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- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath supported the 2025 Budget’s Finance Ministry expenditure heads, arguing that the Government is shifting Sri Lanka from decades of import dependence toward a production-led economy with a 6 percent growth target. He said record allocations for education and health—Rs. 619 billion and Rs. 604 billion respectively—are key investments in development, and criticized previous administrations for failing to attract investment and relying on taxes on basic goods. He also addressed excise policy, citing the 1912 Excise Ordinance, alleged politically motivated liquor licence issuances between 2022 and 2024, current revenue shortfalls, and the need for a structured discussion on legal and affordable liquor sales in light of social demand. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on withholding tax, stating that it is a method of collecting income tax at source rather than a separate tax, and explaining that the withholding rate on interest income has been raised from 5 percent to 10 percent in line with revenue and IMF programme commitments. He said individuals below the Rs. 1.8 million annual tax-free threshold can reclaim the deduction or avoid it through a declaration to banks, with the same facility available for children’s savings through guardians. He also outlined Budget 2025 measures for senior citizens, including an additional 3 percent interest on fixed deposits up to Rs. 1 million from 1 July 2025 and existing concessions on medicine purchases at state pharmacies. Oral Question by Private Notice: Withholding Tax on Senior Citizens' Deposits and Valaichchenai Paper Factory Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa addressed the 24-hour token strike by some paramedical and allied health professionals over alleged allowance cuts, stating that the Government had facilitated discussions with the Ministry of Finance but that the unions had already decided to continue the strike. He argued that the recent pay adjustment had substantially increased basic salaries and related allowances, within the limits of the economy, and said public sector pay rises already represented a major fiscal commitment. He said patient care was being disrupted unfairly, instructed health institutions to protect staff continuing to work, and invited the striking professionals to pursue further dialogue rather than actions that endanger patients. Ministerial Statement: Health Sector Strike by Paramedical and Allied Health Professionals Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem urged Government action to revive cashew cultivation in Eravur, including inputs, saplings, funding and relief for small traders affected by import arrangements, noting Sri Lanka’s production shortfall against national demand. He called for the stalled Mundeni Aru River Basin Development Project to be urgently resumed to reduce flooding in Batticaloa, expand cultivation, improve water supply and fisheries, and support paddy production. He also raised local infrastructure, health, land, boundary, electricity and water issues in Eravur and surrounding areas, including hospital services and road repairs. He concluded by announcing that he would resign from his National List seat and contest the forthcoming Eravur Urban Council election under his party. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. Krishnan Kalaichelvi highlighted long-standing socio-economic issues facing the Malaiyaha tea estate community, including poor housing, education, health, infrastructure and nutrition, and said post-1948 governments should acknowledge their failure to provide lasting solutions. She argued that the NPP Government should now address these issues through planned measures, citing 2025 Budget allocations for tea smallholders, housing and infrastructure, vocational training, food assistance, land grants, roofing sheets and smart classrooms in estate schools. She also clarified that the proposed relocation of the Norwood Divisional Secretariat office to Hatton was discussed at the District Coordinating Committee in response to public and space-related concerns, and urged that the matter not be used for communal political mobilization. Appropriation Bill 2025: Committee Stage - Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure (Heads 135, 293, 337) Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), the Minister responded to MP Ramanathan Archchuna’s question regarding the transfer of Dr. Kasthuri Thanagarajah, Associate Specialist in Paediatrics. He stated that Dr. Thanagarajah had been transferred to Mannar District General Hospital but was on sick leave and had not reported to duty. He added that a consultant would later be assigned to Chavakachcheri Hospital, and that Dr. Thanagarajah’s transfer order would not be rescinded. Ministerial Statements Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The answer tabled states that heavy rain in November 2024 caused the Irayivellikkandy canal to overflow, inundating the surgical theatre, ICU and dialysis unit of the hospital and disrupting services until the waters receded. It reports total assessed damage of Rs. 910,250, including repairs to dialysis machines and the generator, and notes immediate action to restore electricity, dialysis services, the generator and wastewater treatment plant. Proposed preventive measures include obtaining technical guidance from the Regional Irrigation Engineer, raising generator room floor levels and upgrading the wastewater treatment plant, as discussed at the Ampara District Development Committee. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 14 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Rauff Hakeem) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Ashroff Memorial Hospital in Kalmunai, including key clinical and support facilities, was flooded during heavy rains in November 2024, disrupting hospital operations and requiring protection of the premises. He requested information on whether the damage had been assessed, the estimated loss, measures taken to restore affected facilities, and steps planned to prevent recurrence and safeguard the hospital. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha – Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation AI summary Minister Lal Kantha thanked Members, ministry officials, provincial and district bodies, and parliamentary staff for their contributions, while saying the Opposition had offered limited substantive input apart from some points raised by Hon. D.V. Chanaka. He urged health-sector workers to end strike action linked to security concerns, arguing that government intervention was underway and the public should not be inconvenienced. He said allocated funds for agriculture, livestock, land, irrigation and Mahaweli responsibilities would be managed efficiently and accountably over the eight-month Budget period, with support from provincial structures, Cabinet and the President as Finance Minister. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka urged the Health Ministry to address safety and accommodation deficiencies for doctors, especially female on-call staff, following the Anuradhapura incident, calling for immediate security measures and repairs while noting that he was not justifying strike action. He also clarified that reports of a ban on politicians attending school functions were inaccurate, saying the Prime Minister had instead called for schools not to be politicized. On agriculture and rice prices, he questioned the Government’s management of controlled rice prices and paddy purchasing, arguing that a Rs. 10 increase had imposed a significant financial burden on consumers and asking who benefited from it. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament about the sexual assault of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital hostel, stating that the suspect had been arrested within 36 hours and that investigations were continuing. He said the Government and Health Ministry had intervened to strengthen security, assess administrative and security lapses at the hospital, and provide better official housing and protection for health staff. He also requested responsible media conduct to protect the victim’s identity. The Minister urged health-sector trade unions to call off the 24-hour island-wide strike, arguing that patient services should resume while the Government continued discussions and remedial action. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson highlighted severe overcrowding in prisons, citing Polonnaruwa Prison holding 405 inmates against a capacity of 149 and Welikada holding 3,579 against about 1,400. He raised concerns about inadequate sanitation at Polonnaruwa New Town Prison, including sewage entering a public canal used for bathing, drinking and irrigation, and asked what steps would be taken to reduce congestion and address issues affecting both prison officers and inmates. Oral Question: Prison Guard Vacancies (Q.125/2024) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined the Ministry of Science and Technology’s focus on applying technology to address malnutrition, rising non-communicable diseases, disability support, and rural access to innovation. He cited high-protein biscuits with commercialization potential, assistive devices for persons with disabilities, expanded use of Vidatha Resource Centres, and media officers to communicate science in plain language. He also emphasized inter-ministerial collaboration without unnecessary formal barriers and noted the Ministry’s allocations of Rs. 2.8 billion recurrent and Rs. 2.2 billion capital expenditure. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni reported an incident at Anuradhapura General Hospital involving a female doctor while on duty and said the Government, Police, security agencies, and Health Ministry had taken immediate action. He stated that hospital security had been strengthened, the suspect had been identified with arrest preparations underway, and senior officials had been sent to assess necessary corrective measures. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Dr. Najith Indika condemned the assault on a young doctor at Anuradhapura Hospital and called for swift investigations, justice, and stronger preventive security at hospital premises, especially for women working night shifts. He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite renovation and protection of dilapidated staff quarters and on-call rooms, noting Budget allocations for this purpose. Responding to criticism of the Budget, he said the Government inherited an IMF programme and constrained fiscal conditions, but had prioritized education, health, transport, women, children, digitalization, and negotiated tax changes. He also rejected claims about the Digital ID project transferring data to India, citing a recent cross-party briefing with officials and experts to address such concerns. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised the reported assault and sexual violence against a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, arguing that it exposes serious weaknesses in hospital and workplace security. He asked whether the Government was aware of the incident, when it was informed, what action is being taken, what protection mechanisms exist for female doctors and workers, and who is accountable. He urged stronger safeguards for women in public and private workplaces and stated the Opposition’s readiness to support stronger laws and severe punishments for such offences. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna asked the Minister of Health to act on a transfer ordered by the Director-General of Health Services, noting that it had not yet been implemented. He said the Mannar Hospital lacks a Consultant Paediatrician, as also raised by Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikalanathan, and requested that the transfer be carried out based on the letters he had submitted. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 27(2) Question on Graduate Unemployment Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem requested funding to repair the flood-prone Eravur Main Road and Railway Station Road, and to install traffic signal lights in Eravur town. He also asked Minister Kumar Jayakody to consider constructing a permanent “Daytee” building on suitable railway-owned land near the Eravur railway station to avoid flooding and improve service delivery. He further raised staffing shortages and other deficiencies at Puttalam Base Hospital, requesting action from the relevant Minister. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna requested additional time and concluded by urging attention to teenage pregnancy, medical negligence cases, and equitable public investment for Muslims as well as for the North and East. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Read →
- 8 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna marked International Women’s Day by highlighting women’s participation in Tamil society and politics, and said he intended to resign after several months to allow a woman from his party to enter Parliament. He raised concerns about nurses’ pay, staffing and lack of quarters at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, and argued that health-sector debate should address nurses as well as doctors. He also called for stronger action on online exploitation of women and children, support for female-headed households in the North, East and estates, higher allocations for women’s affairs, and reforms to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, including safeguards on consent, child marriage and equal access to divorce. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Read →