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- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan raised concerns about food safety, citing high pesticide residues, non-compliance with pre-harvest intervals for fruits and vegetables, and unhygienic meat sales in open stalls. He asked whether the Government would introduce stronger, structured regulation and enforceable standards covering food, cosmetics and related consumer items to protect public health and address tourism-related concerns. Oral Question No. 1431/2025: Substandard Food and Consumer Goods Prevention of Sale Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah thanked the President and Health Minister for approving the upgrade of Puttalam Base Hospital to a District General Hospital, following his request during the Committee Stage debate. He expressed support for the President’s anti-narcotics programme led through the President’s Office with the security forces, and requested attention to the absence of a Muslim Cabinet minister. He also urged the President to hold development discussions in war- and disaster-affected Batticaloa, and called for Muslim and Tamil representation on the archaeology-related body recently appointed by gazette, citing land concerns in the Eastern and Northern Provinces. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa thanked parliamentary staff and support services for their work during two Budget processes in 2025, and rejected Opposition claims on legislative output by arguing that the Government had passed 22 laws in its first year, more than comparable post-election years since 2000. He called for independent commissions to support governance needs without creating administrative delays, citing stalled Health sector appointments and the need for timely Police transfers in anti-narcotics and anti-underworld operations. He also said pharmaceutical procurement requires flexibility because medicines have long lead times, and defended reduced Presidential expenditure, fewer advisers serving voluntarily, the absence of State Ministers, and new restrictions on ministerial facilities. Debate: Committee Stage - Appropriation Bill 2026, Special Spending Units (Heads 1, 2, 4-11, 13, 16-25) Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha said the 2026 Budget includes some relief measures, including support for increasing estate workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1,750, but argued that wages alone will not address long-standing housing and livelihood issues in estate communities. He proposed allocating underutilized land near estates to unemployed residents for productive use and potential export income. He also raised concerns about shortages of essential medicines, long waiting lists for cardiac surgery, lack of ophthalmic equipment, and rural hospital deficiencies, specifically citing the absence of a technician for the X-ray unit at Kolonna Base Hospital. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that only seven secondary care hospitals are outside the line Ministry, including four District General Hospitals in the Northern Province and three in the Western Province. He said that although 4,114 nursing appointments were made this year, Provincial Council-run hospitals continue to face shortages due to cadre limitations. He indicated that, subject to Provincial Council approval, the line Ministry is willing to take over these hospitals and has already made the necessary request. Oral Questions: Q.1-Q.5 (Questions stood down) Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage raised a supplementary question on the condition of Gampaha District Hospital, citing a committee report that identified serious shortages in equipment and physical resources, including non-functioning operating tables and limited laboratory centrifuge capacity. He noted the hospital’s high patient load and argued that it is not functioning at the required capacity of a District General Hospital, with low public confidence and staff morale. He asked whether there is a plan to bring the hospital under Central Government control, or, if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Questions: Q.1-Q.5 (Questions stood down) Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister of Health and Mass Media responded to questions on staffing, facilities and service capacity at the District General Hospital, Gampaha. He stated that the hospital has 1,034 employees, with limited vacancies including about three Medical Officers and 17 Attendants, and that recruitment, promotions and trainee appointments will be used to address gaps. He said medicines are currently stored to required standards but a purpose-built drug store is needed and is included in the hospital’s 2026 building plan under the Master Plan. He also reported current patient volumes and said implementation of the Master Plan would increase bed capacity from 773 to 1,570. Oral Questions: Q.1-Q.5 (Questions stood down) Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for details on staffing at the District General Hospital, Gampaha, including the total workforce, vacancies by post, and steps to fill them. He also sought information on the absence of a standardized quality-controlled drug store, measures to establish one, daily and monthly patient numbers, the hospital’s master plan, and its projected maximum treatment capacity. Oral Questions: Q.1-Q.5 (Questions stood down) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna thanked the Deputy Minister, the Minister, and two doctors who contributed to the debate on the Motion. He called for collective action to implement the matters discussed and conveyed appreciation on behalf of the people of the North, specifically mentioning Dr. Malaravan. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Health Ministry has prepared a National Strategic Plan for eye diseases aligned with WHO Vision 2030, targeting increased cataract surgery coverage, reduced waiting lists, diabetic retinopathy screening, refractive error correction, prematurity screening, and school vision programmes. He outlined measures including President’s Fund support, private-sector referrals where appropriate, post-surgery spectacle provision, strengthened referral pathways, and improved direct provision of spectacles through hospitals. He noted progress in corneal graft surgery, acknowledged shortages of ophthalmologists and administrative concerns, and said allegations of improper patient referrals and unanswered ministry correspondence would be investigated. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported the Adjournment Motion and called for a National Strategic Plan for eye health, noting that Sri Lanka lacks a national plan despite comparatively strong general health indicators. He proposed integrating eye care into primary healthcare, national screening for cataract, refractive errors and diabetic retinopathy, and legal support for public-private partnerships. He also urged targets aligned with WHO SPECS 2030, expanded cataract surgery and spectacle provision, screening for diabetic patients, premature babies and preschool children, improved refractive error correction, and more corneal transplants, while citing the high volume of cataract surgeries at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam seconded the Adjournment Motion calling for a National Strategic Plan for Eye Health, citing preventable blindness among adults under 40 and major causes such as cataract, refractive errors, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. He said Sri Lanka faces a large cataract surgery need, but pointed to the Northern Province, especially Jaffna Teaching Hospital and Vavuniya General Hospital, as examples where high surgical capacity and NGO/international support have reduced waiting lists. He urged islandwide implementation of similar coordinated measures, noting the Northern Province’s higher cataract surgical rate as a model for reducing preventable blindness nationally. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna argued that political alignments are secondary to delivering meaningful work for the public. He criticized the condition of hospitals in the North and alleged that doctors posted from the South work only briefly there while spending most of their time in Colombo private hospitals. He questioned government inaction and began to raise concerns about corruption. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said he had initially supported the Government but had been alienated and accused of wrongdoing, including being called a drug dealer, after seeking to assist. He raised concerns about the emigration of doctors and consultants, citing low salaries, lack of vehicle facilities, and delayed car permits, and urged the Government to address doctors’ living and professional conditions. He also referred to political support in the North, local government election outcomes, and possible provincial council elections, stating that he did not seek office or wish to topple the Government but wanted his concerns to be heard. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna moved an Adjournment Motion urging the Ministry of Health to adopt and operationalize the National Strategic Plan for Eye Health, aimed at reducing avoidable blindness through expanded cataract surgery, screening for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, school eye checks, staff training, tele-ophthalmology and AI-assisted screening. He cited high levels of vision impairment, a large cataract surgery backlog, regional disparities in access, and high private-sector costs as reasons for urgent implementation. He stated that a proposal sent to the President in January and forwarded to the Health Minister in June had not been actioned, and asked when the Ministry would respond and implement the plan. Adjournment Motion: National Strategic Plan for Eye Health Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said the 2026 Budget is largely aligned with IMF-led economic stabilization but contains positive allocations, particularly for health, including funding for Thirukkovil Base Hospital. He requested further attention to Ampara District’s rural roads and irrigation needs, including rehabilitation of canals and tanks to expand paddy cultivation. He called for higher education funding for research, innovation and technology, and questioned the absence of separate ministries for Hindu, Muslim and Christian affairs. He also requested recognition and civilian control of Maaveerar Thuyilum Illams in the North and East for remembrance purposes. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih supported the Second Reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a continuation of fiscal stabilization aimed at directing resources to education, health, infrastructure, employment, and social welfare. He highlighted provisions including public sector salary and pension increases, recruitment for essential services through examinations, a daily wage increase for estate workers, school stationery support, university and Mahapola funding, and health investments such as a new National Cardiac Unit and assistance for Thalassemic patients. He also urged mandatory genetic screening with counselling for susceptible populations, while emphasizing implementation discipline, anti-drug rehabilitation and prevention measures, and inclusive growth through SMEs, digital infrastructure, and agricultural modernization. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the token action in the Northern Province was limited to the previous day and concerned the nurses’ attendance register. He said provincial authorities, including the Governor and health officials, had discussed the matter following an audit of hospital staff attendance, and that negotiations with trade unions were held the previous night to reach an understanding. Private Notice Question: Paddy Prices and Rice Imports (27(2)) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order regarding a work-to-rule campaign by nurses across the Northern Province, including Mannar, warning that it could seriously affect public healthcare services. He said the action was linked to administrative measures such as requiring officers to sign a single attendance book, and requested the Minister of Health and Mass Media to invite Northern Province nursing representatives for discussions to resolve the matter. Private Notice Question: Paddy Prices and Rice Imports (27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna JJB AI summary Dr. Janaka Senarathna defended the 2026 Budget, stating that half of the Rs. 8,980 billion expenditure is required for debt servicing due to past borrowing, leaving limited space for capital spending. He highlighted allocations for health, education, public service salaries, hospital development, medical supplies, Suvaseriya, nutrition, primary healthcare, and specific projects including upgrades at Ratnapura Hospital and the National Cardiac Unit. He supported the proposed National Pay Commission to address public service salary disparities and noted plans to complete abandoned public construction projects through public-private partnerships. He also cited allocations for dairy, fisheries, Thriposha, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, youth from probationary homes, roads, and the Ruwanpura Expressway. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →