Hon. Dinesh Hemantha, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Matale

Profession: Teacher

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 18 #181 of 225·#119 in party

Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

18 speeches

9 June 2026 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that emergency powers are needed to provide rapid relief and expedite permanent rehabilitation, including resettlement and land transfers, following cyclone damage in Matale. He said the Government has used emergency powers only for public safety and not to suppress dissent, despite past misuse by previous governments. He also addressed investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks, stating that the Government is proceeding lawfully and with due process to identify and punish those responsible rather than acting arbitrarily. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsSecurity & Defence Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary Dinesh Hemantha defended the Government’s economic approach during debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that it has chosen difficult policy decisions aimed at long-term stability rather than short-term measures. He said the Government maintained the 2026 Budget despite calls to revise it after the “Divva” cyclone, while separately implementing relief payments for cleaning, household goods, school books, rent, and housing. He stated that house construction for eligible disaster-affected families has begun across affected Divisional Secretariat areas, including unresolved cases from earlier disasters, and noted that land identification is underway in all 11 DS divisions of Matale, including lands requiring Forest Conservation Department approval. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Public FinanceEnvironmentCost of Living Read →
19 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha stated that the human-elephant conflict in Matale District has worsened despite national and local measures, including the formation of a district committee coordinating wildlife offices. He cited the recent deaths of a father and daughter in Moragahulpotha, Wilgamuwa, and highlighted problems such as ineffective electric fences, isolated forest patches within planned settlements, and abandoned lands that now harbour elephants. He said short-term action was sought after the incident, including possible removal of an identified rogue elephant, while the Government is pursuing gradual, sustainable solutions across the district. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict EnvironmentLand & Housing Read →
8 January 2026 AI summary The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha linked the Motor Traffic Act amendments and regulations to a broader argument on sustainable development, stating that economic growth must be balanced with environmental and social responsibility, especially after recent disasters caused major economic losses. He said governments must take necessary decisions even when unpopular and called for consistent Opposition support for such measures. He also outlined disaster recovery work in Matale District, including rural road projects, restoration of damaged RDA roads, bridge reconstruction, land acquisition plans, and the deployment of a Bailey bridge, while stressing that disaster relief should not be politicized. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate EnvironmentInfrastructure Read →
14 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha defended Budget allocations by stating that the LKR 12,500 million vehicle provision is for 2,700 vehicles to address shortages in public institutions, with only MPs lacking pickups receiving them, and that the LKR 500 million for public servants’ property loans is for an interest subsidy rather than loan principal. He argued that the Government has exceeded revenue and fiscal targets in 2025, citing improved deficit figures, higher revenue collection, tourism, remittances and Customs income. He also called on Opposition MPs, particularly those representing plantation communities, to state whether they support the Rs. 200 plantation wage top-up and to reflect that position in the vote. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Parliamentary ProcedurePublic FinanceEmployment Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Amid discussion of transport and infrastructure development, Hon. Dinesh Hemantha argued that previous road and transport projects were undertaken without proper prioritization, contributing to SLTB losses while private operators benefited on selected routes. He stated that the Government is now focusing on village needs, allocating buses where required, improving depots and facilities, and implementing a broader programme intended to improve public services and livelihoods. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported the Supplementary Estimate under Head 117 for the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry, explaining it as a mechanism to use in-year savings or additional funds for priority work. He argued that applying savings toward future debt interest and amortization would reduce debt pressure and help restore international credibility for future renegotiations. Responding to Opposition criticism, he cited ongoing road carpeting projects in Matale District, plans for parking facilities at Riverston, and phased improvements to the Matale–Galewela road by end-2026. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
26 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha discussed the Fourth COPE Report, highlighting alleged irregularities involving the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund and SLIIT, including the use of funds and agreements that enabled SLIIT to become a private institution without returning profits to the Fund. He argued that corruption, misuse of public funds, and abuse of public property should not be treated as partisan matters, and called on all 225 Members to support transparency and accountability. He said COPE, COPA and the Auditor General’s Department are helping build a new political culture of fiscal discipline, and urged both Government and Opposition to contribute to long-term solutions for the public. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
26 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha formally seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Champika Hettiaratchchi took the Chair. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported the Sports Law regulations, arguing that they are intended to depoliticize sports bodies by barring elected representatives and ministers from holding or contesting key positions in sports associations and by limiting presidents and secretaries to eight years in office. He said the Government is creating systems to identify and nurture young athletes earlier through schools, district-level pooling, advisory structures, and pathways toward events such as the 2028 Olympics. He also criticized practices where officials benefit from overseas travel while athletes lack support, and said the regulations would prioritize athlete welfare and proper allocation of facilities. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules EducationPublic Finance Read →
22 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha defended the Government’s handling of the reported salt issue, arguing that climatic factors, consumer stockpiling, and media amplification had worsened a temporary market disruption already explained by the Minister of Industries. He said the Opposition was focusing on isolated commodity prices rather than macroeconomic indicators, citing remittances, reserves, exchange-rate stability, low inflation, growth, and public-sector salary increases as evidence of economic improvement. He also rejected claims that the Government disrespects war heroes, pointing to salary increases and honours granted to military personnel while criticizing the Opposition’s use of the issue for political purposes. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
21 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha raised a point of order under Standing Order 92(2)(a), questioning the procedure being followed in the House. He asked why he was not being allowed to pose his question. Procedural: Questions on Bank of Ceylon Relief and Allied Health Graduates - Final Business Parliamentary Procedure Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha asked what steps are planned to expand the number of field or Beat Offices and provide additional vehicles to improve response times. He noted that officers had identified inadequate office coverage relative to the land area as a factor affecting management of the conflict. Oral Question: Anti-Elephant Electric Fencing (Q.2/2025) InfrastructureLaw & Order Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha raised the severity of human-elephant conflict in four Divisional Secretariat Divisions of the Laggala electorate in Matale District. He stated that wildlife officers identify inadequate manpower, particularly a shortage of regulatory officers, as the main barrier to effective intervention, and asked whether future plans include increasing their numbers. Oral Question: Anti-Elephant Electric Fencing (Q.2/2025) Environment Read →
19 March 2025 AI summary Dinesh Hemantha asked the Minister of Environment for details on trained assistants recruited to protect anti-elephant electric fences, including how many were recruited and how many have been confirmed in service. He sought clarification on any legal impediments or reasons for delays in confirming the remaining workers, and whether the Ministry has a definite plan to complete their confirmation. Oral Question: Anti-Elephant Electric Fencing (Q.2/2025) Environment Read →
25 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha argued that the Government’s inaugural Budget is part of a long-term plan to reverse economic contraction, maintain macroeconomic stability, and stimulate demand through public sector wage increases, welfare allowances, pensions, and employment creation. He said wage increases were phased to keep inflation in single digits and support investor confidence, while production growth was needed to meet rising demand. Addressing rice prices, he defended the Rs. 120 per kilo paddy price as a balance between farmer and consumer interests, said surplus stocks would be absorbed by the State, imports would be used to maintain a three-month buffer if needed, and action would be taken against monopoly pricing. He described the Government’s economic approach as a new model aimed at overcoming past policy failures while preserving economic and democratic freedoms. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) EmploymentCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
7 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha said Sri Lanka Cricket is an important national brand and expressed support for constructive parliamentary proposals to revive sport regardless of party lines. He argued that, in addition to addressing corruption, SLC must correct planning failures, particularly by supporting school cricket. He highlighted the high costs borne by host schools in Division 3 matches, which cause rural and poorer students to withdraw, and called for a programme to remove these barriers and strengthen the U13 to U19 player pathway. Adjournment Debate: Sri Lanka Cricket Development and Anti-Corruption Measures EducationWomen & Children Read →
6 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha supported the operationalization of geographical indication regulations under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003, arguing that long-delayed implementation had deprived Sri Lankan exporters and producers of higher-value market opportunities. He cited international and local examples, including Colombian coffee and Sri Lankan cinnamon, gems, crafts, masks and palm products, and said GI protection could improve prices and export prospects. He also defended the Government’s positions on land and labour reforms as aimed at fair production and income distribution, and said vehicle imports would be managed cautiously to protect foreign reserves, inflation stability and export competitiveness. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) AgriculturePublic FinanceEmployment Read →