Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment

Profession: Sociologist

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 99 #48 of 225·#22 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

99 speeches

10 June 2026 AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said the Central Bank regulation is not a new export control but a revision requiring exporters, after legitimate offshore deductions, to convert repatriated proceeds into rupees within one month instead of the previous longer period. He argued it does not impose new taxes or discourage exporters, but is a temporary measure to manage exchange-rate volatility while supporting export growth, citing record 2025 export earnings of USD 17.25 billion. On the Essential Public Services Act resolution, he said its current use was limited to recovery operations after the “Didva” cyclone and not intended to suppress workers, unlike past uses of the law. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Foreign AffairsEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
10 June 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that 2024 Department of Census and Statistics data on persons with disabilities have been compiled at district level. He said the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, working with the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Department of Census and Statistics, has begun developing a disability classification and related data system, with completion expected by the end of the year. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Justice & Human Rights Read →
10 June 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that Social Services Officers under Provincial Councils and the central Government play an important role, and that allowance administration is being streamlined through digitization, including use of the Aswesuma data system. He said remaining data are being entered to improve efficiency, while acknowledging that field officers’ travel and office allowances are insufficient. He noted that proposals to increase these allowances have been submitted and action will follow once approval is granted. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
10 June 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that the monthly disability allowance is Rs. 10,000, following the 2025 Budget increase, and that 171,957 people currently receive it, with applications accepted continuously up to the gazetted ceiling of 200,000. He said eligibility is based on medical certification and household per-capita income below the official poverty line of Rs. 16,191, with no restriction on multiple eligible persons in one family or on receiving Aswesuma or other livelihood support. He added that Rs. 19 billion has been allocated for 2026, the previous waiting list was ended from April 2025, and payments are scheduled monthly before the 15th through Divisional Secretariats. Oral Question: School Dropouts Since 2010 (Q.3) Public FinanceWomen & Children Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said rural poverty eradication remains a government priority and noted that the 2025 Rural Development Bureau, initially funded with Rs. 1 billion, has been expanded into the “Praja Shakthi” National Movement. He stated that the programme aims to avoid weaknesses of earlier initiatives while adopting their strengths, using a participatory approach to reduce dependency and empower rural communities. He also said Rs. 25,000 million has been allocated for rural development this year, with implementation to be coordinated across ministries, Provincial Councils and local authorities. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Public FinanceCost of LivingAgriculture Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister explained that Muruththanai GN Division in Koralaipattu South, Batticaloa, was selected under the 2025 programme to uplift difficult villages following a recommendation by the District Secretary. He cited data showing high multidimensional poverty, repeated war displacement, low incomes, many temporary houses, female-headed households and persons with disabilities, and no residents employed in government, semi-government or formal private sector jobs. He stated that these socio-economic conditions formed the basis for the Ministry’s development interventions in the village. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Women & ChildrenCost of LivingLand & Housing Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that development activities in the Muruththanai GN Division of Batticaloa District are being carried out through three departments or agencies under his Ministry. He listed completed or ongoing works including a mobile service for 273 beneficiary families, water supply schemes, sanitation facilities, housing for persons with disabilities, health centre rehabilitation, rural road and causeway improvements, and housing development, with total expenditure of Rs. 51,677,296.34 and most works reported as fully completed. He added that part (b) of the question was not applicable. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Land & HousingInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
20 May 2026 AI summary All fertilizer required for the Yala season has been imported, and distribution is currently underway. The member stated that relevant data can be provided if required and assured Parliament that there will be no fertilizer shortage in the country. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Agriculture Read →
20 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review showed economic stabilization in the NPP Government’s first full year, citing projected 5 percent real GDP growth, low inflation, a current account surplus, higher tourism earnings, remittances, FDI, and improved revenue collection. He defended increased fertilizer subsidies for farmers, saying the subsidy rose to Rs. 30,000 per hectare and that fertilizer for the Yala season had been imported, while rice prices remained relatively stable. He also noted debt repayments, the reopening of vehicle imports, and allocations for social welfare, including relief for damage from the “Ditva” cyclone and support to cushion global energy price shocks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Cost of LivingAgriculturePublic Finance Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage responded that district-wise poverty data had not been surveyed between 2019 and 2024, but the Household Income and Expenditure Survey was conducted in 2025 and the Department of Census and Statistics is due to publish results in October 2026. He said the Official Poverty Line is published monthly and is currently Rs. 16,690 per person per month nationally, with district variations such as Colombo at Rs. 18,000 and Monaragala at Rs. 15,958. He also cited World Bank estimates indicating poverty declined from 24.8 per cent in 2024 to 20.1 per cent in April 2026, and said these data guide poverty alleviation programmes. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister responded to the Opposition Leader’s SO 27(2) question by outlining official poverty measurement, noting that the latest district estimates are from 2019, the 2025 HIES results are due in October 2026, and the Welfare Benefits Board identified 1,695,843 poor beneficiary households as at March 2026. He stated that poverty is defined through the Official Poverty Line, Rs. 16,690 per person per month nationally in March 2026, supplemented by multidimensional poverty indicators covering education, health and living standards. He described economic and social impacts of poverty and listed current Government responses, including Aswesuma cash transfers, programmes for persons with disabilities and older persons, a contributory pension scheme for informal workers, and livelihood and empowerment initiatives under Samurdhi. He highlighted the National Social Protection Policy, the 2025–2035 strategic plan, and the Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” poverty eradication programme focused on community-level empowerment, food security, human capital, supply chains, care services and productive economic development. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Cost of LivingPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary The Minister presented the 2024 Annual Report of the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities under the Office of the National Chief Secretary. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Report Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 April 2026 AI summary The member stated that festive-season relief payments would be increased for vulnerable groups, including raising assistance for the extremely poor from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000 and increasing other poor and transitional benefits to Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 7,500 respectively. He also said relief would be provided on electricity bills for consumers using under 90 units, and support would be given to fisherfolk and farmers affected by the fuel situation. He noted a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East and said the Government hoped for normalization while preparing for adverse outcomes. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
8 April 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that the debate focused on the Government’s response to the effects on Sri Lanka of the recent Middle East conflict over the preceding six weeks. He emphasized the need to minimize the impact of that situation on the daily lives of the public. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Foreign AffairsCost of Living Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that committees appointed in 2025 and 2026 reviewed the National Institute of Social Development and recommended its affiliation to the University of Kelaniya. He said the NISD Academic Board and Governing Council approved the proposal on 24 March 2026, preliminary discussions with the university have been held, and an operational plan and compliance report are in place. He added that the Government expects to table the required legal instrument by 31 May 2026, including amendments to the existing Act, and tabled further details as an annex. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Education Read →
20 March 2026 AI summary The Minister presented the 2024 Annual Report of the National Institute of Social Development and the 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Sri Lanka Social Security Board. He proposed referring the reports to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the House agreed. Papers: Annual Reports Tabled Parliamentary Procedure Read →
19 March 2026 AI summary The Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment requested additional time to provide an answer. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 March 2026 AI summary The Minister moved that Hon. M.K.M. Aslam take the Chair during the proceedings. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Aslam assumed it. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 March 2026 AI summary A response to a question directed to the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development was deferred, with two weeks requested to provide the answer. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Kili/Mulankavil Maha Vidyalaya (Q.10/1831/2026) - Stand Down Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 March 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage tabled a report under Standing Order 119(4) on observations and actions taken regarding State Fiscal Policy Department matters raised by the Committee on Public Accounts, and moved that it be referred to that Committee. He also presented a note under Section 6(1) of the Disbursement Act, No. 23 of 2025, concerning supplementary disbursements from the Development Activities Programme under Head 240 of the Department of National Budget for the period 6 to 29 January 2026, which was ordered to lie upon the Table. Papers: Report on Observations (PM and Minister of Education) Parliamentary Procedure Read →