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- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government’s handling of the recent electricity blackout explanation and questioned whether commitments in its policy document had been implemented. He asked whether installment payment arrangements for electricity and water connection charges for low-usage households and MSMEs had been introduced after five months. He also cited the policy pledge to reduce electricity prices through competitive procurement and a shift to solar and wind power, arguing that household tariffs remain among the highest in South Asia. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha argued that Sri Lanka inherited a strong electricity system built over successive administrations and questioned the Government’s plans for expanding generation, transmission and distribution under IMF-related constraints. He raised concerns over shutting down small hydro and solar plants on Sundays despite PPAs, delays and alleged irregularities in renewable tenders including the Mannar wind project, VAT and pricing issues affecting electricity and fuel costs, and the reduction of petroleum distributor margins without passing savings to consumers. He also urged dialogue with petroleum distributors instead of criminal investigations, sought clarity on LNG terminal and supply plans for plants designed for LNG, and called for retention of experienced engineers at Norochcholai. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Thanura Dissanayake said the Government’s priority in the power and energy sector is to stabilize supply, prevent recurring fuel and electricity breakdowns, and reduce costs through renegotiated renewable power purchase agreements. He said Sri Lanka should aim to export surplus renewable power only after achieving self-sufficiency, lower tariffs, and a coherent long-term plan. He outlined allocations for religious-place solar schemes, Colombo transmission upgrades including the Kerawalapitiya-Port underground line, and Rs. 20.7 billion in capital expenditure, while calling for strategic handling of Trincomalee oil tanks, petrol shed expansion, and investor agreements to maximize national benefit. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka argued that recent fuel and electricity issues were caused by management and implementation failures rather than actual shortages, citing the previous administration’s handling of fuel queues, CPC profitability, demurrage reductions, and non-political appointments. He rejected claims that Ministers protected filling stations, explaining the COPE-related recovery of Rs. 37 billion and the related court proceedings, and requested clarification on delays in connecting solar systems installed at 5,000 religious sites under an Indian credit line. He also discussed the Trincomalee oil tank and Hambantota refinery processes, stating that earlier EoIs and RFPs led to current negotiations, and urged the Government to introduce tariffs for solar-plus-battery systems to address grid balancing and reduce reliance on imported coal. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on campaign pledges by the President and JVP/NPP to reduce fuel prices by removing levies and taxes, asking why these measures had not been implemented and whether the current pricing formula would continue under IMF conditions. He also asked when the remaining promised reduction in electricity tariffs would be granted, noting that only about 20 per cent of the promised one-third cut had occurred through the PUCSL process. Referring to the recent nationwide blackout, he demanded a transparent explanation of its cause and warned that unclear public accounts could harm industry, consumers, foreign investment, and debt-servicing prospects. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka referred to prior explanations on approaches linking the Trincomalee and Colombo ports and a refinery initiative. He stated that, if considered carefully, the ten related items had progressed. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the ten listed items are at different stages, with some in feasibility assessment and others in initiation. He clarified that all ten have commenced and are progressing. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined progress on several energy-sector commitments in the “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” programme, including solar power expansion, wind power market development, refinery modernization, Trincomalee oil tank arrangements, fuel storage and distribution upgrades, sector restructuring, and solar installations for public and religious institutions. He stated that work had begun on 10 of 41 listed items within three months, amounting to 22 per cent progress, and said the remaining commitments would be pursued over the five-year period. He also said recent fuel queues were caused by panic rather than shortages, and that further discussions would continue to reach consensual and public-friendly outcomes. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined the Government’s energy strategy, emphasizing expansion of wind and solar generation, the need to strengthen grid stability, and the use of Sri Lanka’s location to become a regional energy hub. He said refinery development at Hambantota and Sapugaskanda, Trincomalee tank farm utilization, LNG trading plans, and international storage partnerships are being pursued to support exports, fuel security, and foreign exchange savings. He also linked energy infrastructure to wider economic priorities, including fertilizer production from refinery by-products and improved aviation fuel supply for tourism growth. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody responded to claims about the 9 February power cutoff, stating that he was at the Presidential Secretariat for a special Cabinet meeting until noon and later at the Pelawatte System Control Centre until the system was stabilized, with CCTV available to verify this. He also clarified that the CEB media release of 18 February described a system-wide failure triggered by a disturbance but was not a detailed technical report, and he disputed any claim that it ruled out the involvement of a monkey, stating that videos could be provided if required. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the explanation given for the President’s overseas travel costs and asked for clarification on how 11 people travelled to three countries for Rs. 1.8 million. In the Energy Ministry debate, he criticized the handling of the recent power outage, citing CEB’s own media release and arguing that known Sunday load-management issues involving hydro, Norochcholai and solar generation had not been addressed. He alleged conflicts of interest involving the CEB Chairman and Resource Management Associates, tabled related documents, and raised concerns over delayed solar PPAs, reduced solar tariffs and payment delays affecting investors. He also urged more consultative policymaking on energy and fuel distribution to avoid public panic and hardship for rural fuel outlets. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam addressed the Energy Ministry budget allocation and supported the Government’s renewable energy target of 70 per cent by 2030, while urging stronger implementation in the North and East. He raised concerns over the Mannar wind power project, including alleged lack of transparency, inadequate community benefits, CSR misuse, and flooding linked to blocked drainage during Phase I, and requested ministerial intervention. He proposed expanded solar farms on unused state lands, grid and transformer upgrades to enable rooftop solar, free electricity connections for vulnerable households, concessional tariffs for small producers, and subsidized fuel for war-affected farmers and fishers. He also called for adequate CEB and Ministry staffing in the North and East, citing the absence of a dedicated CEB Engineer in Kilinochchi. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody outlined the 2025 allocations under Head 119, noting Rs. 21.14 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 20.07 billion for capital expenditure, with recurrent spending reduced by 43 per cent from 2024. He detailed capital projects for transmission upgrades, waste-to-energy, rooftop solar, island hybrid renewable systems, Atomic Energy Board capacity, and the Kerawalapitiya-Colombo Port transmission line, while also listing externally financed hydro, solar, floating solar, wind, nuclear, and thermal generation projects. He stated that the Government targets 1,972 MW of renewable energy additions over the next two years and is also advancing petroleum-sector projects including the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, Sapugaskanda refinery modernization, and proposals for a new refinery. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction under Head 119 and argued that high energy costs and reliability concerns are major barriers to a production-based economy. He said the Government’s proposed amendments to the Electricity Act risk discouraging private investment and reversing reforms, despite earlier assurances of transparency and consultation. He highlighted a policy contradiction between the Energy Minister’s January 2025 concept paper and the Finance Minister’s February 2025 observations, which reportedly described the proposals as flawed and regressive. He urged the Government to resolve the contradiction and stated the Opposition’s willingness to cooperate on urgent, time-bound energy sector reforms. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Anura Karunathilaka asked the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing for details on expenditure for media coverage of the opening ceremony of 42 shops at Bastion Mawatha, Pettah. He sought confirmation of an alleged Rs. 17.64 million advance payment to TRIAD Company out of a total Rs. 19.30 million cost, whether procurement procedures were followed, who authorized the payment, why such expenditure was necessary, and why a government media institution was not used. Oral Question: TRIAD Company Payment to Urban Development Authority (Q.7-Q.8/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that limited industrial land and inefficient use of existing plots are major concerns. He said the ministry will work with current allottees to improve productivity and capacity, while issuing notices to holders of idle or under-developed plots to either vacate or submit development plans. If they fail to respond within three months, legal action will be taken to repossess the land and reallocate it to active investors through park committees. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Sri Lanka - Current Status (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that Sri Lanka has a shortage of suitable industrial land and that performance varies across industrial parks managed by the Ministry, IDB, BOI and Provincial Councils, with BOI parks generally functioning better due to export focus and infrastructure. He reported that 527 industries operate in Ministry parks, 408 are closed, 14 of 33 operating parks are at full capacity, and space remains in some parks, while SME data collection is still underway. He said a national plan covering all relevant agencies is being formulated, with 10 new industrial parks planned for the year on about 570 acres, supported by Rs. 1.5 billion from the Budget and proposed public-private partnerships for infrastructure and services. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Sri Lanka - Current Status (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. Oshani Umanga asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development for detailed information on the current status of Sri Lanka’s industrial parks, including the number and sectors of operating industries, closed industries, capacity utilization, available space for new industries, and whether an SME census has been conducted. She also sought details on any plans to establish new industrial parks and how the required capital would be raised. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Sri Lanka - Current Status (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Industrial Development Board Chairman has already taken action on the matter. He said that, due to limited allocations and high demand, priority this year will be given to completing the Elpitiya and Kalutara-area industrial estates before initiating new estates. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Elpitiya (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera asked whether Phase I industrial plots have definite agreements and timelines for starting and completing industries. He noted allegations that some allottees have taken plots but failed to begin construction, disadvantaging genuine industrialists, and requested details on when the estate was initiated and whether contractual completion timeframes exist. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Elpitiya (Q.2/2025) Read →