Hon. Eranga Gunasekara, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Colombo

Deputy Minister of Urban Development

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 53 #94 of 225·#44 in party

Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

53 speeches

9 June 2026 AI summary Eranga Gunasekara acknowledged concerns about past resettlement practices and said the Ministry is reviewing conditions in 27 high-rise housing complexes in the Colombo District, which he described as uninhabitable. He stated that two complexes are expected to be completed this year and 11 more within the next two years, benefiting over 7,000 people, while also considering social needs affecting families and children. He added that the Urban Development Authority is developing a new policy with national baseline criteria for resettling low-income earners, to be presented to Parliament. Oral Questions 1-10 Land & Housing Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Of 93 constructions being regularized, 82 have been identified as residential and 10 as non-residential. The Minister stated that the affected identified persons are expected to be resettled in the Chinese-assisted housing complex under construction in Maharagama before the end of the year. Oral Questions 1-10 Land & Housing Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that a UN-Habitat preliminary socio-economic survey identified 93 affected structures on Edirisinghe Road, of which 83 are being treated as residential. Housing has been approved for 75 affected family units, while eight cases must go through the Grievance Redress Committee and the Entitlement Assessment Committee. He said resettlement was originally planned at the UDA Colombage Mawatha Phase II housing complex, but due to construction delays and time constraints, arrangements are being made to allocate housing from Chinese-aided housing complexes in the Maharagama–Kottawa area. Oral Questions 1-10 Land & HousingInfrastructure Read →
20 May 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, speaking on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, argued that recent economic indicators show progress under the Government, citing increases in GDP, per capita income, remittances, revenue, reserves, and the primary surplus, alongside a reduced budget deficit. He acknowledged challenges including global energy pressures, rupee depreciation, poverty support, and disaster recovery after “Ditva,” while stating that the Government maintained fiscal discipline and continued development programmes. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding vehicle letters of credit and economic mismanagement, and called for collective support to rebuild the country. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
19 May 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara presented a petition to Parliament from Ms. K. Dullaeva Dissanayake of Lake Road, Battaramulla. No further details on the petition’s subject were provided. Papers and Reports Tabled Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 March 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question regarding the alleged injustice caused to depositors of Gampaha Sanasa Bank. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Transport/Urban Development (Q.7/1786/2025) - Stand Down Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 March 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question regarding inadequate grazing fields for cattle in the Ampara District. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Cattle in Ampara District (Q.5) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said the repeal of parliamentary pensions reflected the democratic aspirations associated with the Aragalaya and the Government’s policy commitments. He raised concerns about ongoing cases against youths and others involved in peaceful protests, noting travel restrictions and police reporting requirements, while stating the Government would not improperly interfere with the judiciary. He distinguished peaceful participation from violence, arson and assaults, called for accountability for attacks on the May 9 protest and related crimes, and said 2026 should be a year in which the innocent receive justice and offenders are punished. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Read →
5 February 2026 AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara argued that the absence of clear regulation in the real estate sector has contributed to excessive increases in housing and land prices and enabled malpractice. He supported establishing the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka as a regulatory and professional body to set standards, strengthen practitioners’ professionalism, and benefit the public. He urged Parliament to adopt the Bill. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Corruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Read →
5 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the debate concerned three specific Bills and criticized Opposition Members for, in his view, not addressing their contents. He argued that the Opposition was introducing unrelated narratives rather than engaging with the legislation before Parliament. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
18 December 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said the Government was focusing on disaster response and recovery after severe flooding, while accusing parts of the Opposition of politicizing relief efforts rather than engaging constructively. He detailed impacts in Colombo District, especially Kolonnawa, including over 86,000 affected families, more than 55,000 damaged houses in Kolonnawa, deployment of about 70 boats, and ongoing garbage clearance said to be over 82 per cent complete. He stated that the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant would be paid following official assessments, with additional staff assigned to complete payments, and outlined plans under the Prime Minister for Kelani basin flood control, removal of unauthorized structures, and humane resettlement of more than 5,000 households. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Law & OrderInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
