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. (Ms.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne used her maiden speech to argue that the new Government inherited a severely weakened education, health, and agriculture sector from the previous administration and should be judged on its performance over the next five years. Referring to the education allocations under discussion, she said concerns about limiting the school stationery allowance to Aswesuma beneficiaries had been addressed by the President, who indicated that consideration would be given to extending support to all children. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe supported the Supplementary Estimate to provide Rs. 6,000 for 2025 school supplies to eligible students, arguing it addresses hardship faced by families and should be viewed as an initial empowerment measure rather than a vote-oriented handout. He criticised previous poverty alleviation and beneficiary identification programmes, including Janasaviya, Samurdhi and Aswesuma, as ineffective in eradicating poverty. He also rejected Opposition concerns raised over International Sovereign Bond restructuring, stating the Government expects the economy to strengthen by 2028. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Supplementary Estimate presented by the Prime Minister as Minister of Education, stating that it provides Rs. 6,500 million for Rs. 6,000 grants to eligible students for stationery and school supplies in 2025. He argued that the measure offers relief during economic recovery, prioritizes education, and will be implemented through coordination between the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment. He urged the Opposition to support the proposal and criticized attempts to divert the debate from its subject. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa rejected allegations relating to his legal qualifications and Law College examination matters, stating that any claims should be investigated by the Law College and reported to Parliament and the public. He said his degree was from City, University of London and asked that it be verified through the Secretary-General if necessary, while calling for investigations into any alleged threats or pressure. He argued that the issue had been politicized over many years, damaged institutions including the Law College and Parliament, and requested that the relevant remarks be expunged from the Hansard. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran urged that sovereign debt restructuring and related policy decisions prioritize equitable resource allocation, particularly for Tamils in the North and East. He highlighted shortages in school funding, digital facilities, health and non-academic staff, sports equipment, and coaches in Vanni, Mannar and Mullaitivu, while noting recent athletic achievements by students and asking the Sports Minister to address these needs. He also called for official recognition of Tamil remembrance practices, requesting Government permission for a Mullivaikkal memorial listing those who died in May 2009, and referred to the peaceful commemorations held on 27 November 2024. Adjournment Debate: International Sovereign Bond Restructuring and IMF Agreement Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa defended the Government’s plan to provide Rs. 6,000 for books and stationery to schoolchildren from Aswesuma and other financially distressed families, arguing that education should not depend on parental income. He also challenged claims to medical qualifications, stating that use of the title “doctor” requires SLMC registration under the Medical Ordinance and outlining the ERPM, internship and registration pathway for foreign medical graduates. He raised concerns over past payments from the President’s Fund to politicians and public figures, contrasting them with difficulties faced by ordinary patients, and questioned transparency in those disbursements. He further referred to spending by the Prime Minister’s Office medical unit and indicated that the current administration was reducing such expenditure. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar welcomed the Government’s stationery allowance for students but urged that benefits be provided without distinctions among children, as with earlier universal textbook, uniform and meal programmes. He demanded disclosure to Parliament of the number and locations of Muslim COVID-19 victims forcibly cremated, while accepting that names may be withheld on ethical grounds. He called for detailed parliamentary reporting on the President’s India visit, including positions on ETCA/UCC, oil pipelines, the Adani project, Trincomalee oil tanks, Sampur power plant, investment values, national security and trade implications. He also questioned whether the Government had discussed VAT, PAYE, electricity and water tariff relief with the IMF in light of ISB restructuring and higher tax revenue, and asked for the Government’s position on PUCSL recommendations to reduce electricity tariffs. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna referred to a past change to the GCE (A/L) district quota in 2006, alleging it prevented his immediate entry to medical college despite his rank and led to two years of litigation before he entered in 2008. He criticized members of the Rajapaksa family for questioning others’ titles while, in his account, their actions caused him to spend 10 years completing medical studies. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the supplementary allocation presented by the Prime Minister as Minister of Education is intended to help children from Aswesuma-recipient families purchase educational materials, with consideration for other hardship cases as well. He argued that the measure responds to wider shortages in schools, including lack of teachers, facilities and administrators, and said no child should be treated unfairly. He also raised allegations concerning Namal Rajapaksa’s Law College examination and later university application, calling for an investigation and justice in relation to alleged misuse of political influence. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the supplementary education allocation for assistance to students from low-income families under the Aswesuma scheme, and requested that rural poor children outside the scheme and orphaned children living with middle-income relatives also be included. He raised concerns that 102 untrained teachers recruited in six subjects had been sent to Kopay for training despite the existence of the Addalaichenai Teachers’ Training College, and asked the Minister to reconsider, noting Kopay lacked an Islam course. He also urged the immediate appointment of 230 needed lecturers to under-staffed Teachers’ Training Colleges to avoid recurring private lecturer costs, and requested expedited action to establish two education zones in Pottuvil, Ampara District. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees AI summary Education is presented as central to social progress, civic conduct, and moral development, with concern raised that economic hardship is causing school dropouts and undermining children’s learning. The speech supports the proposed Rs. 6,000 supplementary allocation for the new school term as a short-term relief measure, while calling for a long-term education system that builds soft skills, social responsibility, and equal opportunity regardless of parental wealth. It also criticizes the alleged misuse of educational and professional titles, specifically questioning the use of the “Attorney-at-Law” title by an Opposition MP. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Hasara Liyanage stated that the Supplementary Estimate for education should be considered in the context of the evolution and current needs of the education sector. She indicated an intention to address how education policy and resource allocation must respond to changing circumstances, though the provided excerpt does not include specific proposals, questions, or demands. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Supplementary Estimate to provide school stationery allowances, saying it addressed an immediate need among underprivileged children while reflecting deeper failures in the education system. He argued that past policy had left education poorly aligned with skills and employment, citing unemployment, qualification mismatches and the number of three-wheeler drivers as evidence. He contrasted the previous National Education Policy Framework with the Government’s stated aim to take greater responsibility for education costs, reduce burdens on families, and expand vocational education after Grade 9. He also linked education reform to producing ethical citizens and strengthening the productive economy. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abegunawardhana welcomed the Supplementary Estimate on education but argued that support for children’s schooling must be linked to broader family welfare. He urged the Government to present the 2025 Budget early and address public expectations, including salary increases for public and private sector workers, removal of PAYE tax, reductions in electricity bills, and VAT relief on educational items and essential foods. Referring to the resignation of the former Speaker and the role of “Viyath Maga,” he said academic qualifications should be balanced with social connection and public experience, citing the COVID-19 forced cremation policy as a lesson. He stated that the Opposition would support measures that benefit education. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB AI summary During debate on a Supplementary Estimate for education, Janaka Senarathna argued that education is a right and a core public investment, citing Sri Lanka’s free education history, low education spending at about 1.8 percent of GDP, falling school attendance, and UNICEF data on child food insecurity and malnutrition. He supported the proposed allocation of about Rs. 6,000 per child for school supplies for low-income families. He also tabled documents on his own medical qualifications and challenged Opposition MP Kavinda Jayawardana to produce proof within one month of registration as a medical practitioner, citing provisions of the Medical Ordinance on use of the title “Dr.” Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran used the debate on the Rs. 6,500 million Supplementary Estimate to call for non-discriminatory education funding for hardship and extreme hardship schools, particularly in Ampara District, where disaster damage, poor access roads, lack of transport, and shortages of school supplies are affecting students. He requested repairs to school approach roads, improved SLTB bus services, equipment for affected schools, and equal distribution of uniforms and supplies. He also questioned why a Divisional Development Committee Chairman has not been appointed for Kalmunai North despite its longstanding arrangements, population, GN divisions, and administrative capacity, and urged the Government to rectify the issue. He further raised shortages at the Thirukkovil Base Hospital, including inadequate doctors, no consultants, and lack of buildings for available equipment, and asked the Health Minister and officials to visit and urgently provide facilities to prevent further deaths. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned whether the Rs. 6.5 billion Supplementary Estimate for school supplies is sufficient, arguing that uniforms and supplies should be provided to all needy applicants to avoid social divisions among children, and linked this to the Government’s unfulfilled pledge to remove VAT on educational items. He also criticised past government-side statements concerning India in the context of the President’s visit, saying such remarks should be withdrawn if they affected bilateral relations. He further raised concerns over alleged false or questionable educational credentials among government-affiliated figures, stating that public trust is being undermined and asking that the Opposition not be blamed for issues first raised by activists and the public. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya rejected Opposition criticism over government members’ qualifications, arguing that it was politically motivated and aimed at undermining a government elected with a large mandate less than a month earlier. She said the Government valued diverse forms of knowledge, including formal education, practical experience, adult learning, distance education and lifelong learning, and would seek to ensure that people are not excluded from future opportunities because they missed conventional educational pathways. She also called on the Opposition to fulfil its parliamentary role responsibly by questioning and critiquing the Government through meaningful, country-focused engagement rather than what she described as immature political attacks. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya proposed reallocating Rs. 6,500 million within the existing cash assistance provision to create a “Grant for Purchase of School Stationery and Equipment,” with delivery mechanisms under review by relevant ministries and annual implementation planned from next year. She also outlined measures to support school attendance, including reviewing the mid-day meal programme and providing uniforms to all children in 2025 through a Chinese Government donation. She defended the Government’s handling of international relations and said it welcomed public scrutiny of Ministers’ and Members’ qualifications, emphasizing transparency. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →
- 17 December 2024 SUPPLEMENTARY SUM: STATIONERY ALLOWANCE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN OF ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES — The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Moved a Supplementary Estimate seeking up to Rs. 6,500 million for recurrent expenditure under the 2024 financial year to fund a stationery allowance for economically disadvantaged schoolchildren. The Prime Minister cited survey data showing the economic crisis has affected 55% of schoolchildren’s education, particularly in rural and estate areas, with many reducing or reusing stationery. The proposal provides Rs. 6,000 per child to about 825,000 Aswesuma-recipient children aged 5–18, with plans to extend support to an estimated 250,000 additional non-Aswesuma children facing hardship. Debate: Supplementary Sum for School Stationery Allowance (Head 102, Programme 01) Read →