Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Anuradhapura

Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply

Profession: Medical Doctor

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 183 #22 of 225·#10 in party

Attendance 3/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

183 speeches

5 June 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, answering for the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, provided details of several State lands in Dehiattakandiya allocated on a permissive or lease basis for commercial, agricultural sales, tourism, and other purposes. He stated that the Urban Development Authority has prepared but not yet published an Urban Development Plan for Dehiattakandiya, and that lands allocated by the Mahaweli Authority can be re-vested in the State if required for government development. He further clarified that leasehold lands may be used subject to State Lands Ordinance conditions, and can be re-vested for reasons such as non-payment of rent or breach of conditions. Oral Question: Dehiattakandiya Land Rights (Deputy Minister Agriculture Response) Land & Housing Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary Under the Agriculture Ministry’s “Wari Mahima” irrigation restoration programme, rehabilitation of Gal Oya in the Sainthamaruthu–Nainakadu area of Ampara is commencing under the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture. The member noted that numerous embankment breaches had been reported in Ampara and said funds had been allocated for related works in another inspected area, which are expected to begin within about one and a half months. Oral Question: Main Canal from Deegawapiya to Kaliodai Reconstruction (Q.702/2025) InfrastructureAgriculture Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that paddy lands had been damaged during the rainy season due to river outfalls being blocked by paddy cultivation, lowered bunds, and cultivation within river reservations, leading to bund breaches. He said estimates for repairs and reconstruction were being prepared, and that work at the breached locations would begin after the Yala harvesting season. Oral Question: Main Canal from Deegawapiya to Kaliodai Reconstruction (Q.702/2025) AgricultureInfrastructure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the Irrigation Department’s approach to flood control, noting repeated crop losses since November due to extreme rainfall and identifying 24 flood-prone river and stream basins. He said effective management requires better meteorological forecasting, early warning systems, and data-driven infrastructure such as diversions, reservoirs, and flood-management works. Referring to the World Bank-supported CResMPA project studying 22 high-risk basins and proposed works for the Kelani basin, he argued that fragmented institutional responsibility is the main obstacle and called for a unified coordination mechanism involving relevant central, provincial, and local authorities. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley EnvironmentCorruption & Governance ReformInfrastructure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Susil Ranasinghe stated that the question relating to Land Reform Commission matters was complex and requested two weeks to provide an answer. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Land Reform Commission Matters (Q.869/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the 28 km tunnel project had faced complications, including an allegedly improper decision to bring in a second tunnel boring machine, which he said may have wasted about USD 50 million. He also referred to a further reported USD 50 million taken for other activities, along with alleged technical and procedural weaknesses. He said technical and financial assessments are being pursued to determine the project’s past and current status before deciding further action. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) InfrastructurePublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary The Minister outlined progress and funding for the North-Central and North-Western Great Canals, noting limited results despite significant ADB-funded expenditure over the past decade. He said Rs. 7,800 million has been allocated under “Vāri Mahima – Our Heritage” for irrigation rehabilitation, including Rs. 3,250 million to make the North-Central Great Canal usable. He also stated that Cabinet has approved renewed discussions with the ADB to secure further support and deliver irrigation benefits to farmers. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Public FinanceAgricultureInfrastructure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, replying to Question 836/2025, provided details of the North-Central Great Canal Project, initiated in March 2015 and implemented in six phases covering canal, tunnel and water-transfer works from Moragahakanda through to Mahakandarawa Oya, with a map placed in the Library. He said the project will benefit Matale, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura by providing reliable irrigation to 12,300 hectares, supporting 25,000 farm families, supplying 40 million cubic metres of drinking water annually to about 150,000 families, and improving groundwater and local economic activity. He stated that completion is scheduled for 24 June 2025, but progress is currently 20.5 per cent physically and Rs. 40,600 million financially, with delays attributed to tunnel tender re-evaluation after Uma Oya leakage concerns, COVID-19, the 2022 economic crisis, input shortages and price increases, and delayed loan disbursements. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Public FinanceAgricultureInfrastructure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary Under the “Vāri Mahima – Our Heritage” programme, Rs. 7,800 million has been allocated in 2025 to renovate 275 tanks through the Mahaweli Authority, Irrigation Department, and Agrarian Development institutions. Addressing Mahaweli Authority appointments, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe stated that past postings and transfers involved serious irregularities and that current appointments, promotions, and recruitment would follow proper procedures and prevailing Government policy. