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- 7 October 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary During the debate on the amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport, Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth highlighted serious sports infrastructure shortages in several Divisional Secretariat areas of Ampara District, particularly Navithanveli and Pottuvil. He requested the Government to allocate State land and develop public or school grounds in areas such as Vattiveli, Kalappukattu, Sarvodaya Pura and Urani, and to improve existing poor-quality fields used by local clubs and schools. He also asked the Sports Minister to provide sports equipment and support for the Eastern Province, and to appoint a permanent Sports Officer for Pottuvil to help develop local athletes. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill but argued that anti-doping enforcement must be accompanied by broader reforms in school sport, nutrition, coaching, and discipline. She called for regularizing assistant sports trainers deployed from 2015 to 2019, addressing teacher and principal pay anomalies, resolving teacher shortages, and protecting teachers who enforce school discipline amid reports of drugs and banned substances entering schools. She also urged alignment of teacher training and child-protection laws, culturally appropriate disciplinary reforms focused on rehabilitation, and stronger systems to identify and support children with special educational or mental health needs. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi said the Government is allocating substantial funds, particularly to the North and East, to develop sports facilities and ensure children across the country receive equal support, while also noting the importance of basic financial assistance. She stated that the Government supports proposals such as sports schools and a Sports University, and framed these initiatives as part of creating a fair and equal environment. She invited the Opposition to engage in fair democratic competition without breaching rules, arguing that political contestation should take place on an equal and lawful basis. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported the Anti-Doping Amendment as part of the Government’s sports policy and its action plan to combat illegal drugs, match-fixing, fraud, and corruption in sport. She said SLADA must be strengthened to comply with WADA standards, promote clean victories, and improve Sri Lanka’s ability to host international sporting events. Referring to 67 athletes currently banned for prohibited substances, she called for education, training, institutional coordination, and athlete support for nutrition and basic needs alongside long-term reforms. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne outlined increased financial support for athletes, stating that assistance has expanded from Rs. 10,000 for about 900 school-level athletes to tiered monthly payments of up to Rs. 100,000 for national-level competitors, with an additional Rs. 60,000 for nutrition. He said coaches are now also being paid at approximately one-third of the athlete support level. Addressing concerns about coaching standards, particularly in schools, he proposed bringing foreign coaches to Sri Lanka to train larger numbers of local coaches rather than sending small groups overseas. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the anti-doping amendment but criticised delays in passing it, arguing that inefficiency had cost Sri Lanka opportunities to host international sporting events and gain foreign exchange. He called for greater investment in sports science, including a Sports University, accredited domestic anti-doping laboratory facilities, structured coach certification, and stronger use of biomechanics and analytical tools. He also urged that coaches be held accountable where athletes use banned substances on their advice, and said small stipends were insufficient to achieve future Olympic success. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Second Reading of the Bill amending the Convention against Doping in Sport framework, explaining that it updates the 2013 Act establishing SLADA to align with WADA requirements, including provisions on Therapeutic Use Exemptions, disciplinary and appeals processes, and governance rules. She said anti-doping efforts must be accompanied by social measures to build resilience among children and athletes, reduce pressure to win at all costs, and engage schools, youth clubs, parents, coaches, and media. She also linked the issue to wider drug abuse, stating that stronger law enforcement and community involvement are needed to protect young people. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, stating that coaches and other team personnel who facilitate doping should also be punishable, and that Sri Lanka needs international cooperation and local testing capacity to enforce the law effectively. He raised concerns about wider drug abuse, including in public transport and schools, and called for stronger action against the drug trade and those financing it. He also urged the Health and Sports Ministries to address shortages of sports medicine specialists, sports infrastructure, and human resources in the North and East, and requested staffing approval to make non-functional rehabilitation centres in the Northern Province operational. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe supported amendments to the 2013 anti-doping law implementing the UNESCO Convention, saying they would align Sri Lanka with international standards on sample collection, testing, education, research, and cooperation. He emphasized the need to reduce testing delays, expand awareness among athletes, coaches, medical personnel and teachers, and protect athlete health from the serious effects of doping substances. He warned that non-compliance could damage Sri Lanka’s reputation and lead to WADA sanctions affecting athletes’ participation and the hosting of international events. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa linked the debate on prohibiting doping in sport to the broader need to teach children right and wrong, arguing that parents and teachers must be able to guide children while all forms of cruelty and degrading punishment are eliminated. He called for an inclusive, non-partisan dialogue to create a legal framework that protects children from violence while allowing humane correction. He also raised education-sector concerns, including the incomplete teachers’ salary increase, high interest rates under the “Guru Seta” loan scheme, and delays in integrating 16,600 development officers into the teacher service, urging prompt implementation of the court-mediated process. