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 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna urged the Government to prioritize upgrading Laggala Hospital to a Type A Base Hospital, noting that approvals had been pending and residents of the large Laggala DSD often travel over 100 kilometres for treatment. She specifically requested improved ambulance facilities for the hospital. She also thanked the authorities for regularizing Dengue Task Force staff after more than nine years of service, citing the risk of dengue increasing with the rains. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said the 1990 ambulance service has strengthened the existing ambulance system and that increasing its fleet to 450 vehicles should improve coverage, despite some vehicles being unavailable due to technical issues. He stated that hospital-level needs, driver shortages, and technical problems are being assessed, and that ambulance services will be regularized through primary and secondary healthcare reforms. He also undertook to give special attention to the specific locations raised. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised concerns about inadequate ambulance availability in remote areas, particularly in Matale and at Ilukkumbura Hospital in the Laggala DSD, where services cover 14 divisions and the ambulance is sometimes diverted elsewhere. She noted challenges in meeting the 1990 Suwa Seriya response targets and the continued use of dilapidated ambulances in estate areas despite estate hospital closures, and asked what measures would be taken to address these gaps. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service would be improved in phases through short-, medium- and long-term measures. He outlined plans to recruit more Emergency Medical Technicians, use the Rs. 5,000 million budget allocation for procurement and infrastructure, raise public awareness of the 1990 number, maintain ambulances, and continue the “Adopt an Ambulance” programme. He also said the fleet would be expanded by up to 150 ambulances with support from India and the Asian Development Bank, while command centre capacity, training, degree pathways, and advanced life support systems would be developed. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 18 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Government acknowledges the quality of service provided by the “Suwa Seriya” ambulance service. She further sought details on measures to strengthen and expand the service, or reasons if the Minister does not accept that it provides an excellent service. Oral Questions: Questions 1–2 (School Projects, Ministers' Answers and Supplementaries) and Q.633/2025 (stood down), Q.636/2025 (Limestone Transport), Q.715/2025 (Kukuleganga Access Road), Q.724/2025 (Suwaseya Ambulance Service), Q.792/2025 (Bus Route Permits), Minuwangoda Shopping Complex, Tea Factories, and Social Media Provisions Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the regulations under the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act update Sri Lanka’s prohibited substances list for 2025 in line with WADA, reflecting new substances and risks identified internationally. He argued that doping is driven by excessive pressure to win and poses serious long-term health risks, especially from anabolic agents, stimulants, hormones and contaminated supplements, including among school athletes. He said SLADA conducts national, school-level and pre-international testing with about Rs. 80 million in annual funding, and that penalties include competition bans, recovery of prize money and possible career-ending consequences. He linked anti-doping efforts to the broader need to build a disciplined, healthy sports culture and reduce youth involvement in illicit drugs. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih JJB AI summary Dr. Rizvie Salih supported the Bill to curb banned substances in competitive sports in line with WADA directives, arguing that anti-doping policy should be punitive, preventive, proactive and rehabilitative, with responsibility extending to coaches, trainers, sponsors and institutions. He called for mandatory registration and licensing of gyms, certification of trainers, regulation or banning of harmful supplements, and awareness campaigns targeting students and parents, citing health risks and possible narcotics activity linked to unregulated gym culture. He also briefly congratulated the Colombo Municipal Council members and urged action on Gaza, calling for an end to violence and support for a UN-endorsed two-State solution based on 1967 borders. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Gunawardana JJB AI summary Dr. Jagath Gunawardana supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, stating that they are needed to protect fair competition, clean sport, and Sri Lanka’s sporting reputation. He highlighted the rising use of banned substances, including among school athletes, and noted that SLADA conducts awareness programmes for athletes, coaches, and teachers. He said Sri Lanka currently relies on urine testing but plans to introduce blood testing as well, and called for stronger deterrence, border controls on prohibited stimulants, and implementation of the 2025 prohibited list gazetted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana – Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana supported the regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, incorporating WADA’s 2025 prohibited list, and stressed the need to educate athletes about common medications that may trigger anti-doping violations. He noted examples such as beta-agonists, corticosteroids and beta-blockers, and urged stronger awareness by the Ministry. He also referred to increased nutrition stipends for sports school students, strengthening school-level sport, early childhood play, and Youth Clubs at GN division level as measures to promote a healthy and socially cohesive generation. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi supported giving domestic effect to WADA’s annually updated prohibited substances and methods list, arguing that anti-doping regulation is necessary to protect fair competition and the futures of young athletes. She cited international and Sri Lankan examples of doping-related sanctions and called for awareness and testing to extend to schools, alongside equal opportunities for rural and under-resourced athletes. She also referred to government initiatives including an all-island clean sport programme, planned sports schools in five provinces, doubled stipends for sports school students, and efforts to attract investment into sports infrastructure. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage argued that sports, alongside education and the arts, should be used to build national unity, ethical leadership, discipline, and better physical and mental health. Referring to doping regulations, he said athletes may use banned substances knowingly or unknowingly through pharmacies, gym instructors, or others, and called for broader public awareness starting in schools. He proposed strengthening the school curriculum beyond the current brief Grade 10 health text reference, including the legal, health, and social consequences of doping, while promoting school, youth, adult, and community sports. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported updated controls on prohibited stimulants in sport, stressing their importance for athletes, federations, coaches, medical and nutrition professionals, and sponsors. He outlined the health, disciplinary, and reputational consequences of doping, cited international and Sri Lankan cases, and reported SLADA testing and awareness figures for 2023-2025, including funds allocated in 2025 for testing and education. He noted that Sri Lanka sends samples to a WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar due to the lack of local accredited facilities, and said action would be taken to curb imports of prohibited substances while promoting clean sport through education, oversight, nutrition, technology, and sports ethics. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Read →
- 5 June 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni stated that any funds received by hospital committees, regardless of amount, must be deposited in their official accounts and reported to the authorities. He emphasized that large donations require prior notification before acceptance and said the Government would fully cooperate with any ongoing inquiries to establish the facts. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna noted that Peradeniya Teaching Hospital receives both equipment and financial support, contrasting this with concerns in the Northern Province that central government support for hospitals there is insufficient. He said this perceived neglect has led the diaspora to provide donations to Northern hospitals. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to questions raised under Standing Order 27(2), stating that information from Northern provincial health authorities and the Ministry’s Chief Internal Auditor is still being obtained and that audit reports for the requested 15-year period will be tabled when received. He said investigations can proceed where complaints are made, including through the Bribery Commission, with the Ministry’s cooperation. He also announced steps to establish a formal Donation Unit under a Director to manage health sector donations transparently, address mismatched donations, and align donated items with hospital priorities. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna questioned the Minister of Health and Mass Media about alleged financial mismanagement and corruption in Northern Province hospitals, particularly regarding Patient Welfare Societies handling public donations. He asked whether audit reports for the past 15 years could be submitted to Parliament, and if not, whether investigations would be initiated against hospital administrators for misuse of public funds. He also requested action through the Bribery Commission against administrators who failed to submit accounts or were involved in corruption, with impartial support for public complaints. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni tabled a written answer on the National Health Development Fund. The response set out the Fund’s objectives, including supporting health institutions, research and education, disease prevention, and procurement of medical equipment and essential drugs, and stated that donations from 2015 to 31 December 2024 totalled Rs. 3,111,258,902.89. It noted that payments were made in 2017 and 2018 for bone marrow transplants for children under 12 with thalassemia on humanitarian grounds, and that since 2018 the Fund has not been used outside its stated objectives. Oral Question: National Health Development Fund (Tabled Answer) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to state the objectives of the National Health Development Fund, the donations received from 2015 to date, and the projects implemented through the Fund. She also sought clarification on whether the Minister was aware of National Audit Report findings that Fund donations had been used outside its objectives, and what remedial measures would be taken if so. Oral Question: National Health Development Fund (Tabled Answer) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni stated that the individuals concerned are legally recorded as volunteers, a situation seen in other Northern and Eastern hospitals, though not on the same scale as in Jaffna. He said any payments made to them were outside the Government’s authority and may have come from an NGO or another body. He indicated that they would be prioritized in future recruitment but that there is no legal basis to pay arrears or past salaries. Oral Question: Jaffna Teaching Hospital Voluntary Workers (Q.668/2025) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna asked a second supplementary question about individuals who had worked as volunteers at Jaffna Teaching Hospital despite lacking formal government appointments. He stated that their service records had been destroyed, that they were being individually victimized, and that they had worked without pay. He asked whether they could be paid for 36 months of service through the hospital welfare society. Oral Question: Jaffna Teaching Hospital Voluntary Workers (Q.668/2025) Read →