Hon. T. B. Sarath, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Polonnaruwa

Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 58 #85 of 225·#40 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

58 speeches

24 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to Opposition criticisms during the committee stage debate on the expenditure heads for housing, construction, water supply, transport, highways and urban development. He said labour disputes at the National Housing Development Authority stemmed from earlier recruitments and terminations and must await appellate court decisions, and argued that many past housing schemes were launched without proper planning, creating unfinished or unoccupied units now requiring substantial budgetary allocations. He outlined current allocations for low-income, Colombo-area, resettlement, landslide-risk and partially completed housing projects, emphasizing participatory construction and planned PPPs for middle-income housing, while also noting steps to regularize or retender car park management in Colombo housing schemes. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Read →
22 October 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath informed Parliament that he accepted two public petitions. The petitions were submitted by L.G. Nihal Priyantha of Hingurakgoda and W.W. Wijesooriya of Nochchiyagama. Presentation of Reports and Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Housing presented two petitions for acceptance: one from K.M. Anil Indrakumara Kariyawasam of Pulastigama, Polonnaruwa, and another from K.W. Tharshi of Hingurakgoda. The intervention was procedural and did not include debate on policy or legislation. Opening and Announcements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary Project delays, the economic downturn, and rupee depreciation have increased costs and created difficulties in completing the project. Despite these challenges, USD 130 million has been reallocated to finish the remaining work. Oral Question: Wanawasala and Aruwakkalu Waste Projects Current Status (Q.10/2025) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary The Hon. T.B. Sarath stated that earlier problems with the project resulted from unilateral ministerial actions, inadequate public communication, insufficient funding that halted work midway, and adverse weather conditions. He said the Government has since consulted local communities and environmental organizations and put measures in place to prevent similar issues from recurring. Oral Question: Wanawasala and Aruwakkalu Waste Projects Current Status (Q.10/2025) InfrastructurePublic FinanceEnvironment Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, T.B. Sarath stated that the Kelaniya-Wanawasala Waste Transfer Station and the Aruwakkalu solid waste facility have not failed or been halted, with construction completed except for rectification of three compactors at Kelaniya. He said the Aruwakkalu facility was built with required environmental approvals, the total project allocation was USD 130 million, and delays were due to COVID-19 and economic conditions rather than political interference. Operations are expected to be handed over to selected private operators and commence by the end of 2025. Oral Question: Wanawasala and Aruwakkalu Waste Projects Current Status (Q.10/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructureEnvironment Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary Hon. T.B. Sarath said certain allocations had been made through direct intervention by former Ministers rather than routine official processes, and that a special committee has been appointed to review them and pursue legal action where necessary. He stated that the spaces would be restored to the public after the review. On the Pettah Floating Market issue, he undertook to inquire into the alleged tenderless allocation and report back to the House. Oral Question: Condominium Management Authority Objectives (Q.3/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Hon. T.B. Sarath set out the objectives of the Condominium Management Authority, including regulation and maintenance of common facilities, oversight of management corporations, protection of purchasers, removal of unauthorized constructions, insurance, utility coordination, and redevelopment or completion of stalled condominium projects. He provided a written financial breakdown of Treasury provisions and self-generated funds used for Authority functions, noting self-generated expenditure of Rs. 607.82 million from 2022 to 31 July 2025 and broader cumulative figures supplied in the response. He said proposed strengthening measures include recruiting essential staff, reactivating stalled projects, introducing legislation to address title issues in tsunami resettlement condominium properties, improving utility infrastructure, supporting a national housing policy, rehabilitating deteriorated coastal high-rises, and securing funds for urgent maintenance. Oral Question: Condominium Management Authority Objectives (Q.3/2025) Public FinanceLand & Housing Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath supported the Supplementary Estimate connected to the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, stating that Rs. 13,285.6 million should be shifted from foreign to domestic financing to settle dues and resume the Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project. He said the halted project had left roads damaged and communities without drinking water, and that Rs. 3 billion in 2025 would help provide water to around 100,000 people in several affected areas. He also criticized the Opposition’s conduct in Parliament and defended the Government’s economic and welfare record, citing salary increases, welfare payments, reduced fuel and electricity prices, resumed projects, and planned poverty-eradication initiatives. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Parliamentary ProcedureInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
21 August 2025 AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath argued that current vehicle prices should be compared with 2019 levels rather than crisis-period peaks. He stated that the Government’s objective is to provide maximum relief within available fiscal space and said the proposed amendments are intended to meet public needs, contrasting this with what he described as the Opposition’s lack of data. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
21 August 2025 AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath supported amendments under the Construction Industry Development Act to reduce contractor renewal fees from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,000 and raise grading financial limits, including increasing the CS2 ceiling to Rs. 6,000 million, saying these measures respond to contractor demands and support the sector’s recovery. He also defended government policy on paddy procurement, stating that the Paddy Marketing Board is buying at 142 locations at about Rs. 120 per kg, with fertilizer subsidies increased and production costs reduced. Responding to Opposition criticisms on taxes and vehicle prices, he argued that revenue collection is being directed to public infrastructure and housing, and that higher vehicle prices reflect the exchange-rate depreciation after the economic crisis. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) InfrastructureAgriculturePublic Finance Read →
20 August 2025 AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath stated that a full inquiry should be conducted into the issue raised regarding the leasing of two parcels of land in 2014 and 2023. He said the Ministry was also concerned about whether the activities of Venerable Itthekande Saddhātissa Thera had received approval, and that action would be taken according to law following a proper investigation. Adjournment Debate: NMRA Medicine Supply and State Land Leasing Corruption & Governance ReformLand & HousingJustice & Human Rights Read →
20 August 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, T. B. Sarath stated that UDA-acquired lands in Kallapaluyaya, Battaramulla, including Plots 33 and 35, belong to the Urban Development Authority and have been leased or are being processed for lease to the Sri Sankhapala Buddhist Social Service Foundation for Buddhist educational and meditation purposes. He said Plot 33 was leased in 2014 for 30 years at an annual rent of Rs. 87,500, while Plot 35 is being processed under a 30-year lease at Rs. 870,000 annually, with Rs. 1,025,512.50 already recovered and possession handed over in August 2024 after removing unauthorized constructions. He clarified that there is no legal provision for the Foundation to sublease Plot 35, and that if the land is not used for the intended development activities after the Letter of Understanding is executed, the UDA will cancel it. Adjournment Debate: NMRA Medicine Supply and State Land Leasing Land & HousingPublic Finance Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath alleged major irregularities in the dairy cow import project initiated from 2014, citing a Rs. 2,110.3 million unrecoverable loss, increased unit costs without fresh tender approval, and distribution of imported cattle to political associates rather than state farms. He also referred to unrecovered housing loan funds, including Rs. 26 billion outstanding nationally, arguing that such corruption and misuse of public funds contributed to the country’s economic crisis. He called for stolen public money to be traced, offenders prosecuted, and COPE to be given stronger enforcement powers, including authority to impose penalties. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Corruption & Governance ReformAgriculturePublic Finance Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that investigations into past frauds should pursue the main perpetrators rather than only minor actors. Referring to the Israel–Iran conflict, he said the Opposition should present practical alternatives instead of creating public panic over possible shortages. Turning to the dairy sector, he noted that Sri Lanka’s annual milk demand is about 801 million litres while domestic production is around 370–380 million litres, and called for strengthening local production capacity and avoiding past procurement failures. Adjournment Debate: Special Audit Report on Advance Payment for Import of 15,000 Dairy Cattle and COPE Report on National Gem and Jewellery Authority Public FinanceAgriculture Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary Hon. T.B. Sarath stated that the UDA had consulted Pradeshiya Sabha chairmen, members, and officials when the relevant gazette was issued, and that underdeveloped Grama Niladhari divisions should have been identified for exclusion at that stage. He said that, in light of the issue now being raised, discussions could be held with newly elected local authorities and the Ministry to consider suitable revisions. Oral Question: Community-Based Water Projects in Monaragala District (Q.4/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary T.B. Sarath stated that swift action would be taken regarding the matter under discussion. Oral Question: Community-Based Water Projects in Monaragala District (Q.4/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister provided detailed answers on drinking water shortages in Monaragala District, stating that 65 villages are affected and listing impacted areas by Divisional Secretariat. He said 177 water projects have been undertaken, 163 are completed and functioning, and 10 new priority community water projects are currently being constructed. He also confirmed that the Urban Development Authority district office in Monaragala had been removed due to high operating costs and that steps will be taken to re-establish it expeditiously. Oral Question: Community-Based Water Projects in Monaragala District (Q.4/2025) Land & HousingInfrastructure Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary The Hon. T.B. Sarath stated that the requested measure cannot be implemented this year because the current Budget has no allocation under the relevant head. He said it could be considered in the next Budget. Oral Question: Batticaloa Municipal Council Drainage Systems (Q.1/2025) Public Finance Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary The Hon. T.B. Sarath stated that the matter would be referred to the relevant Ministry, with efforts made to secure the necessary funds and take appropriate action. Oral Question: Batticaloa Municipal Council Drainage Systems (Q.1/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →