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

Sitting of Tuesday, 25 November 2025

10th Parliament· 10 debates· 209 speeches· 64 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22979 ·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.

  4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) 6 speeches
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB

      AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development for details on the delayed renovation of the approximately 120-year-old Garagoda Bridge at Yatiyantota across the Kelani River, including the contracted completion period and reasons for delays since work began in September 2023 with traffic restrictions. He sought confirmation on whether proper procurement procedures were followed, whether the contractor complied with the contract, what action was taken if not, and what steps are being taken to complete the renovation expeditiously given difficulties faced by residents.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB

      AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake responded that the bridge renovation contract, begun by the Road Development Authority on 31 August 2023, was extended from 456 to 699 days, with completion now due on 30 July 2025. He said traffic has been limited to pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and three-wheelers to reduce risk and inconvenience, while flooding of the Kelani River affected pier construction but should have been anticipated. He stated that contractor underperformance is a major cause of delay, with some stronger companies already blacklisted, and that the RDA is expediting work through a temporary bridge, deck replacement preparations and fortnightly progress review meetings.

      InfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised concerns about delays and safety issues related to the Garagoda Bridge project, noting the bridge’s importance to schools, public offices, health facilities and daily commuters. He said the contract had not been completed as expected and that temporary access was only agreed after coordination meetings, but the temporary bridge appeared unsafe due to river filling and erosion from rains. He asked whether the Road Development Authority would ensure the temporary bridge is constructed to proper safety standards.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that he would instruct the Road Development Authority Chairman to visit the relevant site within a week, inspect it with officials, and take necessary action. He also invited the Member who raised the matter to participate in the visit.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked the Minister to clarify transport arrangements during the dismantling of a bridge near Garagoda, noting that residents face a detour of about 15 kilometres instead of a 250-metre approach. He said the contractor had agreed to arrange bus services through the National Transport Commission and requested details on when and how that service would begin.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said he could not immediately commit to providing an SLTB bus without further consultation, but indicated that a temporary permit could be considered if a private operator is available. He stated that the RDA Chairman would be sent to the area within a week and advised the Member to also take up the bus service issue with the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Passenger Transport Authority.

      Infrastructure Full speech →