Topic
Infrastructure
2,546 speeches · 378 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. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 137 |
| 2 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 105 |
| 3 | Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, M.P. JJB | 83 |
| 4 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 76 |
| 5 | Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, M.P. JJB | 62 |
| 6 | Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, M.P. ITAK | 47 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 46 |
| 8 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 43 |
| 9 | Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena, M.P. JJB | 36 |
| 10 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 34 |
Speeches
2,546 on this topic- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Discussions are underway to coordinate relevant institutions through District Coordinating Committees, with special committees for the gem and mining sectors bringing together the CEA, GSMB and NGJA for joint responses, including the possibility of establishing such a committee in the relevant district. A dedicated NGJA unit is also being set up to process complaints, with resource requests submitted. The Deputy Minister stated that unauthorized sand stockpiling and transport are illegal and cited the fines under Circular 121/85, emphasizing the Ministry’s objective of strengthening local enforcement against violators. Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani raised concerns that soil and gravel removed during mining are being transported without GSMB permits, contributing to large-scale gravel and sand trafficking and causing damage to riverbanks, bridges, and the environment, particularly along Kirindi Oya in Wellawaya. She asked whether the National Gem and Jewellery Authority would issue licences only after clearances from the Central Environmental Authority and the Road Development Authority, and what action would be taken to address the resulting public hardship and unrepaired damage. Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister explained that NEMO was merged into the State Engineering Corporation by a 2021 Cabinet decision and later inactivated under a 2023 Cabinet decision, with remaining staff placed on voluntary retirement. He said equipment from NEMO projects had been left in various locations and the Ministry is working to identify and return it to SEC custody, despite difficulties including unpaid contractors and local resistance. He added that a review into the causes of the situation is planned, but audit work has not yet begun as information gathering is still underway. Oral Question 2: National Equipment and Machinery Organization (Q.4838/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Upul Kithsiri raised concerns about unpaid claims for projects dating back eight to ten years, noting that some requests exceed the Rs. 10 million allocation available to each MP. He also highlighted stalled projects where heavy machinery has been abandoned and is deteriorating, including in Kolonnawa, and asked whether an audit has been or will be conducted on these halted projects and idle assets. Oral Question 2: National Equipment and Machinery Organization (Q.4838/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary The Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government has recognized solar power with battery storage as a policy priority and is developing a promotional tariff to attract investors, allowing daytime charging and nighttime supply to the grid. He said a committee is finalizing the framework, which will be submitted to Cabinet before announcement. He also noted that renewable energy proposals pending since February 2022 are legally complicated because projects below 10 MW require special PPAs while those above 10 MW must be procured through bidding, but the proposals have been grouped together. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody responded to questions on the CPC Chairman’s remuneration, stating that the current Chairman oversees CPC, CPSTL and Trinco Petroleum Terminals Limited but draws only the CPSTL salary, and denied misuse of insurance benefits. He outlined electricity-sector projects including the Habarana–Kappalthurai 220 kV transmission line, battery storage projects at Hambantota and Kolonnawa, and studies on Victoria/Randenigala hydropower expansion and pumped storage. He said amendments to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act are being prepared for completion by 27 June 2025 after consultations, and maintained that the Government does not intend to use emergency power procurement, instead selecting the lowest-cost available generation including CEB-owned diesel plants if necessary. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath rejected claims made about solar development projects in Hambantota, stating they were based on media reports rather than District Coordinating Committee decisions. He said the Committee temporarily halted the projects on 23 December to investigate concerns involving Mahaweli, Wildlife and LRC lands and human-elephant conflict, but later decided, after consultations with experts and farmers, to release the lands and allow investors to recommence the projects. He maintained that the decision was taken to support national electricity supply while avoiding harm to local communities and the ecosystem. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage questioned the Government’s handling of energy policy, particularly the absence of clear ministerial responses after power outages and reported statements opposing solar projects in Hambantota. He warned that halting or retendering renewable energy projects selected under the 2022 expression-of-interest process could undermine investor confidence, create compensation liabilities, and delay efforts to reduce dependence on emergency diesel generation. He urged the Minister to clarify whether past selections were flawed, provide a roadmap for reducing costly thermal power use, and ensure policy consistency in implementing the renewable energy framework established under the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act and related plans. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath addressed the 2025 Budget allocation for the Energy Ministry, questioning how the Government’s target of 70 per cent renewable generation by 2030 can be met in Batticaloa amid transformer capacity limits, delays in solar connections, and unclear district-level allocations. He highlighted CEB service constraints, including delays in three-phase connections for SMEs and shortages of engineers, meter readers, electrical superintendents, and field officers, and asked whether recruitment and infrastructure measures are being taken. He also raised concerns about the impact of reduced investor confidence and the reported exit of the Adani Group on Eastern Province energy development, and sought assurances on consistent, fair fuel and electricity distribution in the district. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the NPP Government’s proposed energy transition policy, emphasizing affordable, secure and clean energy, renewable generation, storage, and integration with global energy markets. He said planned measures include zoning land for renewable projects, developing wind and solar capacity in the Puttalam-Jaffna, North-East, and Monaragala-Hambantota areas, pursuing hydrogen and ammonia production, and procuring new renewable power at around USD 5 cents per kWh to reduce generation costs and electricity bills. He also stated that 2,500 MWh of battery storage and a pumped storage project in Kegalle are planned, and that a National e-Mobility Secretariat will be established to support electrification of transport as part of the 2050 net-zero pathway. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that reliable, affordable energy is central to economic growth and that Sri Lanka cannot depend solely on variable renewable sources such as wind and solar, but should combine them with LNG and improved grid capacity. He emphasized that transmission and distribution weaknesses require state-private investment and regulatory changes, including wheeling arrangements through the CEB to supply industrial users from dedicated renewable projects. He proposed accelerating battery storage and EV-related technologies to manage excess rooftop solar and provide nighttime power, and also suggested pursuing an electricity interconnection with India to create export opportunities. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Electricity Board be operated with a business-oriented approach, including through public–private partnerships and greater involvement of entrepreneurs. He raised concern that electricity had reportedly been disconnected to 600,000 to 700,000 consumers, questioned the proposed soft-loan response, and asked how consumers would be compensated if the CEB disconnected supply without prior notice. He said these issues should be addressed as part of a broader effort to rebuild the country. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that electricity and petroleum pricing, sector finances, and infrastructure investment are central to economic growth, competitiveness, and modernization, noting the recent return to profitability of the CEB and CPC after large losses. He urged the Government to expedite India–Sri Lanka grid connectivity, consider oil pipeline links and use of Trincomalee oil tanks, and bring forward delayed power sector reform legislation, including possible private participation in transmission and distribution. He raised concerns about future generation costs, LNG delays affecting the Sobadanavi plant, rejection of the generation plan by the PUCSL, and the need for contingency planning, renewables, battery storage, and carbon trading. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera AI summary Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera supported the Ministry of Power and Energy vote, arguing that the Government’s production-based economic plan depends on expanding energy supply while retaining national assets and protecting the environment. He highlighted Budget priorities for renewable energy, including expected solar and wind generation, and referred to plans for a new Hambantota oil refinery and LNG/fuel trading hub to increase refining capacity and attract investment. He said the Government had implemented a 20 per cent electricity tariff reduction within three months, rejected Opposition claims about fuel shortages, and alleged that some fuel shed owners and politicians were resisting reduced margins. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that the recent nationwide blackout exposed serious vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s energy security and said prior engineering warnings should have been addressed. He urged the Government to expand low-cost solar power, maintain incentives for private sector investment, and consider large-scale battery storage to reduce reliance on hydro and thermal generation. He also called for better fuel procurement and storage, fair discussions on dealer margins to prevent queues, mandatory sanitation facilities at fuel stations, and clarity on plans involving fuel storage tanks and private or foreign participation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that past governments’ contributions to energy and economic development, including the accelerated Mahaweli project, the end of the war, and economic stabilization, should be acknowledged despite political differences. He criticized the Government for unfulfilled promises on foreign funding, graphene production and electricity tariff reductions, and said Ministers had handled recent energy-related explanations irresponsibly. He questioned the award of a 50 MW wind power project to Hayleys after earlier technical rejection, and demanded transparency on the release of 300 containers without proper checks. He also urged the Government to investigate alleged corruption fairly and not use the Police or CID to harass critics. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara argued that previous governments failed to act on Sri Lanka’s substantial wind and solar energy potential, despite studies and opportunities dating back to 2003. He said the Government is pursuing plans for wind, solar, battery storage, pumped storage, hydrogen, ammonia and urea production, while restructuring stalled renewable energy Expressions of Interest, including a 3,000 MW target and temple solar projects. He also stated that future energy planning would address rising demand, grid stability, and forecasting through new technologies, with the aim of avoiding power cuts and positioning Sri Lanka as a South Asian energy hub. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said the Ministry of Power and Energy should prioritize public welfare and economic stability, and urged the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to restore or negotiate the long-standing 3 per cent dealer commission rather than reduce it amid rising operating costs. He commended the Ceylon Electricity Board but called for urgent supplies of meters and connectors to reduce delays in new and solar connections, including solar systems for places of worship in Batticaloa under the Indian Credit Line. Citing national renewable energy targets and PUCSL/CEB correspondence, he argued that solar power remains under-implemented and cheaper than diesel generation, and asked the Ministry to remove restrictions and give priority to solar expansion, particularly in the Northern, Eastern and other under-served provinces. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s policy direction for the electricity sector, asking whether it intended to create a market-based structure or retain the single-buyer model, and cited CEB’s shift from a Rs. 298 billion loss in 2022 to significant profits after cost-reflective tariff adjustments. He criticized the process for amending the 2024 Electricity Act, tabling the Cabinet decision of 23 January 2025 and arguing that the appointed review committee lacked legal, financial, regulatory and investment expertise while including members with potential conflicts of interest. Referring to observations made by the President as Minister of Finance, he urged wider stakeholder and public consultation, reconsideration of the committee’s composition, and adherence to established procedures before proceeding with electricity sector reforms. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra - Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra contrasted the Government’s energy policy with previous administrations, stating that proposed Electricity Act reforms would restructure the CEB into five state-owned entities while keeping transmission fully under state control and rejecting privatization. She said the Mannar wind tender review arose from an appeal under the previous government, defended stakeholder consultations, and argued that fuel pricing decisions should protect the public rather than unlawful profits or sectoral lobbies. She also noted that the Ministry is preparing a “Women in Energy” policy to increase women’s participation and leadership in the sector. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →