Sitting of Saturday, 22 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22972 ·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 Opening Opening: Commemoration of Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 1 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions: Various Citizens' Petitions 3 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Lands Coming Under Buddhist Temporalities Act (Q.1505/2025) 7 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1116/2025, Q.1180/2025, Q.1316/2025, Q.1429/2025) 10 speeches
- 5 Procedural Procedural: Adjournment Motion - None Submitted 1 speeches
- 6 Debate Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) 131 speeches
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary A formal token cut of Rs. 10 was moved against the recurrent and capital expenditures under the relevant Heads of Expenditure for the Ministry of Health and related institutions during the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill, 2026. The Member noted the importance of the health sector discussion and observed that several presiding and ministerial figures involved were medical doctors.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman briefly stated that the person being referred to is himself a doctor and emphasized that this fact should be acknowledged.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns over shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies, tabling lists of nationally out-of-stock medicines and MSD shortages. He urged faster registration and approval processes for local pharmaceutical manufacturers, a uniform national pricing formula, and consistent bioequivalence and evaluation policies. He also highlighted operational issues at major hospitals, including lack of directors, interrupted laboratory testing, shortages of cardiac surgery consumables, and non-functioning angiogram machines, and called for urgent corrective action. He further supported doctors’ demands on salary structures, allowances, transport facilities, tax relief, postgraduate foreign living allowances, and research funding.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns over poor hospital security, low remuneration and inadequate facilities for doctors despite Sri Lanka’s strong health indicators. He cited significant emigration of specialists and medical officers since 2022, further possible departures, and resulting shortages affecting surgeries and essential services, while noting national drug shortages. He urged the Government to address the demands and working conditions of doctors already serving in Sri Lanka before seeking to attract expatriate specialists back, and suggested expanding medical education for export only after ensuring sufficient domestic retention.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB
AI summary Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns that an automated vaccination device purchased for about Rs. 40 million for the PET scanner facility at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital is reportedly unused. He requested the Minister’s attention to the matter and tabled supporting documents.
- Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardana SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardana called for journalists to be granted professional status, including proper salary scales and a pension scheme. He questioned the practice of excluding media from coverage of suspects being brought to Sri Lanka while the Police live-streamed the event, and asked the Minister of Public Security to address what he described as inconsistent police conduct regarding media coverage of criminal suspects.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister of Health
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni opened the debate on the Ministry of Health expenditure head, citing international recognition of Sri Lanka’s health system while outlining challenges including ageing, non-communicable diseases, climate-related risks, medicine supply vulnerabilities, antibiotic misuse, and emerging diseases. He said the Government is preparing a 10-year National Health Policy with a strategic plan focused on prevention, primary care, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care, workforce efficiency, supply-chain strengthening, and technological modernization. He criticized the politicization and sensational reporting of health issues, disputed exaggerated claims on doctor shortages, salaries, and medicine shortages, and urged unions and professional bodies to resolve concerns through structured dialogue rather than public agitation.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka’s health outcomes over 76 years show internationally recognized progress, while calling for further improvements such as expanding ICU capacity. He raised concerns over medicine and diagnostic test shortages, tabled out-of-stock lists, and questioned the impact on the free health system. He also highlighted medical brain drain and proposed retention measures including revised allowances, tax policy changes, improved quarters, leave and private practice options, and facilities for skilled professionals. He further criticised fiscal policy under IMF targets, arguing that revenue and primary balance overperformance should be redirected to MSMEs, farmers, fishers, workers and livelihood revival, and called for health, education, agriculture and industries to be made fundamental rights.
- Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi addressed the Health and Mass Media expenditure heads, arguing that the Government’s budget includes short-, medium-, and long-term measures to address poverty while promoting free, independent and impartial media. She said state media should function as a public asset rather than as a tool of the government or any party, and outlined plans to strengthen public service media, counter disinformation, train journalists and students, and support media pluralism. She also proposed modernization of the Government Printing Department, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, including digitization, studio upgrades, archival preservation, journalist ID cards and scholarships.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Urging justice for journalists killed, abducted, attacked or oppressed during the war, Ravikaran called for stronger media freedom and linked the health budget to reconciliation and psychosocial support for war-affected families, including children of long-term Tamil political prisoners. He demanded the release of political prisoners and asked what relief the 2026 Budget would provide to such families under the Government’s “Healthy Living towards a Healthy Society” theme. He highlighted health inequities in Mullaitivu and Mannar, citing high transfer rates, vehicle shortages, a lack of permanent specialists and allied health staff, and requested at least two new ambulances for Mullaitivu and permanent appointments in key disciplines. He also urged completion in 2026 of recruitment for 454 Health Service Assistants whose earlier appointments were cancelled, and called for equitable health resource allocation to the Vanni.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka argued that media freedom remains weak, citing Sri Lanka’s low press freedom ranking, state media politicization, restrictive laws including the Online Safety Act, misinformation on social media, and the need for media literacy, independent public service broadcasting, wider internet access, affordable data, fair compensation from global platforms, and safeguards on AI in news. He called for the Right to Information Commission to be properly funded and staffed in line with the Act, and asked the Government to justify the benefits and expenditure of its new media policy. On health, he highlighted medicine, equipment, staffing, and service shortages nationally and in hospitals across the Galle District, including long waits for scans and surgeries, and requested urgent corrective action and the appointment of substantive directors to major hospitals currently led by acting officials.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concerns about ambulance shortages and maintenance problems at Karapitiya Hospital, noting its importance to patients from several provinces and stating that only about five of its 11 ambulances are operational on a typical day. He also cited an incident at Baddegama Hospital where a patient reportedly fell from an ambulance, and requested urgent ministerial attention to these issues across hospitals.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara argued that Sri Lanka’s State media institutions, including SLBC, SLRC, ITN, Lake House and related bodies, have declined over recent decades and require systematic rebuilding rather than immediate transformation after only eight months of the new Government. He said the Budget allocates funds to strengthen capacity, media education, literacy, research, training, publications and foreign scholarships, including about Rs. 100 million for selected institutions. He also called for an ethical, truthful and balanced media culture, while stating that the Government would not impose undue restrictions on media freedom.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law, to address the House and informed him that he had 14 minutes for his speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised an urgent concern that Sri Lanka would be left without an Auditor General following the retirement of the former Auditor General, failed appointments and rejection of an acting extension by the Constitutional Council, and alleged political interference in the appointment process. He then questioned the Health Ministry over the handling of adverse reactions and deaths linked to intravenous immunoglobulin, citing recall notices, SAFRESC decisions, and correspondence instructing withdrawal of the product due to quality defects. He alleged that recommended testing through WHO-prequalified laboratories was not carried out, that the product was later allowed back into use based on an Indian report, and demanded accountability from the NMRA and relevant health authorities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan to speak and allocated him 12 minutes. The intervention was procedural and did not contain substantive policy or legislative remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised welfare concerns for journalists, including insecure incomes, lack of pensions, housing and access to loans, while paying tribute to journalists killed in the past. On the Health Ministry allocation, he urged urgent attention to war-affected Vanni, particularly Mannar and Mullaitivu hospitals, citing shortages of staff, buildings, ambulances, equipment and anesthetists, and requested ministerial visits to the area. He specifically asked that transferred anesthetists be made to report, a promised CT scanner be provided to Mannar, the difficult-area classification of Mannar Hospital be reviewed, and Indian-assisted hospital projects in Mullaitivu and Mannar be commenced without delay.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Accident and Emergency Unit at Mannar District General Hospital and the Medical Complex at Mullaitivu District Hospital are being developed in coordination with the Indian High Commission. He said preliminary work has been completed, construction in Mannar is expected to begin within the year, and work on Mullaitivu will also be expedited.
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary The member urged the Minister to address the large number of annual inter-hospital referrals and long waiting times faced by patients, particularly in Mullaitivu and Mannar. While noting opposition to bringing provincial hospitals under the Central Government, he asked that Mullaitivu and Mannar hospitals be considered for central responsibility due to delayed Provincial Council funding and concerns about public confidence in healthcare services.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson calls on Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe to speak and states that he has 12 minutes. No substantive policy issue or proposal is presented in this procedural intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe supported the Health Ministry’s expenditure allocations, noting that the Ministry assumed office amid drug shortages, procurement delays, supplier issues and human resource gaps in hospitals. He outlined increased Budget provisions for health, including recurrent and capital spending, medical supplies, nutrition, disease prevention, research, staff development, Suwa Sariya and indigenous medicine. He highlighted primary care reforms through pilot “Suwaatha Centres”, efforts to strengthen staffing, and reforms at the NMRA and Medical Supplies Division, including clearing registration backlogs, recruiting officers, setting maximum retail prices for essential medicines, digitization, planned amendments to the NMRA Act and earlier planning of future drug requirements.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson calls on Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam to speak and informs him that he has 11 minutes. The intervention is procedural, introducing the next speaker in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam highlighted resource shortages in Northern Province health services, noting the province’s large area and dispersed population. He said the last cadre revision was in 2013 and that, even under that outdated cadre, 1,913 of 8,295 required posts remain vacant across all staff categories. He asked the Minister to fill these vacancies, specifically pointing out that 33 of 55 divisional hospitals have no nursing officer.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that certain health facilities in the North lack nursing posts because they are not included in the Provincial Council-approved cadre. He said there is no objection to appointing nurses, but the cadre must first be revised to create the necessary posts before such appointments can be made.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam thanked the Minister and requested the Deputy Chair not to deduct time from his allotted speaking time due to the Minister’s intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informs a Member that their allocated speaking time has not been reduced and invites them to continue with their speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam welcomed the proposed 2026 “Aarokkiya” centres but urged the Government to first strengthen the Northern Province’s existing 110 hospitals by filling major consultant and medical officer vacancies and improving infrastructure. He requested full operationalization of the Mankulam rehabilitation hospital, expedited development of Mannar, Murikandy/Murunkan, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya health facilities, including a CT scanner for Mannar and a logistics vehicle for Vavuniya. He also highlighted the potential use of existing de-addiction centres, called for urgent anesthetist appointments in Mannar, and sought action on Siddha and Ayurveda vacancies and Siddha drug production, including investment in the Kilinochchi herbal garden.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa responded to concerns about ambulance availability at Galle National Hospital, stating that 12 of 13 ambulances were generally operational and that transfers to Colombo had reduced after the hospital was elevated to national status, while new ambulances would be allocated when available. He tabled a report and also cited the hospital Director’s clarification that operating theatres were functioning normally despite a newspaper report. On Troponin I testing at Colombo National Hospital, he said a temporary halt during an inquiry followed an invalid document, testing had resumed, and patients are not charged when samples are sent to registered private laboratories at government expense.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law, and allocated him 12 minutes to speak. This was a procedural intervention introducing the next speaker in the debate at 1.00 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Budget’s treatment of health-sector human resources, arguing that reduced allowances, high taxes, lack of transport support, and unmet promises on PAYE relief and vehicle permits are encouraging doctors and health professionals to migrate. He urged the Government to provide at least a partial transport allowance for doctors serving in distant districts and to address practical issues such as school admissions after transfers. He also questioned claims of ample public funds while alleging shortages of over 100 to 185 medicines, consumables, stents, and theatre equipment, and called for direct engagement with health staff to prevent a worsening health-sector crisis.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe to speak and informed him that he had 10 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe argued that the Government inherited a weakened health system due to abandoned hospital projects, substandard procurement, shortages of medicines and equipment, and politically influenced recruitment under previous administrations. He said the Government is restarting stalled projects, including facilities in Hambantota and Tangalle, and has allocated Rs. 654 billion for health, including Rs. 292 billion for salaries. He outlined recent and planned salary increases for doctors, consultants and nurses, as well as housing loans, insurance improvements, festival advances, disaster loans, pension restoration and new public sector recruitment, presenting these as measures to stabilize and strengthen the health service.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the member speaking that they had two minutes remaining, indicating a procedural time limit during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe said the Government plans to recruit more than 14,000 personnel to strengthen the health service, including medical and dental interns, Ayurvedic doctors, dengue prevention assistants, nurses, and public health staff, with several appointments and training intakes already underway. He stated that funds have been allocated for a long-delayed hospital cadre revision. He also noted a Rs. 4.2 billion allocation to upgrade the “Suwa Seriya” ambulance service, including the planned addition of about 153 ambulances and a target response time of around seven minutes.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna and informed her that she had ten minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticized state media institutions and social media actors for alleged unethical and abusive political attacks, including against opposition figures and young women entering politics, and raised concern over unpaid EPF/ETF and gratuity obligations at state institutions such as National Television and plantation companies, calling for Labour Ministry intervention and a payment mechanism. She then highlighted issues in the Health Ministry, including doctor migration, alleged political interference in specialist placements, unabsorbed medical graduates, and 1,323 allied health vacancies, urging recruitment of medical laboratory scientists and physiotherapists. She disputed Government claims on medicine availability, stating that around 25 per cent of essential medicines were out of stock, including dialysis supplies, insulin, and medicines for non-communicable diseases, and tabled related documents.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed Hon. Gajen Ponnambalam that he had 12 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that the Central Government has unlawfully taken over provincial hospitals without the required constitutional upgrades, undermining devolution in health and weakening provincial governance. He said provincial hospitals, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, are being deprived of infrastructure funding, staffing approvals, and capital allocations, creating pressure for central takeover while not guaranteeing improvement. Citing Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Trincomalee DGH, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Mannar, he contended that institutions serving Tamil communities face systemic underinvestment regardless of administrative control. He called attention to inadequate provincial health financing, exclusion from national and donor-funded projects, and stalled promised developments, arguing that equitable investment rather than centralization is required.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Deputy Minister of Mass Media, is invited to address the House and allocated 20 minutes for her speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne – Deputy Minister of Mass Media
AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne outlined the Government’s mass media agenda, emphasizing accountability for past violence against journalists, noting persistent impunity and pledging to reopen files where possible despite evidentiary difficulties. She said the Government is advancing a National Media Policy based on long-standing proposals from media organizations, including defining journalists, protecting media rights, setting co-regulation principles, and replacing the outdated Sri Lanka Press Council framework with a less intrusive approach. She also referred to proposals for a National Media Commission, a Chartered Institute of Media, and public consultation on recommendations addressing ethical reporting and disinformation. On the Online Safety Act, she stated that amendments recommended after consultations are being finalized for early presentation, with attention to platform regulation, the right to information, and responsible social media use.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Hon. Deputy Chairperson allocated 11 minutes for Hon. Imran Maharoof to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about the SLBC Muslim Service, requesting limits on excessive advertising during religious programming, a dedicated administrative structure, an advisory committee, and action on recommendations submitted by the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum. He then highlighted health service deficiencies in Trincomalee District, including rising chronic kidney disease cases and shortages of staff, accommodation, drugs, and facilities at Padavi Siripura, Gomarangadawala, Pulmoddai, Kuchchaveli, Thoppur, and Kinniya hospitals. He urged the Health Minister to open the unused renal ward at Padavi Siripura, upgrade and resource several hospitals, appoint required specialists and medical administrators, and ensure allocated funds are used for physical infrastructure needs.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition
AI summary Requested the Minister of Health to meet the Joint Trade Union Committee of Government Ayurvedic Medical Officers, who were presenting grievances at Polduwa. He raised concerns that indigenous medicine received only Rs. 6 billion, or 0.96 per cent, of the Rs. 654 billion Health Ministry allocation, and conveyed their demand to increase it to 5 per cent. He also asked that the cut additional service allowance of 20 hours per month be restored and salary disparities exceeding Rs. 150,000 be addressed for over 2,000 Ayurvedic medical officers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara was allotted 14 minutes to speak. The Deputy Chairperson then ordered a change in the Chair, with Hon. Imran Maharoof taking over proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns during the Budget debate on Health and Mass Media, arguing that despite high health allocations, medicine shortages, poor stock management, and unspent funds continue to affect patients. He called for upgrades to hospitals and schools in Anuradhapura, including Thambuttegama Hospital, elephant fences, staff accommodation, night security for rural hospitals, replacement of a retired pharmacist at Ranmalgahawewa Hospital, and better support for doctors and indigenous medical practitioners. On Mass Media, he urged reforms to State media, equitable access, timely payments and welfare measures for rural journalists, including insurance, risk allowances, tax relief for equipment, and housing assistance. He also criticized aspects of government conduct following the Trincomalee incident and questioned the consistency of official responses.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was presented in the provided speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake briefly noted that many donors are approaching the Ministry of Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa to donate goods. His remark appeared to draw attention to the handling or coordination of such donations within that Ministry.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake requested one minute of speaking time from the Presiding Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns that donations are being subject to VAT and the Social Security Contribution Levy, reducing the benefit to donors and creating practical difficulties. He urged the Minister to streamline the treatment of such donations under a single category and provide suitable tax concessions.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that an Additional Secretary oversees the handling of donations and receipts, with coordination taking place with the Ministry of Finance to provide tax concessions where possible. He added that the Ministry of Health sometimes covers relevant taxes from its own provisions when purchasing items and said any delays would be examined and addressed.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna defended the 2026 Budget health allocations, detailing funding for salaries, medical supplies, hospital development, Triposha, Suwa Seriya, staff accommodation, and capacity building, while disputing Opposition claims on doctors’ salaries and health indicators. He outlined Cabinet decisions on compensation for patients affected by contaminated eye drops at Nuwara Eliya Hospital, local production of assistive devices, medicine price reductions, restored pension rights, specialist postings, transfers, allowances, and recruitment across health cadres. He said procurement reforms would include new guidelines, e-procurement, framework agreements, and government-to-government sourcing, and tabled WHO indicators and a 2025 research article linking doctor migration to the economic crisis.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman proposed raising the retirement age of specialist doctors from 63 to at least 65 as an interim response to shortages, noting that many retired specialists continue working abroad. He also urged the Government to restore reduced overtime and holiday allowances for health workers in line with Circular 10/2025, arguing that the Treasury position had improved. On mass media, he criticized Police and media practices of linking murder victims or suspects to the underworld without adequate basis, saying this stigmatizes families and can cause lasting harm. Citing the cases of a murdered cashier, his own family after the Easter attacks, and Attorney Hejaaz Hizbullah’s detention, he called for reforms to Police communications and media reporting standards to ensure fairness and responsibility.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman argued that the promised “system change” has not materialized and that existing practices, including police communications and media reporting, continue as under previous governments. He criticized media outlets for merely repeating statements by the Police Media Spokesman without verification, particularly in cases involving deaths and alleged associations. He urged the Minister of Mass Media to establish a new media culture and said the Government has a responsibility to implement the alternative political, social, and media reforms it promised.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera reminded the Government of its earlier undertaking to introduce a new Constitution. The remark appears to question the status or progress of that promised constitutional reform.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman criticised the Government for failing to deliver on its promise to introduce a new Constitution and alternative policies. He argued that the Government is instead continuing Ranil Wickremesinghe’s economic policy, following the Rajapaksas’ political practices, and adopting previously used political tactics.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman urged the Minister of Mass Media to address harms caused by media conduct and police media statements, warning that individuals and their children can face social pressure as a result. He said he had personally experienced such effects and called for reform of the prevailing media culture as part of broader political and social transformation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth thanked the Health Minister for recent support to Pottuvil but said the upgraded Pottuvil hospital continues to operate with an inadequate Type “B” cadre, lacking key specialists and sufficient nurses and technical staff. He requested implementation of cadre recommendations, staff accommodation, extended X-ray and emergency services, vehicles and public health staffing, and upgrades to facilities in Pottuvil, Komari, Irakkamam, Akkaraipattu, Sammanturai, Nintavur, and Kalmunai. He also called for completion or equipping of major hospital projects, provision of a CT scanner and dialysis repairs, and permission for Muslim female nurses to wear culturally appropriate attire within professional norms.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth briefly thanked former State Minister Faisal Cassim for infrastructure development at Pottuvil Hospital and acknowledged former Eastern Province Health Ministers and numerous doctors who served the hospital from the period of the 1990 war to the present. The remarks were a closing expression of appreciation rather than a policy proposal or request.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody said the postal service performs a wide range of public functions beyond mail delivery, including payments, pensions, allowances and assistance schemes, but that postmen’s allowances and service conditions have lagged behind. He stated that the Government is moving to amend the outdated Postal Ordinance, recruit staff to address vacancies, increase the bicycle allowance, review motorbike allowances, provide postal access in estate areas, build and upgrade post offices, procure vehicles, and introduce digital systems such as payment gateways, HRMS and tracking tools. He also referred to preserving and developing the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office and said training and facilities for journalists should be made available equitably to regional media personnel as well as those in Colombo.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody stated that the Government is modernizing and digitalizing the postal service to improve nationwide connectivity and public service delivery. He also said equitable opportunities and facilities would be provided to regional media practitioners.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about shortages of doctors, nurses, medicines, insulin, disinfectants, accommodation, and other facilities in the health sector, arguing that these undermine the free health service and rural hospital access. He urged the Minister to increase cadres, address doctors’ allowances and vehicle permits, work with medical trade unions, and provide quarters for staff posted to difficult areas, citing several hospitals in Badulla and Uva as examples. He also referred to rising non-communicable diseases, mental health, cardiac, cancer and kidney disease, and said Ayurveda funding and salary issues require attention. Additionally, he asked the Minister to examine administrative matters under the Mass Media Ministry and reported concerns over procurement delays and outside prescriptions.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Funds have been allocated for development work at Badulla Teaching Hospital, including completion of the ICU, Emergency Treatment Unit, and 10-storey Cardiology building, as well as provision of a 10-storey professorial unit and additional equipment. Regarding Lake House, the launch of the Tamil magazine “Vaaramangari” was confirmed, with recruitment to follow existing salary scales and no higher pay. It was also stated that specialists’ earlier trade union action to refrain from Technical Evaluation Committees has been called off.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha urged immediate relief for families displaced by landslides, heavy rain, and wind damage in the Kolonna area, noting long delays in past assistance to disaster victims. In the debate on Health expenditure, he highlighted staff, equipment, building, ambulance, and service shortages in rural and estate hospitals across Sabaragamuwa, including Kolonna, Embilipitiya, Godakawela, Rakwane, and related MOH areas. He specifically requested an X-ray technician for Kolonna Hospital, attention to overcrowding at Embilipitiya Hospital, restoration or establishment of MOH facilities, repairs to hazardous hospital infrastructure, and a special programme to support poor rural patients needing cardiac surgery and investigations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary Rs. 654 billion had been allocated for health, including Rs. 187 billion in the 2026 Budget for drug procurement, with the Government aiming to end the shortages that followed the economic crisis through proper procurement. The speech identified human resource gaps as the main remaining challenge, noting cadre revisions, expedited appointments of medical administrators, and priority for qualified long-serving hospital volunteers, especially in the Northern Province. Specific commitments were made to address deficiencies in offshore island health services, develop facilities including a proposed 10-storey maternity building at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, establish internal audit units in major hospitals, and create opportunities for unemployed Ayurvedic graduates.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah stated that drug procurement involves 13 to 15 procedural stages, but said the Budget allocation would enable an uninterrupted supply of medicines. He expressed confidence that shortages would be progressively eliminated.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath addressed the Committee Stage debate on Health and Mass Media expenditure, welcoming the 2026 health allocation and recent provisions for cath labs, MRI, radiology services, and an Osusala branch in Batticaloa. He raised urgent concerns over Batticaloa District General Hospital, including an unsafe 80-year-old building, lack of space, proposed relocation of the adjacent prison, high bed occupancy, and the need for dedicated specialist wards. He also requested improvements for Valachchenai Base Hospital, ambulances for Thuraineelavanai and Paalimeenmadu, Suwaseriya service for Vellaveli, and action on shortages of consultants, nurses, minor staff, drivers, and indigenous medicine employment. He further asked that remaining eligible dengue eradication assistants be made permanent in line with government assurances.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe urged the Health Ministry to address major staffing shortages in Eastern Province hospitals and Ayurvedic institutions, including by granting special approval to appoint long-serving health volunteers to existing assistant and nursing vacancies. He requested completion of the Nintavur women and children’s hospital, priority for a proposed Ayurvedic hospital near Akkaraipattu-Athaulachenai, and action on parking charges affecting patients at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital. He also asked the Government to provide the list of Muslims whose bodies were cremated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Mass Media head, he called for reforms to the SLBC Muslim Service, including a full-time Director, quality review panel, and representative council to improve programming and reduce excessive advertising during Ramadan.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB
AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena supported the Health and Mass Media expenditure heads, stating that the Budget allocates resources on national policy priorities rather than favouring particular districts. He said the Government would resolve issues from earlier irregular recruitments, including regularizing the remaining dengue control assistants, and argued these were legacy problems. He outlined plans to strengthen indigenous medicine by integrating it into the National Health Policy, expanding combined Western and Ayurvedic care, promoting wellness tourism and local medicinal cultivation, and improving sector management systems.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera defended the 19th Amendment and the Right to Information Act as key good governance reforms, arguing that they reduced opportunities for corruption by compelling disclosure in the State sector. He criticized the failure of several high offices, apart from the Prime Minister, to provide requested information on private staff, allowances, salaries and vehicles, and called on the Government to strengthen rather than undermine the RTI Commission. He also urged priority for upgrading the Panadura Base Hospital and requested the restoration of the Ayurvedic Shasthriya Examination to provide recognized qualifications for traditional practitioners.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena — Minister of Science and Technology
AI summary The Minister said health sector funding has been increased to Rs. 654 billion and that the Government aims to reach higher spending targets for health and education progressively. He defended the Rs. 6.8 billion allocation for indigenous medicine, stating that Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani services should be strengthened alongside overall health-sector expansion. He called for correcting disparities affecting Ayurvedic officers, improving regulation of practitioner registration, and integrating indigenous hospitals run by different authorities into a coordinated system.
- Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena stated that Ayurveda and indigenous medicine require an evidence-based policy framework, structured roadmap, and strategic plan rather than ad hoc measures. He emphasized the absence of a data system in the indigenous medical sector and called for its establishment as a prerequisite for developing the sector.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera said a structured system is needed and criticized the Government for failing to present relevant proposals in the Budget despite being in office for over a year.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined Budget allocations to strengthen the health sector, including Rs. 605 million for scientific research into traditional medicine, Rs. 2,630 million for Emergency Accident Unit buildings in several districts, Rs. 650 million for further emergency unit expansion, and Rs. 4.2 billion for the Suwaseriya ambulance service. He said accident-related deaths and injuries require expanded emergency care and better-equipped ambulances with more highly trained emergency medical technicians. He also emphasized the need to improve job satisfaction among health workers, particularly doctors, noting their lengthy training, postgraduate commitments, on-call duties, and administrative challenges.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena acknowledged staffing issues in the health sector, noting that shortages affect not only doctors but also nurses. He said Budget allocations had been increased for nursing education, including Rs. 150 million for the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Medical Faculty and Rs. 150 million for nursing training schools, while emphasizing that addressing the nursing cadre shortage will take time.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen questioned the absence of the relevant Minister during discussion of what he described as an important Ministry. He sought clarification from the Chair on whether the Minister was present.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera noted that the Minister was present in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Health Ministry to address rural health disparities and use the Mass Media portfolio to educate the public on disease prevention. He requested the resumption of a halted hospital project in Nintavur on land donated by residents, ambulances for several areas in Mannar District, and a CT scanner for Mannar Hospital, while noting India’s Rs. 600 million support for the district hospital. He also called for the urgent upgrading of Silavathurai Hospital in Musali to a Base Hospital, citing long travel distances for patients, post-war resettlement hardships, and prior approval of the required cadre.
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen requested the Minister to review proposals from the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum regarding the SLBC Islamic Service, arguing that programme time has been reduced due to increased advertisements and should be restored and properly structured. He also urged action to reopen the closed Al-Qasimi City Hospital in Puttalam, established for displaced communities, noting that facilities remain available but no doctor has been appointed. He further asked that doctor shortages at Hidhaithnagar, Karambai, Kandakkuda, and Alankuda hospitals be addressed.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns about the condition and capacity of Puttalam Hospital, noting that it serves around 450,000 people but has only 400 beds despite a daily requirement of 750–800. He recalled earlier efforts under the Yahapalana Government to develop a master plan and seek foreign funding, and said subsequent governments had not addressed the issue. He asked the Minister for a clear roadmap, timeline, and budget allocation to upgrade the hospital to a District General Hospital, arguing that provincial allocations were unlikely to be sufficient.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen requested additional time and raised concerns over the stalled development of Puttalam Hospital. He stated that although a master plan has been completed, it remains with the Provincial Council and has not been forwarded to the relevant Ministry. He alleged that the Provincial Council is neglecting the hospital and obstructing development, noting that promised 4MDI funds have not been released.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government to secure foreign funding or a special allocation of Rs. 17 billion to develop and upgrade the hospital into a District General Hospital within one or two years. He said the facility serves about 100,000 displaced people and patients from areas including Aanaimadu, Karuwalagaswewa, and Kalpitiya, and requested an indication of the expected timeline for the upgrade.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government would reassess the need for a proposed large hospital building, where a foundation has already been laid, and consider how it should be used alongside any requirement for an Ayurveda hospital. He stated that the agreement for the Mannar CT scanner has been signed, the Provincial Council is preparing the BOQ, and work is expected to begin soon using the allocated Rs. 600 million. He also said funds would be allocated in the Budget under the base hospital development programme to upgrade Puttalam Hospital facilities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported plans to upgrade Puttalam Hospital but urged the Health Minister to address drug shortages, staffing and equipment gaps, corruption, and implementation of COPE/COPA recommendations, particularly regarding vacancies, lack of data collection, emergency procurement practices, and audit failures at the NMRA. He questioned delays and irregularities in the e-NMRA system, registration delays, missing essential medicines, insulin shortages, and alleged continuing influence by former officials, while calling for stronger scrutiny of procurement networks and support for local manufacturers. On mass media, he urged action against abusive social media activity and proposed a regulatory framework, informed by Australia’s approach, to restrict or manage social media use by children under 16 while preserving educational access.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana outlined increased health allocations, citing Rs. 604 billion in 2025 and Rs. 654 billion proposed for 2026, as part of a policy goal to move health spending towards 5 per cent of GDP. He said the Ministry would focus on efficient and transparent use of funds, digitisation of health information and pharmaceutical agencies, and reforms to address Sri Lanka’s declining health system ranking. He highlighted a primary health care pilot to establish local units serving 5,000–10,000 people with family doctor teams, aimed at managing non-communicable diseases and reducing OPD congestion.
Healthcare Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the increased allocations for Health and Mass Media and urged the Government to address several health infrastructure needs in the Eastern Province. He requested the central takeover and upgrading of Kattankudy Base Hospital to a District General Hospital, a blood transfusion centre at Batticaloa District Hospital, funding to begin the proposed ETU complex at Valachchenai Base Hospital, and land and specialist staffing for Eravur Base Hospital. He also asked that media-related housing or land benefits include Tamil-speaking journalists in the North and East, and proposed media identity cards for bona fide digital journalists operating public-interest social media and YouTube channels.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran welcomed increased allocations to the media sector and commended the Health Minister for pledging support, including funding for a multi-storey building at Thirukkovil Base Hospital. He said Thirukkovil Hospital had long been neglected despite its status as a Base Hospital since 2017, and requested permanent postings of doctors, nurses, minor staff and specialists, as well as improvements to dilapidated quarters and sanitary facilities. He also urged that Kalmunai North Base Hospital, an “A” grade institution with a long history, be upgraded to a District General Hospital and provided with facilities including a sewage treatment plant and an MRI scanner.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara outlined the 2026 Health Ministry allocations, citing Rs. 654 billion in total expenditure for hospital operations, development, medical supplies, nutrition, disease prevention, staff capacity development, research, indigenous medicine and ambulance services. He highlighted specific allocations for Ratnapura District, including oncology and cardiac facilities at Ratnapura Teaching Hospital, buildings at Kalawana Base Hospital and Embilipitiya District General Hospital, and ongoing provincial health projects. He also noted local improvements in Balangoda, Rassagala, Belihuloya and Kalthota, including Ayurveda services and plans for a new Balangoda Primary Medical Care Unit, and rejected Opposition claims that the health sector is collapsing.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna raised several alleged corruption issues in Northern health institutions, including hospital accounts and procurement irregularities, and asked the Minister to act on documents previously submitted. He urged attention to shortages in staff, beds, infrastructure and equipment, particularly in Northern and Eastern hospitals, and called for national digital health replication, clearer planning for hospital upgrades, and action on eye health, indigenous medicine graduates and homoeopathy regulation. He also recounted the unresolved disappearance of his father after wartime medical transfer in 2009 and sought truth regarding his fate, while asking that his own service-related disciplinary issues not be politicised. He further questioned whether anti-corruption action under “Clean Sri Lanka” had addressed Northern cases and raised concerns about doctors’ vehicle permits and retention.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary The Minister thanked Members for their contributions and responded on the expenditure heads of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, beginning with the Postal Department. He said the Department, with 650 post offices, 3,500 sub-post offices and about 20,000 employees, has been stabilised after years of inadequate facilities and should be developed as a major public service institution. He highlighted its role in distributing pensions, allowances and other public assistance, noting that from January to September 2025 it facilitated Rs. 18,866 million to 4.941 million beneficiaries, and stated that Rs. 600 million has been allocated this year for capital improvements, including new buildings in areas such as Galewela and Matale.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa — Minister of Health and Mass Media
AI summary The Minister outlined capital investments in the postal service, including new and renovated post offices, the Dambulla Regional Mail Exchange, vehicle purchases, and technology upgrades, with Rs. 2,085 million in capital expenditure committed since May. He detailed ongoing recruitment and promotion measures across postal grades, including Post Assistants, Postal Service Officers, Sub-Postmasters, drivers, and Postmasters. He said postal revenue up to 30 September was Rs. 9,620 million against a target of Rs. 9,750 million, while expenditure was Rs. 14,830 million, attributing the deficit mainly to salary increases and stating that modernization and staffing measures are intended to improve revenue and profitability.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 7 Procedural Procedural: Instructions for Hansard Corrections 1 speeches