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the NBRO and relevant agencies are responsible for carrying out the required work, while the Ministry’s priority is to minimize harm to the school and ensure education continues. She said funds had been allocated to begin the work and provide alternative classrooms, and that the Ministry intervened during the year to expedite tasks that had been delayed for a long period. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama raised concerns about the continuing disruption at Thelijjawila Central College in Matara following an incident on 03 October 2023. He noted that nearly two years later debris and earth had not been cleared, forcing Advanced Level classes to be held in museum spaces, and asked what obstacles had prevented even basic clearance work. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that, despite initial disruptions, educational activities are now continuing without interruption. She confirmed that renovation of the affected building depends on first addressing the risk of further slope failure, with the National Building Research Organisation carrying out slope-stabilization work. Technical evaluations are underway, the contract is expected to be awarded in October 2025, and completion is anticipated within six months, after which building renovation is planned for 2026. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education about the condition of the three-storey building at Thelijjawila Central College, Matara, which has been taken out of use after a mound of earth damaged two ground-floor classrooms. He noted that the building had housed 17 classrooms and key offices, causing disruption to school activities, and sought information on any recent renovation efforts, proposed repair measures, and steps to conserve the affected land. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe said the Government had turned several state entities into profitable institutions, denied misuse of Mahapola Trust funds during its administration, and noted that the Mahapola stipend was increased while stalled Central Road works were restarted after settling dues. He cited revenue and expenditure figures for 2024 and 2025 to argue that fiscal management was improving without waste or corruption. He said the Government aims to reduce VAT from 18 per cent to 15 per cent by 2026/2027, avoid new taxes, narrow the Budget deficit, and pursue policies on public service efficiency, industrialization, social protection, rural empowerment, digitalization, infrastructure, and investment transparency. He also referred to COPE findings on past frauds and said an environment would be created to implement the report. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary Hon. M.K.M. Aslam seconded the COPE Chair’s motion and expressed condolences over the deaths of seven monks at the Naa Uyana Forest Monastery in Kurunegala. He argued that COPE must be reformed through scientific selection of institutions, stronger internal audit oversight, and amendments to Standing Orders and related laws to create a pathway for COPE findings to be referred to the Bribery Commission and Police. He said recent COPE examinations had shown malpractice linked to political decisions and some official complicity, and that future reports should lead to action rather than being shelved. He also welcomed the President’s UN address and the Education Consultative Committee decision allowing Muslim schoolgirls to attend school in culturally appropriate attire and in Sinhala, Tamil, or English media. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage supported the regulations extending the deadline for releasing vehicles imported for tourism from 30 June to 30 September 2025, citing technical delays and the earlier impact of vehicle import restrictions on tourism. She argued that past corruption and mismanagement caused the economic crisis, while the current Government has begun stabilizing the economy and easing import restrictions. She also defended the President’s policy direction, highlighting education and welfare measures such as increased student allowances, enhanced Mahapola benefits, book grants, and President’s Fund scholarships. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s handling of tourism, stating that questions he submitted to the Minister remained unanswered and arguing that the Foreign Affairs Minister could not adequately manage tourism without a strategic programme. He questioned claims of economic progress, alleging that increased revenue came through burdensome taxation on poorer citizens, and raised concerns about the use of state institutions, judicial and police transfers, and drug enforcement narratives. He also opposed provisions in the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill relating to corporal punishment, arguing that they could criminalize teachers and principals and undermine school discipline and cultural values. He urged the Government to reflect on whether it was fulfilling the expectations of underprivileged voters or external interests, including in its foreign policy posture. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad addressed a regulation under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, questioning why technical barriers affect vehicle imports for tourism and urging Government scrutiny of investment issues in the sector. He criticized alleged political involvement in school events despite earlier assurances, warned that proposed child-protection-related legislation should be studied against international examples, and raised concerns about impacts on teachers and schools. He also alleged pressure on police officers and private-sector actors, citing recent OIC transfers and the exclusion of Vidarshana Publishers from the Book Fair. He challenged Government MPs to publish one year of bank statements to support their anti-corruption claims and demonstrate transparency. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said any distortion or omission of relevant historical events or figures in educational content would be reviewed. She explained that religion modules, including Hinduism, are examined by subject-specific Advisory Committees before publication, and noted that recent concerns raised by a Member had been discussed with the Hindu Religious Advisory Committee, whose recommendations were forwarded to the National Institute of Education. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →