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

4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage clarified that the Bill excludes entities already regulated or registered under existing frameworks, including provincial councils, local authorities, the Central Bank, the Pawn Brokers Act, co-operative societies, the Samurdhi Act, and Agrarian Development structures. He stated that the legislation is aimed at unregistered or unlicensed lending and financial service providers that have caused public harm. He said the Government’s objective is to protect customers through regulation and a complaints mechanism, not to regulate informal groups such as friendly societies or funeral aid associations. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Public FinanceLaw & Order Read →
4 March 2026 AI summary The Minister supported the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill as a replacement for the Microfinance Act, No. 6 of 2016, emphasizing customer protection, licensing, and supervision of money lending and microfinance businesses. He traced the sector’s role in serving low-income borrowers excluded from formal banking, including Sri Lanka’s cooperative, Janasaviya and Samurdhi-based models, while noting that commercialization and weakened social collateral had led to exploitative practices. He cited unregulated operators, high interest rates, unfair recoveries, distress among women borrowers, suicides, and depositor losses as reasons for stronger regulation, while clarifying that cooperatives, Samurdhi institutions, pawn brokers and other bodies already regulated under specific laws are excluded from the Bill’s scope. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Public FinanceWomen & ChildrenJustice & Human Rights Read →
20 February 2026 AI summary The Minister briefly stated that the matter raised was not relevant, without making any substantive argument, proposal, or policy point. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 February 2026 AI summary The Minister requested that the Hon. Member raise the question after he completed his speech, stating that he would respond thereafter. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 February 2026 AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage rejected the Opposition’s allegations over a coal tender, stating that the Government did not alter specifications after the 2024 elections and that relevant changes were made in 2023 under the previous administration after considering a 2022 report. He said the tender followed the national procurement process, with 28 days allowed for bidding, and denied Cabinet interference, contrasting this with earlier procurement practices. He argued that the revised specifications increased registered suppliers from 10 to 26, that coal quality was assessed against accepted international GCV standards, and that penalties for quality deviations were part of established practice, including about US$ 2.1 million in the current tender. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
23 January 2026 AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage supported amendments to the Universities Act, stating that the reforms would democratize university governance by broadening eligibility for Deans, introducing term limits, shifting appointment of Heads of Departments to University Councils, and widening representation in Senates. He said the changes were intended to reduce centralized decision-making and improve transparency, drawing on consultations with the university community. He also outlined government measures on university vacancies, student welfare, scholarships, hostels, disability support, research funding, loans for higher education, and digitalization. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Public FinanceEducationCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary The Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment moved the adjournment motion, proposing that Parliament do now adjourn. The motion was then put before the House. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage clarified that his earlier reference to the Samurdhi Development Department concerned funds mobilized through Samurdhi institutions, not solely Treasury allocations. He stated that Rs. 60 billion this year is being deployed through Samurdhi Department funds, including Samurdhi-affiliated banks and dedicated funds, alongside about Rs. 2 billion from the ADB and World Bank. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Public Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage outlined revisions to Aswesuma and related social protection benefits, stating that disability allowances are being raised to Rs. 10,000 for 200,000 persons and chronic kidney disease beneficiaries increased from 50,000 to 70,000. He said around 1.92 million people in four welfare categories are receiving support, with benefit increases to Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 17,500, and that the programme is intended to continue until June 2027. He also described government empowerment measures, including grants, financial literacy training, concessional Samurdhi loans at 4 per cent, and allocations of Rs. 60 billion in 2026 to support micro and small enterprises. He rejected Opposition criticism of education reforms and said the reforms are structured around five pillars, including curriculum, human resources, facilities, and assessment changes. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Moved approval of the amended Gazette for the Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme under the Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002, noting Cabinet approval and its role as the main welfare programme for low-income and vulnerable groups. He explained that benefits are allocated under the Poor, Extremely Poor, Vulnerable and Transitional categories using Welfare Benefits Board criteria based on the 2019 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, and addressed concerns over beneficiary selection. The amendment extends payments for groups otherwise due to end in December 2025 until June 2026, citing the impact of the November cyclonic disaster, and also covers assistance for persons with disabilities, renal disease patients and elderly recipients. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Cost of LivingParliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that operational problems in the Samurdhi banking system stem from its long reliance on manual processes since the Samurdhi Authority was established in 1995. He said about 450 banks have shifted to computerized operations over the past year, and the Government is working to integrate 1,097 banks and 335 societies into a single digital network to address remaining issues. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Over 25,000 staff serve in the Samurdhi Development Department, but the issue raised concerns a small group lacking minimum educational qualifications. The Minister said discussions were held with pensions and ministry officials, and that an interim allowance cannot be granted under current regulations without Cabinet approval, so a Cabinet Paper is being prepared. He added that other issues related to converting employees from EPF contributions to pension entitlements during the transition from the Samurdhi Authority to the Department have now been resolved. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary The Minister said many pension entitlement and arrears issues relating to Samurdhi Development Officers had been resolved, but officers recruited in 1995 without minimum educational qualifications remained an issue, and steps were being taken, including individual Cabinet decisions and termination of service for those continuing beyond age 55 without qualifications. He stated that promotion schemes for Samurdhi Development Officers and Manager-grade officers had been prepared, with the Management Assistant scheme approved by Cabinet in December 2025 and referred to the Public Service Commission. He also said Samurdhi banks had been brought under Government audit through an amendment to the Act, internal audit and investigation capacity had been strengthened, and procurement and Cabinet action had begun to computerize all Samurdhi banks on a unified digital network. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
6 January 2026 AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme Act, arguing that a reformed pension scheme is necessary for the large fisheries-dependent population. He cited Ministry figures showing 272,900 families directly engaged in marine and inland fisheries and said the previous scheme had limited enrolment and very few beneficiaries due to structural weaknesses. He linked the proposal to the Government’s policy objective of ensuring dignified retirement for senior citizens, particularly in a hazardous sector, and also condemned remarks made in the House against the Prime Minister. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Public FinanceEmploymentWomen & Children Read →
6 January 2026 AI summary Moved a procedural motion on behalf of the Leader of the House to alter the day’s sitting hours, notwithstanding Standing Order 8, setting sessions from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., with adjournment by the Speaker at 5.30 p.m. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Procedural: Motions at Commencement of Public Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 January 2026 AI summary Moved, on behalf of the Leader of the House, that business item No. 3 on the Order Paper be exempted from Standing Order 27. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Procedural: Motions at Commencement of Public Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
3 December 2025 AI summary The Minister presented a report under Standing Order No. 119(4) outlining observations and actions taken regarding matters on the Department of Samurdhi Development raised in the Committee on Public Accounts report. He moved that the report be referred to the Committee on Public Accounts, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Regulations and Reports Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →
25 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Upali Pannilage said the Government’s education policy treats education as a social welfare investment and prioritizes equitable access, with the 2026 Budget allocating about Rs. 708 billion, the highest allocation to date, though the 6 per cent of GDP target would be reached progressively. He outlined measures on higher education quality, international scholarships, hostel development, research funding, increased Mahapola and bursary payments, expanded access and allowances for students with disabilities, and school support for low-income children. He also noted ongoing recruitment to fill university academic vacancies and said broader reforms aim to develop human capital and prepare society for the 21st century. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) EducationPublic Finance Read →
22 November 2025 AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage tabled a written response on staffing and disciplinary matters in Samurdhi-related offices in Vavuniya, giving approved cadre, in-position numbers and vacancies for the District Secretariat and divisional offices. He stated that recruitment to fill vacancies has been referred to the Committee on Public Service Staff Review at the Prime Minister’s Office and will proceed after approval, and that transfers may be granted according to service needs and officers’ requests. He also reported that, since the Department of Samurdhi Development was established in 2014, recruitment had occurred only in 2017 through a competitive examination. On alleged misuse of funds and fraudulent withdrawals linked to community-based banks, he tabled details of charge sheets, pending appeals, and ongoing or planned inquiries against named officers. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) EmploymentPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
21 November 2025 AI summary At the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026, the Minister moved an amendment to Head 124, Programme 02. The speech was limited to formally presenting the amendment for parliamentary consideration. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Parliamentary Procedure Read →