Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala, M.P.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)· Kurunegala

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 62 #81 of 225·#26 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

62 speeches

15 November 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Government to hold postponed Provincial Council elections and correct electoral and delimitation issues, stating that the Opposition would support reforms, including a return to the previous system if proposed. He criticized the allocation of funds through the Finance Commission in the absence of Provincial Councils and said delays in elections were wrong under both the previous and current administrations. He also raised concerns under Parliament’s Head of Expenditure, calling for reinstatement of the long-standing leave allowance for parliamentary staff and improved salary structures and promotion pathways for administrative officers serving Parliament and committees such as COPE, COPA and Sectoral Oversight Committees. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
15 November 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that Independent Commissions must be preserved to protect democracy and citizens’ rights, particularly in the context of Budget allocations for key constitutional offices and institutions. He criticized reported moves to return police transfer and promotion powers from the National Police Commission to the IGP, saying any inefficiency should be addressed through resources and staffing rather than reducing Commission powers. He also accused the Government of shifting from its previous support for independent institutions after coming to power, while acknowledging public expectations for higher standards, reduced waste, and anti-corruption measures. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance ReformParliamentary Procedure Read →
11 November 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala seconded the Adjournment Motion on three-wheeler licensing, noting that three-wheelers require distinct handling skills and that issuing licences without adequate training could contribute to accidents. He also raised tourism-sector concerns, arguing that the removal of minimum room rates has led some five-star hotels to sell rooms at very low prices, reducing national revenue. He proposed reconsidering a price floor for five-star hotel rooms to prevent underpricing and encourage higher tourist spending in Sri Lanka. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Foreign AffairsCost of Living Read →
8 November 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala seconded Hon. Kabir Hashim’s motion, arguing that Provincial Commissioners or Governors should not obstruct local authorities from using their own unanimously approved funds for road development. He alleged that, after the local government elections, bodies not controlled by the Government had faced restrictions, including in funding, appointments of Chairmen, and implementation of members’ proposals. He called on the Minister to intervene, questioned the legal authority for such obstruction absent corruption, and warned that affected local bodies may seek court action if it continues. Adjournment Motion: Suspension of Development Projects Approved by Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
24 October 2025 AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala joined the condolence motions for several former Members of Parliament, highlighting in particular the public service of Heenmahatmaya Liyanage in Ratnapura and R.M.R. Chula Bandara in Kurunegala. He noted their family traditions of political service and contributions to their districts, and also acknowledged the service of Lohan Ratwatte, Dixon J. Perera, Y.G. Padmasiri, and Manikkavasagar Kanagasabapathy Ilanchelvendhan. He extended condolences to their families and constituents and offered religious wishes for the deceased. Votes of Condolence: Seven Former Members of Parliament Parliamentary Procedure Read →
23 October 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticised the Government, stating that it had failed to deliver what the public expected and that poverty had increased, with more families falling back into hardship. He also condemned the Minister of Public Security’s remarks regarding the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, arguing that the Minister should have focused on ensuring the arrest of the gunmen rather than making unproven claims about the deceased. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Public FinanceLaw & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
23 October 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Public Security Minister’s remarks following the shooting death of a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, arguing that the Minister should focus on apprehending the perpetrators rather than commenting on the victim’s history. He said the incident occurred amid earlier disputes and violence connected to the council’s formation, and cited over 100 shootings and about 50 murders this year as evidence of worsening public insecurity. He said the Opposition would support genuine efforts to eradicate narcotics, but questioned the release of hundreds of red-labelled containers without inspection and raised concerns that Sri Lanka may be used as a drug transshipment point despite the Government’s anti-drug claims. Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) Security & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
10 October 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala supported the Motion, stating that expressways are important for reducing travel time and promoting economic activity, including tourism. He noted that the Ruwanpura Expressway had been delayed after earlier groundbreakings due to the economic crisis but had now been recommenced, and urged its swift implementation to improve access to Ratnapura. He also called on the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways to expedite the Kurunegala–Dambulla section of the Central Expressway, citing its importance for connectivity to Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee and the North, and noting that much of the land acquisition had already been completed. Private Members' Motion P.41/2025: Ruwanpura Expressway Infrastructure Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala cited World Bank data indicating that poverty had increased further from 24.986 per cent in 2024 and argued that poverty reduction must be a priority for national prosperity. He said the Government, having expanded from three MPs in 2022 to a large parliamentary mandate, should use that mandate to deliver livelihood programmes alongside anti-corruption efforts. He also referred to recent cooperative election results as an indication of changing public sentiment and urged the Government to focus on meeting the expectations of voters. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Cost of LivingPublic FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Supplementary Estimate for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, saying that large reallocations and low project progress rates at district level reflected weak implementation and management. He urged the Government, ahead of the next Budget, to set clear priorities and ensure allocated funds are effectively executed. He also defended the Opposition’s role in past action against the then Chief Justice and said scrutiny of the Government’s policy statement “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” was a legitimate accountability function. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Parliamentary ProcedureInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
12 September 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala supported the condolence motions for former Members P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M.H. Sehu Iszadeen, and W.B. Ranatunga. He recounted their education, entry into politics, ministerial and parliamentary roles, and contributions to their respective districts, particularly in infrastructure, public service, local governance, plantation development, trade union activity, and community and religious work. He also offered condolences to their families and, where appropriate, prayers for their attainment of Nibbana or eternal peace. Votes of Condolence: Late Former Members of Parliament (P. Dayaratna, Gamini Lokuge, Indradasa Hettiarachchi, M. H. Cegu Isadean, W. B. Ranatunga) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Government to take immediate action to address emerging issues affecting public security and living conditions. He warned that failure to act would worsen social hardship and cause problems to surface more broadly. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Cost of LivingSecurity & Defence Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala expressed support for strengthening the national audit framework, arguing that audit is essential for fiscal discipline across ministries and departments and should have adequate powers, including legal authority to act on findings. He said the Opposition supports empowering audit in the context of the National Audit (Amendment) Bill. He also welcomed the supplementary estimate for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, particularly additional maternal nutrition support such as the extra Rs. 5,000 festive-period allowance. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Public FinanceWomen & Children Read →
21 August 2025 AI summary Arguing during debate on Finance Ministry orders and vehicle taxation, J.C. Alawathuwala said recent Customs revenue increases are largely driven by high vehicle and consumption taxes after years of import restrictions, making vehicles unaffordable for most Sri Lankans. He criticized taxes on essentials, higher electricity tariffs, forthcoming VAT on digital services, and increased stamp duty, citing UN data on food insecurity, poverty and malnutrition to argue that indirect taxation is burdening low-income households. He urged the Government to correct vehicle import and EV regulatory issues through consultation rather than re-exporting imported vehicles, and also called for clarity on allegedly unchecked container releases and equal enforcement of court orders and anti-corruption investigations involving ministers. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Public FinanceCost of LivingJustice & Human Rights Read →
19 August 2025 AI summary Presented a petition to Parliament received from Mr. A.U. Madhura Wijayapala of Ambanpola, C8890. Petitions Presented by Members (Citizens' Petitions) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
25 July 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala supported the condolence motions for the late R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W.B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardena, and Malini Fonseka. He highlighted Sampanthan’s long parliamentary service, role as Opposition Leader, and defence of democracy during a constitutional crisis, and recalled the public service of Pilapitiya, Jayawardena, and Ekanayake through Parliament, Provincial Councils, and ministerial roles. He also noted Malini Fonseka’s contribution to cinema and her five years in Parliament, extending condolences to the families and communities of all those commemorated. Condolence Debate: Late Hon. Members (R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana, Malani Fonseka) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that if 13 years of schooling is to be compulsory, students should not be prevented from entering Grades 12 and 13 solely for failing O/L Mathematics or other subjects. He requested that the proposed education reforms, including revised subject streams, be implemented for about a year and then reviewed through the Sectoral Oversight Committee, given the absence of a pilot project and the need for wider public discussion. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms (continued) Education Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala supported education reform, arguing that Sri Lanka must adapt pedagogy and technology to global trends while building on past reforms from C.W.W. Kannangara and subsequent education ministers. He emphasized the need for equitable access to new technologies, better teacher training, and improved management of human resources to raise standards despite limited material resources. He cautioned that school consolidation must be studied carefully, especially for small rural primary schools, and linked unequal resource distribution to pressure around the Grade 5 Scholarship Exam. He called for increased education funding, noting that the proposed 6 per cent budget allocation had not been achieved, and urged a move away from an exam-centred system. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms (continued) Education Read →
6 June 2025 AI summary The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala seconded the motion for the First Reading of a Bill. The House agreed to the question, the Bill was ordered to be printed, and it was referred under Standing Order No. 52(6) to the Minister of Health and Mass Media for report. Papers: Private Members' Bills Introduction Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 May 2025 AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala argued that the local government election results showed a significant decline in support for the Government and said council administrations should be formed according to the law. He accused the Government of failing to keep promises on electricity tariff reductions, questioned how it would meet 2028 debt obligations amid lower growth forecasts, and cited factory closures and reduced industrial activity as signs of economic stress. He urged the Government to engage investors, prevent job losses, ensure delivery of welfare benefits such as Samurdhi/Aswesuma and maternal food packs, and focus on rising living costs and public needs. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) EmploymentCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →