Hon. Upali Samarasingha, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development
Profession: Other
Speeches 23 #163 of 225·#101 in party
Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Corruption & Governance Reform 8 speeches
Last spoke 9 April 2026 in Oral question
Activity by sitting
16 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
23 speeches- 9 April 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Trade, Food Security and Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasingha requested three weeks to respond to the question before the House. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down. Oral Questions and Answers Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 April 2026 AI summary Upali Samarasingha argued that his movement has consistently acted in national crises, citing voluntary reconstruction after the tsunami, COVID-19 assistance, and recent disaster relief mobilization after “Didwa.” He criticized the Opposition for seeking political advantage from crises while maintaining that allegations of corruption should be pursued through courts and the Bribery Commission. He said the Government has reduced privileges, provided relief, managed fuel shortages without special treatment for MPs, supported agriculture and the Yala season, and continued construction and infrastructure work to help overcome the crisis. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy AgricultureInfrastructureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 23 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Upali Samarasingha said co-operatives have suffered due to weak central–provincial coordination, political interference, prolonged board tenures, inadequate audits, and poor procedures. He stated that the Government is working with the Provincial Co-operative Public Service Commission to review failed co-operatives, conduct audits, and revive them within the year through state intervention. He added that special attention would be given to strengthening estate co-operatives and addressing past shortcomings. Oral Question No. 8 (Deferred) and Question Stand Down AgricultureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 23 January 2026 AI summary Between 2015 and 2025, several MPCS and rural cooperative societies were closed under different administrations due to irregular management and lack of audits. In Uva/Badulla, 12 estate cooperative outlets, including those in Spring Valley, Newburgh, Dyaraba, Welimada, Dambatenna and Haputale, were reported closed over the past decade. Oral Question No. 8 (Deferred) and Question Stand Down Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 23 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the relevant Minister, the Deputy Minister provided figures on co-operative outlets in Badulla District, stating that 58 outlets were operating as at 1 January 2026, including 9 within estate areas. He reported that 180 outlets had closed between 2015 and 2025, mostly those run by Multipurpose Co-operative Societies. He also clarified that no separate estate co-operative societies are registered specifically for housing construction and loans, though estate workers’ co-operatives provide loans and consumer goods, with 3 Estate Shop Co-operatives and 63 Estate Housing Co-operatives operating in Badulla. Oral Question No. 8 (Deferred) and Question Stand Down EmploymentAgriculture Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Upali Samarasingha stated that co-operative matters have been devolved to Provincial Councils since the 13th Amendment, creating shared responsibilities between the line Ministry and Provincial Councils. He said the Government is preparing amendments to the Co-operative Act to establish a unified legal framework, and assured intervention in the district’s co-operative issues to secure justice and take legal action where abuses or legal violations by officials are found. Oral Question: Co-operative Hospital Gampaha Administration and Irregularities (Q. relating to Lasith Bhashana Gamage) Corruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 6 January 2026 AI summary Complaints exceeding 20 have been received from members, employees and others regarding the functioning and alleged irregularities of the Gampaha Co-operative Hospital, with related annexes tabled. Five complaints are in the final stage of inquiry under Section 47(2) of the Western Province Co-operative Societies Statute, and authority has been delegated to investigate additional complaints. Investigations may take up to 18 months but will be expedited, and any proven disciplinary or financial misconduct may lead to disqualification of directors, employee disciplinary action, and recovery proceedings under the relevant statutory provisions. Oral Question: Co-operative Hospital Gampaha Administration and Irregularities (Q. relating to Lasith Bhashana Gamage) Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 18 December 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister described the recent disaster response in the Northern districts, emphasizing inter-communal cooperation among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities and support from religious leaders, workers, prisoners, businesses, and citizens from other regions. He reported that in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, officials, security forces, and villagers evacuated residents, cleared roads, managed reservoirs, and rescued about 665 people stranded on rooftops. He highlighted severe losses in Mannar, including around 22,000 acres of damaged paddy and more than 10,000 dead cattle, and said District Disaster Management Committees and central and provincial agencies were coordinating relief, rehabilitation, and future preparedness. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah InfrastructureSecurity & DefenceEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 5 December 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister described emergency response efforts in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu, rejecting Opposition claims that circulars or political interference hindered officials. He said Mannar was most affected, with rescues and relief carried out by officials, police and the tri-forces, including air rescues and food drops, and argued that the military’s role in the North had been essential during the disaster. He reported that welfare centres in Vavuniya had closed, many in Mannar had been reduced, health services and dry rations were provided, and work was under way to repair breached tanks, canals, sluices, roads, electricity and water supplies to enable cultivation. He appealed for cooperation across political and ethnic lines, stating that state agencies, volunteers and external assistance were supporting recovery. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Security & DefenceEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 22 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, a request was made for one month to provide the answer to the question. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Upali Samarasingha briefly defended Hon. Chandana Abeyratne, stating that he had worked continuously for their political movement since 1994 and contributed to party victories. He rejected suggestions made about Abeyratne’s current situation without providing further details. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Upali Samarasingha tabled an answer on an inquiry into a co-operative society under Section 46(1) of the Central Province Co-operative Societies Statute. The answer stated that a special audit had found unauthorized distribution of goods worth Rs. 885,703 to 91 General Assembly delegates, that surcharge certificates had been issued against former directors, and that related proceedings were subject to a Court of Appeal writ application. It also set out possible recovery and disciplinary actions, including arbitration, High Court recovery, surcharge proceedings, removal of directors, and action against employees if wrongdoing is established. Oral Question: Rangiri Dambulla Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited Frauds (Q.5/2025 - Second Round) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 18 November 2025 AI summary Upali Samarasingha stated that the main issue is the lack of a clear national policy and system governing prices and standards. He said discussions are under way with relevant regulatory bodies to create mechanisms ensuring fair pricing and quality for domestic products and fair market prices for imports, and that this work has already begun. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 18 November 2025 AI summary Upali Samarasingha said Sri Lanka lacks a comprehensive, harmonized national policy on food and related products across ministries, contributing to the entry of substandard medicines, contaminated foods, and unsafe preservation practices. He noted concerns over unhygienic meat display and said PHIs and Health Ministry guidelines are used, while the Health and Trade Ministries are working on an updated national policy and enforcement mechanism. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale AgricultureHealthcarePublic Finance Read →
- 22 October 2025 AI summary Upali Samarasingha supported the Rules under the Excise Ordinance and the Regulation under the Special Commodity Levy Act, arguing that they are intended to close loopholes, prevent revenue evasion, and ensure taxes collected from alcohol sales are properly remitted to the Treasury. He said excise revenue is important for public services and that legal reforms are needed to hold evaders accountable. On agricultural levies, he stated that existing policies on commodities such as potatoes and onions aim to support food security, lower production costs, and develop the agro-industry, while rejecting Opposition claims as inaccurate. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformAgriculture Read →
- 24 July 2025 AI summary Upali Samarasingha moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair as the presiding member. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 May 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the regulations and resolutions before the House seek to update outdated vehicle import and tax administration procedures, close legal and procedural gaps, prevent abuses such as tax evasion and registration of stolen vehicles, and improve transparency and efficiency. He noted that Gazette No. 2428/07 of 19 March 2025 designates compliant inspection institutions for vehicle imports and that deposit/advance account limits are being recalibrated after institutional review. He also corrected claims on Puttalam salt production, stating total output is just over 30,000 MT and that about 600 MT has been released, with further releases to follow, and said the Government will act on the Mannar-Puttalam road issue in accordance with the relevant court order. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Law & OrderInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
- 9 April 2025 AI summary Upali Samarasingha stated that, upon learning of the matter that day, relevant officials were immediately instructed to suspend the activities in question. He said the suspension should remain in place until the election period ends and the District Committee’s decisions are implemented. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 14 March 2025 AI summary Upali Samarasingha said domestic production shortfalls must be addressed through imports where necessary, while protecting farmers and ensuring consumers receive quality goods at fair prices. He noted that domestic supply had fallen from about 50% in 2019 to around 20% over the past four to five years, attributing the decline to administrative failures, and emphasized the need to manage the situation as the March harvest begins. Adjournment Motion: Control of Potato Imports During Harvesting Season Cost of LivingAgriculture Read →
- 14 March 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister responded on behalf of the absent Minister to concerns raised about potato farmers in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, noting that Jaffna is also a significant cultivation area. He said the Government seeks to balance protection of domestic producers with fair prices and quality food for consumers, within a production-based economic policy and annual planning with relevant ministries and the private sector. He stated that because national consumption is about 200,000 MT while 2019 domestic production was 101,642 MT, imports remain necessary, but measures are needed to protect local producers during harvest periods. Adjournment Motion: Control of Potato Imports During Harvesting Season Cost of LivingAgriculture Read →