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) AgricultureInfrastructure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that inquiries are under way into Mahaweli lands granted for projects, including the funds provided, implementation status, and possible further action. He requested that related issues first be taken up at District Coordinating Committees and then reported to the Ministry, noting that the Ministry, the Mahaweli Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture are prepared to act. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) Land & HousingAgriculture Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary In response to Question 513/2025, the Deputy Minister stated that 4,826 tanks have been identified as needing renovation: 101 under the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, 174 under the Department of Irrigation, and 4,551 under the Department of Agrarian Development. He said renovation plans cover 42 Mahaweli tanks, 23 Irrigation Department reservoirs, and 209 Agrarian Development projects involving tanks, anicuts and canals, with work already commenced. Detailed annexes and district-wise plans have been placed in the Library. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) InfrastructureAgriculture Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary The land in question had been allocated on preferential terms for a centre to buy and sell beneficiaries’ produce at fair prices. Dr. Susil Ranasinghe stated that reports indicate it is instead being used as a hotel or restaurant, and that if the legal basis is established, action can be taken to re-vest the land. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Land & Housing Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the land in question was granted on a preferential basis following a letter dated 27 September 2022 from then Land Minister Harin Fernando. He indicated that the grant was made accordingly. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Land & Housing Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe confirmed several details regarding a land lease requested by the Mahiyanganaya Agrarian Services Centre on 03.03.2023. He stated that under the State Lands Ordinance, leases may be granted to anyone over 18 with no maximum age limit, based on ability to pay rent, project feasibility, and availability of land for Government needs. He added that maximum age and physical fitness are not considered, and that the lease approval will be cancelled because lease conditions have been breached. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Land & Housing Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, one week was requested to provide an answer. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Question No. 4 (Q.718/2025) - Stand Down Parliamentary Procedure Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the matter would be examined, noting complications from overlapping land grants by the Mahaweli authority and later allocations of Land Reform Commission lands to others. He said discussions are ongoing and some related cases are pending. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Land & Housing Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that there are multiple issues concerning land grants by the Mahaweli Authority and that inquiries into some cases have already begun. He requested specific details of disputed lands so that further investigations can be initiated. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Land & Housing Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, stated that Mahaweli Authority lands for investment projects are identified through land-use planning and released on long-term lease under the State Lands Ordinance after tender or approved discretionary selection and required committee, board, and ministerial approvals. He said no land had been released to Dole Lanka in the Chandrika Wewa Division of the Walawa Region, while 39 acres in two plots had been leased to Vita Organi for a banana cultivation project. He maintained that the proper procedure had been followed in alienating these lands. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Land & Housing Read →
20 May 2025 AI summary Most Mahaweli reservations have already been gazetted, but many Irrigation Department reservoir reservations remain ungazetted due to legal ambiguities that are being addressed. The Minister stated that authorities intend to identify and act against occupations or cultivation within reservations, including houses, hotels, swimming pools, and large-scale cultivations allegedly linked to politicians or proxies. He affirmed readiness to investigate such encroachments and protect reservoir reservations under the relevant legal framework. Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) Land & HousingCorruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
20 May 2025 AI summary 712 persons have so far been identified within the Nuwara Weva reservation, including both lawful permit or title holders and unlawful occupants, with further surveys expected to identify more. Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said encroachment of reservoir reservations had become an illicit practice, alleging involvement by former ministers and associates, and noted that name lists had been tabled. He proposed that specific cases be reviewed at the District Coordinating Committee with relevant officials to verify deeds and permits, identify any official complicity, and support remedial action against unlawful occupation. Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Read →