Hon. Hector Appuhamy, M.P.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)· Puttalam

Profession: Businessman

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 128 #35 of 225·#14 in party

Attendance 4/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

128 speeches

18 June 2025 AI summary Hector Appuhamy argued that Sri Lanka’s limestone reserves are a major national resource that could support cement production for 100–150 years and reduce reliance on cement imports if better utilized. He questioned the basis and authority under which the former Holcim operation was re-leased after its ownership change, and asked whether the Government is satisfied with the fees charged for exploiting the limestone resource. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
18 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation whether Sri Lanka Railways has leased locomotives, coaches or other equipment for transporting limestone from Palaviya to the Aruwaikadu Quarry. He requested details of the company involved, year-by-year income earned from 2015 to date, and whether the lease agreement will be reviewed in light of current requirements. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary Asked what measures are being taken to address coordination problems affecting the foreign employment target of about 140,000 workers for the year. He said inconsistencies among embassy, SLBFE, recruitment agency and ministry officials regarding job categories, training requirements and wage alignment, along with insufficient agreements and guidance, could prevent the target from being achieved. Oral Question: Sri Lankan Workers Migrated to Israel as Caregivers (Q.635/2025) Foreign AffairsEmployment Read →
5 June 2025 AI summary The Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked whether the Government had received complaints about Sri Lankans trained for employment in Israel being unable to depart, including groups being stranded or protesting. He also sought clarification on allegations that money had been taken from participants in Israel employment programmes before the current administration assumed office. Oral Question: Sri Lankan Workers Migrated to Israel as Caregivers (Q.635/2025) Foreign AffairsEmployment Read →
21 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government’s conduct and outcome in the Local Government Election, arguing that the President and national leaders fronted the campaign and should accept responsibility for the loss of votes. He raised concerns over national security, organized crime, death threats to public figures, and the safety and dignity of MPs, while urging stronger action against the underworld and drug trafficking. He also questioned the Government’s handling of the cost of living, factory closures, and the promised arrangements for Sri Lankan driving licences to be recognized in Italy. He called on the President and Government to act as representatives of all Sri Lankans, honour war heroes, and implement a practical programme to rebuild the country. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Cost of LivingSecurity & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
9 April 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that the proposed VAT amendment should be deferred in light of the United States’ 44 per cent tariff on Sri Lankan exports, which he said could threaten export markets, factory operations, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. He said export manufacturers would face added pressure from VAT obligations and delays in receiving refunds or credits, particularly when demand and prices are already affected by the tariff shock. He requested that the vote on the Bill be postponed for a limited period to give exporters and SMEs time to adjust, warning that immediate implementation could worsen business closures and job losses. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) EmploymentPublic FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
21 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the 2025 Budget debate for continuing election-style rhetoric and questioned whether the Government could meet its domestic revenue targets without further borrowing, calling for clear disclosure of any new borrowing plans or agreements. He urged immediate action on problems faced by Sri Lankans overseas regarding driving licences, disputed Government claims over Italian visa processing, and demanded relief or alternatives for daily-wage workers affected by suspended sand, clay and gravel licences. He also raised concerns about the quality of New Year rice packs and asked the Government to address national security comprehensively if heightened screening at Parliament reflected wider risks. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Security & DefencePublic FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
15 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns about Sri Lankan driving licences being accepted abroad, noting that issues related to format and security features affect multiple countries beyond Italy and Poland, and urged that digitization meet international requirements. He also highlighted difficulties faced by Sri Lankans in Italy receiving special sojourn permissions for hardship or illness, requesting action to resolve Foreign Ministry certification and passport-related documentation bottlenecks that prevent them from working or moving freely. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Foreign AffairsLaw & Order Read →
15 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction under Head No. 112 during the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2025, and argued that foreign affairs should be used more strategically to advance economic diplomacy, digital economy linkages, export markets, diaspora engagement, tourism, food security, and social priorities. He called for region-specific diplomatic planning, stronger embassy roles, and structured engagement with Sri Lankans and other supporters abroad beyond remittances and fundraising. He specifically urged urgent action to renew or resolve driving licence conversion arrangements for Sri Lankans in Italy and Poland, noting that unresolved administrative issues are restricting employment opportunities. He also proposed improved digital remittance channels, higher-value tourism products, and reforms to hotel and skills training. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
6 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy urged the Health Minister to investigate alleged irregularities and delays in drug and equipment tender files at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Medical Supplies Division, warning that procurement backlogs could cause shortages and undermine the Ministry’s plans. He said remaining networks from previous administrations could create a “Keheliya No. 2” situation unless tender processes and officials’ conduct are examined. He also requested urgent rehabilitation or upgrading of Puttalam Hospital, citing poor sanitation, overcrowding, and the district’s multi-ethnic, low-income population. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media Corruption & Governance ReformHealthcare Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticised the Government’s handling of the Aswasuma welfare scheme, arguing that unclear selection criteria were placing local officials in difficulty and risked politicising assistance ahead of elections. He called for a fairer system that targets genuinely needy households and for programmes that help people move out of poverty rather than relying only on cash transfers. On fisheries, he said the Budget lacked a comprehensive programme for the sector despite its importance to food supply, livelihoods and foreign exchange. He urged equal enforcement of bans on harmful fishing methods, action against Indian bottom trawlers, protection for seasonal fishers migrating between regions, timely relief payments, fuel and tax support, completion of harbour works including Muttuvaram, and measures to reduce the cost and improve the quality of fishing gear and export handling facilities. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 EmploymentPublic FinanceAgriculture Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary Hector Appuhamy briefly noted the relevance of the two Ministries under debate and referred to his previous proposal to assign an additional small responsibility to Grama Niladharis to support their work. He also expressed disappointment that Hon. Galappaththi, whom he acknowledged for his contributions in Sectoral Oversight Committees, had been allotted only five minutes to speak. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Continued: Heads 124, 151, 331 Parliamentary Procedure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy said greater public understanding and patriotism could support wider engagement in Sri Lanka’s economic transformation if properly structured. He proposed that Parliament devote a full day to discussing the subject in future. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Parliamentary Procedure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy stated that a draft report containing recommendations on labour-related issues, based on discussions with relevant institutions, is not yet finalized but will be tabled later. He said the Ministry and Department of Labour could act on its findings, particularly to address irregularities in the Employees’ Provident Fund and to regularize wage-related practices. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Public FinanceEmployment Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy briefly requested permission to take one minute to speak. No substantive policy point, proposal, or question was raised in the statement. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Parliamentary Procedure Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy argued that the Department of Labour and related bodies are underutilizing their capacity, stating that less than 40 percent of possible work is being achieved despite the availability of institutions such as the National Productivity Secretariat and Labour Welfare Fund. He questioned recent administrative changes that separated or reassigned labour, productivity, and foreign employment functions, arguing that Labour and Foreign Employment should remain together to better address sectoral issues. He also noted that a draft report prepared during his chairmanship of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Foreign Employment and Labour had not been tabled because Parliament was dissolved, and said he hoped to present it later. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy urged the Government to begin its digitization programme at the Grama Niladhari level by providing computers, training officers, and creating village-level databases linked to Divisional Secretariats and relevant institutions. He argued that such a system would speed up certificates and public services, reduce delays and informal payments, support foreign employment documentation, and contribute to economic efficiency. He also noted the importance of the Ministry and Department of Labour, referencing the Indian Immigrants Ordinance of 1923 and the Employees’ Provident Fund Act No. 15 of 1958, while stating that labour administration has been sidelined. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage InfrastructureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
4 March 2025 AI summary Hector Appuhamy said that during the debate on the Votes for Public Administration, Provincial Councils, Local Government and Labour, he intended to present proposals despite reduced speaking time. He criticized the Government for assigning Grama Niladharis to count monkeys and macaques, arguing that they should instead be given more substantial responsibilities. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
1 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy called for proactive measures to address drug trafficking into prisons, including surveys at Grama Niladhari Division level to identify social, economic and other causes leading people into crime, with findings reported to Parliament. He criticized the Government’s response to underworld violence and the killing inside a court premises, urging stronger security for judges, court staff and officers and an orderly plan to address criminal activity. He also proposed modern alternatives to remand imprisonment, such as GPS-linked electronic monitoring used in Italy, and called for improved court and prison infrastructure and more funding for women’s empowerment programmes to prevent women and children being drawn into crime. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Law & OrderWomen & ChildrenSecurity & Defence Read →
1 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy, speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministries of Justice and National Unity, said he had missed the Second Reading vote due to a parliamentary workshop in Tanzania on justice-related issues. He rejected the President’s suggestion of conspiracies against the Government and urged those in office to act as temporary custodians. He called on the Justice Minister to investigate reported allegations concerning the Law College, including claims involving an MP and the Principal’s appointment, and raised concerns about prison conditions, citing a visit to Welikada and urging reforms for inmates, women, and children. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Justice & Human RightsWomen & ChildrenLaw & Order Read →