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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
  • 12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake raised a procedural point under Standing Order 27(2), noting that its wording refers to notice being given to “the Minister” in the singular for questions of urgent public importance. He requested a ruling from the Speaker on the interpretation and application of that provision. Procedural Matters - Points of Order and Standing Order 27(2) clarifications Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 12 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake objected to two Ministers responding to clarifications on a question raised under Standing Order 27(2), arguing that the Prime Minister alone should answer as previously indicated. He requested that the matter be handled fairly until it is discussed at the Parliamentary Business Committee, warning against setting a precedent where multiple Ministries respond during clarifications. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary The Minister said temporary driving permits issued at Bandaranaike International Airport apply only to cars, vans and motorcycles, not three-wheelers or heavy vehicles, and are intended to support independent and longer-stay tourists. He stated that the current Rs. 2,000 fee set by Gazette would be revised to Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 45,000 depending on duration, after a new Gazette is approved. He added that three-wheeler permits are issued by the Automobile Association of Ceylon under long-standing practice, that Sri Lanka should consider alignment with the 1968 Vienna Convention, and that unlawful vehicle rental operations would be acted against regardless of ownership. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Law & OrderForeign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary The Leader of the House formally moved the adjournment of Parliament. The motion “That Parliament do now adjourn” was proposed by the Presiding Member. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that the matter had been decided by the Parliamentary Business Committee and urged Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka to proceed accordingly and bring it to a conclusion. Procedural: Question by Private Notice - Financial Bankruptcy Declaration (SO 27(2)) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake outlined ongoing measures to improve SLTB services, including the repair and redeployment of 173 buses and funding for 600 more, with related work expected to be completed by May next year. He said buses for the metropolitan-area Metro Bus Company are expected by June, necessary officers would be recruited by April, and a bank-based bus ticket payment system is targeted for launch by the end of the month. He also acknowledged continuing operational and management problems, noting that both setbacks and improvements are expected in the coming months. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board - Purchasing Spare Parts (Q.1428/2025) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that, despite the written answer, SLTB depots face serious practical problems including lack of funds, inadequate storage and staff, delayed repairs, and dependence on poor-quality spare parts suppliers. He said longstanding supplier practices, fraud, corruption, and unnecessary stockpiling had damaged the institution over many years. He noted that the Government has begun improvements and staff recruitment, but said at least another year is needed to establish a satisfactory system. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board - Purchasing Spare Parts (Q.1428/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary The Minister provided answers on SLTB procurement and stock management, stating that purchases are made under the National Procurement Guidelines 2024 and that selected suppliers provide items at fixed prices with 30 days’ credit based on quarterly requirements. He said SLTB stores and issues supplies according to financial capacity, a practice followed since the closure of the Werahera 606 Warehouse Complex in 1991, with bonded supplier warehouses used during 2011–2014. He added that a stock-control computer system is operating at Head Office level and is planned for expansion to depot level. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Transport Board - Purchasing Spare Parts (Q.1428/2025) Public Finance Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake urged Opposition Members to act in accordance with the Standing Orders, stating that maintaining order is also their responsibility. He objected to disorderly conduct in the Chamber and argued that other Members should not be expected to remain silent in response. Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Privilege Issues Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake used a metaphor to criticize those who create a crisis and then claim vindication when the resulting damage occurs. The remark suggests an accusation of deliberate provocation or negligence followed by self-justification, though no specific policy or event is identified in the quoted passage. Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Privilege Issues Environment Read →
  • 11 November 2025 AI summary The Minister cited Standing Orders 29(1) and 29(2), noting that privilege matters take precedence only under specified procedures and require prior notice to the Chair and leave to suspend business. He argued that general criticisms of Ministers’ or Members’ performance should not be treated as continuing privilege questions, as doing so would disrupt sittings. He said complaints, including alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct, should follow established procedures and be applied consistently to all Members. Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Ministerial Clarifications Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 10 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved that the debate be adjourned. The motion was agreed to, and the debate was scheduled to resume on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. Adjournment of Parliament Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 10 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that criticism or verbal attacks would not cause the Government to fall. The remark was a brief political assertion defending the Government’s stability. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 10 November 2025 AI summary In response to a question on rural road development in the Matara District, an answer was tabled stating that 66 roads totaling 219.79 km were developed under contract packages M01, M02 and M03. It stated that all development work on these roads has been completed and that no roads were started and left unfinished. Oral Questions – Second Round: Kalawewa Railway Station and I-Road Project in Matara District (Q.1221/2025 and Q.1304/2025) Infrastructure Read →
  • 10 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake tabled a written answer stating that Kalawewa Railway Station is an old station used by many local and foreign tourists. He said seat reservation facilities could be provided there in due course through the Railway Department’s ongoing online ticketing and reservation system expansion, currently operating with Mobitel at 50 stations. He added that ATMs can be installed at the station if a bank requests space and obtains the required approvals, after which the Railway Department can facilitate it without disrupting operations. Oral Questions – Second Round: Kalawewa Railway Station and I-Road Project in Matara District (Q.1221/2025 and Q.1304/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
  • 10 November 2025 AI summary The Minister said the Budget has increased gatekeepers’ monthly allowance from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 15,000, while noting that unsafe crossings require a longer-term programme beyond allowances. He stated that the Government plans to regularize about 9,800 to 10,000 non-permanent or irregular public-sector employees, but not through blanket absorption. He explained that minimum educational qualifications will apply, citing RDA workers and gatekeepers as examples, and said some pending workers may become eligible after sitting the next G.C.E. O/L examination. Oral Question: Vavuniya-Kilinochchi Section of Northern Railway Line – Dilapidated Railway Crossings (Q.1085/2025) Public FinanceEmployment Read →
  • 10 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said level-crossing problems occur across several railway lines and are partly the result of informal access routes, especially in areas affected by the war. He argued that frequent crossings undermine efficient rail operations and faster services, and identified parallel access roads as the practical solution. He said local authorities should request the necessary land or wayleaves from the Railway Department, including for the Omanthai area, while noting the Department is not obliged to construct such roads. Oral Question: Vavuniya-Kilinochchi Section of Northern Railway Line – Dilapidated Railway Crossings (Q.1085/2025) Infrastructure Read →
  • 10 November 2025 AI summary Certain crossings between Vavuniya and Puliyankulam are unauthorized and unsafe, and the Railway Department does not maintain or accept responsibility for them. Of 14 crossings in the section, 12 are unauthorized and are to be removed, while only two are police-controlled level crossings. Under the Mahawa–Omanthai railway rehabilitation project, trains are expected to run at 80–100 km/h, so unsafe crossings must be eliminated, with possible alternatives including parallel access roads subject to approvals and conditions, or footbridges in coordination with relevant authorities. Oral Question: Vavuniya-Kilinochchi Section of Northern Railway Line – Dilapidated Railway Crossings (Q.1085/2025) Law & OrderInfrastructureParliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 8 November 2025 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake, as Leader of the House, formally moved the motion to adjourn Parliament. The question on adjournment was then proposed. Adjournment Motion: Suspension of Development Projects Approved by Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 8 November 2025 AI summary Moved that the privilege matter raised on 11 September 2025 by Hon. Aravinda Senaratne be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges under Standing Order 118B. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Privilege Motions Parliamentary Procedure Read →