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- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister responded to questions on the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service, stating that eight ambulances are assigned to the relevant area, none are out of service due to staff shortages, and two are under minor repair at DIMO Batticaloa. He said no complaints have been received and that the fully digital service operates 24 hours across all Divisional Secretary Divisions. He also stated that the Government plans to expand the fleet to 500 ambulances with support from India and the Asian Development Bank, broaden EMT training to additional universities, and expand coverage from 272 to 400 police station areas by late 2027. Oral Question: Batticaloa Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service Operations (Q. relating to Kanthasamy Prabu) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu sought information from the Minister of Health and Mass Media on the operation of the “1990 - Suwa Seriya” ambulance service in Batticaloa District. He asked about ambulance availability, non-operational vehicles due to staff or technical issues, 24-hour coverage by Divisional Secretary’s Division, delays in rural areas, response-time monitoring, shortages of trained EMTs, vacancy filling, and any planned expansion of ambulances or facilities. Oral Question: Batticaloa Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service Operations (Q. relating to Kanthasamy Prabu) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir called for national unity in responding to the disaster and thanked foreign countries and others who assisted, while conveying condolences to victims. He urged the Government to ensure that the President’s promised relief, including the initial Rs. 25,000 cleaning allowance, housing, land and other assistance, is delivered promptly and humanely through local administration, warning that delays could undermine public trust. He requested special attention for flood-affected fishers and farmers in the North and East, whose livelihoods have been disrupted. He also raised concerns about shortages and counterfeit medicines, opposing the relocation of the Nintavur Osusala branch and asking that it remain open with adequate low-cost medicines. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni stated that Dr. Bellana’s interdiction was based on two complaints—leaking sensitive patient information and making statements that caused public unrest—and that the Public Service Commission had approved the action. He said the interdiction was unrelated to the allegations raised by the Member. Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara disputed the basis for removal, noting that former hospital directors had previously provided information to the media, and requested that Dr. Bellana’s submissions and the related issues be properly investigated. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Supplementary Estimate for disaster relief and restoration, describing widespread impacts across multiple districts, including flooding and landslide risks in Kurunegala and continued displacement in safe centres. He said the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is focusing on affected women and children, including damaged Early Childhood Development centres, and is coordinating with other ministries and international organizations on relief and restoration. He announced plans for a medium-term national psychosocial support programme, with training for counsellors and field officers beginning on 22 and 24 December, to address trauma among children and women. He also responded to concerns about the Gommunaawa landslide, stating that quarrying permits and related decisions dated back to 2015–2016. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya expressed sorrow over the deaths of two women and stated that the Government is investigating the matter and will take necessary action, while avoiding detailed comment until the inquiry is completed. She said further information could be provided by the Health State Minister. She also affirmed support for expanding the Fundamental Rights chapter to include economic, social and cultural rights alongside civil and political rights, supported by strong institutions. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Welcoming the Government’s stated position on constitutional reform, Sajith Premadasa urged that any new constitutional framework expand Fundamental Rights to include socio-economic and cultural rights such as health, education, culture and religion. He raised concerns over reported deaths of two women in Habarakada and Matugama after receiving a contaminated batch of Ondansetron, arguing that access to quality medicines under free healthcare should be protected as a fundamental right linked to the right to life. He also questioned the interdiction of Dr. Bellana after he spoke publicly on alleged health-sector corruption and substandard drugs, tabled the relevant Health Ministry letter dated 18.12.2025, and asked what action and justice would be provided for the deceased women and to safeguard patients’ rights. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa urged that action be taken before the end-March deadline affecting 9,000–10,000 applicants. He noted that the candidates had already incurred significant expenses and completed medical tests, and called for a practical solution in addition to providing answers. Question by Private Notice: Foreign Employment in Republic of Korea Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan highlighted post-flood damage in several areas, calling for proper rehabilitation of the Anaikattiyaveli–Samulaiyadi road, reconstruction of the collapsed Magilavettuvan bridge, and repairs and protection for Chettipalayam District Hospital, which was flooded and faces nearby elephant movement. He raised concerns about delays and alleged unfairness in grassroots relief assessments, including denial of the Rs. 25,000 relief to some affected households, and urged accurate site-based verification by officials. He supported anti-narcotics, anti-crime and anti-corruption efforts under “Prajashakti” initiatives but cautioned against giving authority to defeated election candidates over elected local bodies, and requested relief for all affected groups including farmers, fishermen, daily wage earners and three-wheeler drivers. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns over the death of a 23-year-old woman after receiving Ondansetron from a batch he said had already been banned by the NMRA, questioning whether the hospital received the directive and what action is being taken regarding the large number of vials reportedly already used. He linked the incident to broader concerns about drug safety, procurement, alleged contamination, and past medicine-related controversies, and called for accountability and assistance to the family. He also referred to recent natural disaster relief efforts, describing assistance provided by him and local volunteers, and offered remaining relief goods to Members who can arrange transport for affected constituents. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni reported on the health-sector response to a recent disaster affecting districts including Kandy, noting restoration of essential services with support from the CEB, NWSDB, security forces, engineers and local authorities. He said three hospitals had become non-functional, with Mahiyanganaya and Halawatha restored, Wattegama temporarily operating from the MOH office pending relocation, and eight other facilities also planned for relocation; estimated health-sector damage was Rs. 2,113.5 million. He emphasized preventing disease outbreaks in relief camps, developing AI-assisted rapid warning and inundation systems for areas such as the Mahaweli basin, and expediting NBRO site assessments using external geologists and engineers. He also clarified that an operating bed was temporarily moved from Padaviya to Thambuttegama and said pharmaceutical matters were being handled legally and systematically. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Lanka Hospitals is a state-related hospital and therefore not problematic in this context. He said previous ad hoc private medical camps had caused friction with government hospital doctors and Medical Officer of Health staff, and argued that following the issued guidance would help avoid such issues. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the Health Ministry had not banned health camps, responding to claims by Hon. Chamara Sampath and Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara. He stated that private hospitals and institutions must obtain approval through the Medical Officer of Health and the Regional Director of Health Services to ensure coordination and avoid problems, particularly during disasters. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the failure of telecommunications during the disaster and urged the Government to establish relief coordination centres with dedicated communication systems. He called for stronger disaster detection and preparedness mechanisms, including links with international experts, specialized tools, and attention to potential post-disaster health risks and medicine shortages. He urged the Government to involve the private sector and civil society, and requested greater authority for Sectoral Oversight Committees to coordinate with global institutions and support recovery efforts. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the Government’s Budget priorities and urged that allocations be cut and redirected to war heroes, rescue personnel, and affected households, proposing Rs. 1 million per household through proper administrative channels. He referred to a Sinhala war hero and Colonel Buddhika’s team who assisted him, asked the Health Minister to look into action taken against staff at Kuliyapitiya Hospital after a rescue-related incident, and criticized politicians for not visiting the family of a pilot who died in Kuliyapitiya. He also said he was willing to forgo a vehicle allowance or cab facility and would seek diaspora funds to support people in the North, East, and elsewhere if needed. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka expressed condolences over deaths from floods and landslides and thanked officials, security forces, volunteers and organizations involved in relief, while stating that his party had provided food aid and would distribute schoolbooks to affected children. He urged that procurement of new double cabs for MPs be cancelled and the funds redirected to essential medicines, citing existing drug shortages, and said he would request that his own vehicle allocation be transferred to the Health sector. He said his party would not oppose the Supplementary Estimate or vote against the Budget on this occasion, but called for revisions to prioritize disaster needs, especially housing. He questioned the Government’s preparedness despite prior meteorological briefings and reservoir management concerns, and called for an independent inquiry into accountability after immediate relief work. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 3 December 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella described the severe impact of the “Doo” cyclone, particularly in Kandy District, citing deaths, missing persons, displacement, blocked access, communication failures and urgent shortages of potable water. She thanked state officials, security forces, medical personnel, religious institutions, civil groups and foreign missions for relief efforts, while questioning whether sufficient early action was taken after weather warnings and whether reservoir operations worsened flooding. She requested urgent attention to inaccessible areas, additional expert support to restore water supply, preparedness for further rain, medical safeguards against disease risks, and timely disbursement of relief funds to Divisional Secretariats. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the context of the ongoing natural disaster, expressing condolences and emphasizing that persons with disabilities, estimated at 8.7 per cent of the population, must be included in relief and recovery efforts. He said the Government is ready to provide human and financial resources, and urged affected persons to communicate rehabilitation needs through field officers and Divisional Secretariats. He noted plans to update the Disabilities Act in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to present a Sign Language Bill, while calling on media outlets and officials to ensure disaster information and relief services are accessible, including through sign-language broadcasts and proactive outreach. Debate: Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Heads) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Bimal Rathnayake tabled answers to a question on health services, stating that there are 112 relevant hospitals or units, with 2 under the Central Government and 110 under Provincial Councils. He indicated that staff allocations are made according to personnel requirements, with detailed information provided in tabled annexes. He also listed planned developments at Teaching Hospital Ratnapura, including a new Cardiology Unit and Phase II of the Oncology Unit, and at District General Hospital Embilipitiya, including a five-storey Out-Patient Department. Oral Question: Hospitals in Ratnapura District Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. B. Ariyawansha) SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of B. Ariyawansha, asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide details on hospitals in the Ratnapura District managed separately by the Central Government and the Provincial Council, including their numbers and names. He also requested hospital-wise information on current staff vacancies by post, steps to fill them, and future development projects planned for Central Government-managed hospitals in the district. Oral Question: Hospitals in Ratnapura District Read →