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- 11 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper welcomed allocations for pregnant mothers as an investment in national development, highlighting particular hardships faced by women in the North, East and upcountry. He urged that, alongside maternal welfare funding, resources be allocated to deliver justice for wartime atrocities, citing mass graves such as Chemmani and Kurukalmadam and the Justice Minister’s remarks. He proposed strengthening Sri Lanka’s maternal support schemes by drawing on examples from India, Bangladesh, Rwanda and Chile, and called for the next Budget to fully fund comprehensive support for pregnant mothers, including measures that make motherhood more compatible with education and careers. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana supported the Supplementary Estimate and amendments to the National Audit Act, citing improved fiscal stability, higher revenues, increased remittances, tourism, exports, and foreign direct investment. He focused on the Supplementary Estimate for maternal nutrition, stating that funds previously allocated for subsidized New Year nutrition packs would be redirected to undernourished pregnant mothers. He said about 160,200 beneficiaries would receive Rs. 45,000 over ten months, with an additional one-time Rs. 5,000 nutrition pack in December alongside the existing Rs. 4,500 allowance for pregnant and lactating mothers. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka addressed the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, seeking clarification on how much of the proposed allocation for nutrition support packs would directly benefit pregnant mothers. He cited economic hardship, declining births and antenatal registrations, and World Food Programme findings to argue for urgent nutrition interventions, including unconditional cash top-ups for pregnant mothers and malnourished children and a daily meal for preschool children. He also raised concern over more than 5,000 child abuse complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority in the first seven months of 2025, calling for stronger child protection measures alongside nutrition support. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj defended the dignity and role of women MPs, rejecting sexist, ethnic, physical, and family-based attacks and stating that the 20 women Members represent the interests of women across the country. Referring to the Supplementary Estimates for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, she said Rs. 1,500 million is proposed to provide Rs. 5,000 nutrition packs to undernourished pregnant and lactating mothers over a 10-month period. She cited concerns over malnutrition, low birth weight, stunting, and wasting, and said around 160,200 beneficiaries would be identified from about 280,000 pregnant mothers, using funds saved after an earlier Aswesuma-related food concession was halted during the local election period. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody — Deputy Minister of Environment AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported the second reading of amendments to the National Audit Act, arguing that they would strengthen fiscal discipline, protect officials acting properly, and enable action against corrupt public officers. He criticized past political interference in excise revenue collection and said the 2018 Act had weakened the audit function by not adopting proposed safeguards. He also defended supplementary estimates to restart the Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project, noting its halt after 89 per cent completion and allocations to provide safe drinking water to about 700,000 people, as well as funding for nutrition packs for malnourished pregnant mothers. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana — Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana supported the National Audit (Amendment) Bill, stating that it addresses weaknesses in the 2018 Act by strengthening the Auditor-General’s powers, enabling disciplinary and investigative action, creating an independent Surcharge Review Committee, and allowing COPE and COPA intervention in surcharge recovery. He also explained a supplementary estimate for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, saying Rs. 1.5 billion previously allocated for festive relief would be repurposed, with existing funds, to provide Rs. 9 billion in nutrition vouchers for pregnant mothers. He said the programme would provide Rs. 4,500 per month for 10 months, plus an additional Rs. 5,000 in December, in response to reported levels of anaemia, low birth weight and low BMI among mothers. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna sought clarification from the Prime Minister regarding alleged financial irregularities involving hospitals in the Northern Province, including Tellippalai Base Hospital and the Trail Cancer Hospital established in 2017. He alleged that diaspora funds had been collected and used without proper agreements or transparency, citing missing monies, the absence of an MoU with Colours of Courage Trust, and specific sums including Rs. 17 million and £31,324. He also referred to earlier allegations of fraud at Chavakachcheri Hospital and related legal action against him. Ministerial Statements and Privilege Question Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera JJB AI summary Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera addressed difficulties faced by disabled service personnel in accessing medicines due to travel and cost burdens. He said the Army, Navy and Air Force commanders are attending to the matter, and that the Army Hospital has introduced coordination mechanisms, including SMS groups and links with nearby camps and Divisional Secretaries, to ensure timely delivery of medicines. Oral Question: Disabled Military Personnel - Reliefs/Allowances Provided (Q.1118/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Raised a supplementary question on difficulties faced by disabled war veterans receiving treatment at tri-forces hospitals when prescribed medicines are unavailable and must be locally purchased later. He asked whether arrangements could be made to send such medicines to the nearest tri-forces camp or police station for collection, avoiding an additional hospital visit. Oral Question: Disabled Military Personnel - Reliefs/Allowances Provided (Q.1118/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary On behalf of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Affairs, reports were presented on several 2021–2023 annual and performance reports relating to mass media, postal services, broadcasting, pharmaceuticals, medicines regulation, Ayurveda, and Vijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital. Attention was drawn to delays caused by the Committee not receiving responses to audit observations, despite the audit reports being available. A request was made for the relevant Ministries to submit review reports addressing issues such as recurring accumulated deficits together with future reports to avoid repeated discussion of the same matters. Papers Tabled and Committee Reports Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni responded to concerns raised about medicine supplies, stating that human immunoglobulin is subject to NMRA safety review when adverse concerns arise and that use is resumed only after independent evaluation. He rejected media claims that cardiac surgeries would stop due to Papaverine shortages, saying units had not reported such a crisis and that limited local purchases were being allowed to manage low stocks. He argued that procurement reforms and NMRA price regulation were reducing excessive prices, citing Papaverine price comparisons and stating that government-to-government and other procurement routes would be used to secure supply while maintaining quality verification. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that inquiries by the NMRA into earlier adverse reactions and deaths, including cases in Trincomalee, Kandy and Ragama, found no causal link to the human immunoglobulin product in question. He said the NMRA decided in April that the product could be reused, but only properly stored remaining vials were considered, and argued that attempts to associate all related deaths or past procurement controversies with this medicine were inaccurate. Procedural Matters and Sittings of Parliament Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara responded to remarks made in his absence, denying that he had spread inaccurate or fear-inducing claims about the health sector and stating that his concerns related to NMRA decisions on human immunoglobulin. He questioned why the drug was reintroduced after reported complications and deaths, why testing was not obtained from a laboratory outside India, and why reliance was placed on a privately held sample tested at an Indian zonal lab. He said he had corrected a prior error publicly and maintained that he had not misled Parliament. Procedural Matters and Sittings of Parliament Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised concern over a newspaper report claiming that an essential vaccine was unavailable in hospitals, creating a risk that bypass surgeries could stop. He requested verification of the report’s accuracy, citing concern expressed by specialist doctors. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Approval had been granted in 2019 to fill health assistant vacancies in the Northern Province, but appointments issued to 454 candidates were suspended after a Presidential Secretariat directive halting recruitments following the 2019 Presidential Election. Subsequent efforts to obtain approval were affected by DMS Circular No. 02/2020 assigning primary grade recruitment to the Multi-Purpose Development Task Force, and the matter is also before the Provincial High Court in Jaffna. The Deputy Minister said staff shortages affect services but patient care continues uninterrupted, and recruitment will be expedited if the Department of Management Services and Ministry of Finance grant approval. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media about the delay in recruiting 454 Healthcare Assistants selected in 2019 for permanent Grade III posts in the Northern Province, reportedly due to lack of Finance Ministry approval. He highlighted that 643 vacancies are affecting health services in the Province and sought details on any administrative or legal constraints despite appointment letters being issued, as well as whether expedited recruitment steps will be taken. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne outlined the Government’s ongoing digitalization programme, including digital IDs expected from around April, expansion of GovPay to nearly 100 institutions and over 1,200 services, and work on digital TV, driving licences, e-passports, agriculture support systems and justice-sector efficiency. He emphasized that implementation requires participation from the public sector, private sector, academia, schools and citizens, with awareness campaigns to increase usage. He announced that September will be designated “Digital Month” with a 100-day programme featuring events on investment, fintech, AI, cybersecurity and public experience centres, alongside plans for 5G, school digital upgrades and improved digital services in transport, health and education toward 2030 targets. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Responding at the close of the debate, the Minister rejected allegations by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara that immunoglobulin linked to the Keheliya Rambukwella-era procurement scandal had been reused and caused three deaths. He said the later batch in question was from a different consignment, had been temporarily withheld after adverse reactions and an NMRA test, but was later cleared for controlled use after review including a WHO-prequalified laboratory report; remaining stocks were then permitted for use. He stated that reports did not attribute the cited deaths to the medicine, defended continued procurement of immunoglobulin as life-critical, and requested that the allegation be withdrawn from Hansard. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Raised concerns that interviews held on 16 May to recruit degree-holding Ayurveda graduates on a contract basis for Mullaitivu Ayurveda Hospital have not yet resulted in appointments. Asked where the delay or administrative bottleneck lies, noting continuing complaints about the matter. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary The Minister stated that the Government supports promoting Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and traditional medicine in connection with tourism. He noted that this area is a concurrent subject involving Provincial Councils and said opportunities would be pursued in regions such as Jaffna and other areas. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →