Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs
Profession: Other
Speeches 16 #192 of 225·#130 in party
Attendance 4/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Corruption & Governance Reform 8 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
11 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
16 speeches- 9 June 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake criticised former government advisers and linked past governance to the economic crisis, while also calling for accountability over the Easter attacks. Referring to the COPA report on the Department of Motor Traffic, he highlighted alleged vehicle registration abuses, including motorcycles registered as luxury vehicles, misuse of 120 out of 158 vehicle import licences issued for religious institutions, and an alleged Rs. 931 million fraud involving number plates. He commended public officials, the Auditor General and audit officers for exposing these matters, and said the current Government would not repeat the practices that led to economic damage. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 19 May 2026 AI summary A petition from Mr. W.M. Piyasena of Badulupitiya was presented to Parliament by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs. Papers and Reports Tabled Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 May 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake thanked Hon. Lal Premanath for raising youth suicide and noted that, while Sri Lanka’s suicide rate has declined from earlier levels, it remains above the global average. He identified mental stress from educational competition, parental expectations, relationship breakdowns, family conflict and cyberbullying as key contributing factors, and linked the Government’s education reforms to efforts to reduce pressure on adolescents. He said the Ministry of Youth Affairs is developing preventive measures, including a Youth App for confidential counselling, youth engagement programmes through the National Youth Services Council and National Youth Corps, and a National Research Conference on Youth Development with a focus on youth mental stress. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.60/2025 - Preventing Suicide Among Young Children EducationHealthcareWomen & Children Read →
- 7 April 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Orders giving domestic effect to WADA’s annually updated prohibited substances list under the Convention against Doping in Sports Act, arguing that anti-doping enforcement protects clean athletes, athlete welfare and Sri Lanka’s sporting reputation. He also defended proposed economic and tax measures, including rules under the Central Bank Act and amendments to the Social Security Contribution Levy, as criteria-based and transparent frameworks to attract FDI, support domestic investors and rationalize revenue collection. He rejected Opposition claims that incentives favour only foreign investors or that taxation is excessive, and linked the measures to tourism recovery, job creation and recent increases in tourist arrivals and FDI. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Public FinanceLaw & Order Read →
- 8 January 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported two Gazettes introducing mandatory seat-belt requirements on expressways, including rear seats, and procedures and penalties for drug-impaired driving, arguing that stronger enforcement is needed to reduce road deaths and address driver indiscipline. He cited fatal accident statistics, concerns about long-distance bus safety, and recent tragedies, while linking the regulations to broader transport discipline and public safety. He also outlined government allocations and post-cyclone recovery work on roads, SLTB depots, railways, irrigation schemes, and schools, stating that funds had been set aside for relief and that disaster management mechanisms had been reactivated after years of inactivity. Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate Law & OrderSecurity & DefenceInfrastructure Read →
- 13 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake marked the anniversary of Rohana Wijeweera’s death and linked the NPP Government’s political programme to rule of law, social justice, and economic stability. He defended the 2026 Budget, citing improved reserves, exchange-rate stability, foreign investment, remittances, tourism arrivals, and upgraded credit ratings as evidence of recovery after the economic crisis. He emphasized Budget support for hill-country estate workers, including a proposed Rs. 200 Government contribution and Rs. 200 planter contribution in addition to the Rs. 1,350 daily wage, and rejected Opposition criticism of that measure. He also noted planned cost-sharing subsidies for Montessori teachers and for private-sector employment of persons with disabilities, and called for continued support for estate communities. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) EmploymentPublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake argued that sport in Sri Lanka had been politicized and distorted during the Rajapaksa era, citing alleged political interference, violence, and the murder of Wasim Thajudeen as examples of abuse. He said the government was seeking to restore the rule of law, investigate corruption, and remove political and criminal influence from sports administration. He called for fair opportunities and facilities for athletes, stronger action against doping and narcotics networks linked to sports and politics, and broad public support to reform sport and combat organized crime. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Justice & Human RightsLaw & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka’s domestic framework implemented through SLADO with WADA’s 2024 revisions. He argued that strong anti-doping rules and international engagement are necessary to protect athletes and improve sport. He also raised concern about links between sport, drugs, organized crime and political influence in sports bodies, citing historical examples of crime-politics connections and warning that such networks have entered the sports sector. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Corruption & Governance ReformSecurity & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
- 25 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake argued that drug trafficking and related crime had become embedded in politics, business networks, and parts of the public service, citing recent drug detections in Tangalle, alleged domestic methamphetamine production, and politically influenced police appointments. He said the government must pursue economic relief while dismantling this criminal nexus, including action against corrupt officials and politicians implicated in drug matters. He called for a broad public front involving citizens, politicians, public servants, and the business community to protect youth and prevent Sri Lanka from becoming dominated by methamphetamine addiction and criminal politics. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 22 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and amendments to the Disposal of Property Act, arguing that import controls, especially for vehicles, should address forged documentation, customs abuses, and delays through more credible online verification systems. He said the amendments relating to escrow funds under the Bribery or Corruption Commission were needed to adjust financial thresholds in light of increased complaints. He also responded to Opposition criticism over war heroes, government spending, and shortages of salt and other commodities, asserting that the Government had provided tangible benefits to veterans and that recent shortages were temporary and worsened by hoarding and Opposition-aligned business interests. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Law & OrderCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 22 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of Mr. D.M. Sudubanda of “Gayani Niwasa,” Kukurumahantanna, Taldena, Badulla. Presentation of Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 May 2025 AI summary Dinindu Saman Hennayake seconded Ravindra Bandara’s Motion to import only buses meeting public transport standards, arguing that past mismanagement and politicization weakened the CTB/SLTB and reduced service quality. He said the National People’s Power Government’s manifesto prioritizes strengthening public transport, including for rural communities, and noted Budget plans to import 1,000 new buses. He cited the repair of 65 buses by Lakdiv Engineers and SLTB revenue of Rs. 204 million per day in April as recent measures, and called for ending the use of lorry-chassis and lorry-engine buses in favour of safer, more comfortable public transport. Private Members' Motion (P.37/2025): Public Transport Standards and Bus Specifications InfrastructureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 9 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake questioned the lease of a 900-square-metre building reportedly costing Rs. 10,394,662 but rented for Rs. 36,000 per month, arguing that the rate is far below market value and asking what steps will be taken to rectify any politically influenced decision. He also asked whether the Ministry would act on alleged irregular land allocations in Badulla District, including areas linked to tourism sites such as Mini World’s End, Green View Village and Annasgala, which he said could obstruct tourism development projects. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Corruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Read →
- 9 May 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism for details on the tourist comfort centre established in Mahiyanganaya by the Uva Provincial Ministry of Tourism. He sought information on the premises’ size, construction cost, purpose and whether that purpose had been achieved, as well as whether the building had been leased, the lessee’s name and the monthly rent. Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024) Foreign AffairsInfrastructure Read →
- 15 March 2025 AI summary Asked whether the Ceylon Electricity Board has identified isolated villages and individual houses without electricity, including in Badulla. Requested details on urgent measures to extend electricity supply to those areas. Oral Question: Provisions for Electricity to Isolated Villages and Houses (Q.429/2025) Infrastructure Read →
- 15 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake questioned whether CEB projects costing around Rs. 36 million each had proceeded through special approvals without proper prioritization or due process, allegedly under political influence. He asked the Minister whether such projects are being reviewed and what institutional measures will be introduced to prevent irregular implementation in the future. Oral Question: Provisions for Electricity to Isolated Villages and Houses (Q.429/2025) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →