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- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa addressed the controversy over COVID-19 burial and cremation decisions, stating that the former Government’s approach was unscientific and politically driven. He said patient information is protected under medical ethics and the RTI Act, but broader information should not be concealed. He emphasized that such decisions should be based on science and pledged that similar wrongs would not be allowed in future. Oral Question: Cremation of COVID-19 Victims (Q.9/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concern over the non-disclosure of statistics relating to Muslims who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the matter as highly sensitive. He argued that such information should be available and publicly released in line with WHO norms, and said relying on the RTI Act to withhold it undermines the credibility of the Ministry of Health. He requested the Government to provide accurate statistics on the issue. Oral Question: Cremation of COVID-19 Victims (Q.9/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa responded to a question on COVID-19-related cremations, stating that 13,183 bodies were cremated following COVID-19 infection. He said personal details could not be provided under the Right to Information Act and medical ethics, and that related registration information falls under the Department of the Registrar General rather than the Ministry of Health. Oral Question: Cremation of COVID-19 Victims (Q.9/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 CREMATION OF COVID-19 VICTIMS: DETAILS — The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide detailed information on persons whose bodies were cremated under the Government’s COVID-19 disposal policy. He requested the total number cremated and, for each deceased person, identifying details, next-of-kin information, cremation date and place, and death registration particulars including certificate number, registration date, and district. He also asked for reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Cremation of COVID-19 Victims (Q.9/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order under Standing Order No. 19 regarding an urgent public matter concerning the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. He stated that he had informed the Minister of Health and Mass Media in writing that morning and requested to address the matter in Tamil for the benefit of his constituents. Oral Question: Ungazetted Livestock Grasslands in Batticaloa District (Q.64/2024) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister rejected a newspaper report alleging “fake medicines” in 500 government hospitals, stating that no such reports had been received by the Medical Supplies Division or the NMRA and that medicines are supplied only through approved and regulated procedures. He said shortages may occur but are being addressed systematically, and warned that unverified claims could unnecessarily alarm the public. He also outlined government action to recover unpaid excise taxes from several alcohol companies, including licence suspension and legal recovery efforts, and stated that the Vote on Account reflects reduced spending under the current President compared with previous allocations. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Mohamed Sali Naleem used his maiden speech to thank family, party leaders, supporters and voters, and congratulated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the governing party, urging them to fulfil pledges on corruption-free governance. He pledged to share any parliamentary allowances with his constituents, citing his past practice as Eravur Urban Council Chairman of not taking official perks for personal use. He requested Government relief for all families affected by recent floods in Batticaloa, including those who stayed with relatives rather than camps. He also sought action on shortages and land needs at Eravur Base Hospital, release of land for Aligarh National School, and resolution of long-pending land tenure issues for residents of Meerakeani, Meesnagar and Aiyankeni. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister thanked voters in Kandy and said the Government’s mandate reflects citizens’ expectations for basic services and accountable governance. Drawing on his medical background, he argued that the health sector must reduce the gap between patients and treatment, improve prevention, address medicine shortages linked to administrative issues and corruption, strengthen food safety, and ensure affordable quality medicines. He announced that from 1 January the use of children under 12 in commercial advertising would be prohibited, and said the Mass Media portfolio would focus on improving facilities and professional training for journalists. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka clarified that he raised the matter based on a report citing confirmation from Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, that the alleged situation existed. He stated that he did not know the exact facts and brought it up for clarification from the Minister. Vote on Account Debate (Introduction and Motion) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Only NMRA-registered medicines are supplied to government hospitals, though delays, inefficiency, and past irregularities within the NMRA are being addressed, including by expediting registrations. A report has been requested on the referenced news item and will be presented to Parliament. He rejected claims that large quantities of unregistered or substandard medicines had entered the state hospital system bypassing the NMRA, stating that medicines with quality issues are suspended. Vote on Account Debate (Introduction and Motion) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka sought clarification from the Government regarding a newspaper report alleging that around 500 unregistered or substandard medicines are circulating in hospitals without National Medicines Regulatory Authority approval. Referring to previous incidents involving patient harm and related court proceedings, he asked whether the report is true and what action the Government is taking to protect patients. Vote on Account Debate (Introduction and Motion) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said he was prepared to support the national government’s constructive initiatives, including on an independent basis, while noting his electoral support in Chavakachcheri, Jaffna. He highlighted flooding in the pediatric ward of Jaffna Teaching Hospital after recent rains and called for efficient future construction in Jaffna, offering his cooperation without seeking any return. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna paid tribute to those who died in Sri Lanka’s conflicts and referred to his family’s experiences during the war, including his father’s service and alleged enforced disappearance in 2009. He stated that his political mandate was not for division but for unity, peace, and development across ethnic and religious lines. He also described overcoming alleged discrimination to enter medical school and raised concerns about inequities and corruption in the health system, particularly in the North and East, citing his experience as Director of Chavakachcheri Base Hospital. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Expressing disappointment at disruptions during the debate on the President’s programme, the member said Parliament should focus on rebuilding the country rather than isolated incidents. He argued that the Government’s mandate reflects a collective public call for national reconstruction and responsible conduct by all MPs. He highlighted the NPP’s emphasis on human development and integrated reform of health, education, and social systems, noting concerns over high out-of-pocket health spending and pledging disciplined rebuilding of these sectors. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said the Opposition would support beneficial public programmes while opposing harmful measures, and urged the Government to stop using the Prevention of Terrorism Act against civil liberties and social media activists, in line with its pledge to repeal it. He called for urgent action on MSME debt restructuring before the parate moratorium lapses, disaster relief and early warning systems, health-sector shortages, fertilizer subsidy payments, Development Officers’ grievances, rice supply stabilization, and promised fuel price reductions. He also questioned whether the Government’s commitments on revising the IMF programme, debt sustainability agreement, tax thresholds and VAT had been included in the recent Staff-Level Agreement, and demanded that it be tabled for transparency. Debate: President's Policy Statement Read →