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

Sitting of Thursday, 9 October 2025

10th Parliament· 13 debates· 224 speeches· 61 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22973 ·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.

  3. 3 Oral question Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District 22 speeches
    • The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB

      AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for detailed information on Central Government and Provincial Council hospitals in the Galle District, including their names and graded categories. He specifically sought clarification on whether the Baddegama District Hospital has been supervised and whether action will be taken to address its shortcomings, and also asked whether a national data and information system exists for assessing the current situation of Regional Health Services Centres.

      Healthcare Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister provided details of health institutions in the Galle District, stating that there are two Line Ministry hospitals and 49 Provincial Council hospitals, and tabled annexes listing them. He confirmed that Baddegama District Hospital was inspected on 1 September 2025 with relevant provincial and local officials, and that the District Director of Health Services, Galle, has been assigned to implement remedial measures. The tabled actions include addressing sanitation, accessibility, ambulance facilities, dental surgery expansion, drainage repairs, building repairs, re-roofing, and staff quarters, to be incorporated into 2025–2026 development plans. He also stated that hospitals, MOH offices, and field clinics are mapped and integrated into a data system.

      HealthcareInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB

      AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage raised concerns about infrastructure deficiencies at Baddegama Hospital, noting its importance as the nearest facility to the Expressway exit for accident cases. He highlighted the lack of a ramp between two-storey blocks, risks in moving patients by stairs, likely impacts from road widening, and unresolved drainage and sanitation issues. He requested prompt government intervention and asked that necessary improvements be included in the 2026 Budget.

      HealthcarePublic FinanceInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB

      AI summary A status report has been sent to the Ministry regarding the hospital development matter. Funding is expected through the Southern Provincial Council, and the District Director has been asked to submit a full action plan so the Council can consider allocations. If funding constraints arise, support may be provided through an upcoming multi-year project to develop similar hospitals.

      Public FinanceHealthcare Full speech →
    • The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB

      AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage welcomed the “Arogya Suwatha” Primary Care Centre project and thanked the Government for starting the first centre in Mapalagama, Galle. He raised concerns about inadequate facilities at regional health centres, citing Yakkalamulla where maternity and child clinics lack shelter, and asked whether the Government would urgently refurbish such centres at Divisional Secretariat level islandwide.

      HealthcareInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni stated that while local authorities remain responsible for maintaining maternity clinic buildings, the proposed “Arogya Suwatha” primary care centres will provide a wider range of services. He said these centres will incorporate existing clinic functions while adding screening, health education, rehabilitation, and palliative care, with nationwide implementation expected to take several years.

      Healthcare Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB

      AI summary Nimal Palihena asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation for detailed information on the Lower Yan Oya Project in Anuradhapura, including its commencement year, funding source and allocation, beneficiary areas, feasibility study status, and scheduled completion date. He also sought details on displacement and resettlement, including the number of affected families and land extents, identified relocation lands and procedures, outstanding compensation cases, and reasons for any delays.

      AgricultureLand & Housing Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister, answering on behalf of the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister, provided details on the Yan Oya Reservoir Project, including its 2013 commencement, government funding of Rs. 48,355.30 million, command areas supplied by the left and right bank canals, and the feasibility study conducted by the Irrigation Department. He said the project remains delayed, with completion extended to 31 December 2025 and a Cabinet Memorandum submitted to extend it further to 31 December 2026. He outlined land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement arrangements, stating that compensation for acquired residential lands has been completed, some payments for upland and paddy lands remain pending, and delays continue in providing alternative lands under Ministry of Lands Circular 1/2016.

      Land & HousingInfrastructureAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB

      AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena asked the Deputy Minister about compensation for people displaced by a dam project intended to support agriculture in the area. He sought clarification on the steps taken by the Ministry to complete compensation payments and the expected timeline for doing so.

      Public FinanceJustice & Human RightsAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Yan Oya Reservoir Project, though initially foreign-funded, was later implemented with Government funds and has left affected residents without compensation, alternative land, or paddy fields for over a decade. He said a seven-member committee, chaired by former Secretaries M.K. Dissanayake and Sarath Wijesinghe, was appointed to review the issue and has submitted its report after field visits and consultations. Based on its recommendations, the Ministry is proceeding with compensation payments and provision of alternative lands, with a target to complete compensation within the year using allocated funds.

      Land & HousingPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB

      AI summary Asked what measures the Ministry has taken, in coordination with the Department of Irrigation, to complete the remaining irrigation and related works needed to make the agricultural land suitable for cultivation.

      AgricultureInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that compensation and provision of alternative land had been discussed, including the development of certain Forest Department lands for paddy cultivation. He said irrigation infrastructure such as canals and field channels cannot be completed fully within the year, but the Department of Irrigation plans to finish the work in the first months of 2026 and enable cultivation by the third quarter of 2026.

      AgricultureLand & Housing Full speech →
    • The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary The Minister replied to a question on declining raw tea leaf production, noting that Sri Lanka’s tea output peaked in 2013 and has fallen since 2015, with soil nutrient depletion and acidity among the contributing factors. He said the Tea Research Institute has confirmed the potential of biochar, including from bamboo and other plants, to rehabilitate tea soils and is continuing research on fertilizer efficiency, soil health, and suitable raw materials, with government funding allocated. He added that tea sector institutions have prepared strategic plans, and TRI recommendations will be implemented through the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Smallholder Tea Development Authority once research is completed.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. T. K. Jayasundara JJB

      AI summary Hon. T. K. Jayasundara raised concerns that soil acidification, reduced nutrient retention, and declining organic matter caused by fertilizer use are affecting tea and broader agriculture. He proposed wider use of biochar, particularly from bamboo, to improve soil microbial activity, water retention, and long-term carbon storage. He asked for the Minister’s view on establishing a coordinated mechanism involving the Ministries of Plantation, Agriculture, and Finance to address the issue urgently.

      AgricultureEnvironment Full speech →
    • The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that fertilizer policy falls under the National Fertilizer Secretariat and said the proposal should be discussed with that body. He noted that the Government relies on the Tea Research Institute’s recommendations for tea cultivation, including ongoing trials on biochar from bamboo and other sources. He acknowledged declining soil quality and said both chemical and organic inputs are needed to sustain yields, with further discussions to follow through the relevant authorities.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. T. K. Jayasundara JJB

      AI summary Hon. T. K. Jayasundara raised concerns about uncontrolled bamboo growth along riverbanks contributing to flood damage by blocking bridges. He noted initiatives in Galle to develop a bamboo-based industrial village and proposed a related bamboo biochar project for use in the tea sector, citing TRI guidance on application limits. He asked whether government approval and support would be provided, in coordination with the Ministry of Industries, for introducing these products.

      AgricultureEnvironmentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that the Tea Research Institute is already involved in the matter raised and that private sector investors in the tea sector are also being engaged. He welcomed the Member’s support to help take the initiative forward.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that there is no Department of Archaeology museum near Avissawella, but a museum operated by the Central Cultural Fund exists there. He said it opened for public exhibitions on 21 July 2024 after construction costing Rs. 14.6 million, with seven contract staff and land leased from Sri Lanka Railways to the CCF. He provided details on artefacts and income through annexes placed in the Library, noting that no time-period classification of artefacts has yet been finalized and that ticket revenue has been recorded for 2024 and 2025.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (1141114114) Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB

      AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi asked whether the museum near the Avissawella Post Office, established to represent the Sitawaka Kingdom period of roughly 1521–1594, provides adequate curatorial value given the use of State resources. He sought clarification on whether the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has given sufficient attention to this issue and what measures have been taken.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the intended purpose of the museum was to showcase the glory and heritage of the Sitawaka Kingdom, but acknowledged that a properly curated presentation reflecting Sitawaka heritage has not yet been completed. He said proposals have been submitted for the Central Cultural Fund and the Department of Archaeology to formalize and upgrade the museum presentation.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (1141114114) Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB

      AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi asked why the Sitawaka museum was expedited despite not appearing in the Central Cultural Fund’s annual activity plan. He argued that a better-planned programme linking heritage, ecology, and tourism could have created greater value, and questioned whether the Ministry had intervened to highlight the area’s authentic historical significance and why it had not taken primary responsibility when the museum was established.

      Religion & CultureEnvironmentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake said concerns over the Central Cultural Fund’s operations, including alleged irregularities and unauthorized interventions, are under investigation by a committee. Referring to the rapid establishment of the Sitawaka museum after the Railways Department handed over the key on 10 May 2024, he stated that several irregularities had been observed and that speed appeared to have taken priority over proper heritage curation. He accepted the need for such a museum and said the CCF and Department of Archaeology are prepared to formalize and operate it properly.

      Corruption & Governance ReformReligion & Culture Full speech →