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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗
Speeches 1,262 #1 of 225·#1 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 955 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Debate

Activity by sitting

140 sittings · counts only, no scoring.

Topic focus

AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.

Speech history

1,262 speeches
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Environment, Bimal Rathnayake requested one month to provide an answer to the question. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.6/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Treasury and Economic Development, Bimal Rathnayake requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Stand Down (Q.4/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake requested the Speaker to consider expunging from Hansard an allegation made against a Minister during a supplementary question, citing Standing Orders. He also noted that a full-day debate on the matter had already been scheduled and urged Members not to use the House’s time to discuss it at that point. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary On behalf of several ministers, Bimal Rathnayake presented multiple reports to Parliament, including follow-up reports under Standing Orders 120(4) and 119(4), and annual reports of public institutions. He moved that these reports be referred to the relevant committees, including COPE, COPA, and sectoral oversight committees covering agriculture, economic development, and education/manpower. Each motion to refer the reports was put to the House and agreed to. Papers: Annual Reports and Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary Moved, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, to approve the declaration under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979, published in Special Gazette No. 2473/13 of 28 January 2026 and laid before Parliament on 3 February 2026. The motion was agreed to, after which Parliament was adjourned until 17 February 2026. Questions: Official Vehicles Allocated to Ministers (2015-2018) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake accused the Opposition of undermining Easter Sunday attack prosecutions by describing repurposed state properties used for daily hearings as “jungle courts,” and argued that such venues are intended to clear backlogs and assist victims. He alleged that the Opposition was attempting to equate the Government with past corruption, cited the Mahaiyawa tunnel project and alleged demands for payment under a former Highways Minister, and defended the current Speaker’s integrity. He also said the Government supports free education, respects the armed forces while addressing post-war abuses, and plans transparent use of recovered gold for North and East development funds. Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance EducationCorruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake defended the President’s declaration of essential public services under the Essential Public Services Act in response to Cyclone “Ditcha,” arguing that emergency powers are necessary to procure and restore critical services disrupted by the disaster. He said the Government would use these powers only for disaster management and outlined progress in relief payments, while noting that eligibility verification is required for public funds. He cited survey findings and international comments to support the Government’s relief performance, rejected Opposition criticisms and rumours about returned reconstruction cheques, and called for factual assessment of the post-disaster response. Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance Parliamentary ProcedurePublic FinanceSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake referred to the Chief Government Whip’s indication regarding the Chair reaching the North Central Province. He then cited Gazette No. 61 of 1979, issued on 28 January 2026 under the Public Service Act, suggesting a procedural or legal matter related to public service administration. Division: Resolution under Public Security Ordinance Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved the Second and Third Readings of the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill, which was passed with an amendment to Clause 20 redefining the relevant business operations while excluding container terminals within specified ports under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act. He also moved the passage of the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators (Amendment) Bill, which was considered in Committee without amendment and passed. Both Bills were granted permission for clerical and consequential corrections. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved a series of Committee Stage amendments to the Bill establishing the Institute for real estate professionals, chiefly to clarify provisions on admission, registration, membership categories, disciplinary removal, cancellation of registration, re-admission, and related Council procedures. The amendments affected the Objects, powers, membership applications, disqualifications and disciplinary provisions, register of members, Council terms and meetings, the Schedule, and the Long Title. All amendments were agreed to, and the Bill was reported with amendments. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake presented three Bills, including the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, and said the latter would establish a regulated professional body for the expanding real estate sector. He argued that regulation is needed to improve governance, ethics, investor confidence, financial transparency, and AML/CFT compliance, noting risks identified by the Financial Intelligence Unit and the forthcoming FATF assessment. He also said the Institute would support graduates and professionals in property management, valuation and investment analysis by creating licensing standards and an ethical framework. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake urged the Speaker to enforce Standing Order 29(2) and argued that Opposition Members were improperly disrupting proceedings by attempting to raise matters from the Well of the House rather than from their seats or through written procedure. He said the Government intended to proceed with debate on three Bills despite the protest, and characterized the Opposition’s actions as an obstruction of parliamentary business. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved that the Bill be read a second time. He also presented the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill and the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators (Amendment) Bill on behalf of the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, who was overseas on official duties. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said environmental agencies’ strict positions were understandable given past large-scale environmental destruction linked to political patronage and corrupt business, citing land clearing in Mannar, Marichchikaddi and the Madu forest. He commended Department of Wildlife Conservation officials while stating that the government would protect both the environment and affected people. He proposed discussions with the Environment Minister to find a solution. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions EnvironmentLand & HousingCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary An answer was tabled detailing the national highway network maintained by the Road Development Authority, comprising 4,217.42 km of A class roads, 8,045.42 km of B class roads, and 315.8 km of expressways, while C and D class roads fall under Provincial Councils. It listed road development projects initiated from 2019 to 2024, including foreign-funded, government-funded, expressway, coastal, and regional road programmes. The response stated that 3,827.90 km of roads were developed under these projects, including 386.25 km in Kurunegala District at a cost of Rs. 18,988 million. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Infrastructure Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Argued that during Oral Answers, annexures should not be read in full because the allotted one hour would be consumed and limit the number of questions taken. He said further details could be pursued through the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, during Adjournment, or through COPE/COPA where public entities are involved, and urged adherence to the existing Standing Orders and time limits. Oral Question: Private Electricity Generating Companies (Q.313/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 5 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake noted that Ravi Karunanayake is an experienced Member of Parliament and stated that, since the Minister had already answered his question, he should proceed to his first supplementary question. Oral Question: Private Electricity Generating Companies (Q.313/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 3 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair. The House agreed, and Hon. M.K.M. Aslam vacated the Chair for Hon. Chanaka Madugoda to preside. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 3 February 2026 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said Development Officers would be allowed to sit the teachers’ recruitment examination, with successful candidates absorbed into the Teachers’ Service in line with Court of Appeal rulings, while further solutions would be considered for those not selected. He argued that public service recruitment and school admissions must remain rules-based and merit-based, rejecting political “chit” or patronage practices. He also outlined the Staff Advisory Committee’s decision to hold an external preliminary inquiry into the suspension of the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament, stating that the process followed established procedure, allowed the officer to respond, and would proceed separately from any CIABOC investigations. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) Parliamentary ProcedureEmploymentLaw & Order Read →
  • 3 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that Parliament cannot unilaterally increase salaries, noting that financial decisions fall under the Government’s authority and that the Ministry of Finance is represented on the Staff Advisory Committee. He cited the previous change to unlimited fuel allowances as an example of such decision-making. He also argued, as a matter of basic logic, that a judge should not hear a case in which a litigant has filed a complaint against that judge. Points of Order regarding Parliamentary Secretariat Justice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →