Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P.
Profession: Landed Proprietor
Speeches 408 #8 of 225·#3 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 257 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Procedural
Activity by sitting
127 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
408 speeches- 9 January 2025 AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka objected that proceeding in a manner that prevents prepared speakers from being heard would be unfair to them. His intervention appears to concern the orderly conduct of the debate and allocation of speaking opportunities. Special Commodity Levy Act: Orders and Related Motions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka requested the Deputy Speaker to allow a slight extension of speaking time for two members of his side, noting that they were each scheduled to speak for 12 minutes and should not be disadvantaged. Special Commodity Levy Act: Orders and Related Motions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 January 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide details on State-owned radio stations, including their number, names, staffing levels, and annual profit or loss figures from 2015 onward. The question also sought information on measures taken to prevent losses, and, if such information could not be provided, the reasons for non-disclosure. Oral Questions Public Finance Read →
- 8 January 2025 AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka requested that the Chair grant another member the remaining two minutes of speaking time. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 8 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka clarified that the Member’s intervention was not frivolous and emphasized that delays in answering parliamentary questions can extend for months. He noted that past backlogs had required entire days to be allocated for questions, and said the issue raised concerned fair scheduling. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 January 2025 AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition Members had met the Speaker to discuss several matters, including the issue under consideration. He noted that the matter had also been submitted in writing and said the Opposition expected the Speaker’s guidance and would continue discussions. Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 January 2025 AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation whether he is aware of a pig epidemic affecting farms in Sri Lanka, causing deaths, farm closures, and major losses due to the absence of an effective vaccine or medicine. Sought details on whether the Government will provide compensation or relief to affected farm owners, when such support would be provided, and, if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) Agriculture Read →
- 18 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka said that, during his tenure as Minister of Mass Media under the Good Governance Government, he introduced a Cabinet paper to replace discretionary disposal of waste paper at the Government Printer and State Printing Corporation with a transparent tender process. He stated that the system generated significant revenue and enabled the payment of staff bonuses. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Public Finance Read →
- 18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka requested that the Leader of the House extend the time allocated for speeches, noting that several important matters had taken up considerable parliamentary time that day. He argued this was necessary to ensure fair treatment of Members participating in the debate. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 18 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka noted that the House had spent considerable time on Questions and cited Standing Order 33(2), emphasizing that the Speaker has authority to determine the time allowed for asking and answering supplementary questions. He argued that no other party should decide that matter. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka briefly rose on a Point of Order. No substantive issue or argument is included in the provided speech text. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 17 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka raised concern over the reduction of preferential fixed deposit interest rates for senior citizens, noting that many retired private-sector workers depend on EPF/ETF savings interest for living expenses. He contrasted the former 15% rate with the current 7.5% and cited the Government’s policy statement promising an additional 5% above normal bank rates for senior citizens’ deposits. He asked the Leader of the House to clarify why the rate was reduced and when the promised increase would be implemented, including whether it would be addressed in the next Budget. Procedural: Ministerial Statement and Points of Order Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 17 December 2024 AI summary No substantive speech content is provided beyond the formal address to the Deputy Speaker, so no policy position, proposal, question, or argument can be summarized. Procedural: Ministerial Statement and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 17 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka congratulated the newly appointed Speaker on behalf of the Opposition, including the Leader of the Opposition. He expressed the hope that the Speaker would serve all Members equally, protect parliamentary decorum, and uphold the new political culture expected by the public. Opening: Parliament Meeting, Affirmations, and Speaker's Election Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka criticized the Government’s handling of rice stocks and prices, citing the President’s statements on known stocks, discussions with mill owners, and possible imports despite earlier pledges not to import rice. He argued that essential foods have become unaffordable and questioned why the Government, with a strong mandate, has not acted on controlled prices. He urged immediate action on rice, fuel prices and electricity tariffs, while noting that longer-term promises such as bank loan relief and VAT reductions may take more time. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
- 6 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka questioned the Government’s failure to deliver promised electricity tariff reductions, citing large CEB profits and around one million disconnected consumers. He argued that, under the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 35 of 2002, tariff reductions could be made when profits exceed Rs. 15 billion, and asked why reductions had not been implemented while bonuses were being considered for CEB employees. He also criticised the Government’s handling of rice supply and prices, comparing its promises on ending the “rice mafia” with earlier election pledges on rice. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Public FinanceCost of LivingLaw & Order Read →
- 6 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka requested an additional five minutes of speaking time from the Presiding Member. No substantive policy issue or legislative matter was raised in this excerpt. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka acknowledged the Government’s large mandate but urged it to act immediately on key cost-of-living promises made before the election, particularly on fuel and electricity. He questioned why the Government retained the pricing formula, import arrangements and high taxes it had previously criticized, noting that fuel prices had not been reduced as promised and that kerosene had increased, affecting low-income groups, estate workers, fishermen and farmers. He also cited past investments in refining, hydropower and the Mahaweli scheme to challenge the Government’s characterization of the previous 76 years as a “curse.” Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Cost of LivingPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
- 6 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka requested that another member be granted an additional two minutes to speak. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 December 2024 AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka clarified that he raised the matter based on a report citing confirmation from Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, that the alleged situation existed. He stated that he did not know the exact facts and brought it up for clarification from the Minister. Vote on Account Debate (Introduction and Motion) Healthcare Read →