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- 21 October 2025 Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe supported the Regulations under the NMRA Act, describing them as necessary to control medicine prices and address long-standing problems in access to drugs. He argued that profiteering, corruption, politicization, staff shortages, outdated hospital equipment, and drug shortages had harmed patients, especially poorer families. He said concerns about shortages or substandard medicines should not prevent regulation, and stated the government would work to improve health services and implement the price-control measures. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth used the debate on Regulations under the NMRA Act to raise health service deficiencies in several areas of Ampara District, requesting the upgrading of Irakkamam Grade “C” divisional hospital and the establishment of an obstetrics unit there. He called for completion and full operation of the Ayurvedic Research Hospital in Nintavur, citing its intended research and indigenous medicine role. He also sought action on staff shortages and facility upgrades in Pottuvil, including appointment of public health midwives, upgrading Komari PMCU, returning its ambulance, improving Savalai PMCU, providing additional staff, accommodation, safety measures such as elephant fencing, and moving towards 24-hour service. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Minister Chrishantha Abeysena supported regulations under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act to impose maximum price ceilings for medicines by generic category, arguing that excessive mark-ups and brand-driven practices have burdened patients and undermined the health sector. He said price control must be accompanied by stronger quality testing, better laboratories, support for domestic manufacturers, and action against officials or practices that delay registrations or create shortages. He also addressed wider health workforce issues, opposing expansion of private medical colleges on the grounds of limited internship capacity and fiscal constraints, and called for balanced strengthening of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied health cadres. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan welcomed the proposed medicine price regulation but argued that continuing medicine shortages in hospitals and private pharmacies must be addressed urgently. He warned of impending health-sector staffing gaps, particularly from retiring RMOs, and called for timely appointments and alternatives to prevent harm to rural communities in areas such as Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu. He urged reforms to procurement and petty-cash procedures for rural hospitals, stricter enforcement against unstaffed NMRA-registered pharmacies and unregistered clinics, action on an alleged misuse of a Health Ministry vehicle, and resolution of delayed Bachelor of Pharmacology admissions. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody supported the approval of regulations under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, No. 5 of 2015, arguing that medicines are essential and that price control and availability are matters of public welfare. He alleged that past failures in procurement and supply, including incidents involving substandard or fraudulent medicines for cancer patients, reflected corruption by politicians and officials and called for accountability. He said a national medicines policy, drawing on the principles associated with Professor Senaka Bibile, is necessary to address the pharmaceutical “mafia,” and stated that the Government is acting to reduce medicine prices and prevent the supply of substandard drugs. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof welcomed the regulations under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act to regulate medicine prices and supply, while stressing the need to ensure quality medicines and minimum essential health services. He requested that the Kinniya and Muttur hospitals in Trincomalee, currently under the Provincial Council, be brought under the Central Government and asked the Health Minister to visit Kinniya, Muttur, Thambalagamuwa and Pulmoddai hospitals to address deficiencies. He also urged Government action on unpaid salaries for about 83 Lanka Mineral Sands Company employees who had been protesting for five days over arrears reportedly outstanding for around 15 months. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah concluded by emphasizing that savings on medicine directly benefit household welfare. He stated that reforms undertaken now would provide future relief to thousands of Sri Lankans. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah called for stronger consumer awareness by making approved medicine lists and Maximum Retail Prices easily accessible online and in pharmacies. He urged closer coordination between the NMRA, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation to ensure islandwide supply of affordable essential drugs, including through bulk purchasing and generic substitution. He requested support for legislative and administrative measures to strengthen the NMRA’s independence, modernize its operations and improve medicine price regulation. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported strengthening the National Medicines Regulatory Authority under the relevant regulations to address rising medicine costs and improve access to essential drugs. He proposed introducing maximum retail and ceiling prices through a transparent pricing formula, modern digital price surveillance, stronger enforcement, and fast-tracked registration for quality local pharmaceutical production. He also called for greater transparency in NMRA approvals and pricing decisions, independent audits, and an internationally standard quality control laboratory to prevent distribution of substandard medicines. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 Hon. R.M. Gamini Ratnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Gamini Ratnayake argued that health care should cover the full continuum of services and that patient safety and quality control must be strengthened through the proposed regulations. He said household out-of-pocket health spending in Sri Lanka has risen to an excessive level despite free health care, making medicine price regulation necessary. Referring to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, No. 5 of 2015, and Gazette Extraordinary No. 2446/34 of 21 July 2025, he supported empowering the NMRA to set maximum retail prices for medicines and urged the Opposition to support the measure. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the NMRA regulations, framing them as part of a patient-centred health policy grounded in the right to health. He said the regulations aim to improve affordability while maintaining quality and ensuring continuity of supply for essential health services and medicines. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad expressed support for reducing medicine prices but raised concerns about the technical basis and implementation of the proposed NMRA pricing regulations. He questioned whether WHO guidance, IHP concerns, and the Senaka Bibile principles had been adequately considered, and asked whether the regulations had consensus among importers, distributors, and retailers as envisaged under Section 118 of the NMRA Act. He warned that CIF-based, brand-oriented price caps and unclear margin allocation across the supply chain could disrupt supply, reduce quality options, and require stronger local quality-control capacity. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi stated that past political and official misconduct had undermined public trust in medicines through the supply of substandard drugs, and said those responsible are now subject to legal action and asset freezes. She linked current health sector reforms to restoring quality and public confidence, noting international recognition through Sri Lanka’s Health Minister chairing the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee. She highlighted plans to expand primary care access to about one facility per 5,000 people within three kilometres and supported maximum retail price controls to ensure affordable, quality medicines in a patient-centred and equitable health system. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the NMRA regulations, arguing that Sri Lanka inherited a weakened medicines regulatory and procurement system marked by substandard imports, shortages, unused laboratory capacity, procurement delays, and data-system failures. He said improved two-year forecasting by hospital committees, MCP-based price reductions, and development of a stronger national quality laboratory were needed to ensure supply, quality, and affordability. He also stated that the Government would strengthen the 1990 Suwaseriya ambulance service, replace ageing imaging equipment, and act against rising narcotics trafficking, including recent large heroin and methamphetamine seizures linked to southern sea routes. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna cautioned that proceeding with NMRA pricing regulations while litigation by the Pharmaceutical Importers’ Association is pending could create complications. He argued that CIF-based cost-plus pricing is unsuitable, citing WHO guidance, Institute for Health Policy views, and past NMRA pricing practices that used IMS data, while stressing the need to balance consumer protection with fairness to importers. He also urged that the 1990 Suwaseriya ambulance service be strengthened and expanded, not politicized or altered, despite statements suggesting possible changes to its colour or number. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Chaminda Lalith Kumara supported the NMRA regulations, stating that they form part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen health services under the Health Minister and President. He criticized the Opposition for past failures on staffing, drug quality, and hospital administration, and cited current measures such as hospital development committees, staff appointments for new facilities, and stronger regulation of private-sector health services. He also called for regulation of laboratory testing standards due to inconsistent results and urged Opposition support for bringing health services closer to communities. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected claims that the Health Minister advised patients to buy unavailable medicines privately, stating that funds and mechanisms exist for hospitals to procure medicines during shortages. He defended the Government’s health policy and the regulations under the NMRA Act as measures intended to improve access to medicines and reduce public hardship, while criticizing past handling of substandard medicines. He also linked the debate to broader calls for national unity, urging against religious or ethnic division and calling for peace and development. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported bringing NMRA-related regulations to Parliament in the context of continuing shortages of essential medicines, equipment, specialists and staff in public hospitals, noting delays in surgeries and diagnostics and congestion at facilities such as Karapitiya Hospital. He urged progress on domestic pharmaceutical production, including the Oyamaduwa “Suwa Siripura” project, and on digitizing NMRA and SPC operations and certifying medical supplies. He also called for urgent government intervention to pay arrears and regularize non-permanent workers at the Pulmudai Mineral Sands Company, who he said have gone unpaid for over a year and are on a fast. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara supported the NMRA Act reforms, stating that the amendments and Gazette No. 2446/34 of 21 July 2025 empower the NMRA to set maximum ceiling prices and pricing formulas for medicines imported or manufactured in Sri Lanka. He argued that this would allow price caps across pharmacological groups and reduce costs for the public, framing the measure as part of the Government’s wider welfare-oriented reforms in health, education, transport and justice. He also referenced the establishment of the Criminal Proceeds Investigations Division as part of efforts to address misuse of state resources and recover public assets. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the regulations under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, No. 5 of 2015, stating that they form part of government efforts to improve health services and address issues such as overcrowding, long waiting lists, and access to medicines. He emphasized the NMRA’s role in procurement oversight, pricing through Maximum Retail Price and Maximum Ceiling Price mechanisms, quality assurance, and post-dispensing pharmacovigilance. He referred to COPE findings on past irregularities, including misuse of Waiver of Registration procedures and alleged corrupt procurement of human immunoglobulin, and called for strengthening the NMRA as an independent authority. He also cited a 2025 WHO report commending Sri Lanka’s steps to improve transparency, accountability, and corruption-risk assessment in medicine regulation. Debate: Regulations under National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Read →