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

Sitting of Wednesday, 26 November 2025

10th Parliament· 11 debates· 213 speeches· 61 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22993 ·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.

  6. 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Second Round - Colombo-Mannar Train Service and Related Questions 11 speeches
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment and Tourism, the Chief Government Whip requested a two-week extension to answer the question. The question, relating to the stopping of express trains at Vantharumoolai Railway Station, was ordered to stand down.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam) SJB

      AI summary Asked whether the Minister is aware that Vantharumoolai railway station in Batticaloa District is served only by slow trains, and that express train stops would benefit Eastern University students and nearby residents. Sought a statement on whether steps will be taken to schedule express trains to stop at the station, and if not, the reasons for not doing so.

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

      AI summary Vantharumoolai was described as a railway halt rather than a full station, where passengers may alight and must purchase boarding tickets from the nearest station. The Minister stated that ordinary trains and Colombo Fort–Batticaloa express services stop there, and that from 01.11.2025 the Batticaloa–Colombo Fort express also stops, with arrangements made for all trains except intercity and night mail services to stop based on passenger needs.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB

      AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka informed the House that he was raising the matter on behalf of Hon. Rohana Bandara. No substantive details of the matter were provided in the statement.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Nalinda Jayatissa requested one week’s time to provide an answer. The relevant question was ordered to stand down, and the House proceeded to a question under Standing Order 27(2) by Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA

      AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised concerns over frequent delays on the Colombo–Mannar train service and requested immediate measures to ensure punctual operations. He also called for a proper access road to Mannar railway station, an affordable connecting bus service from Mannar town, and the introduction of online ticket reservations at the station, citing difficulties faced by passengers, residents, and government officers.

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

      AI summary The Minister answered questions on the Colombo Fort–Talaimannar rail service, stating that while it is not formally an office train for Colombo Fort commuters, its schedule serves commuters at several intermediate stations. He attributed delays to ageing locomotives, mechanical failures, track speed restrictions and the lack of a commissioned signalling system between Maho and Anuradhapura, and said locomotive overhauls and signalling installation are under way. He also outlined plans to improve the Mannar station access road at an estimated cost of Rs. 47.68 million, with work expected from December 2025 to March 2026, and noted the status of connecting SLTB buses and restored online ticketing facilities at Mannar station.

      InfrastructurePublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA

      AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan argued that unreliable train punctuality reduces public transport patronage and that improved train services would attract more passengers. He requested that the bus service be continued in the interim, stating that it would be better used once train punctuality improves.

      Infrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB

      AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the remaining 2 km of an access road would be completed and that improvements to the road and online facilities were already being addressed. He acknowledged that ensuring train punctuality remains a major challenge and said efforts are being made to improve it. He also commended railway staff for helping an A/L student reach an examination on time and a resident who helped prevent a level-crossing accident between Kurunegala and Muttetugala.

      InfrastructureLaw & Order Full speech →