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- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the Government had maintained uninterrupted energy supply and industrial activity despite a 40-day global crisis, with no factory closures, job losses or power cuts. He cited reserves of USD 7.3 billion, debt repayments, vehicle import allocations, increased exports and remittances, and a Treasury surplus as evidence of economic stability and capacity for relief measures. He defended revisions to VAT and SSCL thresholds, QR-based payment formalization, changes to SSCL collection on imports, and a transparent BOI incentive framework, while noting forthcoming PPP legislation and equal investment incentives for domestic and foreign firms. He also argued that retaining key State enterprises such as the CEB and CPC supported current stability, and projected continued growth above 5 per cent with support from exports, remittances and dollar bond investment. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu supported the doping regulations and called for information on prohibited substances to be made available in Sinhala and Tamil to protect athletes. He urged greater sports development in rural areas, particularly in the North and East, citing Batticaloa’s need for facilities, grounds, equipment, training pathways, and dedicated football clubs, including for girls. He also thanked the Government for fuel management, relief measures announced by the President, and the release of some military-held lands, while requesting the release of remaining occupied lands. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera cited the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report on coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, alleging serious irregularities under the current Government. He said the tender awarded to Trident Chemphar Limited was improper because the company was not registered with Lanka Coal Company at the time, and that required testing and accredited reporting procedures were not followed. He also claimed a Rs. 300 million emergency procurement was awarded to a company lacking basic qualifications and experience, and called for the Minister’s resignation, a government apology, and corrective action. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister said Sri Lanka must approve the 2026 WADA prohibited substances list under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, as SLADA operates in line with international anti-doping rules. He outlined SLADA’s testing and education work, noting about 140 athletes were tested last year, three positives led to due process and bans, and high testing costs require prioritising international competitors. He also highlighted recent and planned sports law reforms, including term limits for office-bearers in national sports associations, and referred to ongoing infrastructure projects and efforts to rebuild Sri Lankan sport, including cricket. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary The amendments are presented as part of the 2026 Budget commitments to increase revenue while improving investor predictability through domestic dollar bonds and a rule-based incentive framework under the Strategic Development Projects Act. Nishantha Jayaweera said the objective is to support higher, more inclusive growth by expanding investment and delivering benefits to the public. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading and Related Orders (Chair Change - Introduction) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined amendments to the Social Security Contribution Levy Bill to charge the levy on imported motor vehicles at importation rather than resale, and to reduce the annual turnover liability threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million. He said the Government’s revenue strategy is based on tax administration technology, simplification, base-broadening and compliance, while citing recent tax relief measures and higher Inland Revenue Department collection targets. He also described rules allowing exporters to invest up to 10 per cent of repatriated export proceeds in domestic dollar bonds, and a rule-based Strategic Development Projects tax exemption framework intended to replace ad hoc concessions and support the Government’s 2026 investment targets. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading and Related Orders (Chair Change - Introduction) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Cabinet approval has been obtained to conduct a preliminary feasibility study on commencing a passenger ferry service, and related action is under way. The Minister stated that no ferry service is operating at present and that further details can be provided after the feasibility, technical, and environmental assessments are completed. He noted that a 2011 Sri Lanka-India MoU provides for a Joint Committee, which has discussed northern development projects including Talaimannar, and said any approved service could support lower-cost passenger and cargo transport, including for religious pilgrims. Ministry Statement: Direct Ferry Service between Mannar and India Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary In the context of global conflict and potential fuel supply disruptions, Sajith Premadasa sought detailed information from the Minister of Energy on Sri Lanka’s fuel costs, taxes, pricing formula, consumption, imports, storage, refinery output, and procurement premiums. He requested that the Government table reports covering per-litre costs from import to retail, shipment-wise import data for January to March 2026, the Sapugaskanda refinery’s capacity and utilization, and current fuel orders and premiums. He also questioned why the Government had not implemented its earlier commitment to pass port-landing prices to consumers and asked whether Treasury balances could be used to reduce fuel prices for the public, particularly low- and middle-income groups. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that, following expert committee recommendations, the system would be simplified and made more user-friendly. He said people without access to technology could obtain assistance at Divisional Secretariats, where officers have been instructed to help with data submission and participation. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked, as a supplementary question, how SriLankan Airlines plans to handle previously leased aircraft obtained on costly terms while pursuing new aircraft acquisitions aligned with Government policy. He noted that pre-2014 high-debt acquisitions had burdened the airline and sought clarification on managing those existing liabilities. Oral Question: Aswesuma Programme - Appeals and Objections Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation replied to a parliamentary question on SriLankan Airlines’ A330 fleet replacement, stating that the lessor is SASOF IV (AD Aviation Ireland DAC) and the service provider is Carlyle Aviation Management Limited. He said five A330 aircraft owned by SriLankan were due to leave the fleet as of February 2024, and a replacement plan begun in late 2022 led to a Cabinet-approved lease of five A330 aircraft for four years or more after procurement approval. He added that the relevant aircraft was originally from November 2011, was acquired on a lease instalment basis rather than rental, with a monthly lease rental of USD 275,000. Oral Question: Aswesuma Programme - Appeals and Objections Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar raised a question to the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation regarding SriLankan Airlines’ acquisition of a newly acquired A330-200 wide-body aircraft. He sought details on the company involved, who recommended it, the aircraft’s manufacture date, whether it was rented or leased, and the monthly lease payment if applicable, noting the context of concerns about “coal fraud” mentioned earlier in the debate. Oral Question: Aswesuma Programme - Appeals and Objections Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised concerns about paediatric hospital congestion and rural shortages of paediatric specialists. She highlighted staffing shortages at Laggala Type A Hospital, where only three doctors remain despite a requirement of 10, and asked what action would be taken to fill vacancies and fulfil the pledge to upgrade it to a Type C Base Hospital, which would bring specialist appointments. Oral Question: Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children - Waiting Lists (Q.1030/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Routine power-system breakdowns were described as being misrepresented to the public, with the Minister stating that short interruptions may occur but are not deliberate power cuts. He said projects are being implemented to restore normalcy and that authorities act quickly to restore supply when breakdowns occur. Oral Question: Construction of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Karadiyana (Q.842/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman raised concerns about unannounced power cuts, citing outages the previous day in parts of Colombo, including a reported daytime interruption at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo 7. He questioned why electricity interruptions were occurring without prior notice. Oral Question: Construction of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Karadiyana (Q.842/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that any future scheduled power cuts would be implemented only with prior notice. He made the clarification while addressing the House in response to a procedural exchange. Oral Question: Construction of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Karadiyana (Q.842/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government about stalled progress at the Karadiyana plant, which was expected to add capacity to the national grid. He linked reduced generation capacity to low-quality coal affecting Norochcholai’s output and increased reliance on diesel, and asked why unannounced power cuts since 4 April were occurring across the country. He also raised concerns about recent water cuts, including prolonged interruptions in parts of Colombo, and demanded clarification on why these outages were not being publicly announced. Oral Question: Construction of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Karadiyana (Q.842/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy answered that the proposed plant was a 10 MW facility to be constructed by a private company, so no precise project cost could be stated and neither the Government nor the Ceylon Electricity Board had spent funds on it. He stated that construction was suspended by a Cabinet decision dated 11 October 2021, but the Waste Management Authority had informed him that steps were being taken to restart the project. Oral Question: Construction of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Karadiyana (Q.842/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman asked the Minister of Energy for details on the planned waste-to-energy power plant at Karadiyana, which serves waste disposal needs of several Colombo District local authorities. He sought confirmation of the project, the expected electricity generation, expenditure incurred to date, and the current status of construction, requesting reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Construction of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Karadiyana (Q.842/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar presented the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development’s report on damage to State institutions and infrastructure caused by the recent Dissa cyclone and proposed remedial measures. He clarified that the Committee had summoned relevant institutions, including those under the Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and Highways and Transport sectors, used verified data, and conducted inspections in December before preparing the report. Papers: Auditor-General's Report and Ministry Annual Reports Tabling Read →