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- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister supported the supplementary estimate, highlighting the Government’s proposal to allocate Rs. 6.5 billion under Aswesuma to provide Rs. 6,000 each for school stationery and books to children from low-income families, citing survey data on the impact of the economic crisis on schoolchildren. He criticised the Opposition for focusing on personal qualifications instead of social issues and called for cross-party support for measures assisting vulnerable families. On energy, he stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board has proposed no tariff increase for the first six months of 2025 despite an estimated Rs. 39 billion shortfall, using prior additional income and management measures while addressing debts of about Rs. 333 billion. He said the Government’s aim is to provide reliable energy at fair prices for households and industry while avoiding future burdens through taxes or tariffs. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman said the government had acknowledged the value of private assistance to schools after previously criticizing such initiatives by the Opposition Leader. He raised concerns over high rice prices despite controlled prices, citing Nadu, Keeri Samba and Red Kekulu being sold above official rates, and said the government had been unable to regulate major rice mill owners even after several discussions. He supported the decision to import rice to ease consumer prices but questioned the implementation of the approved 70,000 metric tons import programme and whether sufficient quantities would arrive within the stated deadline. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti argued that state procurement and support should be directed to state institutions and local producers to reduce costs for school supplies and revive domestic industries. He cited exercise books, shoes and matches as examples of policies and taxes disadvantaging local manufacturers against imports or unregulated alternatives, and said Treasury savings could be redirected to benefit students and keep children in school. He also urged the Leader of the Opposition to continue his school bus donation programme after the election period, stating that sustained implementation would show it was not merely a political campaign. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Supplementary Estimate provides a Rs. 6,000 grant for school supplies to children from low-income families, using Aswesuma as the immediate delivery mechanism to avoid delays before the January school term, while the Education Ministry identifies other eligible children through schools. He emphasized that the programme should not be politicized and said coverage could be expanded, including through voluntary donations from better-off families. He linked the measure to improving revenue performance and outlined plans to reduce exercise book prices by reviving domestic paper production through waste-paper collection, the Government Printing Department, and the National Paper Company. He also said VAT relief on essential school supplies should be pursued as fiscal conditions improve, and criticized past election-period recruitment to state-owned enterprises. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara welcomed the Supplementary Estimate providing a Rs. 6,000 grant for school-related expenses but argued that limiting eligibility to Aswesuma beneficiaries would exclude many needy children due to administrative errors and omissions, and urged that it be extended to all schoolchildren. He highlighted serious education staffing shortages in the North Central Province, including vacancies for teachers, principals, education administrators and teacher instructors, and called for the appointment of qualified graduates and absorption of Graduate Development Officers into the teacher service. He also warned against political interference in education administration and criticized attacks on opposition figures, urging the Government to focus on delivering promised reforms and justice to the public. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof questioned whether the proposed Rs. 6,000 education grant would be sufficient to reduce school dropouts and urged the Minister to give special attention to students’ broader difficulties. He argued that the Government, despite its large mandate, should meet the public’s expectation for prompt change, noting that previous governments also lost public confidence after failing to deliver. He called on the Government to table details on COVID-19 forced cremations, particularly affecting the Muslim community, saying election promises on this issue should be fulfilled consistently with commitments to end racism. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj said the Government has allocated Rs. 6,500 million to provide a Rs. 6,000 grant from January 2025 for school supplies and books to children from economically distressed families. She linked the measure to rising school dropout rates, poverty, microfinance-related hardship among mothers, and the need to ensure free education includes equitable access to materials, nutrition, and support such as girls’ sanitary needs. Responding to Hon. Jeevan Thondaman, she stated that the grant is intended for all children without ethnic, regional, or occupational discrimination, with the longer-term aim of preventing dropouts and reducing the education burden on parents. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman welcomed the President’s visit to India and said the 2024 India-Sri Lanka statement could complement the 2023 Vision Statement, particularly on energy, infrastructure, and connectivity. He argued that delays and inequities in estate housing and welfare delivery stem largely from plantation company control over beneficiary selection, especially disadvantaging non-worker and informal-sector estate families. He urged the Government to ensure Aswesuma education grants include all deserving estate children, reintroduce free breakfast support for remaining child development centres, and use its mandate to fulfil promises on essential goods while working cooperatively to address the economic crisis. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegathiswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegathiswaran supported the Supplementary Estimate providing Rs. 65,000 million for a Rs. 6,000 stationery grant under the Aswesuma welfare programme, saying it would help reduce school dropouts caused by poverty, particularly in the Vanni District. He highlighted dropout figures in Madhu, Thunukkai and Vavuniya North, and called for rapid action to address severe teacher shortages, especially in A/L Science and Mathematics, O/L Mathematics and primary education. He also urged the digitization of education, expansion of technological education for employment opportunities, provision of nutritious school meals, and more responsive treatment of teachers by education officials. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi rejected opposition allegations about politicisation in schools, extended school hours and tuition policy, arguing that past governments and opposition leaders had themselves interfered in education. He defended the Government’s mandate after the September presidential and November parliamentary elections, stating it would proceed with its programme despite obstruction. He framed the debate as support for a measure to assist schoolchildren amid economic hardship, citing figures that many children cannot buy new stationery or must reuse old supplies. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen welcomed the Rs. 6,000 stationery grant for children from low-income families but urged the new Parliament to focus on substantive governance rather than internal controversies, warning that public expectations are high. He requested disclosure to Parliament of the list of COVID-19 Janazas forcibly cremated and their next of kin, criticized errors in the Aswasuma beneficiary selection process, and called for revised lists using Samurdhi and local officials. He also urged action on delayed Al-Alim examinations, recruitment of religious teachers and trained principals, and the establishment of a Tamil-medium school in Kolonnawa where land donors are available. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB AI summary M.K.M. Aslam supported the proposed Rs. 6,000 grant for schoolchildren, arguing that it responds to hardships faced by families during the economic crisis, including difficulties in buying school supplies, shoes, and paying education-related costs. He rejected claims of biased distribution and said the Government would treat children equally across all regions and communities. He also criticized those responsible for the economic crisis while calling for a humane Opposition and urged Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities to unite as Sri Lankans in support of children’s future. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi questioned the use of Aswasuma to identify recipients of the proposed Rs. 6,000 grant, arguing that past political influence had excluded poor families in Hambantota, and called for a fresh survey and for the grant to be extended beyond one million children to all 4.1 million schoolchildren after proper verification. He requested urgent Ministry action on shortages in Hambantota Muslim schools, including the absence of principals, Tamil-medium teachers, administrative staff and security staff. He also urged implementation of the previously agreed conversion of Puwakdandawa Dharmapala National School in Beliatta into a mixed school. He alleged partisan political activity by certain Hambantota principals and teachers during recent elections, tabled an election dispute resolution letter naming nine principals, and demanded disciplinary action within a month. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Supplementary Estimate to allocate Rs. 6,500 million for providing Rs. 6,000 per child for schoolbooks and supplies, presenting it as an initial step toward reducing parental burdens and ultimately increasing education spending to 6% of GDP. He criticized past governments’ handling of public service pensions, promotions, recruitment, and labour rights, arguing that the current government would address workers’ concerns without betraying public servants’ trust. He said the government had already engaged School Development Officer unions and intended to prioritize filling teacher shortages by absorbing qualified personnel before addressing unemployed graduates more broadly. He also noted that socio-economic disparities had left about 20% of children without fair access to quality education and said the government was beginning corrective measures despite fiscal constraints. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the Government had not delivered promised reductions in prices, fuel, and electricity tariffs, and urged measures to control essential costs. He called for reconsideration of reduced rooftop solar purchase tariffs, citing PUCSL’s recommendation for an electricity tariff reduction and concerns that lower solar payments would undermine renewable energy targets and affect small investors. He supported school-supplies assistance under Aswasuma but requested that the full Rs. 6,000 per child be provided, or alternatively an interest-free loan for government servants, and urged caution on vehicle imports to protect the exchange rate. He also requested urgent central funding for the Eastern Provincial Council to repair flood-damaged schools and roads, particularly in Batticaloa. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the Supplementary Estimate providing Rs. 6,000 for school supplies to children from poor families, arguing it would help school retention amid declining Grade 1 enrolment and significant dropout rates, particularly in Grades 9 and 10. He cited poverty, nutrition problems, resource gaps, and weak exam outcomes as interconnected challenges affecting education, and called for expanded school meal programmes, curriculum modernization, reduced reliance on rote assessment, and improved pay and service conditions for education-sector staff. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that the proposed Rs. 6,000 school supplies grant for only 1 million of 4.1 million children would create visible inequality in classrooms and called for assistance to be provided universally, including to children of public and private sector workers. He criticized the Government for not fulfilling earlier pledges on education funding and VAT removal on educational supplies, and questioned the use of Aswasuma as the basis for selecting beneficiaries. He also asked the President to clarify positions taken during his visit to India, including on ETCA, Adani-related projects, the oil pipeline, land bridge, Kaveri Basin leases, and other India-linked initiatives, in light of past opposition to them. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Clarified that eligibility should extend to children of estate residents who are not estate employees, including those engaged in informal work. He noted his prior ministerial responsibility for the subject while making this factual clarification. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Dhanushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Dhanushka Ranganath supported the Supplementary Estimate providing Rs. 6,000 for school supplies to children from low-income rural and plantation families, arguing that the economic crisis had seriously affected education, especially in estate communities. He highlighted deficiencies in plantation-sector education, including lack of identity documents, teachers and facilities, and called for further progressive measures if the grant proves insufficient. He also rejected Opposition criticisms about the Government’s economic management and social welfare policy, saying the Opposition should act responsibly and support the schoolchildren’s grant. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Welcoming the proposed Rs. 6,000 grant for children from low-income families to buy educational materials, Chanaka Madugoda argued that the debate should also recognize past education-related welfare measures such as school meals, uniforms and the “Suraksha” insurance scheme. He urged the Government to revise the criteria for identifying low-income households so that children are not excluded solely because a parent is a public servant, and to assess actual family circumstances, including the number of school-going children. He further said current education costs, including tuition for Advanced Level students, far exceed Rs. 6,000 and called for higher support in line with the Government’s previous commitments on education funding. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →