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 February 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned delays in providing drinking water, arguing that interim pipeline interconnections are needed before the dry season rather than waiting for new tanks and capacity upgrades. He asked how many kilometres of pipeline are currently available and can be laid immediately, citing reports that pipes previously sent from Ambanthottai to Batticaloa were returned. He also raised concerns over imported hydrated lime used for water purification, asking whether reported chromium levels above permissible limits were accurate, whether the stock had been distributed, why testing was done privately, and whether drinking water was currently safe. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka stated that drinking water coverage varies across the named areas, with Kakkachchiwattai about 60 per cent covered, Vilanthottam under 40 per cent, and no facilities in Tharmapuram–Kirankulam. He outlined planned measures including an additional transmission main from the Vadayantalawa storage tank, a new storage tank and pump house at Vellaveli under the Mandur Water Supply Scheme, and distribution extensions for higher-elevation areas. He added that a 2.5 km pipeline extension for Tharmapuram–Kirankulam has been included in the 2025 CEDE budget, and that the National Community Water Supply Department will not initiate separate projects where NWS&DB coverage applies. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy said energy projects have not been arbitrarily halted, but some are delayed because previous approval processes ignored grid capacity, land, environmental constraints, and wildlife considerations, with some permits allegedly traded. He said Cabinet approval has been sought to regularize existing issues and introduce a transparent, structured process while engaging current permit holders to correct deficiencies. He noted that solar power remains important but must be supported by firm generation, and said the Ministry expects progress within two to three months, including clearing unwarranted approvals based on national need. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged shortcomings, mismanagement and politicization in the energy sector and said reforms are being studied with attention to energy security, public interest and industrial productivity. He stated that the Government will not disrupt existing services arbitrarily but will pursue gradual reforms, including addressing overstaffing caused by past political recruitments while managing current staff responsibly. He said that within about six months the reform process is expected to resolve many issues, prioritize least-cost energy and control cost drivers, including salaries. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi questioned the Ceylon Electricity Board’s reliance on outsourcing despite its large salary expenditure, noting that core functions such as line stringing and service connections are contracted out. He alleged long-standing management and integrity problems within the CEB, including issues in Jaffna where diesel generation continues despite the viability of solar power. He asked whether the Minister would continue outsourcing as policy or undertake reforms. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the Deputy Minister to take note that land acquisitions for the Millaniya Investment Promotion Zone had been completed, though much of the land had since reverted to rubber cultivation. He said about Rs. 360 million had already been spent on the 460-acre project and called for it to be prioritized as a strategic initiative that could be completed within the current Government’s term. Adjournment and Questions at Adjournment Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, the Deputy Minister stated that land acquisition for the proposed Millaniya Investment Promotion Zone has been halted due to pending litigation, and further decisions will await the court outcome. He provided details on Millawa Industrial Park, including 11 acres of government land, Rs. 97 million in public expenditure, 13 operational domestic industries, Rs. 604 million in private investment, Rs. 67.48 million monthly revenue, and 383 jobs. He also outlined progress at Raigam Industrial Park, noting 24 acres under the Land Reforms Commission, Rs. 876.701 million in expenditure, partial road works, access-road preparations, and Rs. 385 million already paid, while adding that further Treasury expenditure details on the Millaniya zone will be provided once obtained. Adjournment and Questions at Adjournment Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Finance for updates on three Kalutara District industrial and investment projects: the Bandaragama–Millaniya Investment Promotion Zone, the Horana–Millawa Investment Promotion Zone, and the Raigampura Green Industrial Zone at Bandaragama–Galpatha. He sought details of expenditure to date, including a reported Rs. 360 million spent by the BOI on access to the Southern Expressway at Pelpola, and asked whether the Government would proceed with them as national-level economic development projects. He highlighted their importance for employment and industrial development in Kalutara District. Adjournment and Questions at Adjournment Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed raised several development and administrative issues affecting Vavuniya District during the debate on intellectual property. He welcomed the guaranteed price and procurement scheme for paddy but requested local procurement sub-offices in areas such as Chettikulam and Nedunkerny to avoid farmers incurring transport losses. He urged the release of cultivable lands and tank areas held by the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Departments, the provision of land permits and titles to residents, and faster approvals for tank rehabilitation. He also called for traffic signals near major schools in Vavuniya town and proper village and university signboards to improve safety and access. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns about a power sector tender, alleging that a bidder whose techno-commercial proposal had been rejected for an unacceptable bid bond was improperly reconsidered and advanced despite the Procurement Committee’s decision. He questioned why the matter was not referred to the National Procurement Commission before appointing a Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee, and argued that tender procedures appeared to have been bent to favour Hayleys/Dhammika Perera. He urged the Government to cancel the tender, negotiate with the compliant lowest bidder if pricing was an issue, and said future LNG power arrangements, including any deal with Adani, would be closely scrutinized for rates and procedural integrity. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister responded to remarks about the Uma Oya project, accusing the other member of failing to assist affected constituents while he pursued Supreme Court action to obtain relief including housing grants, water supply, and crop compensation. He alleged that the member had supported the project at Provincial Council level and later sought help to stop protests, and he rejected claims about sinkholes as false. He proposed holding a separate televised debate on the issue. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath raised North and East livelihood issues in the context of the IP Regulations, urging faster paddy procurement at controlled prices, temporary deployment of officers, increased storage capacity, and resolution of unavailable storage facilities including the Alayadivembu store. He requested flood mitigation and infrastructure measures, including rehabilitation of Kiran Bridge and priority for the Kithul–Rugam linkage, and called for stronger action against illegal fishing plus a new fishery harbour at Kaluwankeni. He also proposed reviving the Batticaloa paper mill, promoting cashew, coconut and agro-industry projects, addressing long-pending housing titles in Eravur, preventing police intimidation at civilian memorials, and developing a local economic model to reduce youth migration. Debate: Intellectual Property Act Regulations (Geographical Indications) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister explained the procurement process for the proposed 50 MW Mannar wind power plant, stating that Hayleys Fentons Limited was initially rejected at technical evaluation but was later allowed to have its financial bid opened following a Procurement Appeal Board ruling. He said Hayleys Fentons quoted the lowest tariff, US cents 4.65 per kWh, after which the Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee and Cabinet approved awarding the tender to that company. He stated that this would reduce the tariff by US cents 0.23 per kWh compared with the earlier recommendation to WindForce PLC, producing estimated savings over the 20-year contract, and rejected allegations of improper dealing or delay. Ministerial Statement: Wind Power Plant Tender Process in Mannar Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary About 1,600 containers are imported daily through the Port of Colombo, with around 40 per cent selected for examination, but the three existing examination yards can handle only up to 500 containers per day. The Deputy Minister said congestion has worsened because a proposed Container Examination Centre at Kerawalapitiya, recommended by the ADB, was not implemented, and some vessels have bypassed Colombo as a result. He stated that the Government is taking short-, medium- and long-term measures, and explained that since July 2024 Sri Lanka Customs has, under defined criteria and post-clearance audit provisions in the Customs Ordinance, released some system-selected containers without physical examination to reduce congestion and costs. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, invoking Standing Order 27(2), raised concerns over prolonged container clearance delays at the Port of Colombo and the reported release of 323 containers without Customs examination. He asked the Government to provide details on daily container arrivals, inspection capacity, vessels allegedly diverted due to delays, economic losses, and proposed measures to improve clearance. He specifically sought information on whether any of the released containers were “red label” consignments, the criteria used for their release, their contents and importers, potential revenue loss, responsibility for preventing harmful imports, and whether an investigation or policy decision on such releases had been initiated. Questions Under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma said earlier governments faced a “broken economy,” institutional inefficiency, inadequate financial provision, and loss of experienced staff in agencies such as the Surveys Department. He stated there is no immediate solution, but the Government is preparing a programme, allocating resources, involving provincial stakeholders, and motivating officials to expedite implementation. Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged action to complete the access road from Dummalasuriya Thunthota Junction to Wathuchatta for the Bingiriya EPZ, a project initiated in 2018 with land acquisition and partial compensation funding from the BOI in 2019. He said around 300 land lots remain unresolved due to incomplete surveys, delayed valuations, and administrative inefficiency, despite residents allowing works by removing walls and fences. He requested the Deputy Minister to summon the relevant officers, examine the delays, ensure compensation is paid, and expedite completion of the road to support investor readiness. Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that the Government is working through the President, the Board of Investment and relevant agencies to develop Export Processing Zones and Investment Promotion Zones. He said the forthcoming Budget would include a programme for developing industrial parks, in line with the Government’s production-economy plan and export growth objectives. He confirmed that zones across Sri Lanka are being identified for development and that the Bingiriya Zone remains within this focus. Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked whether the Government is giving specific attention to attracting foreign direct investment to the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone, noting that only a small portion is currently occupied by five factories under construction. He highlighted that 484 acres have been acquired out of a potential 1,200 acres and asked whether the President’s visits to India, China and the UAE include a plan to promote the zone to investors. Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) Read →
- 6 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Five factories are currently operating in the relevant investment zone: Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Phylochem, Ceylon Fragrance Group, Empire Feed Mills, and Dongxia Industrial Lanka, covering pharmaceuticals, plant extracts, fragrances/cosmetics, animal feed, and export apparel. The Deputy Minister reported 429 direct jobs, 1,290 indirect jobs, and an estimated total employment impact of 3,465, noting that two projects are under construction and one is awaiting commercial operations. He stated that the zone is investment-ready and that the Board of Investment can allocate land once prospective investors make final decisions. Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) Read →