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- 23 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary In reply to a question, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa provided recorded figures on Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani student admissions and stated that 1,990 graduates who completed studies and internships are awaiting employment. He said the Sri Lanka Ayurveda Medical Service has 502 vacancies out of an approved cadre of 2,567, with Cabinet approval to recruit 304 medical officers from specified academic years, whose appointments are scheduled for 03 November, while further approvals will be sought to fill remaining vacancies after required training. He also said proposals to develop the Mullaitivu District Siddha Hospital and link Ayurveda/Siddha/Unani services with tourism would be considered in consultation with area MPs. Oral Question: Students Admitted to Government Universities for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for annual admissions to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medical education since 2021, the number of qualified graduates awaiting employment, current approved cadre, actual cadre and vacancies in Siddha and Ayurveda hospitals, and obstacles to appointing unemployed indigenous medicine graduates. He highlighted severe staffing shortages in Mullaitivu, stating that only one of 14 sanctioned community medical officer posts is filled, and requested clarification on whether over 2,000 qualified graduates awaiting appointments will receive state employment or be directed to private practice. He also urged special consideration and 2026 funding to develop Mullaitivu District Siddha Hospital as a centre for medical tourism, paid services and integrated Siddha care in the Northern Province. Oral Question: Students Admitted to Government Universities for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa highlighted Sri Lanka’s high burden of non-communicable diseases and cancers, noting about 33,000 new cancer cases annually and 10–15 breast cancer diagnoses daily, often at advanced stages. He said the Government is expanding treatment capacity, including five additional linear accelerators, while prioritizing early detection through self-examination, Suwanari and Suwa Divi clinics, and new Arogya Health and Wellness Centres serving defined local populations. He stated that the National Health Policy 2026–2035 and a 10-year Strategic Master Plan will support cancer control through proactive screening, timely referral for diagnostics, and access to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan supported the Adjournment Motion on breast cancer, stressing the need for early screening, symptom awareness, and reducing stigma so that cancer is not seen as an automatic death sentence. He linked rising cancer incidence to lifestyle and dietary changes, particularly increased consumption of processed and chemical-laden foods, and urged families to re-examine habits. He called for a sustained awareness campaign, including among schoolchildren, and for confidence-building messages that cancer can be treated and overcome. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi highlighted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Sri Lanka and is curable if detected early, noting the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She said awareness is inadequate among estate-sector women in Nuwara Eliya, including due to the lack of Tamil-language material, and called for targeted awareness programmes in hill-country estates with civil and women’s organizations. She urged education on symptoms, risks, and self-examination for women over 20 to help reduce the disease’s impact. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on breast cancer awareness, emphasizing low awareness of early detection in Tamil-speaking communities, including Tamils, Muslims and Hill Country Tamils. He requested that educational material, including self-examination guidance, be made available in Tamil and urged male MPs and men generally to discuss breast cancer openly with women in their families, encourage examination after age 20 and especially after 40, and help reduce stigma around treatment such as mastectomy. He called for continuous community awareness-raising and stressed that breast cancer is treatable. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Minister highlighted that breast cancer accounts for 26% of female cancers in Sri Lanka, with about 15 new cases and three deaths daily, while stressing that early detection can make it preventable or curable. She noted the higher risk among women aged 40–69, the presence of male cases, and urged women over 20 to practise TLC self-examinations and seek clinical assessment through Suwanari clinics. She also acknowledged the Indira Cancer Trust, the National Cancer Control Programme, and Parliament for supporting awareness initiatives and patient services. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa, speaking during Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, noted that Sri Lanka records over 5,000 new breast cancer cases annually and faces higher mortality due to delayed diagnosis, treatment delays, and limited access to diagnostics and therapies. He called for strengthened public education, training of primary healthcare staff, expanded district-level diagnostic facilities, timely referrals, and increased radiotherapy and oncology capacity across provinces. He urged the Government to prioritize physical and human resource allocation for breast cancer prevention and care, while stating the Opposition’s readiness to support such measures. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister thanked Parliament for holding an awareness programme and Adjournment debate on breast cancer, linking the issue to personal and family experiences. She emphasized that breast cancer is often treatable when detected early and urged women to undertake regular screening, including self-examinations and clinical checks, beginning from young adulthood and certainly by age 35. She noted that services are available through government hospitals, clinics, and NGOs, and called for continued public awareness to save lives. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Seconding the Motion on preventing breast cancer, the member highlighted the high incidence and mortality among women in Sri Lanka, citing 5,447 cases in 2021, around 15 new cases daily, and three deaths daily. She emphasized that early detection can lead to near-complete cure rates and called for awareness and screening efforts to begin in Parliament and expand across public and private institutions. She also acknowledged awareness initiatives by the Indira Cancer Trust, Roshan Mahanama Trust, and school-based programmes such as pink ribbon campaigns and TLC—Touch, Look, Check. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe JJB AI summary Mrs. Samanmali Gunasinghe highlighted the financial and social impact of cancer on families, noting that stigma can prevent women from discussing symptoms or seeking help. She called for changing attitudes to encourage early testing, including self-examinations and referrals to appropriate medical institutions, and tabled related information. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe moved an Adjournment Motion marking Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, citing rising breast cancer incidence in Sri Lanka and the need for earlier detection through improved awareness. She proposed systematizing early-detection methods and conducting nationwide awareness programmes with the Ministry of Health, women’s organizations, and state and non-state institutions. She emphasized improving women’s health literacy, encouraging self-examination, and addressing social attitudes by involving families and wider society in prevention and support. Adjournment Motion: Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over an alleged sexual abuse incident involving three students at Mahanama College, Colombo, and questioned the apparent lack of action by school authorities, medical personnel, the security firm, and relevant officials. He requested a proper investigation, protection and care for the affected children, and legal action against the alleged perpetrator and anyone obstructing justice. He also urged coordinated inter-ministerial action, including with the National Child Protection Authority, and asked for a statement to Parliament after inquiries. Oral Question: Post of Public Health Midwife - Vacancies (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the current Public Health Midwife allocation is not one per GN division, with one PHM often covering three to four GN divisions, and said the Government is working to reduce workloads progressively amid staff shortages and hospital attachments. He stated that declining birth rates do not imply reduced recruitment, emphasizing continued support for PHMs through training, educational pathways, recruitment, and, subject to economic growth, improved facilities and allowances. Oral Question: Post of Public Health Midwife - Vacancies (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary The member marked Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month and noted Parliament’s related awareness programme, emphasizing the role of Public Health Midwives in early detection. She raised concerns from PHMs following earlier remarks about staffing in every Grama Niladhari division, stating that their work extends beyond maternity services to other essential public health duties. She requested better office space, supplies, and increased allowances for record-keeping in future budgets, while welcoming the provision of motorcycles. Oral Question: Post of Public Health Midwife - Vacancies (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Public Health Midwives were identified as central to Sri Lanka’s maternal and child health services through MOH offices, with 2,613 current vacancies across line ministry and provincial institutions. The Minister stated that 1,110 trainees are due to complete training in March 2026, approval is being sought for a further 1,000 trainees, and recent appointments mean about 2,100 officers are expected to be absorbed over the next two to three years. He also outlined welfare and service improvements, including 2,250 motorcycles, a Rs. 6,000 special duty allowance, an increased uniform allowance of Rs. 28,000, and applicable public service salary increases. Oral Question: Post of Public Health Midwife - Vacancies (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Government acknowledges the contribution of Public Health Midwives to Sri Lanka’s health sector. She requested details on the current number of vacancies, whether steps will be taken to fill those posts, and what measures are planned to improve facilities for Public Health Midwives. Oral Question: Post of Public Health Midwife - Vacancies (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa concluded the debate by thanking Members for supporting regulations intended to ensure fair medicine prices, noting that the Gazette defined MRP and MCP and would guide registration and re-registration based on fair pricing. He rejected concerns that companies would leave the market or that price controls would lead to substandard medicines, citing past experiences and stating that the NMRA’s primary duty is to ensure quality. He also acknowledged district-level shortages and procurement delays, said reforms were being proposed to improve timely supply while preventing fraud and corruption, and requested approval of the regulations, which was agreed to. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika supported the regulations under the NMRA Act, arguing that medicine price control is needed through a fair and scientific process while maintaining reasonable margins for suppliers and protecting patients. He said current shortages stem largely from past procurement failures and the economic crisis, and noted that the government has increased tender awards substantially and expanded local purchasing limits for hospitals as an interim measure. He also defended the new MRP and MCP mechanisms, stating that consultation requirements under Section 118(4) had been met and that quality procurement is being prioritized following past controversies. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy supported the medicines pricing formula under the NMRA Act but raised concerns about reported shortages of essential medicines, local hospital purchasing arrangements, diagnostic equipment shortages, and possible conflicts of interest within the NMRA, including whether its Chairman should engage in private channeling. He asked the Health Minister to clarify governance and ethical issues at the NMRA and to ensure that pricing and procurement systems do not worsen shortages or disadvantage public hospitals. He also requested urgent interventions for several hospitals in his district, including reopening closed clinics, completing unfinished facilities, replacing mortuary equipment, providing staff and quarters, opening the Kalpitiya hospital building, and upgrading Puttalam District Hospital to a National Hospital. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →