Hon. Thanura Dissanayake, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Mahanuwara

Profession: Other

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 30 #135 of 225·#76 in party

Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

30 speeches

19 February 2026 AI summary Thanura Dissanayake asked whether citizens are charged fees when firearms are issued by the Government, how such charges are calculated, and how refunds are handled when firearms are returned. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Law & Order Read →
19 February 2026 AI summary Thanura Dissanayake asked whether the Government had conducted a review of firearms issued in Sri Lanka, citing public safety concerns. He requested details on when any such review was carried out, what actions were taken, and its findings. Oral Question: Firearms Review and Archaeological Heritage (Q.7-1717/2025) Law & Order Read →
3 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the Government’s policy and rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims about vehicle procurement and state institutions’ performance. He explained that the 2024 No. 1 Regulations on Shared Use of Telecommunications Infrastructure would allow the TRCSL to regulate infrastructure sharing, pricing, feasibility and dispute mediation to improve service quality and reduce capital costs. He said the Government is expanding rural connectivity through the “Gamata Sannivedanaya” programme, with 79 towers built and 150 more targeted, and is introducing licensed infrastructure providers to accelerate telecom development. He also noted that 5G deployment requires regulated sharing to avoid excessive urban infrastructure, visual pollution and environmental impact. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
23 January 2026 AI summary A petition from Mr. S.M.A.K. Molagoda of Haraha, Udakigulwela, Kandy, was presented for the consideration of Parliament. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
19 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake expressed condolences to victims of the natural disaster and praised public servants, the Armed Forces, volunteers, and affected communities for emergency response efforts, including in the Central Province where access, communications, power, and water systems were severely disrupted. He defended the parliamentary scheduling of the debate, citing staff needs, and criticized Opposition conduct during visits to affected areas, saying some members did not reflect ground realities and politicized relief efforts. He said the Government would use existing fiscal space, including an additional Rs. 500 billion and 2026 Budget allocations, to restore livelihoods and infrastructure without extra borrowing or disrupting fiscal plans. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Security & DefencePublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
26 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake outlined the Government’s digital transformation agenda during the Budget Head debate, emphasizing the need to align policy, infrastructure and human capital with global technological change. He cited initiatives including GovPay, rural connectivity expansion through 100 communication towers annually, data protection reforms, Digital Economy Month, and a target of a US$15 billion digital economy by 2030. He also referred to power sector reforms to support data centres, startup and fintech events, the planned rollout of Sri Lanka’s Unified Digital Identity by Q3 2026, and digital systems for transport payments and President’s Fund access through Divisional Secretariats. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day EmploymentPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
20 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake said energy policy should ensure affordable, reliable and quality supply, supported by a publicly centred institutional structure. He stated that the Government revised an earlier draft law by restructuring the sector into four core State-owned entities for generation, transmission, distribution and system operation, while emphasizing the need for stronger transmission and distribution investment, particularly to integrate renewables and improve rural service. He argued for cost-reflective utility management with transparent Treasury-funded targeted subsidies, and outlined priorities including renewable expansion, grid-scale storage, green hydrogen and power-to-X technologies. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Public FinanceEnvironmentInfrastructure Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary Thanura Dissanayake supported the motion’s call to modernize outdated laws, including reforms to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, while emphasizing that changes affecting Buddhist institutions should be pursued through broad consultation. He said the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chief Prelates, Anunayake Theras, Karaka Sangha Sabhas, and the Minister of Buddhasasana are already engaged in discussions and have offered progressive proposals for the longevity of the Sasana. He urged that reforms proceed with the guidance and blessings of the Sangha, noting the cultural and religious sensitivities involved. Adjournment Motion: Voting Rights for Female Divisional Secretaries at Diyawadana Nilame Election Religion & Culture Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Thanura Dissanayake supported the Supplementary Sum for the Ministry of Transport and Highways, explaining that funds must be reallocated from delayed foreign-financed projects, including the Gatambe and Kohuwala flyovers, to works that can proceed immediately. He outlined planned transport improvements, including procurement of five DEMU train sets, 5,000 fans, toilet upgrades, 12,000 rails, air-conditioning for locomotive cabins, and better conditions at Ratmalana Workshops. He defended the “Dream Destination” bus terminal and railway station upgrades as comprehensive modernization rather than cosmetic work, and called for public-service-oriented leadership to rebuild an efficient, people-friendly transport system. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Infrastructure Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the current power sector restructuring, stating that the proposed companies would remain 100 per cent state-owned under the Treasury Secretary and did not amount to CEB privatization. He argued that restructuring is needed to lower electricity tariffs by reducing generation, transmission and distribution costs, while addressing under-investment in the network and expanding renewable energy toward the 70 per cent target by 2030. He also said electricity and other prices had been stabilized or reduced under the Government, citing lower bills for low-consumption households, and stated that IMF-related measures were being negotiated in a manner suited to Sri Lanka. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Cost of LivingPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
24 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake presented two public petitions to Parliament, one from Mr. G.G. Jayathissa of Katugasthota and another from Mr. G. Weerasekara of Gurudeniya, Kandy. Petitions Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake thanked the Prime Minister for a detailed response and raised a follow-up question on digital infrastructure as part of developing the digital economy. He asked the Prime Minister to outline the Government’s planned measures to improve communication facilities and infrastructure, including network and telephone communications, while addressing existing disparities. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Infrastructure Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake asked the Prime Minister about the Government’s digital economy initiatives, noting the President’s stated priority of building a digital economy, the creation of a dedicated Ministry, and the declaration of September as Digital Economy Month. He sought details on the objectives of the month, the main stakeholders involved, planned programmes and expected outcomes, and how public participation would be secured and citizens would benefit. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Employment Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake said July 23, 1983 should be remembered as a consequence of State-backed nationalism and anti-democratic actions under past governments, including the 1981 Jaffna DDC election. He argued that earlier parties used ethnic nationalism for political advantage, while the current National People’s Power Government seeks to build national unity, political stability, and reconciliation across all regions. He said the Government is linking stability to economic development, including Rs. 5 billion in development work in the North, reopening long-closed roads and bridges, and proposed broader social efforts such as a future Sri Lankan Day to promote unity. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading EmploymentCorruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
11 July 2025 AI summary Thanura Dissanayake stated that the Government supports shifting the economy toward wider production and regional participation, arguing that youth employment and entrepreneurship require planned support for new products and markets. He said past production and trade had been concentrated among a limited group, leaving some provinces with weak GDP contributions, and called for expansion across all regions including the North, East, and Central highlands. He noted that a national entrepreneurship development policy is lacking and said the Government is preparing an integrated strategic framework this year, while also referring to trade diplomacy such as reduced US tariffs and UK tariff preferences as ways to expand opportunities. Private Members' Motion No. 4: Making Every Youth Gainfully Employed EmploymentPublic FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
9 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake informed Parliament that he accepted two petitions from constituents in Katugastota and Kandy. The petitions were submitted by Mrs. H.K.G. Kavya Sahanmali Gunasekara and Mr. W.H.M.D.W.S.B. Wijekon for parliamentary consideration. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 June 2025 AI summary Thanura Dissanayake expressed condolences on the deaths of former MPs Maavai S. Senathirajah, Donald Dissanayake, J.R.P. Suriya Peruma, and Kosala Nuwan Jayawira, with particular reference to his close association with Jayawira. He highlighted Jayawira’s role in youth political activism, service as Kegalle District Organizer of the Socialist Youth Union, local authority member, and MP, and said his short life demonstrated collective responsibility and public service. He stated that Jayawira’s mission should continue as a message to youth to improve their own lives while serving fellow citizens and conveyed sympathies to his family. Debate: Votes of Condolence for Four Former MPs Parliamentary Procedure Read →
4 June 2025 AI summary Three petitions were presented on behalf of residents from Wepathana, Kengalla, and Cherellagama in Kandy. The petitions were ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary The Member corrected a prior statement regarding a UK visa matter, stating that there was no problem with the visa or biodata. He clarified that the issue was only a delay in the issuance of the visa. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
3 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake rejected a claim made in the debate regarding a UK visa, stating that the visa had existed and was only delayed by one day. He asked the Deputy Chairperson to verify the matter with the UK visa branch, asserting that it was misinformation to say the visa had not been granted. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →