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- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said education in the North has improved, but parents are still sending children to Colombo or abroad because of threats from drug mafias, citing more than 100 children leaving in the past two months. He argued that while some elements within the military and police may be involved in drugs, it is inaccurate to blame the institutions as a whole, and alleged that some Tamil politicians are linked to drug networks, including recent arrests. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam questioned the basis for the Minister’s claim that education in the North had improved over the past seven months and requested supporting evidence. He also alleged that the military presence in the North and East was a main cause of the drug problem and asked when it would be removed. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister responded to questions under Standing Order 27(2), stating that a seven-member Special Committee including scholar monks nominated by the Mahanayaka Theros has been appointed to draft amendments to the 45-year-old Piriven Education Act in line with wider education reforms. She said the amendments would address recruitment qualifications for Piriven teachers, the composition of the Piriven Education Board, and curriculum reforms, while preserving the distinctive role of Piriven education. She added that the Committee, working with the NIE and NEC, is preparing research toward a National Piriven Education Policy and reforms to Mulika, Maha, and Vidyayathana Piriven syllabi, with a research report due by 31 January 2026, a curriculum framework in 2026, pilot implementation in 2027, and full implementation in 2028. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe requested financial and higher education support to establish a Faculty of Medicine at the South Eastern University, citing regional healthcare needs and nearby hospitals. He also urged Parliament, the relevant Ministers, and party leaders to reach consensus on holding Provincial Council elections, suggesting they be conducted under the previous system and noting the President’s allocation of Rs. 10 billion for the purpose. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra – Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism AI summary Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra said the Budget reflects recovery after bankruptcy and argued that restoring fiscal discipline and strengthening the public service are essential. He opposed reintroducing transferable duty-free vehicle permits, citing major revenue losses and ethical concerns, and supported a system where official vehicles remain state assets and return to a pool after use. He rejected claims of low education funding, stating allocations have risen to 2.5 per cent of GDP for 2026 with an aim to reach 6 per cent over time, and defended government support for plantation sector wage increases as fair recognition of that community’s economic contribution. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that many 2025 Budget proposals and capital allocations had not been implemented and urged the Government to ensure that the 2026 Budget’s development measures are actually delivered. He rejected claims that the Government inherited an unresolved crisis, citing the previous administration’s restoration of fuel, gas and power supplies and improved reserves, and said the Budget lacks concrete delivery on promises such as VAT relief, education funding, and agricultural revival. He criticized inadequate planning for potato and onion farmers, called for timely import controls and fair pricing, and urged fertilizer and input tax relief to support tea smallholders. He also questioned the practicality of proposed estate wage increases and attendance allowances, asking the Government to negotiate an enforceable framework with plantation companies. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister defended the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had stabilized the economy through exchange-rate management and improved market performance. He rejected claims that funds were for MPs’ vehicles, stating that allocations were for vehicles and machinery needed by public institutions and local authorities, and outlined public service recruitments to address officer shortages across key services. He also highlighted increased Mahapola and scholarship allowances, provincial allocations for school nutrition, maintenance, operations, and development grants, and said provinces were expected to reach high levels of financial progress by December. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that macroeconomic indicators had improved, including a stabilized rupee, higher exports, stronger tourism, increased reserves, and revenue gains through tax-base expansion rather than rate increases. He outlined Budget measures on education, student support, estate-sector schools, vocational and renewable energy training, public service pensions, concessional housing loans, and estate worker allowances. He also defended provisions for Government vehicle use and urged attention to vehicle shortages in field-level public offices and to issues such as human-elephant conflict. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran thanked the Government for several 2026 Budget allocations for Vanni projects, but argued that the North, particularly Mullaitivu and Mannar, remains severely under-resourced compared with other regions in health, education, transport, water, ICT, fisheries and livelihoods. He called for immediate action against illegal fishing in Mullaitivu, removal of “difficult area” classifications for Mannar and Mullaitivu apex hospitals, completion of unfinished school and infrastructure projects, equitable ICT and STEM investments, and proportionate transport development under Budget allocations. He also criticised higher defence funding relative to education and stated his strong opposition to the Kivul Oya project in Vavuniya, saying it would harm indigenous Tamil communities. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Morning) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that the Government is developing a programme to grant NVQ certification to Tri-Forces personnel based on their practical skills and service experience. He said discussions have been held with relevant ministers, ministries, and the Vocational Training Authority to implement a special programme, “Ranaviru Vāpasāyaka Abhiman,” under the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development. The initiative has identified 28 focus sectors and aims to support ex-service personnel in entering the national labour force and contributing to the economy. Oral Question: Personnel Recruited to Tri-Forces under Direct Entry (Q.1119/2025) Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that the Government had stabilized the economy, increased reserves, improved remittances, exports and investment, and presented a stronger fiscal position. He cited Budget provisions for public sector recruitment, restoration of pensions, salary increases, regularization of temporary staff, assistance to pregnant mothers, reduced fuel and electricity costs, and higher wages for plantation workers. He also highlighted allocations for Ratnapura-related development, including flood studies, the Ruwanpura Expressway and Railway, and relocation of state quarters. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda criticized the 2026 Budget as a continuation of unfulfilled promises, arguing that Opposition MPs are unfairly denied decentralized allocations and that the Government has not delivered the transparency and reforms it pledged. He questioned the lack of disclosure on alleged agreements with India, commitments linked to US tax concessions, and the untabled Presidential Commission report on the 323 containers issue, while citing weak implementation of 2025 Budget measures including investment protection, quality certification, tourism infrastructure, digitalization, maternal nutrition, Thriposha, and pre-school teacher support. He urged measures such as a higher and more dignified allowance or cadre for early childhood educators, housing and land support for young couples, reduced taxes on construction materials, removal of VAT on school supplies, and concessions for students to purchase computers and tablets. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the 2026 Budget as aligned with six strategic pillars including inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, production, rural-urban equity and digitalization, while citing measures implemented in 2025 under economic stabilization constraints. He detailed proposals and allocations for public sector pensions, salary increases, regularization of temporary workers, housing and disaster loans, pension anomaly corrections, EPF/ETF and gratuity arrears in semi-state entities, and allowances for difficult schools and railway gatekeepers. He also highlighted private sector and plantation wage increases, including a proposed Rs. 5 billion allocation for a plantation attendance incentive, and referred to ongoing priorities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, government digitalization and social assistance. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe criticized the Government’s implementation record following the previous Budget, saying proposed legal reforms, including laws on inter-institutional information exchange, investment protection, and amendments to the Paddy Marketing Board Act, had not been enacted. He argued that several budget allocations for education modernization, scholarships, vocational training, sports, tourism promotion, and beneficiary empowerment had seen little or partial expenditure, describing unspent public funds as a failure of administration. He urged the Speaker and Government to ensure that presented Bills and allocated development funds are acted on promptly rather than remaining unimplemented. Adjourned Debate on Budget Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 10 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the Lanka-German Technical Training Institute on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. He proposed that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resource Development, and the House agreed. Auditor-General's Annual Report and Reports Tabling Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe defended the 2026 Budget presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arguing that the Government had restored economic conditions to 2019 levels within a year and improved indicators such as poverty and unemployment. She highlighted allocations for poverty eradication through Praja Shakthi, district-level development, education, housing, children leaving care, rail gatekeepers’ allowances, and support for vulnerable groups. She also rejected Opposition criticism, stating that the Budget demonstrated fiscal discipline and that public funds would be managed for public benefit. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the 2026 Budget, arguing that it combines economic development with social justice and specifically addresses the needs of more than 1.6 million persons with disabilities. He highlighted allocations for a Rs. 10,000 monthly disability allowance, accessibility improvements in public facilities and transport, day-care protection centres for children with intellectual disabilities, education support payments, and university policy reforms. He also noted plans to enforce the 3 per cent public-sector employment quota for persons with disabilities and provide private-sector wage subsidies of up to Rs. 15,000 per month for 24 months. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 Read →
- 8 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage outlined a five-pronged empowerment programme for low-income families, covering livelihood promotion, human capital development, psychosocial support, social protection, and skills guidance. He said families are identified through Samurdhi Development Officers, supported with business plans, Rs. 150,000 grants, credit facilitation, and assistance from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Treasury allocations. He also noted the “Next Sri Lanka” programme aims to provide vocational training to 50,000 persons, while a contributory pension scheme is being introduced through the Social Security Board for informal-sector workers. Oral Question: Financial Assistance Provided to Public During COVID Pandemic (Q.1492/2025) Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined budget proposals for public servants, including Rs. 110 billion for the second phase of salary increases from January 2026 and Rs. 20 billion to adjust pre-2020 pensions from July 2026 based on the 2019 salary structure. He proposed expanded concessionary and distress loan schemes, higher Akrahara insurance contributions, an increased festival advance, and enhanced allowances for teachers in hardship areas, principals, and railway level crossing watchmen. He also proposed regularizing around 9,800 temporary, casual, substitute, contract and relief-basis public sector employees who meet qualifications and have served over six months, in line with Public Administration Circulars 25/2014 and 29/2019. The speech concluded by linking these measures to fiscal discipline and implementation of the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Rs. 11,000 million is allocated for developing medical faculties, including Kuliyapitiya and Uva Wellassa, and Rs. 11,500 million for improving facilities and research in universities and higher education institutes. Mahapola and bursary allowances are proposed to increase by Rs. 2,500 from January 2026, with additional support for teacher trainees, technical and vocational trainees, and students with disabilities from low-income families, alongside hostel construction and repairs. The speech also outlines vocational education reforms, including upgrading nine centres as Centres of Excellence and improving 50 centres, with Rs. 8,000 million allocated for vocational education development. In health, it proposes piloting “Arogya” primary care centres covering 5,000–10,000 people, with Rs. 1,500 million allocated in 2026. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →