Sitting of Tuesday, 7 January 2025

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Opening: Announcements and Parliamentary Staff Introductions 21 speeches ▸
2. 2 Papers Papers: Tabling of Annual Reports and Regulations 5 speeches ▸
3. 3 Committee report Committee Report: Public Finance Committee on Mid-Year Fiscal Position 3 speeches ▸
4. 4 Opening Opening Statement: Leader of the Opposition 1 speeches ▸
5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Government Hospitals in Puttalam District Vacancies (Q.132/2024) 9 speeches ▸
6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Maharagama Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (Q.233/2024) 5 speeches ▸
7. 7 Oral question Oral Question: Bandaragama Central Secondary School Development (Continuation of earlier question) 5 speeches ▸
8. 8 Oral question Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) 7 speeches ▸
9. 9 Oral question Oral Question: Landslide Risk Districts and Disaster Compensation (Q.235/2024) 5 speeches ▸
10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: Software System for Management of Medicine Stocks (Q.236/2024) 7 speeches ▾
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB

      AI summary Coordination among institutions involved in medical supplies is ongoing, with steps being taken to improve the related data system and maintain services without disruption. The Minister confirmed the use of the Swastha software system and identified procurement issues including limited NMRA-registered suppliers, non-submission of bids, high bid prices, and delayed deliveries. He stated that the Ministry’s Medicines Review Committee, with stakeholder participation and ministerial supervision, is addressing these issues.

      HealthcarePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB

      AI summary Asked the Minister to provide a report on the current operations of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and the actions taken in response to reported irregularities within the institution.

      Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said coordination among the NMRA, Medical Supplies Division, SPC, and SPMC is central to improving the medicines supply process. He noted past problems at the NMRA, including a failed technical system, fraud, and a backlog of 2,100 files, of which about 1,200 had been cleared, leaving around 900 pending as of 31 May. He stated that from January, the Government would streamline registration and renewal processes over three months while maintaining due diligence, with the aim of clearing the backlog by March and further expediting work through increased staffing.

      HealthcarePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa stated that investigations have begun into alleged fraudulent activities by unregistered companies. He said that, following an internal inquiry, relevant findings and complaints are expected to be forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department.

      Corruption & Governance ReformJustice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra asked the Minister whether, in light of recent crises over medicine quality testing, the Ministry has taken measures to improve the quality testing process. She requested details on any steps implemented to address those issues.

      Healthcare Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa stated that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority’s existing laboratory capacity is inadequate for the country’s pharmaceutical quality-testing needs. He said the Government plans to establish a WHO-standard, high-capacity medicines testing laboratory within three years, with a roadmap, plans, and a site already identified, using government funds to address broader issues in the pharmaceutical sector.

      HealthcarePublic Finance Full speech →
11. 11 Oral question Oral Question: Government and Private Hospitals Shortage of Medicines and Equipment (Q.238/2024) 7 speeches ▸
12. 12 Oral question Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) 7 speeches ▸
13. 13 Oral question Oral Question: Persons Responsible for Easter Attack Prosecution (Q.251/2024) 5 speeches ▸
14. 14 Oral question Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) 20 speeches ▸
15. 15 Procedural Procedural: Amendment to Sitting Hours and Adjournment Motion 3 speeches ▸
16. 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 100 speeches ▸
17. 17 Oral question Oral Question: Proposed Domestic Airport in Digana Area (Q. unspecified) 2 speeches ▸