5 December 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara rejected Opposition allegations that officials failed to act or that the Government ignored prior information, calling for any such information to be produced. He said the disaster affected 21 districts, with over 80,000 families affected in Colombo District and over 50,000 in Kolonnawa, and described Government efforts to convene divisional and GN-level disaster committees with officials, security forces, police and MPs. He emphasized the role of public servants and volunteers, including the National Youth Services Council, and urged all parties to cooperate in relief and rebuilding efforts. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Corruption & Governance ReformSecurity & DefenceInfrastructure Read →
27 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said three-wheelers provide important affordable transport but require regulation due to safety risks, citing 2023 data showing 5,972 of 24,784 road accidents involved three-wheelers. He highlighted overloading, lack of seatbelts, open sides, unsuitable loads, speeding, poor vehicle condition, and unsafe school transport as key concerns. He said planned measures from January include CCTV in vans, standards for vehicles transporting children and office workers, driver training, and consultations with trade unions and stakeholders, with the aim of safeguarding passengers without imposing undue hardship on drivers. Adjournment Motion: Three-Wheeler Industry Development InfrastructureLaw & OrderPublic Finance Read →
24 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara stated that urban development plans require active implementation and said over Rs. 2,000 million is expected to be allocated, with the President’s intervention, for a targeted programme covering 10 towns from early next year. He said discussions are underway with District Secretaries and district Members of Parliament to coordinate implementation. He also addressed flood management in Colombo, Gampaha and areas such as Kolonnawa, noting recent interventions during heavy rains and stating that a stronger programme led by the Minister and relevant officials will be implemented next year. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Infrastructure Read →
24 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said urban development should be integrated with housing, infrastructure, flood control, wetland and land management, mobility, regularization, environmental protection, and controls on unauthorized construction, rather than being used to displace communities or meet political aims. He said many low-income apartment schemes had deteriorated due to poor social management, inadequate maintenance, waste issues, broken lifts, and drug networks, and announced plans to begin upgrades in four schemes in 2026 through resident committees, UDA earnings, and budget funds. He stated that over 50,000 families require housing or regularization, with more than 14,714 already settled, and that the Government aims to build over 7,000 houses in two years, including at least 2,000 next year. He also referred to Rs. 1,300 million allocated for city branding linked to tourism in Kataragama, Anuradhapura, Kandy, and Colombo Fort, and said gazetted urban plans would be expanded to more localities. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Land & HousingInfrastructureEnvironment Read →
22 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Deputy Minister tabled answers on SLTB tyre and tube procurement. The response identified current suppliers, stated that supply capacity and product quality are sufficient, and noted that annual procurement is followed with standards placed in the Library. It further stated that standard bus tyres are locally procured from CEAT Kelani, while expressway bus tyres are imported through local agents due to the absence of local bids, and that local manufacturers are prioritized under procurement guidelines. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
10 November 2025 AI summary Eranga Gunasekara concluded by supporting the Government’s “citizen Budget,” arguing that it was developed through public participation and is beginning to show results. He stated that the Government would continue working with the public to rebuild the country and improve citizens’ living standards. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Public Finance Read →
10 November 2025 AI summary Eranga Gunasekara defended the Budget as a citizen-centred programme that has produced measurable results within nine months, citing economic stabilization, increased state revenue, stronger foreign reserves, a reduced budget deficit, and higher allowances such as Mahapola scholarships and plantation worker payments. He argued that the Budget’s progress rests on changes in political culture, fiscal discipline, and financial management, which he said reflect citizen empowerment rather than individual leadership. He criticized the Opposition for being unable to respond substantively to the Budget and for relying on outdated assumptions about the economy. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Public Finance Read →
22 October 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Deputy Minister stated that no fish deaths had been reported in Beira Lake, though deaths of swift-like birds were reported near the Gangaramaya area in January 2025. He said the Colombo Municipal Council conducted the relevant investigation and its report was not with the Ministry, while responsibilities for Beira Lake fall under relevant custodial institutions, including the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation as detailed in an annex tabled in the Library. Oral Question: Fish Death in Beira Lake (Q.10/2025) Environment Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary Eranga Gunasekara said the National Youth Services Council had been misused for political patronage and that alleged irregularities would be systematically investigated with legal action pursued through the relevant legal mechanisms. He stated that institutions under the National Youth Services Council and National Youth Corps had sometimes been established on political rather than needs-based grounds, and said the Government would review and reorganize them to better serve youth across the country. Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Objectives (Q.6/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformEmployment Read →