Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Galle

Profession: ---

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Speeches 18 #181 of 225·#119 in party

Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

18 speeches

8 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Motion to raise school students’ awareness of the University of Vocational Technology, noting that the Government is already pursuing related measures under the framework of the University of Vocational Technology Act, No. 31 of 2008. He said new education reforms aim to introduce vocational and technical subjects into school curricula and create pathways to university admission for students with practical skills. He also stated that neglected technical training institutes are being assessed for improvements and that awareness programmes are being expanded through Divisional Secretariat-level officials. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology EducationEmployment Read →
3 March 2026 AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Regulation under the Foreign Exchange Act, arguing that the Government has stabilised key economic indicators since taking office after the crisis and bankruptcy period. He cited higher revenue-to-GDP figures, a reduced budget deficit, a positive primary balance, lower interest rates and inflation, and improved balance-of-payments conditions as evidence of recovery. He explained that the Regulation relaxes foreign currency account limits, raising the Business Foreign Currency Account capital payment cap from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and the Personal Foreign Currency Account cap from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000, to support investment, debt servicing and resident flexibility. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformForeign Affairs Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported amendments extending Aswesuma benefits, citing the impact of the “Didva” cyclone and continuing hardship, with poor and extreme poor categories extended to June 2027 and vulnerable beneficiaries to June 2026. He said the scheme remains temporary but should not end abruptly, and called for linking beneficiaries to production, credit, small industries, and poverty-eradication programmes while continuing support for schoolchildren, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. He also defended education reforms as central to reducing poverty, invited the Opposition to debate them, and referred to the Praja Shakthi National Programme as part of a five-year plan to build capacity and reduce rural poverty. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Public FinanceCost of LivingEducation Read →
5 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage criticized the Opposition for politicizing the current disaster response and contrasted it with what he described as government-led and community-supported relief efforts. He said the President had issued circulars enabling officials to act swiftly, and described district-level clean-up and rescue work, including assistance by Galle local authorities in Kandy. Addressing Budget concerns under the Ministry of Finance, he argued that reduced unnecessary expenditure and Treasury savings had strengthened the State’s capacity to fund relief without destabilizing the economy, adding that supplementary estimates or an interim budget could be used if allocations proved insufficient. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Law & OrderPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
22 November 2025 AI summary A petition from S. K. Lal Kumara Siri de Silva of Dombagaha Road, Baddëgama North was presented and ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. During Oral Answers to Questions, Questions Nos. 1116/2025, 1180/2025, 1316/2025 and 1429/2025 were called, but the respective Members were not present in the Chamber. Petitions: Various Citizens' Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
22 October 2025 AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage disputed the Opposition Leader’s estimate of big onion production costs, stating that improved yields had reduced costs to about Rs. 90–100 per kg, while noting broader economic stabilization indicators. He said new Excise rules are intended to enforce timely remittance of existing taxes, with a 3% monthly late fee after one month and licence cancellation after 90 days, addressing arrears of Rs. 10.5 billion. He supported increasing the Special Commodity Levy on big onions from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 and potatoes from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 to protect local farmers, encourage domestic production, manage imports, and maintain price stability. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) AgriculturePublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage welcomed the “Arogya Suwatha” Primary Care Centre project and thanked the Government for starting the first centre in Mapalagama, Galle. He raised concerns about inadequate facilities at regional health centres, citing Yakkalamulla where maternity and child clinics lack shelter, and asked whether the Government would urgently refurbish such centres at Divisional Secretariat level islandwide. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District HealthcareInfrastructure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage raised concerns about infrastructure deficiencies at Baddegama Hospital, noting its importance as the nearest facility to the Expressway exit for accident cases. He highlighted the lack of a ramp between two-storey blocks, risks in moving patients by stairs, likely impacts from road widening, and unresolved drainage and sanitation issues. He requested prompt government intervention and asked that necessary improvements be included in the 2026 Budget. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District HealthcarePublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for detailed information on Central Government and Provincial Council hospitals in the Galle District, including their names and graded categories. He specifically sought clarification on whether the Baddegama District Hospital has been supervised and whether action will be taken to address its shortcomings, and also asked whether a national data and information system exists for assessing the current situation of Regional Health Services Centres. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Healthcare Read →
20 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Government’s economic direction, arguing that legitimate businesses are stable, prices are easing, incomes are rising, and illicit trade is being curtailed. He supported the Stamp Duty Order increasing the duty from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per Rs. 1,000 after two decades, stating it would assist Provincial Councils and fund local services, and backed regulated reopening of previously restricted imports including vehicles, spare parts, used clothing and electric vehicles. He also referenced past allegations over contaminated paediatric medicines under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and rejected claims of political deals, asserting that National People’s Power-led local administrations would proceed on principle. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations HealthcareCost of LivingLaw & Order Read →
4 June 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister to clarify whether there is a programme to raise public awareness about perceived improvements in tax policy. Adjournment Questions: Tax Revenue and Decentralized Budget Provisions Public Finance Read →
4 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage asked the Minister of Finance about the Government’s “Tax Shakthi” programme, citing past concerns over transparency in tax collection and expenditure and low taxpayer compliance. He sought details on the programme’s objectives, whether revenue targets for the first five months of the year had been met, the number of new income tax files opened, measures to broaden the tax base, and steps to improve the efficiency of the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Department of Excise. Adjournment Questions: Tax Revenue and Decentralized Budget Provisions Public Finance Read →
21 May 2025 AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage presented three public petitions to Parliament on behalf of constituents from Nakiyadeniya in Nawala, South Adagoda in Baddagama, and Mahaheengoda in Baddagama. No details of the petitions’ subject matter were provided in the speech. Petitions - Presented to Committee on Public Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Ministry of Finance expenditure head, arguing that past economic mismanagement, excessive borrowing, and inequitable taxation led to the crisis and poverty, and that the current Budget sets out a corrective economic roadmap. He said the Budget aims to expand the economy by directing funds to rural roads, industries, jobs, education and health, while ensuring any borrowing is used for productive investment rather than burdening future generations. He highlighted proposed allocations for education and health, plans to revive paper and sugar factories and use Eppawala phosphate, and cited a US$3.7 billion Chinese investment for an oil refinery as evidence of the Government’s development approach. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate EmploymentPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Government’s performance under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, arguing that it had halted corruption and was rebuilding institutions weakened or mismanaged under previous administrations. He said the Government was reviving the CWE, strengthening Lanka Sathosa by recruiting staff and expanding outlets, increasing the Consumer Affairs Authority cadre, and intervening to restore confidence in the cooperative sector. He also referred to measures on food security, alleged past misuse of the Mahapola Scholarship Trust, and a proposal to raise university student stipends from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 7,500. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic FinanceAgriculture Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage formally seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to, after which the Chair changed from Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi to Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Parliamentary Procedure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Four petitions were presented on behalf of residents from Yakkalamulla, Baddegama, Berenagoda, and Galle. The petitions were formally tabled for parliamentary consideration. Petitions presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Budget’s public-sector salary increases, stating that Rs. 5,000 would be added to basic salaries in 2025 with further 35 per cent tranches through the 2026 and 2027 Budgets, while also improving pensions, loan eligibility and allowances. He argued that the Budget reduces privileges for political office-holders and redirects resources to citizens, with major allocations for education and health and an increased PAYE threshold of Rs. 150,000. He contrasted these measures with past expenditure he characterized as wasteful and said the Government’s approach aims to protect real incomes through price stability and investment in rural communities and industries. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) EmploymentPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →