Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Polonnaruwa

Profession: Teacher

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 54 #91 of 225·#42 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

54 speeches

7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked whether the Ministry has taken action to reduce microplastics, noting that they are particles under 5 mm that can break down into nanoplastics and are present in products such as toothpaste and cosmetics. He linked their environmental spread to concerns about rising chronic diseases, including cancers, particularly in areas such as Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) EnvironmentHealthcare Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri highlighted Sri Lanka’s high annual plastic consumption and stated that single-use plastic and polythene account for about 70 per cent of total use. Citing monthly usage figures for yoghurt cups, lunch sheets, and polythene bags, he asked the Ministry what specific measures have been taken to reduce single-use polythene. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Environment Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to provide information on the number of plastic manufacturing factories in Sri Lanka and annual production volumes of plastic and polythene. He also sought details on measures to reduce plastic and polythene use and whether the Government has considered the quality of plastic food packaging intended for young children. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Environment Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri presented two petitions to Parliament on behalf of Mr. G.B. Manoj Hemanta Devapura of Damanewewa, Nuwaragala, Polonnaruwa, and Mr. Nandaveera Wasthu Heva of Ruhunugama, Kanchchigala. Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked why Sri Lanka Telecom, despite its long history from the origins of the country’s communications network, has fallen behind a newer competitor and now holds only about 30 per cent of telephone subscribers. He sought the primary reason for SLT’s decline in market position. Oral Question Q.9/2025: Sri Lanka Telecom Employment Infrastructure Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri raised a procedural concern about the slow progress of Oral Answers to Questions, noting that by the scheduled 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. period only the 8th question had been reached. He requested the Speaker’s intervention to manage time, particularly in view of a debate scheduled for the same day. Oral Question Q.9/2025: Sri Lanka Telecom Employment Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of Mr. Ajith Siriwardhana of No. 844/1, Isipathana Area, Polonnaruwa. Opening and Speaker's Certificate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri briefly indicated that he would ask the relevant question in the House. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or argument was raised in the statement. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri spoke during the debate on amendments and regulations relating to Samurdhi, Rubber Control, sports, and the Judicature Act, extending wishes to the Sri Lankan weightlifting team and noting Polonnaruwa’s contribution to the squad. He rejected Opposition criticisms on the treatment of past athletes and on judicial independence, arguing that the present Government has protected the judiciary. He said past poverty alleviation schemes from food stamps to Aswesuma had failed to eliminate poverty and cited income inequality and graduate migration as major concerns. He stated that, in addition to the President’s decision to recruit 30,000 public servants, the Government plans to recruit at least 62,000 more to address staff shortages and strengthen public services over the next four years. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Cost of LivingJustice & Human RightsEmployment Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri expressed appreciation to the Deputy Minister for advocating on behalf of farmers. He noted that the Government increased the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 and decided to provide a Rs. 15,000 per hectare grant for cultivating inter-seasonal crops on paddy lands. Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) Agriculture Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri referred to a police raid in Dimbulagala where ammonia fertilizer allegedly was being repackaged and sold as urea with false nitrogen content, linking it to farmer complaints over poor yields in Polonnaruwa. He questioned the adequacy of the Rs. 5,000 fine for such offences and asked what redress would be provided for the wider economic and social losses to farmers, rice mills, employment, and rice supply. He also referenced the 2021 Qingdao Seawin organic fertilizer procurement and the reported US$ 6.9 million compensation payment. Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) EmploymentCorruption & Governance ReformAgriculture Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on the Regulation of Fertilizer Act, including the year it was presented to Parliament and the maximum penalty applicable to manufacturers of fake fertilizer. He also sought information on whether fertilizer standards in the market are inspected and whether programmes exist to produce or encourage the production of organic and chemical fertilizers in Sri Lanka. Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) Agriculture Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri raised concern that former district fuel distribution tanks are no longer in use and that islandwide fuel distribution now depends on bowser owners. He asked whether the Ministry has called a tender to award fuel distribution to a single individual, warning that such a move could affect around 400 families operating bowsers. Oral Question: Petroleum Storage Tanks in Cities (Q.9) EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri raised concerns about a fuel storage site on Railway Department land at Kaduruwela, Polonnaruwa, where tenders were called in September 2024 to dispose of specified above-ground tanks and related materials. He alleged that an additional 45,000-litre underground BBD tank, not included in the tender scope, was excavated and cut up, and asked what action would be taken against those responsible. Oral Question: Petroleum Storage Tanks in Cities (Q.9) Public FinanceLaw & Order Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Sunil Rathnasiri asked the Minister of Energy whether the Government is aware of petroleum storage tanks in cities such as Polonnaruwa, Matale and Anuradhapura, and requested details on the total number of such tanks nationwide, their ownership, and average capacity. He also asked whether any plans are currently in place to make use of these tanks, and if not, the reasons for inaction. Oral Question: Petroleum Storage Tanks in Cities (Q.9) Public Finance Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri disputed Opposition claims about Port Authority land in Trincomalee being used for a solar project, stating that approval had been granted on 01.07.2023 under the previous administration. He also defended the formation of youth clubs under “A Tomorrow for Youth” and alleged past misuse of National Youth Services Council and election-period funds by political opponents. He argued that the Government had prioritised economic recovery and rule of law by passing several legal reforms, including criminal procedure, proceeds of crime, foreign judgments, and Companies Act amendments, and linked these measures to improved tourism, remittances, and foreign investment prospects. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
11 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri outlined the origins of Mahapola’s investment in SLIIT and cited the 2003 and 2005 agreements that gave Mahapola profit-sharing, director appointments, and approval rights. He argued that the 2015 agreement improperly transferred extensive control over state land and assets to SLIIT while limiting Mahapola’s role and undercompensating it relative to SLIIT’s profits. Referring to findings of a Presidential Special Commission, he asked what action the present Minister would take against the individuals identified as responsible. Oral Questions - First Round EducationPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri thanked the Minister for using the President’s Fund to assist children affected by elephant attacks. He raised concerns that public and private institutions continue to operate within the Alahera-Girithale sanctuary despite its declaration in 2000, and questioned why the Wildlife Department is blocking the funded Digavela anicut, under 100 metres in length, when it would help water-scarce long-standing farmers at Pekkulama and the much larger Alahera Maha Ela project is proceeding. Oral Question: Wild Elephant Conservation and Red Data Book InfrastructureAgricultureEnvironment Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri stated that the Red Data Book should be issued annually in line with global practice to guide conservation priorities. He asked, as a supplementary question, whether steps would be taken to publish it every year. Oral Question: Wild Elephant Conservation and Red Data Book Environment Read →
18 June 2025 AI summary Sunil Rathnasiri stated that the National People’s Power would continue to lead the country for many decades into the future. He concluded by expressing confidence in the party’s long-term political dominance. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Parliamentary Procedure Read →