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- 20 March 2026 [Unnamed Speaker] AI summary Key economic sectors including agriculture, fisheries, and industry were described as requiring support, with the Economic Surveillance Committee and four subcommittees tasked with maintaining public services, energy supply, essential services, and welfare assistance. The remarks noted that the Central Bank is meeting regularly to assess domestic and global economic developments. The speech emphasized the Government’s responsibility to protect essential services and support vulnerable groups, while urging the Opposition to act responsibly during the economic crisis. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to respond swiftly to global disruptions from the Gulf conflict by positioning Sri Lanka’s aviation, maritime and petroleum sectors to capture shifting transit, logistics and supply-chain opportunities. He argued that Sri Lanka should learn from past lost opportunities in the oil sector, support domestic LPG supply decisions involving Laugfs, and move stalled policy implementation to address economic pressures and public wellbeing. He also noted Sri Lanka’s decline in the World Happiness Index and concluded by acknowledging the retirement of Parliament telephone operator Sisira Kumara. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe said the Government had already outlined its response to the current global situation through the President’s March 17 address, media briefing, and statement in Parliament, including its non-aligned foreign policy and plans to manage fuel, LPG, electricity, and essential supplies. He argued that Sri Lanka’s neutrality had received international recognition and that the main domestic risks from the external shock related to imports such as fuel, medicines, fertilizer, wheat flour, and cooking oil. He defended coal procurement procedures, saying quality issues were being handled through contractual remedies such as rejection, penalties, or replacement. He contended that stronger fiscal management in 2025 had improved Sri Lanka’s resilience compared with the COVID-19 and economic crisis periods. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake called for bipartisan action on energy security, arguing that fuel supply liberalization and competition among suppliers would reduce burdens on the State, prevent black markets and improve pricing, while urging expanded private power generation, renewables with battery storage, and an end to solar curtailment. He proposed opening bunkering to more suppliers, noting high margins, and said remaining CPC-related energy issues should be addressed through unity. He also urged rapid development of dry ports using existing railway and state lands to ease Colombo Port congestion, and proposed converting Mattala Airport into a Middle East diversion and operations hub by attracting Gulf carriers with incentives. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government was managing global fuel price pressures and supply-chain disruptions more prudently than during the previous fuel crisis, citing comparatively smaller domestic price increases and measures to maintain essential services. He argued that the Government had stabilized public finances, used Treasury funds including a Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for cyclone relief, increased wages and salaries, and approved new jobs without relying on external borrowing for disaster assistance. He also stated that fuel disruptions were due to international conflict, freight and insurance constraints rather than a dollar shortage, and asked for time to resolve them. On plantations, he said the tea auction market was normalizing after initial export difficulties. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Called for an end to alleged demographic engineering in his areas and demanded the immediate removal of the Mahaweli Authority from those areas. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Deputy Minister stated that the Warehouse Receipts Financing Project aims to provide quality storage for farmers and enable bank pledge loans using stored grain as collateral. He said three centres were built in 2015 with World Bank support and three more in 2018 with domestic funds, while the Embilipitiya centre was later transferred to the Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board, leaving five centres currently operating. He reported that 4,187 farmers are registered, with additional unregistered daily users, and that the centres are managed by the Regional Development Bank under District Secretary supervision with district-level advisory committees. Oral Question: Warehouse Receipts Financing Project Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the Food Security Committee and Cabinet had taken short-term measures to curb food price increases by normalizing transport and supply chains. He said discussions were held with importers, producers, distributors, and the Pettah Traders’ Association to assess stocks and logistics, with fuel shortages and transport continuity identified as key constraints. He noted that the President had directed priority fuel allocation for health and essential goods transport, and cited current market prices for sugar, lentils, onions, and rice as evidence of easing prices. Oral Question: Presidential Vehicle Pool Management (Q.19/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas stated that a high-level committee has been appointed by the Power Ministry with relevant ministries to study the electrification of transport using renewable energy. He said Hon. Kariapper’s proposals would be considered by the committee, assessed for practicality, and pursued where feasible. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas rejected Opposition claims that electricity generation is consuming most diesel imports, stating that current power-sector diesel use is about 500 metric tonnes per day, around 10 per cent of national daily diesel consumption. He said the coal procurement process had not breached procedures, noted penalties over a rejected first vessel, and explained that third-party testing in Australia is being used to assess whether Norochcholai’s reduced output is due to coal quality or plant factors. He assured Parliament there would be no power cuts during Ramadan and Sinhala Avurudu, citing hydropower availability, coal stocks, fuel tenders and planned battery storage. He also defended continued fuel QR restrictions as a stock-management measure amid Middle East uncertainty and urged public conservation, reduced night-time electricity use, daytime EV charging and avoidance of fuel hoarding. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne argued that the current fuel and energy pressures arise from a global oil supply chain shock, not the bankruptcy and purchasing-power crisis seen in 2022, and said the Government is seeking to minimize public hardship while preserving macroeconomic stability. She cited 2025 reserve, deficit and growth improvements and said four committees are monitoring energy security, public services, supply chains and vulnerable groups alongside the Economic Stabilization Committee. She urged mainstream and social media to report only verified, attributable information, warning that anonymous speculation and fake news about power cuts, fuel tankers or political incidents could create panic and damage confidence. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected claims that the Government was endorsing war, stating that Sri Lanka follows a non-aligned foreign policy and condemns attacks on countries and petroleum infrastructure. He argued that the current fuel pressures arise from a global conflict, not a nationwide crisis, contrasting it with the earlier economic collapse linked to dollar shortages and corruption. He outlined tourism-sector measures including 24/7 assistance, free visa extensions, a dedicated QR fuel system for registered tourism providers, arrangements for kerosene and fuel for safari and boat operations, and Litro’s support for hotel LPG supplies. He also said alarmist statements could worsen panic buying and black-market activity, and called for responsible management of fuel until global conditions stabilize. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne called for immediate, medium-term and long-term measures to manage risks to energy, trade, remittances and tourism arising from regional instability and fuel supply constraints. He proposed rationalizing energy use, diversifying fuel supplies beyond the Gulf, prioritizing foreign reserves for essentials such as medicine, food and fertilizer, and considering limited power cuts if needed to avoid severe outages. He warned that disruptions could affect tea exports, Middle East remittances, aviation routes and tourist arrivals, and urged monitoring and support for affected sectors. He also advocated digitalized work-from-home arrangements, faster renewable energy development, stronger port and logistics positioning, and strengthening SriLankan Airlines rather than ceding strategic aviation opportunities to conflicted private interests. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Vijitha Herath said the Government had restored economic stability through debt restructuring, growth in tourism, remittances and exports, but that recovery was disrupted by Cyclone “Ditha” and a subsequent global war affecting energy supplies. He argued that Sri Lanka’s vulnerability reflects past failures to build fuel storage capacity, and cited the trilateral Sri Lanka-India-UAE arrangement to refurbish Trincomalee oil tanks and develop pipeline-based supply as a long-term response. He stated that Sri Lanka does not import oil through the Strait of Hormuz, sourcing instead from countries such as India, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore, while warning that global disruptions still affect the country. He also rejected remarks by Hon. Rauff Hakeem regarding an Iranian ship, saying the vessels were part of a naval fleet exercise in Visakhapatnam involving Sri Lanka, Iran and other participants. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act aim to provide predictable, rules-based processes to attract investment, noting that only three investments materialized before December 2024 but that these have since progressed and over 150 businesses have registered. He attributed earlier delays to corruption and administrative uncertainty, and said the Government is targeting USD 14 billion in FDI by 2026 while advancing hospital, education, mixed-use, residential and commercial projects. He outlined measures including a high-level economic management committee, a six-week clearance window, and an Industrial Facilitation Centre as a Single Window to reduce approvals previously involving over 21 agencies. He also addressed concerns about local firms, litigation, and fuel supply stability, stating that lawful investment and industrial operations would be facilitated while maintaining fair competition. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Government to explain discussions with visiting US officials following reports of talks on safeguarding Sri Lanka’s ports and airports. He urged rapid use of Port City and Urban Development Authority projects to attract foreign exchange, including expedited approvals and targeted liberalization, while questioning the practicality of “work from home” policies for several sectors. He also alleged serious losses from substandard coal shipments, citing increased diesel generation, demurrage, penalties, and emergency procurement costs, and called on Minister Jayakody to resign pending an impartial inquiry. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera said the technical correction to land parcel and street classifications forms part of broader reforms to facilitate investment. He argued that attracting FDI is central to achieving the Government’s medium-term growth targets, noting USD 1.057 billion in FDI in 2025 and a target of around USD 2 billion in 2026. He outlined measures on stability, infrastructure, digital systems, skilled labour, and tax incentives, including the National Single Window, Colombo Port City Act amendments, and proposed Investment Protection and Investment Promotion Bills. He also stated that the Government would ensure uninterrupted power supply and infrastructure support for investors. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister presented six items under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act for approval, stating that they are intended to remove impediments to investment and accelerate investor attraction. The proposals include allocating additional land for electricity supply to Phase II, permitting higher buildings with authority approval, reducing retail land allocation from 30 per cent to 5 per cent for urban beautification, making a technical correction on open coastal spaces, and amending the usage classification matrix. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Welcoming the Regulations under the Port City Act, Faiszer Musthapha urged the Government to actively attract Middle Eastern investment amid regional conflict by offering competitive concessions and not allowing IMF conditions to prevent growth-oriented incentives. He compared Colombo Port City with Dubai’s DIFC and India’s GIFT City, calling for transparent, time-bound approval processes, answers to COPF concerns about entity approvals, a dedicated Commercial High Court, and expedited arbitration. He also cautioned against publicly damaging the reputation of local developers such as Home Lands and Prime Lands, arguing that domestic firms that have delivered projects should be protected while regulatory issues are resolved. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan questioned whether the Colombo Port City has met its original expectations of becoming a high-tech and fintech-driven economic hub, and asked how much it has contributed to Sri Lanka’s recovery while noting concerns over sovereignty and past large-scale infrastructure projects. He called for practical development plans, legal reforms, and early realization of public benefits and revenue from the Port City. He also raised issues including fuel and possible power shortages, hoarding of agricultural inputs, disparities in dengue assistant appointments, the TID summons of the Jaffna University Students’ Union President, and the need to apply security laws in a rights-respecting manner. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →