32/91(ii) and No. 12/2021 apply to public officers with political rights appointed as Mayors or Chairpersons of Local Authorities. He stated that such officers may receive seven days’ duty leave per month for local authority duties, or take no-pay leave for the full tenure, and that the two Samurdhi Chairpersons concerned were granted duty leave accordingly while continuing normal departmental duties on other working days. He further clarified that receiving both the government salary and the allowance for the Chairperson post is not prohibited under the cited circular. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Public FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 8 October 2025 AI summary Discussions have been held with the relevant trade union representatives regarding their concerns. Necessary measures will be taken to address any identified issues. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Employment Read →
  • 8 October 2025 AI summary The Minister answered a Standing Order 27(2) question raised by Hon. K. Kader Masthan regarding the Government Translators’ Service. He stated that a structured service already exists, but salary issues arising from a proposed higher initial scale in the draft service minute are being addressed in line with the National Pay Policy and a Supreme Court judgment, with Special Grade promotions granted under Circular 12/2019. He said the Government will seek relevant concurrence and submit a Cabinet Memorandum, and that an independent committee is not presently necessary. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Public FinanceEmployment Read →
  • 8 October 2025 AI summary Necessary measures have already been initiated to address the issues raised, though they cannot all be completed immediately. The Minister stated that the Government will intervene expeditiously to resolve them. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna stated that earlier initiatives such as “Uthuru Wasanthaya” had not fully delivered expected benefits to the North. He said the Government had allocated funds in the previous Budget and would make further allocations in 2026 to address pressing needs and provide required facilities. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →