Topic
Education
1,409 speeches · 257 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 213 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna, M.P. JJB | 99 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 51 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 29 |
| 5 | Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, M.P. SJB | 25 |
| 6 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 25 |
| 7 | Hon. Nalin Hewage, M.P. JJB | 21 |
| 8 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 18 |
| 9 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 17 |
| 10 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 17 |
Speeches
1,409 on this topic- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that his party, as the third largest in Parliament, has demands on the Government’s education reforms and may determine its position depending on whether the Ministry of Education responds to them. He clarified that although the party has not signed the No-confidence Motion against the reforms, it will decide its stance when the Motion is taken up. He also thanked the President for his speech in Jaffna and said parts of the Opposition were misrepresenting it on social media. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam criticized the Government’s handling of education reforms and university governance, comparing it to the previous Government’s failed agriculture policies. He alleged discriminatory changes to the ethnic composition of the Eastern University Council, cited a court judgment finding the premature replacement of Council members improper, and tabled the order. He also argued that national history, including minority-related political agreements and loss of citizenship rights for estate Tamils, is inadequately taught, and said ITAK would consider its position on any future No-Confidence Motion. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the Universities (Amendment) Bill while urging the relevant ministries to act fairly in education, justice and defence administration. He called for the establishment of a Medical Faculty at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka in Oluvil, proposing that nearby base hospitals be used as teaching hospitals to address regional health needs, specialist shortages and limited national medical student intake. He also requested urgent action to fill university staffing vacancies, citing UGC figures on academic and temporary lecturer shortages across several universities. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Universities (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it updates the 1978 Act after decades and advances democratization within university governance. He said the Government has increased funding for higher education and rejected Opposition claims of neglect. He highlighted proposed changes to appointments and term limits for Deans and Heads of Departments, saying broader eligibility would reduce concentration of authority and create fairer opportunities. He linked the reforms to modernizing universities, meeting labour market needs, and preparing students for technological and global competition. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth requested infrastructure, education and administrative improvements for Pottuvil, Nintavur, Akkaraipattu, Attalaichenai and surrounding areas, including a Tourism Faculty at South Eastern University, urgent repair of a flood-damaged bridge, bilingual translation of government circulars, and more Tamil-speaking officers. He highlighted severe teacher shortages, inadequate English-medium subject teaching, lack of ICT facilities, and specific school building needs, while calling for teacher appointments to match divisional vacancies. He also sought upgrades to vocational training centres, roads, bridges, street lighting, government vehicles and local authority machinery, and requested a permanent Irrigation Engineer to better serve farmers and tourism-related local services. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna supported amendments to the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, saying they introduce clearer and more democratic procedures for appointing, limiting the terms of, and removing Deans and Heads of Departments. He rejected claims that the Bill undermines university autonomy, and said wider higher education reforms are being developed through a National Committee with stakeholder consultations and a national policy to be published for public comment. He also cited increased 2026 budget allocations, higher student stipends, recruitment approvals, and infrastructure funding as measures aimed at improving universities, student welfare, and international rankings. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam said his party sought to offer constructive criticism, and urged the Prime Minister to reverse the previous Government’s ban on law practitioners serving as university lecturers, citing its impact on Dr. Kumaravadivel Guruparan. He also called for greater transparency and fairness in Vice-Chancellor selection processes and appointments to University Councils. He strongly opposed the Cabinet-approved Kivul Oya Project, alleging it continued Sinhala settlement in Tamil areas after wartime displacement and citing environmental feasibility concerns and constitutional issues. He demanded the Prime Minister’s intervention, warning that proceeding with the project would undermine Tamil confidence in the Government’s commitment to systemic change in the North and East. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Welcoming amendments on university administration, the Member said appointments such as Deans should be made through more democratic processes to reduce subjectivity, nepotism and cronyism, and indicated that similar reforms should later extend up to Vice-Chancellor appointments. He also argued for democratizing university access for persons with disabilities, stating that all eligible students should be able to enter any degree stream and citing barriers in lecture halls, libraries and hostels. He noted Government measures including a Higher Education Ministry policy on inclusion and an additional Rs. 5,000 monthly allowance above Mahapola for university students with disabilities, and said access should also be expanded for groups such as members of the Sri Lanka Thalassaemia Association. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir questioned recent statements by ruling party members about retaining power and “state power,” and argued that the Government must address practical public needs rather than repeat past practices. He said rural schools still lack basic facilities, parents continue to be asked to fund furniture and resources despite promises of change, and cold weather linked to climate conditions may require adjustments to school arrangements. He called for an accelerated coastal erosion mitigation programme in affected Eastern Province areas, citing exposed graves in Maligakadu and Nintavur-Attappallam and slow progress on promised works. He also urged the Minister of Cultural Affairs to reduce political interference in mosque administration and empower the relevant department to appoint suitable permanent administrators. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister supported amendments to Sections 49 and 51 of the Universities Act, arguing that they would depoliticize and democratize the appointment and removal of Deans and Heads of Departments. He said Faculty Boards and University Councils should have clearer authority over these posts, with term limits and removal powers introduced to prevent prolonged control and administrative distortions. He emphasized that such positions affect academic careers, recruitment, promotions, study leave, scholarships and disciplinary processes, and rejected claims that the reforms undermine university autonomy. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Government’s proposed university amendments, arguing that they would politicize appointments of deans and department heads and worsen declining university rankings. He called instead for a comprehensive reform of the Universities Act, including globally comparable posts such as Deputy Vice-Chancellors for research, academic affairs and international affairs. He also raised concerns about judicial independence, questioning the appointment of a High Court Judge as Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice while hearing politically sensitive cases, and urged action to protect judicial processes from politicization. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Government’s approach to university appointments contradicts its stated policy of reducing political influence, citing alleged politically linked appointments to vice chancellor positions. Referring to a university governance workshop report, he said the Government had selectively adopted provisions on appointing Heads of Departments through Councils, which he claimed could increase politicization. He criticized changes to eligibility and term limits for Heads of Departments and Deans, arguing they could create shortages of suitably experienced staff and weaken university administration. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Universities (Amendment) Bill, stating that it addresses governance and appointment ambiguities in the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978. She highlighted proposed changes to the appointment, removal, eligibility criteria and term limits for Deans and Heads of Departments, including shifting HoD appointments to University Councils and limiting consecutive terms. She argued that the reforms would reduce favoritism, improve accountability, create opportunities for younger academics, and support national human capital development, urging Members to support the Bill. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara supported the Universities (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it expands democratic participation in dean selection and introduces term limits rather than promoting authoritarianism. He rejected Opposition criticisms on education reform, stating that current reforms aim to strengthen public education without burdening parents, unlike earlier proposals he said would have shifted costs to families and privatized aspects of schooling. He also addressed estate worker wages, saying an additional Rs. 400 would be provided from 10 February through company and Government contributions, and described contrary claims about work norms as misinformation. The speech further criticized vulgar language and conduct in Parliament, corrected the term “Malaiyagam community,” and cited economic indicators such as investment, tourism, remittances, and stock market performance as signs of progress. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said he would continue raising allegations against the Government despite indictments filed against him. He criticized the Education Ministry over alleged politically motivated transfers in the Southern Province, lack of inquiry into similarities in the A/L Economics paper, a Western Province Grade 11 History paper leak, proposed closure of small rural schools, and possible withdrawal of difficult area allowances for teachers. He urged the Government to provide 50,000 jobs for unemployed graduates and called for action over an allegation involving the OIC of Ranajayapura Police, while also arguing that the Education portfolio should be reassigned if current problems persist. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage supported amendments to the Universities Act, stating that the reforms would democratize university governance by broadening eligibility for Deans, introducing term limits, shifting appointment of Heads of Departments to University Councils, and widening representation in Senates. He said the changes were intended to reduce centralized decision-making and improve transparency, drawing on consultations with the university community. He also outlined government measures on university vacancies, student welfare, scholarships, hostels, disability support, research funding, loans for higher education, and digitalization. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the Government’s handling of the Health and Education Ministries, arguing that ministers were interfering in other portfolios while neglecting their own responsibilities. He questioned recent administrative changes at the National Institute of Education, alleging politicization of its governing bodies and mismanagement of qualified academic staff. He also challenged the Government’s proposed education reforms, particularly material he claimed was inappropriate for Grade 6 students, and demanded that any reforms be brought forward transparently rather than through internal conflicts or protests. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported amending the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, arguing that it is outdated in light of changes in technology, internationalization, labour market needs, and the role of universities in national development. He called for clearer statutory provisions on the powers of the UGC, Councils and Senates, and on the appointment, eligibility, tenure and removal of Deans and Heads of Departments, including mechanisms to address non-performance. He also highlighted concerns about graduate quality, curriculum relevance, staff migration and vacancies, noting that approval had been sought to recruit 5,680 university staff, Cabinet had approved 3,713 posts, and 640 had been recruited by 19 January 2026, urging that recruitment be expedited. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether proposed university regulations constitute genuine “system change,” arguing that changes to Dean and Head of Department appointments are insufficient without reforming appointments of Vice Chancellors, UGC officials, University Councils and Institute Boards. Citing a governance report co-authored by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, he contrasted earlier calls for depoliticization and merit-based appointments with the present proposals. He also objected to a UGC Chairman’s letter instructing Vice Chancellors to halt ongoing appointments before the law is passed, calling it an unlawful interference with existing statutes and a move toward centralized control over universities. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported amendments to the Universities Act aimed at reforming the appointment of Deans and Heads of Departments in state universities. He said the Bill broadens eligibility for Deans, introduces three-year terms renewable once, and transfers greater oversight of Head of Department appointments from Vice Chancellors to University Councils to improve transparency and limit concentration of power. He rejected claims of arbitrary removals or politicisation, while noting the Government is open to future reforms to strengthen independence in university governance. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →