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- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as a value-based shift toward “Economic Democracy,” emphasizing social strengthening, equality, citizen participation, State regulation, and public investment rather than what she described as past cronyism and politicized economic management. She highlighted increased allocations for health and education, child protection reforms, support for women’s economic participation, special needs education, the removal of VAT on packaging inputs for locally produced medicines, and a Rs. 300 million “Sri Lankan Day” initiative for national unity. Responding to Opposition claims, she said the Budget implements the Government’s manifesto, denied that promises had been broken, and stated that salary increases would raise principals and teachers to among the higher-paid public service grades while restoring dignity to the public sector. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Dilith Jayaweera asked the Minister of Education to clarify the Government’s teacher recruitment policy, minimum qualifications, and district-wise vacancies in National and Provincial schools. He also sought answers on whether successful candidates from the 2019 Dharmacharya/Dharmachari recruitment examination would be appointed, and requested data and policy plans regarding Pirivena and Dhamma school teachers and institutions. He further asked whether the quarterly allowance for Dhamma school teachers would be increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Upali Samarasingha argued that the Government’s inaugural Budget is reform-oriented and sets clear five-year targets, unlike past Budgets that he said mainly extended existing allocations. He highlighted allocations for public transport, education, health, universities, prisons, probationary care, persons with disabilities and drug rehabilitation, saying these aim to improve services, welfare and reintegration. He also stated that the Government intends to reduce the Budget gap without imposing a heavy tax burden or selling national assets, while criticizing the low Opposition attendance during the Budget Debate. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as a people-centric programme focused on roads, agriculture, rural livelihoods, poverty reduction, digitalization, SMEs, health, education, and targeted support for plantation communities, kidney patients, persons with disabilities, and children in care. He rejected Opposition criticism of public sector salary measures, stating that proposed teacher salary revisions exceed requested parity levels and include an 8 per cent rise in annual increments across the public service. He also challenged Opposition claims on democracy by referring to past incidents of political violence, and said the Government would implement the Budget under its “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” agenda. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi used the Budget Second Reading debate to highlight Nuwara Eliya District’s contribution to the national economy through tea, dairy, vegetables, potatoes and spices, while arguing that its people continue to face severe deprivation. He cited shortages and deficiencies in education, health, housing and roads, including teacher vacancies, limited advanced-level science facilities, under-equipped hospitals, line-room housing and thousands of poor roads. He said the Budget should mark a shift toward sharing the benefits of production with these communities through “economic democracy” and addressing long-standing neglect. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage defended the Government’s Budget as a new policy direction focused on economic stability, reform, and reducing state waste, rejecting Opposition claims that it continues previous policies. He cited the President’s earlier statement on the fragility of the economy and argued that the Budget prioritizes rural and low-income communities rather than political allies. He highlighted allocations of Rs. 604 billion for health and Rs. 619 billion for education, saying these address shortages in rural hospitals and schools and support a healthier, better-educated population. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Manoj Rajapaksha defended the 2025 Budget, arguing that it was prepared in the context of a collapsed economy and state and was based on making citizens active participants, stakeholders, and beneficiaries in economic recovery. He rejected Opposition criticism as lacking substantive alternatives and said the Budget combines short-term and long-term measures within the Government’s broader economic plan. He highlighted allocations for priority areas, including about Rs. 483 billion for transport bottlenecks and funding for education, stating these address pressing public needs, especially in remote areas. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage defended the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget as aligned with its “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” mandate and based on increasing production, broad public participation in production, and equitable distribution of growth. He highlighted allocations for agriculture, irrigation, fertilizer support, coconut expansion in the North, tourism development, and provincial and district development to reduce regional disparities. He also emphasized expanded investment in education, higher education scholarships, public health including medicine procurement and removal of VAT on medicine-related inputs, and over Rs. 700 billion for social welfare and protection. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla defended the Government’s 2025 maiden Budget as a response to long-standing failures in education, health, public services, agriculture, industry, governance and environmental management under previous administrations. Citing conditions in remote schools and hospitals in Mahiyanganaya, he argued that the Budget should prioritize rebuilding basic services and addressing inequalities faced by rural communities. He said the Government would support farmers through water, land, seed and a guaranteed paddy price margin of Rs. 120 per kilo, while securing rice stocks and promoting sustainable agriculture. He also referred to past efforts to protect land in Wellassa and stated that the Government would develop such land for the benefit of local people rather than follow previous privatization policies. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan argued that the Government should acknowledge policy shifts such as support for the open economy and projects in Trincomalee and Hambantota without selectively blaming past governments. He scrutinized the Budget allocation for hill country plantation communities, stating that much of the cited Rs. 7,522 million comes from prior Indian Government commitments, with only about Rs. 3,422 million from Sri Lankan funds, and asked for clarification on promised technical training allocations. He urged hill country Government MPs to focus on forward-looking action rather than blaming past representatives, and highlighted earlier efforts by the Tamil Progressive Alliance to secure Indian-funded housing and create new Pradeshiya Sabhas in Nuwara Eliya. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi expressed support for the Government’s first Budget, highlighting the Rs. 271 billion allocation for education. He argued that education is central to addressing past societal issues and said the Budget emphasizes building a humane, people-centred society. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi – Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Minister supported the Government’s first Budget, arguing that its allocations reflect a broader aim of social upliftment, human freedom, and support for vulnerable groups, including prisoners, persons with disabilities, children in care, and women. He linked provisions on transport, water, environment, and education to the need to rebuild society after recent national crises, citing local water shortages in Eheliyagoda and environmental degradation. He also criticised the Opposition for seeking to move past past abuses and failures, defended continued reference to such events as necessary for accountability, and called for greater public “Budget literacy” to prevent misinterpretation of fiscal measures such as salary proposals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the maiden Budget as a “citizen’s budget” aimed at broad participation in economic recovery and fair distribution of production benefits. She highlighted allocations for health, including Rs. 600 billion for the sector, Rs. 1.5 billion for a cancer unit at Ratnapura Teaching Hospital, Rs. 400 million for a Ratnapura Maternity Care Complex, and Rs. 500 million for local production of assistive devices. She also emphasized funding for maternal and child nutrition, school meals, education, school infrastructure, university quality improvement, vocational training stipends, and support for rural agriculture through the fertiliser subsidy and cooperative-based mechanisms. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the 2025 Budget as a historic and expansionary response to the economic crisis, arguing that increased public spending is needed to revive demand, production, employment, tourism, remittances, and investment. He criticised previous governments for bankruptcy, rising debt, currency depreciation, weak growth, asset sales, poor youth employment outcomes, and alleged economic mismanagement, citing figures on FDI, macroeconomic indicators, NEET youth, and public debt. He highlighted the Budget’s education allocation, a reported USD 3.7 billion project secured during the President’s China visit, and transport investments focused on rail efficiency and linking economic hubs to reduce fuel use and improve logistics. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya supported the Second Reading of the Budget, presenting it as the NPP Government’s first Budget and a foundation for national rebuilding, while noting the Government had been in office only a few months and would more fully implement its programme in 2026. He highlighted expenditure reductions for the President, Ministers and MPs, including lower presidential allocations, fuel entitlements and insurance cover, and plans to move ministries into state-owned buildings. He said the Budget retained and expanded public benefits, citing salary and pension increases, a proposed Rs. 1,700 estate worker daily wage, higher elderly allowances, student and nutrition support, vocational trainee allowances, and increased Mahapola and bursary payments. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Riyas Farook defended the Government’s first Budget as an effort to correct administrative and political failures in education and other sectors, particularly in school admissions, transfers, and infrastructure. He cited problems arising from the “1,000 National Schools” and “Nearest School — Best School” programmes in Akurana and Poojapitiya, including unresolved feeder-school allocations, declining enrolment, underfunded development projects, and alleged political interference in principal transfers. He requested action to rebuild facilities at Al Ashaar National School and said the Government was reviewing admissions practices that disadvantage poorer families, with the aim of presenting a more reliable education system by the following year. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath raised concerns about the poor condition of rural roads in Agalawatte and Matugama, noting impacts on education, health, the economy and social protection. He asked whether the Budget would place greater emphasis on improving rural road infrastructure. Oral Questions: STaRR Project (Q.1/2025), KL-2 Project Kalutara (Q.2/2025), Lands - Elpitiya DS (Q.3/2025), Meegahakiula Bus Station (Q.4/2025) Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the University of Peradeniya and moved that it be referred to the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. She also presented regulations under the Insurance Industry Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2415/79 of 22 December 2024, and moved that they be referred to the Committee on Public Finance; both motions were agreed to. Opening: Parliament Convenes and Papers Tabled Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported the 2025 Budget, arguing that it is designed to stabilize the economy, revive agriculture, and address long-neglected regional needs, including in the North. He highlighted allocations for agricultural modernization, small-scale agri-enterprises, seed production, livestock development, dairy self-sufficiency, environmental protection, education reform, and rural innovation. He said the Government’s approach is to build a productive, technology-driven economy with opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, farmers, women, and other affected groups, rather than returning to previous policy paths. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary The member stated that the NPP Government has officially recognized hill-country Tamils as “Malaiyaga Tamil People” and is taking steps to address long-standing estate-sector hardships. She highlighted Budget allocations of Rs. 4,267 million for estate housing and infrastructure, Rs. 2,450 million for vocational training for hill-country youth, and Rs. 866 million for smart classrooms in Malaiyagam schools. She argued that these measures reflect a national-level commitment to improving education, employment, and living conditions in estate communities. Appropriation Bill 2025: Second Reading (Fourth Allotted Day) Read →