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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Tuesday, 20 May 2025

10th Parliament· 12 debates· 270 speeches· 72 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1749010823009957 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

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

  5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Yala National Park - Safari Jeeps and Employee Issues (Q.571/2025) 10 speeches
    • The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB

      AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda asked the Minister of Environment about staffing shortages, employee housing, tourist facilities, toilets, roads, and common amenities at Yala National Park. He requested details on registered tourist jeeps, inactive registered jeeps, proposed action regarding them, and whether new jeeps would be registered as replacements. He also sought separate short-, medium-, and long-term measures to protect and develop Yala’s wildlife and ecosystem, noting the park’s importance for tourism and national income.

      EnvironmentEmploymentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB

      AI summary The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna requested the Speaker’s permission to ask his second supplementary question, noting that he had not raised it earlier.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake drew the Speaker’s attention to the conduct of proceedings, noting that another Member had asked two supplementary questions. He requested the Speaker to ensure order in the Chamber.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Environment, the Deputy Minister stated that 551 safari jeeps are registered for Yala, while 30 registered jeeps did not provide tourist services in 2024 and will have their registrations cancelled. He said replacement jeep registrations have not been initiated because vehicle numbers in Yala Block 1 already exceed carrying capacity and cause congestion. He added that the “Re-awakening Yala” programme is implementing an operational plan to improve tourism activities in Yala National Park Block 1.

      Environment Full speech →
    • The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB

      AI summary Athula Welandagoda referred to the Minister and Deputy Minister’s recent visit to Yala and the congestion observed at the Palatupana and Katagamuwa gates at dawn. He asked what steps were being taken to open Bembawa as an additional entry point, noting that buildings, Civil Security personnel, and basic facilities were already available and that only limited staffing and ICT support would be needed.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB

      AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody addressed congestion at Yala’s Palatupana entrance to Block 1, noting that visitor pressure exceeds the ecosystem’s carrying capacity and risks environmental degradation. He outlined existing and proposed alternative entry points, including Katagamuwa, Galge, Thanamalwila-Kalupahana, Ginwewa, Angamuwa, and Bembawa, and said officials had inspected these sites. He stated that internet connectivity, adequate staffing, rapid ticketing, and standardized gate improvements would be provided to distribute visitors more evenly and reduce pressure on Block 1.

      EnvironmentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB

      AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda raised concerns about delays in road maintenance inside Yala ahead of the August tourist peak, citing shortages of drivers, substitute staff, mechanics, and a local Road Development Authority examiner. He asked what interventions the Ministry would take within the next two months to expedite the works, including whether support from farmer organizations and the military could be used as in previous efforts involving fuel and resources.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB

      AI summary After rainy seasons, road damage has been exacerbated by shortages of machinery operators, drivers, and technical staff. Anton Jayakody stated that adequate drivers will be recruited and a qualified technical officer assigned, with coordination from the Department of Irrigation. He also said the Director General of Wildlife Conservation will be instructed to provide resources, including support through farmer organizations and military facilitation where necessary, and to ensure quick repairs to breakdowns inside the park.

      EnvironmentInfrastructure Full speech →