Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake, M.P.
Profession: Businessman
Speeches 40 #114 of 225·#58 in party
Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 12 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Petitions
Activity by sitting
25 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
40 speeches- 10 June 2026 AI summary A petition from Mr. E. J. P. Edirisinghe of Ilandulgodakanda, Nikatenna Watta, Kurunegala was presented to Parliament. The petition was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 April 2026 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake supported approval of the Order under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, noting that the updated prohibited substances list published by Gazette is part of Sri Lanka’s obligations to maintain fair competition and support athletes. He said the Government intends to strengthen sports development, including athletics and cricket, and argued that cricket requires systemic change free from undue influence. On the economic measures, including the Social Security Contribution Levy amendment and related financial instruments, he stated that the Government has not imposed new burdensome taxes, defended its relief and stabilization efforts, and said further tax and policy adjustments are necessary for economic recovery and international engagement. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) EnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
- 7 April 2026 AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake stated that Parliament was debating and proceeding to approve three matters he described as important to the country’s future. No specific details of the matters or proposals were provided in the excerpt. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 17 February 2026 AI summary Asked whether the Government will implement a programme aimed at the overall development of journalists. Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 17 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about private media institutions, noting alleged ethical breaches, misconduct complaints, and journalists facing unpaid dues for long periods. He asked whether the Government has a programme to protect private-sector journalists affected by media outlet closures and the absence of redress. Oral Question: Media Institutions and Support for Journalists (Q.9/2025) Justice & Human Rights Read →
- 22 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about unregulated “medicinal” products used by people with health-related needs, noting reports of harm and cases where courier-delivered items differed from what was ordered. He asked whether the Ministry or State Ayurvedic Corporation would introduce regulation and enforce proper standards for such products. Oral Question: Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Plants Regulation HealthcareCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 22 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about misleading and distorted advertisements on social media, including products promoted as medicines that may harm users. He noted that victims may avoid reporting such cases, limiting legal action, and asked the Minister, who also holds the Mass Media portfolio, what measures could be taken to regulate such online promotions. Oral Question: Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Plants Regulation Law & OrderReligion & CultureHealthcare Read →
- 22 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for details on registered Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing plants, including their number, names, and regulatory measures for Ayurvedic products. He also sought information on any policy governing the marketing of Ayurvedic products on social media, citing concerns that advertisements falsely claiming product registration are misleading the public and defrauding consumers, and asked what action the Ministry intends to take. Oral Question: Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Plants Regulation Corruption & Governance ReformHealthcare Read →
- 3 December 2025 AI summary A petition from Mr. Wijesinghe Weerasinghe of Wellawa, Handagama was presented to Parliament by Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake. It was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Public Petitions. Petitions: Presentation of Public Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 November 2025 AI summary Asked whether the Government would introduce proper regulation and documentation of lands owned by devalayas, noting that some administrators are unaware of the full extent of such lands. He said these lands are important for sustaining the institutions but are vulnerable to misuse for private benefit, and urged action with relevant institutions. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Religion & CultureLand & Housing Read →
- 22 November 2025 AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question about difficulties faced by people who purchased temple lands previously granted on a freehold basis. He said the ongoing “Bim Saviya” land titling programme cannot issue titles for some of these plots because the grants were improperly made and are now unlawful. He asked the Minister how the Government intends to resolve the issue, noting that affected persons need titles for school admissions, loans and business activities. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Land & Housing Read →
- 22 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for details on lands governed by the Buddhist Temporalities (Amendment) Act, No. 34 of 2013, including their extent and the procedure for granting occupancy rights. He sought clarification on whether temple or dewalaya priests and trustees may rent, lease, sell, or otherwise transfer such lands, the legal basis or reasons if not permitted, and whether transferred ownership would revert to the relevant institution. He also requested whether the Government intends to adopt a common policy for these lands and, if so, the details of that policy. Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) Land & HousingReligion & Culture Read →
- 19 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake said the Government had granted a phased 66 per cent public sector salary increase, which would also raise linked pensions, and argued that pension protections had been secured despite earlier attempts to curtail them. He stated that recruitment freezes since 2020 had caused major staffing shortages in sectors such as teaching, policing and administration, and said the Government would undertake large-scale recruitment to strengthen the public service. He also claimed private sector wages were rising alongside public salaries and linked these measures to the Government’s broader economic recovery efforts and the 2026 Budget. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Public FinanceEmploymentCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 14 November 2025 AI summary A petition from W.G.N. Thusitha Ranasinghe of No. 27, Saliyajaya Junction, Housing Scheme was presented and accepted. Petitions Presentation Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question about disparities in local authority revenues that have led some councils to remove street lamps because they cannot pay electricity bills. He asked whether, under the new reforms, measures would be introduced to address the problem and prevent communities from having to work or travel in darkness. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake stated that the installation of new street lamps has been halted amid concerns that some local authority officials had previously installed lamps irregularly for associates, causing unnecessary installations and increased electricity use. He asked whether the Ministry would introduce proper regulation to ensure future street lamp installations are supervised by local authorities and based on actual need. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities InfrastructureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised Question No. 1477/2025 regarding charges levied on local authorities for the use of street lighting lamps. He sought clarification on the basis for such charges and the impact on local government bodies responsible for providing street lighting services. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about threats to prisoners’ lives, inhuman treatment of new inmates, gang control, contraband trafficking, and alleged involvement of prison officers in illicit activities. He asked the Minister what measures have been taken to curb the prison “mafia,” ensure humane treatment and safety of prisoners, discipline corrupt officials, and address overcrowding in prisons. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question regarding a fundraising initiative by a group of women lawyers intended to pay fines and secure the release of indigent female prisoners. He asked whether the authorities were aware that the initiative had not been implemented, the prisoners remained incarcerated, and concerns had arisen about the handling of the funds raised. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Justice & Human RightsWomen & Children Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration for data on the current prison population and on inmates eligible for release after 20 years of detention, including whether they will be released and, if not, the reasons. He also requested information on prisoners serving long terms due to inability to pay fines, and whether the Government will adopt a fair, systematic procedure to address their cases. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →