Sitting of Thursday, 6 March 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1742798688089503 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Papers Tabling of Annual Reports 4 speeches
- 2 Oral question Oral Questions (Q.1-4) 9 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question No. 5 (Q.390/2025) 2 speeches
- 4 Procedural Oral Question Stand Down Request 1 speeches
- 5 Oral question Private Notice Question: Reopening of Tile Factory in Oddusuddan 3 speeches
- 6 Oral question Private Notice Question: Construction of Tissa Rajamaha Viharaya on Private Land in Thyiddy 3 speeches
- 7 Procedural Outstanding Questions Raised 1 speeches
- 8 Debate Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Health and Mass Media 127 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana moved the customary token cut during the Committee Stage debate on the 2025 Appropriation Bill and acknowledged allocations for health digitization, primary care, epidemic preparedness, mental health, nutrition for pregnant mothers, medicines, and the Suwaseriya ambulance service. He urged increased medicine funding and highlighted staffing pressures, long working hours, limited extra duty payments, and the need to motivate doctors, nurses and allied health professionals amid brain drain concerns. He requested that about Rs. 6 billion be provided, even in phases, for health sector extra duty payments, citing past salary and allowance arrangements and contrasting the amount with other large public expenditures.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana briefly indicated that he would conclude his remarks promptly. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Gayantha Karunathilaka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilaka informed the Committee that the Member speaking was granted an additional two minutes. The intervention was procedural and did not address substantive policy issues or legislative proposals.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana highlighted the continuous nature of work by doctors, nurses and health officials and argued that the effective health allocation had fallen to 1.8 percent after adjustments, despite a stated 3 percent policy commitment. He placed data on non-communicable disease mortality and patient facilities in the Library, asked the Minister to investigate footage of National Hospital patients being moved along the main road, and welcomed the removal of VAT on packaging for local pharmaceutical production. He also raised concern that about 200 of 550 medicines were in short supply due to tender and letter-of-credit delays, citing labetalol, salbutamol respiratory solution, human albumin and coagulation factors, and called for attention to health education.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana concluded by requesting that the proposal on establishing or addressing an intermediate cadre, expected to be presented by Hon. (Dr.) Ramanan Archchuna at adjournment, be considered and implemented in future. He thanked the Chair for the time allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair called on Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa to speak and allotted him 25 minutes. The entry records the procedural commencement of his contribution at 10.06 a.m., without substantive remarks from the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa outlined the Government’s health policy framework under “A Sustainable Life – A Healthy Nation,” linking it to Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3, and stated that the 2025 Budget provides Rs. 604 billion for the overall health sector, including provincial services. He identified five priorities: strengthening primary healthcare, upgrading hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted quality medicines, addressing health workforce issues, and developing health tourism. He emphasized the burden of non-communicable diseases and population ageing, and announced plans to upgrade 1,031 primary facilities, allocate Rs. 12.1 billion for primary healthcare development, pursue a new US$100 million World Bank project for 1,000 primary care centres, and seek donor land for community-level facilities.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair informed the Minister that only two minutes remained for the speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa outlined a three-year nutrition programme addressing undernutrition and obesity, including Rs. 5,000 million for Triposha and the introduction of rice-based Triposha due to aflatoxin concerns in maize. He stated that the Government is reviving, not closing, the Triposha factory, and is addressing maize supply issues. He also proposed developing health tourism with Ayurveda and private-sector participation, including possible use of Neville Fernando Hospital, and detailed forthcoming health-sector recruitments and training across nursing, public health, technical, and support categories.
- Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister to address the position or concerns of physiotherapists in the matter under discussion.
Healthcare Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government had increased basic salaries across health sector categories, including raising preliminary grade doctors’ basic salary from Rs. 54,290 to Rs. 94,000, and that discussions with unions had helped avert planned strikes while maintaining services with revised extra duty, overtime and public holiday rates. He outlined allocations and modernization plans for the Department of Posts, including Rs. 23.9 billion in funding, new and upgraded post offices, vehicle fleet renewal, and development of selected post offices and the Postal Museum as tourist attractions. He also detailed Mass Media Ministry initiatives, including Rs. 5.52 billion in allocations, Presidential Media Awards, a proposed chartered institute for journalists, a National Media Policy by June, journalist scholarships, Government Press modernization, expedited TV digitalization, and reforms to depoliticize State media. He added that the Sri Lanka Foundation would be redirected from venue-related activities to its original policy support role.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair recognized Hon. Sajith Premadasa to speak next and allocated him 15 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about health-sector workforce retention amid migration and vacancies, urging the Government to restore or revise reduced allowances for doctors and nurses, update approved cadres, and address issues affecting postgraduate trainees, peripheral postings, and transport permits. He called for recruitment of unemployed allied health and Ayurveda graduates, regularization of dengue control assistants, overtime for minor hospital staff, resolution of Public Health Midwife vacancies and allowances, and implementation of the Cabinet decision to extend nurses’ compulsory retirement age to 63. He also asked the Government to review provisions of the Ayurveda Amendment Act No. 19 of 2023 and address shortages and costs in indigenous medicine. He concluded by proposing that health and education be constitutionally recognized as fundamental rights and said the Opposition would support such reform.
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Government had substantially increased basic salaries for paramedical staff, doctors, and nurses, while noting that overtime, extra duty, and holiday payments must remain within economic limits. He also said the long-standing issue of dengue control assistants was being addressed, with Cabinet approval to recruit unqualified personnel as Multitask Development Assistants and steps under way to resolve appointments for both O/L-qualified and non-qualified workers through the Public Service Commission.
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about doctors’ grievances relating to salary revisions, stating that while the basic salary increase is acceptable, allowances should not be reduced to fund it. He urged the Minister to restore the requested allowances and honour undertakings given to medical unions, warning that unresolved issues could lead to strikes affecting patients.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair called on Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih to speak next and informed him that he had 14 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih supported the 2025 Budget allocations for Health and Mass Media, highlighting Rs. 604 billion in total provision and measures for infrastructure, communicable disease control, NCD screening, maternal nutrition, Triposha, and Suwa Seriya. He raised concerns about urban health access, OPD delays, language barriers, poor sanitation, substance abuse, and the effects of past substandard medicine procurement, urging digitalization, stronger prevention, and safeguards against recurrence. He also noted health-sector brain drain and welcomed salary and allowance increases while commending health workers for their service and for calling off trade union action.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih welcomed the discussion as healthy and noted the Opposition’s passionate contributions. He urged Members to focus on leaving a positive legacy for future generations, grounded in service to people beyond political or social differences.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana rose on a point of order. No substantive issue or argument is recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair interrupted proceedings to ask a Member to state the point of order being raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised an urgent concern with the Minister of Health about patients at the National Hospital being moved across the main road. He requested an immediate short-term arrangement to address the safety issue while a long-term solution is developed.
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said he had received a YouTube clip from Sudath Thilakasiri regarding difficulties in safely moving patients between the Cardiology Unit, OPD, and Cardiothoracic Surgery facilities, and had referred it to the Secretary. He noted that ambulances are currently being used but a permanent solution is needed without imposing burdens on patients, and said Sudath Thilakasiri’s offer of assistance would be discussed and acted upon.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair recognized Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam and allocated him 12 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam notes a procedural issue regarding his allotted speaking time, stating that he had been informed he would have 14 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary Mr. Chairman allotted 14 minutes for the next speech, indicating the time permitted for the Member to address the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam said Sri Lanka should strengthen universal health coverage through a primary healthcare approach, noting the impact of COVID-19, the economic crisis, population ageing, and the burden of non-communicable diseases. He requested allocations, staffing, equipment, and administrative action for several Northern Province health facilities, including Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Chettikulam, Puthukudiyiruppu, and Iranai Iluppaikulam hospitals, with specific calls for dialysis machines, a CT scanner, pharmacist appointments, and expedited donor-funded projects. He also urged revival of the Lanka Siddha Ayurveda Medical College, appointments for unemployed Ayurveda/Siddha/Unani graduates, establishment of a Siddha pharmaceutical factory in the North, and staffing for drug rehabilitation centres, while welcoming the planned Osusala outlet in Vavuniya.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary Mr. Chairman called the next item in the debate and invited Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana to speak. He noted that the Member had been allocated 18 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana congratulated the Health Minister and commended his engagement with health sector unions to avert strike action, while urging a lasting and fair solution for doctors, nurses, and other staff to protect patients dependent on free public healthcare. He noted the Budget allocations of Rs. 479 billion for the Ministry of Health and Rs. 604 billion for the wider health sector, and requested action to regularize dengue control workers, particularly in Kalutara, who remain on low pay. He also appealed for special attention to developing hospitals in Kalutara District, framing it as service to constituents and the national health sector beyond party lines.
- Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana made a brief interjection referring to “Rajitha” and remarked that if he continued speaking, others might begin reading out further lines. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the recorded remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana requested that the Government table the names of those who recommended newly issued liquor licences in the Kalutara District, following earlier disclosures about 360 licences allegedly issued on political recommendations under the previous administration. He linked alcohol consumption to non-communicable diseases and asked for greater transparency while acknowledging the economic role of licensed outlets. He also urged attention to shortages at Neluwa Divisional Hospital and wider problems of patients being required to buy medical supplies privately at high cost. He called for a stronger preventive health programme against NCDs, including school-based exercise and sports initiatives to address diabetes, heart disease and declining physical activity.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the earlier decision to use Neville Fernando Hospital instead of Kalutara District General Hospital, Nagoda, as the teaching facility for the University of Moratuwa Medical Faculty was incorrect. He said the Moratuwa Faculty’s professorial unit will begin at Kalutara Teaching Hospital by June, with wards allocated at Nagoda, while land at the Nagoda Depot site has been identified for a permanent faculty facility expected to take about three years. He also indicated plans to develop Panadura Base Hospital, Horana and other district hospitals, and requested support for these initiatives.
- The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF
AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana suggested that land held by the Air Force near the hospital in the 6/626 area may exceed its requirements. He asked the Minister to consider allocating part of that land for the hospital’s development.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Jagath Manuwarna JJB
AI summary Jagath Manuwarna criticised past misuse and underfunding of state media institutions, particularly Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, citing unpaid government advertising, loss of cricket broadcast revenue, overstaffing, outdated technology, and arrears to producers as causes of continuing financial losses. He argued that public media should be revived through internal reform, staff retraining, technological upgrades and reduced dependence on Treasury support, rather than closure. He said the Government intends to introduce a National Media Policy and establish a Chartered Institute of Media Professionals to improve standards, ethics and professional capacity across state and private media.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka urged the Government to treat the Media Ministry’s role as broader than managing state media, calling for support for professional journalism, reduced taxes on inputs such as newsprint and ink, and the establishment of a chartered media training institute. He asked the Minister to review and implement the draft National Media Policy, create independent regulatory bodies including an Electronic Media Commission, transform state media into public service broadcasters, and expedite digital broadcasting switchover. He also requested stronger funding and staffing for the Right to Information Commission, reconsideration of the Online Safety Act and the proposed 15 per cent tax on online advertising, and a clear plan to expand internet access. He further called for justice in cases involving abducted and murdered journalists, continuation of national media awards, proper tendering at the Government Printer, and transparent procedures for teledrama slot allocation.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that although the Online Safety Commission has been gazetted under the Ministry of Mass Media, it has not yet been established. He said the Government intends to convene stakeholders, led by the Ministries of Mass Media, Justice, and Public Security, to review proposed amendments and submissions on the Online Safety Bill and reach a prompt decision, allowing those who had not previously submitted views to contribute.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna to speak next and informed him that he had 12 minutes for his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB
AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna urged the Government to resolve concerns over reductions in public sector and health-sector allowances, warning that such changes could worsen the outflow of doctors and disrupt patient care. He called for clarification and expedited recruitment of qualified indigenous medicine practitioners, stronger support for indigenous medicine institutions, and incentives to retain medical professionals in Sri Lanka. He also raised concerns about medicine shortages in public hospitals, including at the Cancer Hospital, and asked that procurement delays and support for local pharmaceutical manufacturers be addressed. Referring to the Mass Media portfolio, he urged action to ensure justice for past attacks on media institutions and crimes against journalists.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees resumed the Sitting after suspension until 1.00 p.m. and called on Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe, allocating him 17 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe rejected Opposition claims that health-sector allowances had been cut, arguing that increased basic salaries would raise percentage-based allowances, take-home pay, increments, loans and pensions. He said the Budget gives priority to health with Rs. 604 billion allocated, including funding for digitalization, medicines and equipment, nutrition programmes, system strengthening and primary care expansion. He proposed a family physician-led primary care model for populations of 5,000-10,000 to reduce overcrowding in higher-level hospitals, improve management of NCDs, elderly care, palliative care, epidemic control, injury prevention and referral systems, while strengthening peripheral hospitals.
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Health and Mass Media allocations, commending planned digitalization and primary care strengthening while urging better use of funds to reduce queues, improve prevention, and lower emergency health costs. He called for expanded postgraduate medical training to address staff and specialist shortages, increased local pharmaceutical production, expanded OPD capacity, and measures to reduce waiting lists for critical surgeries. He specifically requested repairs to the cath lab machine at Galle National Hospital and attention to health facilities in the Galle district, including Udugama, Balapitiya, Habaraduwa, and Imaduwa. He also asked the Government to consider support for independent journalists through equipment access and credit facilities.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahman criticized the conduct of debate around health-sector trade union action, urging the Government to avoid personal or “Rajapaksa-style” political attacks and to address underlying salary and service issues. He called for a formal Ministry investigation into the death of three-year-old Hamdi Fasleem following surgery at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, citing medical records, alleged contradictions in doctors’ statements, and unanswered requests to former Health Ministers. He also disputed official claims about nurses’ basic pay and promotion structures, requested review of alleged overpricing in 2022–2023 medical procurements, and urged accountability for companies and officials involved. On mass media, he asked the Government to repeal the Online Safety Act immediately and consult stakeholders before introducing any replacement legislation.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi and allocated her 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi emphasized that media freedom must be exercised responsibly, balancing freedom of expression with the rights and safety of others. She warned against both unquestioning trust and total distrust of media, citing contrasting reports on a government decision as an example of responsible versus sensationalist journalism. She acknowledged the role of courageous journalists, including Lasantha Wickrematunge, and stated that the Government has a responsibility to uphold high media standards while respecting constitutional freedoms under Article 14 and the Right to Information Act.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had ended.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi said the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation’s historical archives, music library, and legacy equipment should be preserved and curated as a museum for children and foreign visitors. She noted that such a museum could generate income while showcasing the institution’s heritage, and said Budget allocations would support work with media professionals toward improved media governance.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called Hon. S.M. Marikkar to speak and allotted him 11 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary S.M. Marikkar urged the Government to act against alleged corruption in the health sector under the previous administration, including the supply of adulterated medicines, and to disclose accountability details relating to the forced cremation of COVID-19 victims, particularly Muslims, during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government. He questioned the financial viability and competitiveness of state media institutions, calling for improved programming, marketing plans, higher advertising market share, VAT compliance, and a path to profitability while maintaining public responsibilities. He also called for the repeal and comprehensive revision of the Online Safety Act through consultations with journalists, media institutions and experts, arguing that the existing law is being used against media and political opponents.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa responded to a claim that state television and ITN do not pay VAT, stating that VAT has been paid as required over the previous five months. He said VAT arrears predated September, that relief had been obtained, and that those arrears are also being settled.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar stated that unpaid arrears from previous periods remain liabilities that must eventually be settled. He argued that when a new administration assumes management, it inherits both the positive and negative obligations left behind.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa argued that the current Government is bearing the financial consequences of decisions made by the Opposition Leader’s previous administration. He stated that the Government is meeting its obligations in paying the resulting debt or fiscal burden.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan to speak next and informed him that he had 11 minutes for his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan urged the Health Ministry to upgrade hospitals in Nuwara Eliya District, particularly Dickoya, Maskeliya and Nuwara Eliya General Hospital, citing unchanged cadres, inadequate facilities, ambulance shortages and pressure from accidents and Sri Pada pilgrims. He called for estate hospitals to be brought under Government control and integrated into the national health system, with qualified medical staff appointed, and highlighted plantation health problems linked to line-room housing, malnutrition, poor sanitation, lack of safe drinking water and transport barriers. He also proposed coordinated action across relevant ministries, resumption of nutrition support such as Triposha, provision of restrooms for estate workers, and Government assistance for Tamil journalists facing welfare and housing difficulties.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised urgent deficiencies at Mannar District General Hospital, including the absence of permanent consultants despite an approved cadre of 24, lack of a CT scanner, no Accident and Emergency Unit, and the recent absence of a paediatrician, all of which force patient transfers to other districts. He requested that the Health Ministry or Deputy Minister visit the hospital and prioritize remedies, while acknowledging the service of doctors working under difficult conditions. On media, he called for a housing scheme for journalists, investigations into murdered journalists such as Sivaram, and effective mechanisms to address defamatory online content, including where platforms operate from abroad.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa responded to issues raised regarding Mannar District General Hospital, stating that work to establish an Emergency Treatment Unit is underway with Indian Government support and is expected to be expedited. He said a paediatric specialist is being seconded from Chavakachcheri to Mannar, while the request for a CT scanner will be considered though no immediate delivery date can be promised. He also indicated he would visit Mannar General Hospital on 26 March and invited participation.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna objected to time being lost during an interruption and asked the Presiding Member to allow the other Member to finish if permitted. The intervention was procedural, concerning the management of speaking time during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna indicated that he would conclude his remarks within 30 seconds.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Asked the Chair to begin counting her allotted speaking time from that moment, noting that the previous Member had not been permitted to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna welcomed some Budget proposals in health, including estate hospital revival, autism support and thalassemia programmes, but urged that estate hospitals be brought under Government oversight and that autism screening be coordinated with the Education Ministry. She criticized the allocation of Rs. 20,000 million for SriLankan Airlines debt while health allocations and emergency unit improvements remained limited, and called for funds to be shifted toward regional hospitals, primary care, health and education. She raised concerns over reductions to overtime and holiday pay formulas for nurses and public health staff, medicine shortages including 333 out-of-stock items at the Medical Supplies Division, stalled procurement, and the need to restore stock-tracking systems, price controls and regulation of private hospital fees. She also said several initiatives presented as new, such as the family doctor model and health checks, originated under earlier programmes, and highlighted acute specialist shortages in hospitals.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe clarified that the 2017 initiative referred to family medicine training, while the current proposal is a primary care unit model. He stated that the proposed model would assign a designated family physician with responsibility for the registered community.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Requested that the tabled document be reviewed as consistent with the stated approach. Also asked for the publication of the actual funds allocated.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni — Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media responded in the Minister’s absence, rejecting allegations made about medicines and the Ministry as false. He urged Members to verify technical matters with medical professionals and said he would address those issues in his speech.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Rohini Kumari Wijerathna requested one minute from the Presiding Member. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the quoted intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna stated that a Ministry-issued chart dated 27 February, which she tabled, showed that 333 medicines were out of stock. Her intervention highlighted the reported shortage of medicines based on official Ministry documentation.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB
AI summary The member rejected the validity of documents being presented, stating that such reports are not issued and urging others not to bring arbitrary papers to the House. He added that members present understand the subject under discussion.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna clarified that a chart previously referred to in the debate was not an unrelated document, stating that it had been provided to the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe defended the Government’s health allocation, citing over Rs. 406 billion for the sector and major investments in hospital buildings, CT and MRI scanners, cardiac units, oncology facilities, and trauma care. He contrasted these plans with alleged failures and irregularities under previous administrations, including the Tangalle ICU project, substandard eye drops linked to former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, and problems in the PACS/RIS procurement. He acknowledged staff concerns over salaries and overtime ratios, but argued that the Budget had begun addressing health-sector remuneration and that further reforms would be pursued with health professionals.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed the 2025 Health allocation and national initiatives, but urged targeted development of Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, including provision of an MRI machine, cath lab and CT facilities. He highlighted shortages and infrastructure gaps in Eastern Province health services, including cadre shortages at Kattankudy and Valachchenai Base Hospitals, outdated public health vehicles, unresolved employment status of dengue suppression staff, and the need to upgrade rural hospitals such as Mahiladittivu. He also called for employment pathways in Siddha medicine, an oncology unit in Trincomalee, correction of birth and death registration arrangements linked to Valachchenai Hospital, and improved recognition and protection for journalists in Batticaloa and the North and East.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney‑at‑Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara expressed appreciation to health sector workers across all systems of medicine, stating that their dedication underpins the sector’s achievements. While welcoming the Government’s announced salary increases for doctors and nurses through 2027, he said unresolved concerns remain, particularly regarding allowances, overtime, and disparities faced by doctors who often work longer schedules than other public servants. He urged that the issues raised by the Government Medical Officers’ Association and the Government Nursing Officers’ Association be addressed.
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that nursing promotion timelines remain unchanged under the existing Nursing Establishment: Grade II to Grade I in five years, Grade I to Senior Grade I in seven years, and Senior Grade I to Supra Grade in ten years. He rejected claims that all promotions had been extended to ten years or that pensions would be affected, stating that promotions would proceed according to the established schedule.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni said the Budget prioritises health sector infrastructure, human resources, medicines and equipment, and research, while also addressing retirees, vulnerable children, persons with mental health conditions, and prisoners. He outlined plans to improve staff and patient facilities, reduce surgical waiting lists using the Presidential Fund, strengthen health information systems, and ensure equitable hospital development based on national need. He said recruitments and training are being expedited after recent staffing shortages, and that the Budget increases basic salaries across health professions rather than relying on allowances. On medicines, he stated that 2025 orders had been secured, the 2026 tender cycle had begun, and weekly Drug Review Committee meetings and contingency arrangements were in place to anticipate and manage shortages.
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa responded on facilities at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, stating that an MRI machine will be supplied this year through an ADB-funded tender process and that the CT scanner has already been upgraded. He said a cath lab will be installed once construction of the Cardiology Unit is completed in about five months, and noted that the hospital’s LINAC had been upgraded under Phase I of the national project.
Healthcare Full speech → - Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah noted a serious issue concerning an MRI machine and thanked the relevant authorities for addressing the matter.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam paid tribute to the late M.P. Sivanesan and two Tamil media figures, then raised health-sector concerns in the Northern Province during the Health and Mass Media debate. He urged immediate action on Jaffna Teaching Hospital’s cadre approvals, infrastructure needs, and especially a new maternity unit, citing severe overcrowding and unsafe conditions, and requested the return or allocation of identified lands for the hospital’s expansion as a future national hospital. He also called for administrative restructuring and a dedicated allocation for the Tellippalai Trail Cancer Hospital, including a CT scanner, and asked that dispenser cadre shortages be addressed by converting positions to pharmacists where qualified pharmacists are available.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson supported the Health and Mass Media Votes while urging targeted improvements to health infrastructure and staffing, particularly in Polonnaruwa District. He called for a high-tech national laboratory under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority to test imported and local medicines, citing concerns over substandard drugs, and requested maternity wards, mortuaries, anaesthesia facilities, and additional cadres for local hospitals, including the Polonnaruwa Kidney Hospital and Welikanda Hospital. He also raised deficiencies in Ayurveda hospitals, including safety threats, lack of water and quarters, staff transfers, and a proposal for an Ayurveda ward for monks. He tabled documents on homeopathic practitioners’ concerns regarding a Supreme Court judgment and on the Online Safety Act from the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Forum.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah commended the Budget allocation for free healthcare and acknowledged health workers’ contributions to Sri Lanka’s public health outcomes, while calling for stronger primary healthcare and better staffing of rural hospitals through clustering and resource sharing. He highlighted urgent infrastructure and service gaps in the North, including the long-delayed maternity and critical care units at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, under-equipped facilities at Kilinochchi Hospital, and specialist shortages at the Vavuniya cath lab. He also raised the need to address stray dog-related bite cases, operationalise planned hospital upgrades including making Jaffna Teaching Hospital a National Hospital and Tellippalai Cancer Hospital a specialised hospital, and reopen the Lanka Siddha Ayurveda College in Jaffna.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah welcomed the Budget’s social welfare measures, especially for mother and child protection, and requested urgent health-sector support for the Eastern Province. He called for angiogram facilities at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, citing long delays for patients sent to Jaffna, and sought a permanent MOIC, full doctor cadre, and commencement of the planned building for the Unani Teaching Hospital at Manchanthoduwai. He also urged completion of the central takeover of Pottuvil Hospital, provision of a lorry and ambulance, and appointments to vacant senior posts in the Eastern Province Ayurveda Department. He asked the Government to provide additional funding and support for health services in the war-affected Eastern Province, including Provincial Council hospitals.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
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.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga highlighted plans to modernise the Postal Department through digital services, e-commerce, EMS, mobile applications and international e-packet cooperation, while addressing long-standing issues of staff regularisation, allowances and promotions on merit. She said state postal and media assets would be protected from sale or misuse, and noted a Rs. 23,918 million Budget allocation and a Rs. 18,000 million revenue target for the Postal Department in 2025. She also proposed an anti-siphoning-style framework for national sports broadcasts, including simulcasting events of national interest on the national channel with revenue sharing to support public media institutions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed the Health allocation, welcoming the Ministry’s work while seeking action on matters raised at the Consultative Committee, including tabling the list of COVID-19 deaths, filling major staffing vacancies at Pottuvil Base Hospital, establishing an ENT unit linked to Palamunai and Akkaraipattu hospitals, and addressing shortages of the medicine “imigran” in the Eastern Province. He also urged recruitment of more than 2,500 unemployed indigenous medicine graduates and raised concerns that Unani practitioners are disadvantaged under current administrative and legal classifications. Referring to the Mass Media sector, he requested restoration of the SLBC Muslim Service Ramadan broadcast from 40 minutes to one hour.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir raised health service shortages in Ampara and other districts, citing vacancies in doctors, nurses, support staff, ambulance drivers, pharmacists, a surgeon, a radiographer, and an accountant, as well as shortages of medicines. He requested completion of stalled hospital projects at Sammanthurai and Pottuvil, new facilities and dialysis services at Thirukkovil, PMC branches in poor villages, an Osusala outlet, a Phaco machine for Sammanthurai, and recruitment of Indigenous Medicine graduates. He also urged the Ministry to address health-sector salaries and warned that shortages in public hospitals were increasing reliance on private pharmacies.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena rejected Opposition claims that the Budget is not people-centred, arguing that allocations related to SriLankan Airlines concern the protection of a public asset. He said proposals such as school-based autism screening are already reflected in the Budget, and cited this as evidence that it addresses public needs while also acknowledging other constructive suggestions raised in the debate.
- Hon. Ashoka Gunasekara
AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasekara argued that the Budget recognises and supports the health sector, including doctors, nurses and other professionals who sustained services during the economic crisis, while reducing pressures that contribute to brain drain. He highlighted allocations for indigenous medicine, including Rs. 574 million for the Department of Indigenous Medicine and related services, support for Ayurveda, Sinhala traditional medicine, Unani, Siddha and homeopathy, and programmes such as medicinal plant cultivation under “Osu Diriya” to reduce imports. He also cited funding for hospital-based Ayurveda services, health worker training, screening for people over 35, and school-linked first-aid training aimed at improving household-level preparedness.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem
AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem said the Health Ministry’s allocation to the Eastern Province, estimated at about 0.12 per cent of the total, was insufficient and requested additional funding. He welcomed the decision to provide a 160 kW generator to operationalize the new Chinese-funded building at Eravur Base Hospital, and asked that the hospital’s old generator be transferred to Eravur Ayurvedic Hospital. He also sought an MRI scanner and a state Osusala pharmacy for Batticaloa, and highlighted shortages of specialists, medical staff, facilities and doctors’ quarters at Eravur Base Hospital. He further requested that the rural hospital at Meeraikerni be upgraded with inpatient care, a permanent doctor, nurses and necessary resources.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika argued that Sri Lanka’s strong health indicators were achieved largely through the commitment of health workers working under difficult conditions, and said the Budget begins to provide them with better facilities, recognition and salary structures. He said health-sector migration was driven not only by pay but also by wider national uncertainty, and claimed the Government is addressing this through salary increases, reduced taxes, improved procurement and anti-waste measures, including Rs. 1,750 million in savings from medicine procurement. He stated that doctors and other health workers will receive higher basic pay, extra-duty rates and take-home pay from April, and invited health workers to raise remaining concerns with the Government for further discussion.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran raised concerns during the Health Ministry Committee Stage debate about staffing, resource and funding shortages at Thirukkovil Base Hospital and other hospitals in Ampara District, and requested adequate supplies of medicines including Factor VII and Factor VIII. He alleged longstanding neglect of Tamil areas in health planning and called for equitable allocations and services. He also urged justice, compensation and housing support for families of murdered journalists, protections for media personnel in the North and East, and action over cases filed against journalists covering the Mayilathamadu and Mathavanai protests. He further requested expedited permanent appointments for eligible dengue eradication officers who have served for several years.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna highlighted the shortage and emigration of doctors, citing Sri Lanka’s low doctor-to-population ratio, recent departures of about 1,800 doctors, and the risk of further migration by around 5,000 more. He argued that the Budget addresses pressures on health and related sectors by reducing overall state expenditure, increasing development allocations, and raising public sector salaries, with emphasis on improving doctors’ basic pay rather than relying on allowances. He also referred to the effects of PAYE tax after the 2022 bankruptcy declaration and said the Government aims over future Budgets to create structured working hours, adequate leave, and improved professional conditions to retain and attract medical professionals.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna criticised the 2025 Budget’s health allocations, arguing that while overall expenditure requires major revenue-raising, health spending increases and regional allocations to the North and East remain inadequate compared with defence and other items. He questioned rising Health Ministry travel expenses, cited shortages and migration of doctors as a major public investment loss, and proposed that government MPs donate their salaries to support national needs, including doctors’ vehicle import costs. He also raised specific grievances about alleged medical negligence cases in Mannar and Jaffna, lack of justice for affected families, and disparity in education-related allocations, including a comparatively small allocation for the Jaffna Public Library.
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary The Minister closed the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, noting contributions from 35 MPs and acknowledging proposals on health, indigenous medicine, media and postal services. He said Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital should be reviewed and reorganized, Seeduwa Vijaya Kumaratunga Hospital developed as a specialized hospital, and that the Budget provides substantial phased basic salary increases for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff over about 20 months. He rejected allegations of discrimination in changes to Muslim-language broadcasting during Ramadan, said state media institutions would be strengthened as national media models, and stated that VAT obligations and arrears are being settled. He thanked officials and staff across the Ministry’s 42 institutions, citing the Rs. 604 billion allocation and pledging political leadership to restore public confidence and improve services.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that regional issues in health, indigenous medicine and postal services should be handled through empowered regional mechanisms, rather than being brought to the Ministry’s Advisory Committee. He said the Advisory Committee should focus on parliamentary work, policy and key measures, and that the secured allocations would be used efficiently and fully for public benefit. He invited all members to work collectively in implementing this approach.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill on behalf of the Minister of Finance to revise the recurrent expenditure allocation for the Ministry of Health and Mass Media. The proposed substituted figure is Rs. 413,249,998,000.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary The House agreed to insert the amended recurrent expenditure allocation of Rs. 413,249,998,000 into the Schedule and ordered it to stand part of the Schedule. It also approved allocations under Head 111, Programme 01, including Rs. 169,641,998,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 38,630,000,000 for capital expenditure, while Programme 02 allocations were recorded as Rs. 213,270,000,000 recurrent and Rs. 52,757,000,000 capital expenditure.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill under Head 111, Programme 02. The statement was procedural in nature and did not include substantive policy arguments or further details on the amendment.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary The House agreed to an amendment to Head 111, Programme 02, increasing recurrent expenditure to Rs. 213,520,000,000 by adding Rs. 250,000,000 under Budget Proposal No. 40, while capital expenditure was approved at Rs. 52,757,000,000. Members then approved the relevant recurrent and capital allocations for the Department of Government Information, Department of Government Printing, Department of Ayurveda, and Department of Posts under their respective programmes.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa moved that the Committee report progress and seek leave to sit again. The motion was agreed to, and the Committee reported progress with proceedings scheduled to resume on Friday, 07 March 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 9 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Challenges Faced by Medical Specialists (Postgraduate Trainees) 15 speeches