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

4 June 2025 AI summary A petition was presented on behalf of Mr. M.B. Navarathna of “Rathna Niwasa”, Vidyalaya Road, Halmillaketiya, Thunkama, Embilipitiya. Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 May 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri briefly thanked the Minister and made no substantive argument, proposal, or question. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 May 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri asked whether relief could be provided to public servants who left Sri Lanka during the economic crisis after attempting, but failing, to obtain timely leave approval through proper procedures. He requested the Minister to consider measures allowing such officers, who hoped to resume their local posts on return, an opportunity to regularize their status. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Public FinanceEmployment Read →
23 May 2025 AI summary Asked permission from the Presiding Member to pose a question during the proceedings. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 May 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri sought permission to pose a question, noting that the Minister had agreed to it. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri sought the Presiding Member’s permission to ask a supplementary question, subject to the Minister’s agreement. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government about the implementation of Circular No. 14/2022, which allowed public officers to take local or foreign no-pay leave without prejudice to seniority and pension. He noted that short notice for foreign employment and delays in leave approval had led some officers to leave without approval and risk losing their public service posts. He requested figures on officers who obtained local and foreign no-pay leave, those who went abroad without approval, reasons for non-approval, actions taken against them, and whether the Minister accepts that current leave-approval procedures are inconsistent with the circular and institutional code. Adjournment Motion and Adjournment Debate: Public Administration and Provincial Council Elections Public FinanceEmployment Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri defended the Government’s regulatory approvals, including measures under the 1969 Act and the 2023 Disposals Act, arguing that vehicle import restrictions are being eased gradually after a five-year halt and that deposit requirements may be adjusted as economic conditions change. He rejected Opposition criticism on shortages and investment, attributing problems in rice storage, transport, land administration, and infrastructure to previous governments. He said the Government would pursue uniform solutions for land title issues, including in the North and Ratnapura, while prioritizing rural roads, drinking water, the rural economy, and tourism infrastructure to support a target of 3 million annual tourist arrivals. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions InfrastructureLand & HousingPublic Finance Read →
17 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri stated that the Government’s first Budget gives special attention to wildlife conservation and the human-elephant conflict, including allocations of Rs. 400 million to reduce the conflict, Rs. 274 million for electric fences, and Rs. 160 million for wildlife feeding zones. He argued that fences alone are insufficient and that corridors, biodiversity-based methods, community support, and increased staffing for the Department of Wildlife Conservation are also needed. He highlighted the economic value of national parks and wildlife facilities, plans to develop additional national parks and elevate the Giritale Wildlife Research and Training Centre, and emphasized protection of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and forest resources. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment EnvironmentPublic FinanceAgriculture Read →
17 March 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri criticized an Opposition MP, referring to a prior incident involving “dogs,” and questioned that member’s credibility in speaking about culture, civilization, and religion. He argued that the incident had contributed to harm in the country and framed the remarks as part of a broader critique of the Opposition’s conduct. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised allegations that funds allocated for a bridge had been misused by a former Minister or his Secretaries. He asked the current Minister whether an investigation would be conducted and a report presented to clarify the facts. Oral Question: Construction of Liyangastota Bridge (Q.4/2025) InfrastructureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
11 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri asked the Chair whether he could pose supplementary questions to a former Minister under the Standing Orders. Oral Question: Construction of Liyangastota Bridge (Q.4/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concern that a project remains halted mid-river despite earlier timelines, creating an unsafe site, and noted media reports that components brought to the site were removed around 25–26 January 2025. He asked how many similar projects across the country remain suspended after large payments have been made. Oral Question: Construction of Liyangastota Bridge (Q.4/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
11 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation for details on the Liyangastota Bridge across the Walawe River, including construction start and expected completion dates, estimated cost, responsible ministry or institution, and the minister in charge at the time. He also sought confirmation on whether the bridge has been completed, and if work was halted midway, the types and value of any materials destroyed. Oral Question: Construction of Liyangastota Bridge (Q.4/2025) Infrastructure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri supported the Adjournment Motion on recurrent flooding in Ratnapura District, noting that annual floods affect low-lying areas including Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama, Kalawana, Nivithigala and Eheliyagoda. He said previous technical assessments and proposals had been made, and urged the Government, with the Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation, to prepare and implement a sustainable plan using multiple measures to reduce the flood threat. Adjournment Motion: Flood Mitigation in Ratnapura District EnvironmentParliamentary Procedure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri raised a supplementary question about institutions seeking new funds despite prior records showing payments under past budgetary allocations. He asked what action the Ministry would take regarding responsible officers and staff, including retired personnel and remaining employees without assigned duties, and whether those staff would be redeployed productively. Oral Question 2: National Equipment and Machinery Organization (Q.4838/2025) EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Upul Kithsiri raised concerns about unpaid claims for projects dating back eight to ten years, noting that some requests exceed the Rs. 10 million allocation available to each MP. He also highlighted stalled projects where heavy machinery has been abandoned and is deteriorating, including in Kolonnawa, and asked whether an audit has been or will be conducted on these halted projects and idle assets. Oral Question 2: National Equipment and Machinery Organization (Q.4838/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised Question No. 2 (4838/2025) regarding the National Equipment and Machinery Organization, seeking details on the line ministries under which it operates and the projects it has undertaken. The question requested information relevant to the organization’s administrative oversight and its role in implementing government projects. Oral Question 2: National Equipment and Machinery Organization (Q.4838/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
3 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri informed Parliament that he accepted three public petitions. The petitions were submitted by Mr. M. Gunapala of Mulaediya, Mr. Nandadasa Jayawira of Thunkama, and Mr. Ruchanpathirana A. Wijayananda of Udawalawe. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri defended the 2025 Budget as a forward development plan of a government in office for only three months, while noting that unpaid liabilities from past projects still constrain implementation. He highlighted salary increases, the procedure for Rs. 10 million decentralized MP allocations, expected foreign investment following visits to India and China, and new welfare measures for persons with disabilities and children in probation homes. He also cited allocations for mental health programmes, rural drinking water, rural roads, export agriculture, and value-added sectors such as gems and spices, while rejecting claims that districts such as Galle had been neglected. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) HealthcarePublic FinanceAgriculture Read →