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- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa responded to concerns about ambulance availability at Galle National Hospital, stating that 12 of 13 ambulances were generally operational and that transfers to Colombo had reduced after the hospital was elevated to national status, while new ambulances would be allocated when available. He tabled a report and also cited the hospital Director’s clarification that operating theatres were functioning normally despite a newspaper report. On Troponin I testing at Colombo National Hospital, he said a temporary halt during an inquiry followed an invalid document, testing had resumed, and patients are not charged when samples are sent to registered private laboratories at government expense. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam welcomed the proposed 2026 “Aarokkiya” centres but urged the Government to first strengthen the Northern Province’s existing 110 hospitals by filling major consultant and medical officer vacancies and improving infrastructure. He requested full operationalization of the Mankulam rehabilitation hospital, expedited development of Mannar, Murikandy/Murunkan, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya health facilities, including a CT scanner for Mannar and a logistics vehicle for Vavuniya. He also highlighted the potential use of existing de-addiction centres, called for urgent anesthetist appointments in Mannar, and sought action on Siddha and Ayurveda vacancies and Siddha drug production, including investment in the Kilinochchi herbal garden. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that certain health facilities in the North lack nursing posts because they are not included in the Provincial Council-approved cadre. He said there is no objection to appointing nurses, but the cadre must first be revised to create the necessary posts before such appointments can be made. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam highlighted resource shortages in Northern Province health services, noting the province’s large area and dispersed population. He said the last cadre revision was in 2013 and that, even under that outdated cadre, 1,913 of 8,295 required posts remain vacant across all staff categories. He asked the Minister to fill these vacancies, specifically pointing out that 33 of 55 divisional hospitals have no nursing officer. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe supported the Health Ministry’s expenditure allocations, noting that the Ministry assumed office amid drug shortages, procurement delays, supplier issues and human resource gaps in hospitals. He outlined increased Budget provisions for health, including recurrent and capital spending, medical supplies, nutrition, disease prevention, research, staff development, Suwa Sariya and indigenous medicine. He highlighted primary care reforms through pilot “Suwaatha Centres”, efforts to strengthen staffing, and reforms at the NMRA and Medical Supplies Division, including clearing registration backlogs, recruiting officers, setting maximum retail prices for essential medicines, digitization, planned amendments to the NMRA Act and earlier planning of future drug requirements. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary The member urged the Minister to address the large number of annual inter-hospital referrals and long waiting times faced by patients, particularly in Mullaitivu and Mannar. While noting opposition to bringing provincial hospitals under the Central Government, he asked that Mullaitivu and Mannar hospitals be considered for central responsibility due to delayed Provincial Council funding and concerns about public confidence in healthcare services. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Accident and Emergency Unit at Mannar District General Hospital and the Medical Complex at Mullaitivu District Hospital are being developed in coordination with the Indian High Commission. He said preliminary work has been completed, construction in Mannar is expected to begin within the year, and work on Mullaitivu will also be expedited. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised welfare concerns for journalists, including insecure incomes, lack of pensions, housing and access to loans, while paying tribute to journalists killed in the past. On the Health Ministry allocation, he urged urgent attention to war-affected Vanni, particularly Mannar and Mullaitivu hospitals, citing shortages of staff, buildings, ambulances, equipment and anesthetists, and requested ministerial visits to the area. He specifically asked that transferred anesthetists be made to report, a promised CT scanner be provided to Mannar, the difficult-area classification of Mannar Hospital be reviewed, and Indian-assisted hospital projects in Mullaitivu and Mannar be commenced without delay. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised an urgent concern that Sri Lanka would be left without an Auditor General following the retirement of the former Auditor General, failed appointments and rejection of an acting extension by the Constitutional Council, and alleged political interference in the appointment process. He then questioned the Health Ministry over the handling of adverse reactions and deaths linked to intravenous immunoglobulin, citing recall notices, SAFRESC decisions, and correspondence instructing withdrawal of the product due to quality defects. He alleged that recommended testing through WHO-prequalified laboratories was not carried out, that the product was later allowed back into use based on an Indian report, and demanded accountability from the NMRA and relevant health authorities. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concerns about ambulance shortages and maintenance problems at Karapitiya Hospital, noting its importance to patients from several provinces and stating that only about five of its 11 ambulances are operational on a typical day. He also cited an incident at Baddegama Hospital where a patient reportedly fell from an ambulance, and requested urgent ministerial attention to these issues across hospitals. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Urging justice for journalists killed, abducted, attacked or oppressed during the war, Ravikaran called for stronger media freedom and linked the health budget to reconciliation and psychosocial support for war-affected families, including children of long-term Tamil political prisoners. He demanded the release of political prisoners and asked what relief the 2026 Budget would provide to such families under the Government’s “Healthy Living towards a Healthy Society” theme. He highlighted health inequities in Mullaitivu and Mannar, citing high transfer rates, vehicle shortages, a lack of permanent specialists and allied health staff, and requested at least two new ambulances for Mullaitivu and permanent appointments in key disciplines. He also urged completion in 2026 of recruitment for 454 Health Service Assistants whose earlier appointments were cancelled, and called for equitable health resource allocation to the Vanni. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka’s health outcomes over 76 years show internationally recognized progress, while calling for further improvements such as expanding ICU capacity. He raised concerns over medicine and diagnostic test shortages, tabled out-of-stock lists, and questioned the impact on the free health system. He also highlighted medical brain drain and proposed retention measures including revised allowances, tax policy changes, improved quarters, leave and private practice options, and facilities for skilled professionals. He further criticised fiscal policy under IMF targets, arguing that revenue and primary balance overperformance should be redirected to MSMEs, farmers, fishers, workers and livelihood revival, and called for health, education, agriculture and industries to be made fundamental rights. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister of Health AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni opened the debate on the Ministry of Health expenditure head, citing international recognition of Sri Lanka’s health system while outlining challenges including ageing, non-communicable diseases, climate-related risks, medicine supply vulnerabilities, antibiotic misuse, and emerging diseases. He said the Government is preparing a 10-year National Health Policy with a strategic plan focused on prevention, primary care, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care, workforce efficiency, supply-chain strengthening, and technological modernization. He criticized the politicization and sensational reporting of health issues, disputed exaggerated claims on doctor shortages, salaries, and medicine shortages, and urged unions and professional bodies to resolve concerns through structured dialogue rather than public agitation. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns that an automated vaccination device purchased for about Rs. 40 million for the PET scanner facility at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital is reportedly unused. He requested the Minister’s attention to the matter and tabled supporting documents. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns over poor hospital security, low remuneration and inadequate facilities for doctors despite Sri Lanka’s strong health indicators. He cited significant emigration of specialists and medical officers since 2022, further possible departures, and resulting shortages affecting surgeries and essential services, while noting national drug shortages. He urged the Government to address the demands and working conditions of doctors already serving in Sri Lanka before seeking to attract expatriate specialists back, and suggested expanding medical education for export only after ensuring sufficient domestic retention. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 22 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns over shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies, tabling lists of nationally out-of-stock medicines and MSD shortages. He urged faster registration and approval processes for local pharmaceutical manufacturers, a uniform national pricing formula, and consistent bioequivalence and evaluation policies. He also highlighted operational issues at major hospitals, including lack of directors, interrupted laboratory testing, shortages of cardiac surgery consumables, and non-functioning angiogram machines, and called for urgent corrective action. He further supported doctors’ demands on salary structures, allowances, transport facilities, tax relief, postgraduate foreign living allowances, and research funding. Debate: Committee Stage - Heads of Expenditure 111, 210, 211, 220 and 308 (Health and Mass Media) Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that rural development should be treated as national development, calling for the release and allocation of land for productive use, rehabilitation of abandoned irrigation tanks, and politically unbiased distribution of 2026 Budget rural development funds to local authorities. He urged stronger social protection for vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities and female-headed households in the North and East, and requested additional welfare funding for war-affected areas. He proposed improved disability services including special education facilities in every Divisional Secretariat, reserved seating in public transport, mobile services for bedridden patients, accessible housing with at least Rs. 2 million per unit, and genuinely accessible soft loans. He also asked that Aswesuma eligibility not be determined solely by electricity bills, noting that persons with disabilities may have higher electricity use due to assistive needs. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal raised a point of order responding to comments that mentioned his name and alleged political motives or intimidation. He stated that representatives from Puttalam had requested the President and Minister to upgrade the Puttalam Hospital, said assurances had been given, and denied that they were campaigning for votes, threatening anyone, or accusing others improperly in the House. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister stated that past hospital upgrades were often not based on scientific criteria and said future upgrades would be guided by the national plan. He emphasized that classifications such as “B,” “A,” or District General Hospital must depend on the availability of specialist services, facilities, population distribution, geographic need, and actual demand. He added that required facilities would be provided to base hospitals in stages. Question by Private Notice: Vacancies and Cadre Revision of Base Hospital, Puttalam Read →
- 21 November 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about health services in Polonnaruwa, noting that while Medirigiriya, Hingurakgoda, and Aralaganwila are designated as base hospitals, only Medirigiriya has the necessary facilities. He asked the Minister to give special attention to providing facilities and doctors to Hingurakgoda and Aralaganwila. Question by Private Notice: Vacancies and Cadre Revision of Base Hospital, Puttalam Read →