Hon. (Dr.)(Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Mass Media
Profession: Attorney-at-Law
Speeches 65 #77 of 225·#34 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 27 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
39 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
65 speeches- 17 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Kaushalya Ariyarathne supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill while emphasizing that local government elections are central to popular sovereignty, decentralization, and citizens’ daily needs under the Constitution. She cited Supreme Court jurisprudence, including the 2023 decision on election postponement, to argue that delays to elections infringe fundamental rights and cannot be justified by exams, the Budget Debate, New Year, or economic difficulties. She acknowledged concerns about a level playing field, especially campaign finance barriers for women and youth, but argued that these require reform rather than postponement, and called for the election to be held swiftly. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human RightsParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne responded that concerns regarding Eravur, including water supply and effluent treatment, had been raised and explained at the COPF meeting. She said the relevant Member had not attended or conveyed concerns in advance, and urged Members to participate in such meetings or notify the Committee when agenda items affect their districts rather than raising those issues later in the Chamber. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne said the Government is addressing complications inherited from previous administrations while beginning to implement its policies. She cited cost-cutting and administrative measures at the Prime Minister’s Office, including reducing the monthly fuel bill, removing a private medical facility, and returning bulletproof vehicles and ambulances. She criticized Opposition members for not acknowledging these steps and concluded by arguing that the Government would continue its programme despite criticism. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 23 January 2025 AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne addressed the import and export regulations on rice, arguing that recent import decisions exposed serious weaknesses in national agricultural data rather than only a short-term supply issue. She attributed recurring rice and paddy sector problems to long-term policy failures affecting farmers, land rights, climate resilience and storage capacity. She cited current government measures including Rs. 50 billion for paddy purchasing, rehabilitation of 209 paddy stores, support for small and medium rice mills, and a halt to filling paddy lands. She also highlighted proposals for a National Agricultural Development Council and a real-time national agriculture data system to support data-driven agricultural policy. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Corruption & Governance ReformAgriculturePublic Finance Read →
- 6 December 2024 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne used her maiden speech during the 16 Days of Activism to highlight women’s role in Sri Lanka’s economy, particularly migrant domestic work, plantations and apparel, arguing that these sectors generate major foreign exchange while workers face low wages, abuse, insecurity and inadequate state support. She cited data on domestic violence, rape, gender inequality, poverty, microfinance debt and the long-delayed reform of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, framing women’s issues as linked to broader economic and social inequalities. She said the Government would pursue reforms including removal of VAT on essential goods in the next Budget, stronger legal protections, criminal law amendments, an expanded fundamental rights chapter in a new Constitution, and policies centred on women’s economic empowerment. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Women & ChildrenCost of LivingEmployment Read →