Topic
Healthcare
895 speeches · 200 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.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 185 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni, M.P. JJB | 62 |
| 3 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 50 |
| 4 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 25 |
| 5 | Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, M.P. JJB | 18 |
| 6 | Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, M.P. ITAK | 17 |
| 7 | Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 17 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana, M.P. SJB | 14 |
| 9 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 13 |
| 10 | Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, M.P. SJB | 13 |
Speeches
895 on this topic- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni stated that the Government plans to establish 2,000 Primary Medical Care Centers, of which 418 have already been set up, with a further 300 expected within the year. He said the current number is insufficient for a full assessment, but the expansion should help address gaps in the health system. He also noted that around 2,000 locally trained doctors and 500 foreign-trained doctors are added to the system annually. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Health merely acknowledged the Presiding Member and did not make any substantive remarks, proposals, or policy statements. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Welcoming the planned recruitment of about 8,000 doctors, the member said this reflects training decisions made by previous governments five to seven years ago. He urged the Government to further increase medical faculty and nursing intakes from Advanced Level qualified students, sought clearer action on bringing back health professionals who have gone abroad, and reiterated the need to improve facilities at Primary Medical Care Centers. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni said the Health Ministry is implementing a ten-year plan and Strategic Plan covering infrastructure, recruitment, equipment, prevention, treatment, and post-care services. He acknowledged shortages across all health workforce categories and said 8,133 doctors and 13,000 nurses are planned for recruitment, while a scientific cadre revision by the Health and Finance Ministries is nearing completion to determine hospital-level staffing needs. On medicines, he said shortages have reduced, a new procurement procedure is being developed with Asian Development Bank support, weekly Medicines Review Committee meetings are being held, and the SWASTHA software system is being expanded to improve distribution and stock management. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe said the Government is rebuilding the health system through a 10-year plan focused on human resources, infrastructure, technology, and adaptation to disease and climate changes. He highlighted an ongoing cadre revision to align staffing with new health units, noting that around 22,000 doctors are currently in service and that nearly 8,000 doctors have been appointed or are in the appointment pipeline within the past 18 months. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns about two unfilled doctor vacancies at Sainthamaruthu Divisional Hospital and attributed the problem to alleged political interference in replacing its Hospital Development Committee. Citing the Manual for the Management of Primary Medical Care Units and its emphasis on community participation, he said the hospital head should traditionally chair the committee rather than a politically favoured nominee. He urged the Minister to inquire into the matter, restore proper functioning of the hospital, and prevent interruptions during the Adjournment Debate. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna seconded an Adjournment Motion on health sector deficiencies and raised concerns about hospital administration, staffing shortages, and accountability in Puttalam, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Tellippalai, and Mancholai. He asked the Health Ministry to report on inquiries into incidents including a pregnant woman allegedly giving birth while standing at Puttalam Hospital, a child’s death at Mancholai, alleged illegal collections at Tellippalai, and the fire at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital drug store, noting that CCTV had reportedly been disabled beforehand. He also questioned delays in appointing 170 promised health workers at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, the lack of Medical Superintendents in several Eastern hospitals, and the non-implementation of the “SWASTHA” system in the North, calling for ministerial oversight of officials and a response to Parliament. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad moved an Adjournment Motion on strengthening Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system, citing shortages of doctors, nurses, medicines, equipment, and qualified pharmacists, and calling for updated cadre assessments, measures to retain and re-engage health professionals, and expanded medical and nursing training. He questioned the effectiveness of Primary Medical Care Centres, the handling of equipment shortages including at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, and the basis for medicine and supplier constraints. He also sought clarification on alleged irregularities in hospital support-staff recruitment and urged equal opportunity in filling vacancies. He further raised concerns over Suwaseriya ambulance staff working conditions, including unpaid salary increments, insurance, uniforms, disciplinary issues, administration, transfers, supplies, and facilities. Adjournment: Issues in Health Sector Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the Government for relying on emergency powers amid economic hardship and questioned the adequacy of its current and future economic plans in the context of regulations under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act. He argued that exporters, businesses, fisheries, agriculture, and health services require targeted support, including consideration of exporters’ dollar needs, an immediate fuel subsidy for fishers, timely fertilizer subsidies, and action on medicine shortages. He also questioned resignations at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and called for scrutiny of the NMRA Chairman, saying relevant documents would be submitted to Parliament. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Ministry of Health has not initiated an investigation into the matter referenced. He said an inquiry could be conducted if a complaint is received. Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara thanked the Minister for the report and asked whether an inquiry could be conducted into Welikanda and Polonnaruwa Hospitals. He requested that the findings of that inquiry be submitted to Parliament. Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary The Minister of Health and Mass Media answered Question No. 5 regarding donated medical equipment at Polonnaruwa General Hospital and Welikanda Base Hospital, tabling detailed annexes with inventories and records. He stated that some equipment donated to Polonnaruwa General Hospital had been issued to other hospitals, including the National Nephrology Specialized Hospital in Polonnaruwa and Base Hospital Thambuttegama, while equipment donated to Welikanda Base Hospital had not been issued elsewhere. He also identified the relevant Medical Directors during the period as Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara for Polonnaruwa General Hospital and Dr. T. Shashikumar for Welikanda Base Hospital. Oral Question: Chilaw Plantations Limited and Hospital Infrastructure (Q.5-6) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir said his side could support a further extension of emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance if they are used to address unresolved damage from Cyclone “Ditva” and to combat narcotics trafficking. He urged authorities to identify and mark dangerous coastal areas in Kalpitiya following repeated drownings, including recent deaths at Norochcholai and Daluw. He also requested action to address shortages and lack of cold storage at the newly upgraded Puttalam District General Hospital, and called for fuel or electricity-related subsidies to support Kalpitiya farmers facing rising costs. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne supported the extension of the Emergency in the context of Cyclone “Ditva,” rejecting Opposition claims of government inaction and citing housing damage figures, compensation entitlements, and relief allowance disbursements. She said rebuilding and resettlement must proceed with legal, environmental, capacity, and safety considerations, while acknowledging unresolved hardships. She also defended the Government’s broader record, referring to health, wage, energy, and cultural allocations, including funding for mammography machines, cardiac catheterization machines, solar storage systems, and development of the Jaffna Public Library. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof asked for clarity on Government plans to provide pipe-borne water to underserved villages in the Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat Division, noting that supply reaches Erakkandi Bridge and Pulmoddai but bypasses several intervening villages. He stated that over 10,000 families remain dependent on well water and linked the issue to renal and kidney-related health concerns in nearby areas. He requested specific details on proposed projects, including their start and completion timelines, noting that previous representations had not produced the desired results. Oral Question: Provision of drinking water in Trincomalee District (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa expressed support for proposals to empower hill country communities and criticised the Government for failing to ensure their security, deliver promised cyclone relief, and address estate housing and infrastructure needs. He cited the Hatton Manifesto, the Nilagama Estate assault, Cyclone Ditwa impacts, and unmet relief commitments following the March 2026 declaration with the President. He urged action on land ownership, housing, education, health, nutrition, and social welfare, proposing that estate workers be enabled to become land-owning smallholders while pledging Opposition support for tangible measures. Adjournment Debate: Integration of Malaiyaha People into National Mainstream Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Welcomed the continuation of the Suraksha student insurance scheme introduced in 2017, while urging that it be updated to meet current needs. She raised concerns about delays in claims caused by the requirement for principals’ signatures and proposed a fixed time limit for processing. She also requested an increase in the annual outpatient medicine allowance, arguing that the current Rs. 20,000 limit is inadequate given higher medicine prices. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Nalin Hewage provided details on the Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme, launched on 1 October 2017 to support students facing illness, accidents or disabilities and improve access to treatment and school attendance. He set out annual beneficiary numbers, identified the contracted insurers for each period, and noted that the scheme was not in operation from 2 December 2022 to 30 June 2024. He stated that the current scheme will run until 31 August 2027 and that the Government intends to continue the insurance mechanism in future years to benefit more schoolchildren. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe disputed Opposition claims about fertilizer shortages, stating that fertilizer is available for the Yala season and arrangements, including discussions with Russia, are being made for Maha supplies, while alleging some stocks have been hoarded. He challenged claims of poor-quality fertilizer by asking the Opposition to present laboratory evidence and testing criteria. He also rejected claims that health services in Polonnaruwa had collapsed, citing government efforts to secure 16 new catheterization laboratories through the ADB and donors, and referred members to the Central Bank report as evidence of progress. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson raised concerns about healthcare access, citing a letter from the Anuradhapura Medical Officer stating that its MRI machine had been nonfunctional for six months and that Polonnaruwa patients should not be referred there. He also urged the Government to address farmers’ grievances, warning that unresolved agricultural issues could lead to serious political and social consequences. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →