Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath, M.P.
Profession: Medical Doctor
Speeches 45 #100 of 225·#7 in party
Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution 17 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
31 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
45 speeches- 18 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed Public Security Ministry actions against narcotics and the underworld, but said shootings, deaths, illicit alcohol, illegal sand mining and illegal fishing remain inadequately controlled, particularly in Batticaloa. He said requests for security for people’s representatives had not been properly addressed and urged the Government to strengthen Police manpower and facilities, including more women officers in Tamil areas. He also argued that certain policing powers should be devolved through the Provincial Council system to improve local crime prevention, while noting the Navy’s role in controlling illegal fishing. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionLaw & Order Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath commended the Government and the President for action against narcotics and corruption and for efforts to maintain a just administration. He urged the Government to make a firm decision on Tamil rights and stated that he would support future government programmes where they are appropriate. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 12 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath welcomed measures in the Budget to strengthen the economy, support war-displaced housing, increase estate worker wages, and fund development projects in Batticaloa, including bridges, fisheries harbour development, irrigation, and universities. He urged additional attention to underdeveloped areas such as Padavan-karai, calling for improved hospitals, roads, bridges, fisheries harbours, and the release of tanks held by state agencies to expand irrigation. He raised unresolved grazing land disputes in Mayilathamadu, Mathavanai and other areas, criticised the lack of Budget measures for herders, and demanded stronger action on human-elephant conflict, including elephant fencing, Wildlife Department sub-offices, and officer appointments. He also requested that land currently occupied by the prison adjoining Batticaloa Teaching Hospital be transferred to the hospital to address its space shortage and support planned health-sector upgrades. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate AgricultureEnvironmentInfrastructure Read →
- 23 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath expressed support for the Government’s national programme against drug trafficking and organized crime, while stressing that enforcement against traffickers must be accompanied by mental health support, rehabilitation and reintegration for drug users. He said post-2009 conditions in the North and East contributed to youth vulnerability and wider social harm, and urged a non-partisan, countrywide response. He raised concern over recent shootings, insisting that suspects must be dealt with through due process rather than violence, and requested the Ministry of Public Security to make special arrangements to protect citizens and public representatives facing threats. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Security & DefenceJustice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary Dr. Elayathamby Srinath stated that adequate construction and infrastructure facilities had not been provided and requested that the issue be addressed through the Supplementary Estimate for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and in the next Budget. He thanked the authorities for actions already taken and urged prompt attention to the remaining needs. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
- 8 October 2025 AI summary During debate on the Supplementary Estimate for Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed allocations and feasibility work for the Kiraan Bridge and small bridge rehabilitation, but urged that remaining funds and further infrastructure needs in Batticaloa and the wider North and East be addressed through the Estimate or next Budget. He called for rehabilitation of bus stands and the Valaichchenai depot, establishment of a Vakarai sub-depot, improved rail schedules, a promised railway substation near Eastern University, and new ferry links for Paduvankarai, Poompuhar, Kinniyadi, Palugamam, Kaludawila and Perambaditheevu. He also requested recommencement of feasibility studies for bridges at Mandur, Kurumanveli, Nasivantheevu, Pankudaveli and Narippulthottam, arguing that basic transport infrastructure in war-affected Batticaloa areas is necessary to connect them with urban centres and build public trust. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) InfrastructureEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionPublic Finance Read →
- 24 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill as necessary for protecting children from harmful punishment in homes, schools, and communities, but argued that legislation must be accompanied by public education, counselling, and alternative programmes to help parents and teachers guide children without violence. He said punishment can create fear, insecurity, and violent behaviour among children, and called on the Government to take broader preventive action. Referring to suffering in the North and East, including remains found at Chemmani, he also urged the Government to address past injustices against Tamil children and communities through concrete commitments on accountability and resettlement. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Justice & Human RightsWomen & ChildrenEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 22 August 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath called for the Government to address longstanding human rights, political, linguistic and cultural concerns of Tamils in the North, East and Hill Country, and asked it to state its framework, timeline and position on a federal solution. He linked economic recovery and stability to resolving the national question, while welcoming anti-corruption and non-violence measures. He raised concerns over excessive troop presence, weak Tamil language implementation, religious and ethnic disparities, political prisoners and the disappeared, and urged concrete proposals to rebuild trust among Tamil communities. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Religion & CultureJustice & Human RightsEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 6 August 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported legal amendments that improve electricity reliability and consumer benefits, while questioning whether the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill addresses practical barriers to solar adoption, especially in Batticaloa and the North and East. He raised concerns about delays in CEB connections, lack of transformers and three-phase supply, high costs for new household connections beyond 50 metres, and the relocation of electricity poles during road development. He also called for adequate CEB staffing, facilities, and disaster-resilient services in war-affected and infrastructure-poor areas, urging special attention to ensure affordable and continuous electricity access. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading InfrastructurePublic FinanceEnvironment Read →
- 5 August 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath questioned why the Koralaipattu administrative boundary issue in Batticaloa had been escalated to Parliament rather than resolved at district level, warning that it could provoke protests and ethnic tensions. He argued that the 18 Grama Niladhari divisions in Koralaipattu South, though not gazetted, are functioning normally and should remain unchanged, and similarly that the two contiguous divisions in Koralaipattu North–Vakarai should be maintained. He specifically opposed moving five GN divisions from Koralaipattu South to Koralaipattu West and called for the matter to be handled as an administrative issue affecting all communities. Adjournment Debate: Koralaipattu Central Divisional Secretariat in Batticaloa Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 24 July 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the proposed 2026 education reforms but urged that they be implemented equitably, noting past grievances such as standardization and unequal resource allocation affecting Tamil communities. He called for age-appropriate learning, reduced student stress, stronger vocational and employability skills, and balanced funding for national and provincial schools, including through a strengthened Provincial Council system. He also requested progress on devolution, Provincial Council elections, and the inclusion of Tamil historical narratives in the curriculum to promote mutual understanding and respect among communities. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms (continued) Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionEducation Read →
- 22 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath argued that the Government has not yet built confidence among Tamils, particularly regarding land issues in Batticaloa where Forest Department actions are affecting residences, farmland, temples and public spaces. He questioned whether these actions are government-directed, called for mechanisms to restore ownership where wartime displacement caused loss of title documents, and warned against legal or administrative changes enabling dispossession. He also raised concerns about removal of Tamil historical content from textbooks, inadequate Tamil-language access in universities and examinations, and lack of Tamil representation in university council appointments. He further criticized the absence of Government representatives at Mullivaikkal commemorations, called for May 18 to be recognized as a genocide remembrance day, and urged protection of Tamil land, language, culture and equal rights. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions EducationLand & HousingEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 9 April 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill’s removal of VAT on employee transport, meals, stamp-related services and reinsurance, but said Sri Lanka’s export sector faces serious risks from proposed U.S. tariffs, particularly apparel-dependent employment in districts such as Batticaloa. He asked the Government to present clear contingency plans, support SMEs, diversify export products and markets, and respond to pending district-level investment and development proposals. He also urged reconsideration of a proposed high-security prison on a Batticaloa island identified for tourism development, and requested action on unresolved security arrangements for Members of Parliament. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Morning Session) Foreign AffairsPublic FinanceEmployment Read →
- 19 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath thanked the Minister for the response and expressed hope that the Government would address issues affecting people in the North and East. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Ethnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 19 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath urged the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development to strengthen food security and cooperative institutions in Batticaloa, citing pressures from past shortages, current price increases, and limited access to fair-priced goods. He requested approval for fuel allocations to cooperative-run stations in Vavunathivu, Vakarai, and Valachchenai, increased funding and lending capacity for cooperatives through Provincial Councils, and investment support for dryers, warehouses, and rice mills. He also called for more Sathosa outlets in Batticaloa, noting only three serve a district of about 600,000 people, and asked that shortages of Cooperative Development Officers and delays in permanent appointments be addressed. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) AgriculturePublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 18 March 2025 AI summary Called for the revival of abandoned factories, particularly the paper mill, through major investment. He noted that the Minister had given assurances at a recent consultative committee and expressed hope that a concrete plan would be implemented soon. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) InfrastructureEmployment Read →
- 18 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath urged the Government to give greater attention to youth employment, sports development and industry in the North and East, particularly Batticaloa, where he said post-war neglect has driven many young people abroad and left athletes without adequate facilities. He called for upgrades to Weber Stadium, proper sports grounds, appointment of sports officers and coaches, and support for successful local teams in kabaddi, basketball, karate and wrestling. He also requested national employment and investment programmes in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, agro-processing and revived industries such as the paper mill, while addressing issues including paddy processing, dairy grazing lands and environmentally harmful resource projects. He asked the Government to include Batticaloa in future national development plans, conduct district-level feasibility studies, and consult local experts and representatives. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) AgricultureInfrastructureEmployment Read →
- 17 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Dr. Elayathamby Srinath argued that religious and ethnic equality are necessary for stability and development, and called for equal State support for Hindu, Christian and Muslim religious heritage alongside Buddhism. He asked the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to allocate funds and programmes for ancient temples and churches in the North and East, cited obstacles by the Archaeology Department and a Habarana bus stand blocking a Hindu temple frontage, and requested explanations on who approved such projects. He also urged the Government to involve Tamil academics and experts in archaeological work to protect Tamil heritage, and raised concerns that Forest Department control over village tanks and lands in Batticaloa is affecting irrigation and inland fisheries. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Religion & CultureEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 6 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed the 2025 Health allocation and national initiatives, but urged targeted development of Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, including provision of an MRI machine, cath lab and CT facilities. He highlighted shortages and infrastructure gaps in Eastern Province health services, including cadre shortages at Kattankudy and Valachchenai Base Hospitals, outdated public health vehicles, unresolved employment status of dengue suppression staff, and the need to upgrade rural hospitals such as Mahiladittivu. He also called for employment pathways in Siddha medicine, an oncology unit in Trincomalee, correction of birth and death registration arrangements linked to Valachchenai Hospital, and improved recognition and protection for journalists in Batticaloa and the North and East. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionHealthcareJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 3 March 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath addressed the 2025 Budget allocation for the Energy Ministry, questioning how the Government’s target of 70 per cent renewable generation by 2030 can be met in Batticaloa amid transformer capacity limits, delays in solar connections, and unclear district-level allocations. He highlighted CEB service constraints, including delays in three-phase connections for SMEs and shortages of engineers, meter readers, electrical superintendents, and field officers, and asked whether recruitment and infrastructure measures are being taken. He also raised concerns about the impact of reduced investor confidence and the reported exit of the Adani Group on Eastern Province energy development, and sought assurances on consistent, fair fuel and electricity distribution in the district. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) EnvironmentPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →