Hon. Upul Kithsiri, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Ratnapura

Profession: Teacher

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 43 #108 of 225·#54 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

43 speeches

21 May 2026 AI summary Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act were presented for approval to permit regulated imports of retreaded aircraft tyres and specified Ponni Samba and Kiri Ponni rice substitutes. Upul Kithsiri contrasted the Government’s current economic management with the 2022 crisis, citing shortages, low reserves, power cuts and public service vacancies inherited after halted recruitment. He argued that since 2024 the Government has maintained fuel, fertilizer and services while improving fiscal and external indicators, including higher revenue, a primary surplus, a current account surplus and reduced debt. He called on the Opposition to stop disrupting proceedings and support efforts to improve the economy, while noting ongoing youth, tourism and national development programmes. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Corruption & Governance ReformPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
4 March 2026 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri supported the Bill to establish the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority, arguing that regulation is needed to address exploitative lending, excessive interest rates, and the social harm caused by unregulated microfinance and moneylending schemes in rural areas. He said such loans had deepened poverty, contributed to family conflicts and suicides, and required urgent state intervention to protect borrowers and bring order to the sector. He also responded to Opposition criticisms on delays, coal allegations, paddy guaranteed prices, and concerns about village organizations, stating that implementation issues could be discussed while the Bill should be passed without delay. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Cost of LivingPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
4 March 2026 AI summary Accepted a petition from Mr. H. M. Amarapala of No. 990/1, Mudunmankada, Udawalawa, for presentation to Parliament. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
22 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concerns over significant vacancies in the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service, noting existing and prospective shortages due to retirements and officers covering duties outside the service. He asked whether younger officers could be recruited in greater numbers to Grade III and whether the process of filling vacancies could be expedited. He also sought action to address salary anomalies faced by senior teachers entering Principals’ Service Grade III, including possible interim payments until recalculations are completed. Oral Question: Officers of Sri Lanka Principals' Service - Details (Q. 1348/2025) Public FinanceEducation Read →
7 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri sought clarification on the safety of the Udawalawa bund, noting that it was built in 1968, is now heavily used by tourist and local traffic, and could endanger wider areas if compromised. While accepting the Deputy Minister’s response and the existence of an alternative route, he urged that the lower alternative road be rehabilitated urgently rather than awaiting further reports, so it can be used if the bund road is closed in an emergency. Adjournment EnvironmentInfrastructure Read →
7 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised an Adjournment Question to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation on reservoir safety following Cyclone “Diva,” focusing on concerns about the Udawalawa Reservoir after recent spilling. He asked for details on the reservoir’s construction year, objectives, storage capacity and irrigable area, and sought clarification on whether national highways run over reservoir bunds in Sri Lanka. He further questioned whether the main road on the Udawalawa bund poses a safety risk and whether the Ministry has considered alternative arrangements. Adjournment InfrastructureEnvironmentAgriculture Read →
7 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability, Hon. Upul Kithsiri presented the Committee’s report on several referred annual and performance reports relating to national botanic gardens, the Ministry of Environment, the State Timber Corporation, and national zoological gardens. The reports covered periods between 2022 and 2024 and were ordered to lie upon the Table. Papers Presented AgricultureParliamentary ProcedureEnvironment Read →
24 November 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri stated that he would ask the question before the House. Oral Question: Q.1 (1272/2025) - Request for Adjournment Parliamentary Procedure Read →
12 November 2025 AI summary Asked whether the Ministry would urgently intervene and take action to protect the historic land in question. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Land & Housing Read →
12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concerns over the historic Walawwa, noting its 300-year history, extensive built fabric, and reduction in land extent from 13 acres 3 roods 13 perches in 1978 to 7 acres 0 roods 23 perches in 2006. He asked whether the Ministry had confirmed through reviews that part of the historic land had been lost, in the context of local disputes and later attempts to acquire land by Gazette. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Land & Housing Read →
12 November 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to provide details on the takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by the Department of Archaeology under Question No. 1347/2025. The request sought information on the status, legal or administrative basis, and related particulars concerning the Department’s acquisition or management of the historic property. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Justice & Human Rights Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri defended the Government’s Budget and economic management, rejecting Opposition predictions that the administration would collapse, the rupee would depreciate sharply, or shortages and queues would return. He cited reductions in fuel, electricity, and selected essential goods prices since 2024, and said the exchange rate had remained broadly stable. He also supported the proposed wage increase for estate workers, arguing that their current earnings are insufficient, and said the 2026 Budget is guided by goals including sustainable inclusive growth, export diversification, and debt sustainability. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri joined the condolence motions for seven former Members of Parliament, focusing on the late Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage of Ratnapura. He recalled Liyanage’s political career after losing his job in the 1980 strike, his repeated election to Parliament, his assistance to others during the 1988–1989 repression, and his humble service across party lines. He conveyed Parliament’s condolences to Liyanage’s family, including Opposition MP Hon. Waruna Liyanage, and also paid respects to the other former Members being commemorated. Votes of Condolence: Seven Former Members of Parliament Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary Asked what steps the Ministry has taken to support and develop athletics and other sports beyond the previously discussed sport, noting that Sri Lanka has exceptional athletes in those fields. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) Public Finance Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri expressed condolences on the death of Jayannanda Chandraveera, noting his contribution to cricket and the restoration of the Galle International Cricket Ground after the tsunami. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s cricket achievements and asked why Sri Lanka Cricket’s resources have not been used to develop facilities in rural districts, citing the lack of an international-standard turf pitch in Ratnapura. He called for steps to expand cricket infrastructure and opportunities for talented players in villages, including areas such as Embilipitiya. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) InfrastructureReligion & Culture Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri supported the Private Members’ Motion to designate the Pitigala, Udugama, Neluwa and Deniyaya area around Sinharaja as a tourism zone. He highlighted Sinharaja’s UNESCO World Heritage status, biodiversity and access routes, noting recent and ongoing road improvements that could support tourism. He proposed promoting the area domestically and internationally online while ensuring protection of the ecosystem. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone InfrastructureEnvironment Read →
6 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri asked whether a clear schedule and work plan had been set for the issuance of 50,000 deeds in 2025. He sought clarification on whether the relevant institutions could meet the stated target within the planned timeframe. Adjournment: Parliamentary Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Land & Housing Read →
6 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concerns about widespread delays and irregularities in issuing land permits, grants, and deeds, particularly in Ratnapura District, Kolonna, and Embilipitiya, noting that most public grievances he receives relate to land. He requested urgent Ministry intervention and asked about the readiness of Divisional Secretaries, the Land Reforms Commission, and the Mahaweli Authority to issue permits and ownership documents. He also sought details on any identified weaknesses in the previous Government’s “Urumaya” deed programme, corrective measures taken, and whether the programme has been reactivated with a timeline to expedite deed issuance. Adjournment: Parliamentary Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Land & Housing Read →
23 July 2025 AI summary Proposed amendments to the Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007, are presented as necessary to identify ultimate beneficial ownership of companies and strengthen safeguards against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other unlawful activity. The speech links the reforms to improving investor confidence and international recognition, citing past legal gaps, opaque company ownership, delays in land allocation, approval-related corruption, and banking obstacles faced by investors. It also refers to recent government action on market issues such as rice, salt, and vehicle imports as part of a broader claim that the administration is removing barriers to economic development. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
8 July 2025 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mr. Deva Jayasiri of G 3/7, Janawasa Housing Complex, Danduma, Sevanagala, for consideration by Parliament. Petitions Presented by Members Parliamentary Procedure Read →