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- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister provided details of health institutions in the Galle District, stating that there are two Line Ministry hospitals and 49 Provincial Council hospitals, and tabled annexes listing them. He confirmed that Baddegama District Hospital was inspected on 1 September 2025 with relevant provincial and local officials, and that the District Director of Health Services, Galle, has been assigned to implement remedial measures. The tabled actions include addressing sanitation, accessibility, ambulance facilities, dental surgery expansion, drainage repairs, building repairs, re-roofing, and staff quarters, to be incorporated into 2025–2026 development plans. He also stated that hospitals, MOH offices, and field clinics are mapped and integrated into a data system. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for detailed information on Central Government and Provincial Council hospitals in the Galle District, including their names and graded categories. He specifically sought clarification on whether the Baddegama District Hospital has been supervised and whether action will be taken to address its shortcomings, and also asked whether a national data and information system exists for assessing the current situation of Regional Health Services Centres. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lanka legally defines elders as persons over 60 under the Protection of the Rights of Elders Act, No. 9 of 2000, and noted that the share of people aged 60+ has risen from 6.6 per cent in 1981 to an estimated 18 per cent in 2024. He outlined the newly launched national policy on older persons, covering rights protection, age-friendly environments, health care, economic security, social inclusion, long-term care, and evidence-based implementation. He detailed current welfare measures, including increased monthly assistance for elders aged 70+, health, sanitation, livelihood and housing grants, and support for registered elder care institutions. He said the Government is preparing amendments to the Elders Act, digitizing maintenance tribunals, developing a pension mechanism for informal-sector workers through the National Social Security Board, and introducing guidelines to regulate standards in elder care homes. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill but argued that anti-doping enforcement must be accompanied by broader reforms in school sport, nutrition, coaching, and discipline. She called for regularizing assistant sports trainers deployed from 2015 to 2019, addressing teacher and principal pay anomalies, resolving teacher shortages, and protecting teachers who enforce school discipline amid reports of drugs and banned substances entering schools. She also urged alignment of teacher training and child-protection laws, culturally appropriate disciplinary reforms focused on rehabilitation, and stronger systems to identify and support children with special educational or mental health needs. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport, stating that it aligns Sri Lanka with global anti-doping standards by moving away from criminal punishment toward a dedicated regulatory mechanism with institutional coordination. He said the amendment would help regulate supplements and banned substances, protect athletes domestically and abroad, and enable joint action with agencies such as the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority. He raised concerns about the misuse of cannabis-related products such as Madana Modaka among schoolchildren, including online sales and gaps under the Ayurveda Act, and called for stronger controls through this or related legislation. He cited international anti-doping cases involving Maria Sharapova and Lance Armstrong to illustrate proportional treatment based on intent and facts. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Second Reading of the Bill amending the Convention against Doping in Sport framework, explaining that it updates the 2013 Act establishing SLADA to align with WADA requirements, including provisions on Therapeutic Use Exemptions, disciplinary and appeals processes, and governance rules. She said anti-doping efforts must be accompanied by social measures to build resilience among children and athletes, reduce pressure to win at all costs, and engage schools, youth clubs, parents, coaches, and media. She also linked the issue to wider drug abuse, stating that stronger law enforcement and community involvement are needed to protect young people. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, stating that coaches and other team personnel who facilitate doping should also be punishable, and that Sri Lanka needs international cooperation and local testing capacity to enforce the law effectively. He raised concerns about wider drug abuse, including in public transport and schools, and called for stronger action against the drug trade and those financing it. He also urged the Health and Sports Ministries to address shortages of sports medicine specialists, sports infrastructure, and human resources in the North and East, and requested staffing approval to make non-functional rehabilitation centres in the Northern Province operational. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe supported amendments to the 2013 anti-doping law implementing the UNESCO Convention, saying they would align Sri Lanka with international standards on sample collection, testing, education, research, and cooperation. He emphasized the need to reduce testing delays, expand awareness among athletes, coaches, medical personnel and teachers, and protect athlete health from the serious effects of doping substances. He warned that non-compliance could damage Sri Lanka’s reputation and lead to WADA sanctions affecting athletes’ participation and the hosting of international events. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne supported the Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with WADA standards and protect fair competition and athlete health. He noted practical issues including the absence of local testing laboratories, reliance on overseas facilities in Malaysia and Qatar, delays in results, and the need to address not only athletes but also coaches and suppliers involved in doping. He said 67 athletes had tested positive between May 2011 and May 2025 across several sports, and outlined measures including awareness programmes, athlete and coach allowances, and broader development of a sports economy to reduce incentives for doping and support athlete participation. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa addressed shortages of fistula needles in several hospitals, explaining that the contracted supplier failed to provide items meeting specifications, preventing central procurement by the Medical Supplies Division. He stated that funds had been released to hospitals for local purchases from the private market, with compliant supplies expected by 12 October. He said the Ministry is monitoring the issue daily, local purchase needs are declining, and any remaining shortages will be checked. Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised a supplementary question on the shortage of dialysis needles at Padavi Hospital in Padavi Sri Pura, noting the high number of kidney patients in the area. He said patients are being forced to buy needles privately at a cost of Rs. 2,000 for two, and urged the Minister to investigate and address the issue nationally for kidney patients. Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa noted that the Uva Provincial Council Ayurveda Department is engaged in significant production activities and that the State Ayurvedic Corporation also provides some supplies. He acknowledged current raw material shortages affecting certain medicines and said he would consider the proposal further, with an emphasis on sourcing local raw materials wherever possible. Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena noted rising inpatient admissions in Ayurvedic hospitals in Monaragala and requested urgent filling of vacancies for doctors, nurses and other staff. He also raised medicine shortages in the district and asked whether the Department of Ayurveda could purchase locally grown medicinal raw materials from areas such as Medagama, Nilgala forest and Pettagamthalawa for medicine production. Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa provided answers on Ayurvedic hospitals and related institutions, distinguishing between two hospitals with approved cadres and two institutions still approved as central dispensaries. He reported January-August 2025 service statistics, significant cadre vacancies including 36 vacancies out of 49 approved posts across listed categories, and ongoing development works totaling allocations for repairs and upgrades at Kiriibbanwewa, Medagama, Buttala, and Weliaya. He also stated that future recruitment of health support staff through the line Ministry would include allocations for Provincial Councils and Ayurveda. Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for details on regional Ayurvedic hospitals in the Monaragala District, including their number, the extent of their service to local residents, and current staff vacancies. He also sought information on measures to further develop these hospitals, or reasons if such action is not being taken. Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that health services should be planned at district and regional cluster level, using resources in Kilinochchi and other Northern hospitals to benefit surrounding areas rather than concentrating development in a few facilities. He said specialized facilities in certain hospitals should be accessible to people across the province and adjacent districts, and that a discussion with the Regional Director is planned to address the issues raised. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns that hospitals designated as Base Hospitals in Puthukudiyiruppu, Mankulam and Mallavi lack adequate staff and resources despite signage. He highlighted difficulties faced by pregnant mothers in areas such as Mallavi and Murikandy, who often have to travel to Mullaitivu or Kilinochchi hospitals due to insufficient services locally. He requested steps to bring hospitals in Mullaitivu District up to proper standards and asked whether the Government would ensure Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts are developed rather than left behind. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the allocation of specialist doctors is being managed cautiously due to a national shortage, with some doctors deployed to areas such as Mullaitivu and Mannar before completing board certification and subject to necessary transfers. He said the issue is not confined to specific provinces and that specialist services are being provided as far as possible under current constraints. He added that a discussion with the relevant RD on the hospitals concerned would be convened soon and that the matters raised would receive attention. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Government’s objective is to ensure equal access to quality health services, while noting that District General Hospitals have developed at different stages due to their administrative histories. He said Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mannar District General Hospitals are under Provincial Councils, but the Ministry is progressively providing staff, resources and externally assisted projects, including an Indian-funded Accident and Emergency complex at Mannar and a planned project for Mullaitivu, to improve parity. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns about unequal health service provision in Mannar and Mullaitivu, citing their exclusion from the Ministry’s list of internship training centres and significant cadre shortages in Mullaitivu, including doctors, specialists, pharmacists, and nursing officers. Referring to earlier discussions on Mullaitivu General Hospital and assurances regarding a doctors’ hostel, he asked when the Government would bring Mannar and Mullaitivu hospitals to parity with other districts and remove them from the list of hardship stations. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →