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- 6 February 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to provide details on the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone, including the number and names of operating factories, their categories, and the direct and indirect employment generated by each. He also requested information on whether any investors had signed agreements to establish new factories there, and if so, the relevant details. Oral Question: Bingiriya Export Processing Zone (Q.5/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem urged the Minister of Health to address healthcare deficiencies in Batticaloa, particularly at Eravur Base Hospital, including the need for funds to operate a Chinese-funded three-storey building, a 160 kVA generator, medical consultants, medical officers, Public Health Midwives, and other staff. He requested the release of nearby railway land to expand the hospital, upgrading of the Meerakerni-Iyankerny-Michenagar rural dispensary with ward and 24-hour facilities, and establishment of a State Pharmaceutical Corporation pharmacy branch in Eravur. He also sought equipment, generator, vehicle and infrastructure support for the Eravur Ayurvedic hospital, and recorded appreciation for the charitable work of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in Kiran. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka raised urgent concerns about Karapitiya National Hospital in Galle, noting its role as a major Southern Province referral centre serving large daily patient numbers from several districts. He said the hospital’s angiography machine had been out of service since 5 December due to an unreplaced tube, causing delays for cardiac patients and forcing some to seek costly private care, and asked the Minister to expedite repairs and review the earlier procurement of an additional machine. He also highlighted that only three of the hospital’s 11 ambulances were operational and called for procedural delays in repairs to be addressed while maintaining safeguards against corruption. Adjournment Debate: Monaragala Health Sector Issues Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said the foreign exchange, vehicle import, and rice import regulations were part of a cautious approach following economic stabilization after a period of depleted reserves and import constraints. He argued that vehicle imports must be phased to avoid exchange rate, inflation, credit, and interest rate pressures, while prioritizing public transport and tourism-related needs. He linked the measures to broader policies on fiscal relief, support for farmers, fishers, SMEs, domestic value addition, customs capacity improvements, and efforts to reduce costs such as electricity and energy. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported the vehicle import regulations, explaining that imports are being reopened in limited categories after restrictions imposed during the foreign exchange crisis and debt default. She argued that controls and taxes are necessary to protect reserves, avoid rupee depreciation, and prevent renewed shortages of essentials as Sri Lanka resumes foreign debt servicing after restructuring. She also stated that the Government is prioritizing improvements to public transport and denied media reports that vehicles would be imported for MPs. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana supported regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act relating to rice and vehicle imports, arguing that they are necessary while Sri Lanka rebuilds reserves after bankruptcy. He said vehicle imports would be phased, prioritizing tourism, public transport, buses accessible to persons with disabilities, and later goods, commercial, and private vehicles, while avoiding pressure on foreign exchange and fuel imports. He framed the measures within a broader government mandate to restore economic stability and achieve wider economic, social, and cultural freedom. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Nanda Bandara said the Government was debating regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act as part of efforts to rebuild the economy, strengthen foreign reserves, reduce import expenditure and expand export income. He argued that the NPP Government had stabilized reserves and introduced a transparent framework to resume vehicle imports after a five-year halt, balancing public transport, private needs and economic requirements. He also emphasized the need to modernize rail and public transport to support production and tourism, attributing improved conditions to political stability and reduced corruption. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman challenged the Minister’s account of cooperation with Customs unions, citing a Customs Officers’ Association letter alleging that 323 containers were released despite risk-management concerns, including 86 marked for mandatory Red Channel examination. He then questioned the handling of the 50 MW Mannar wind power tender, alleging that procurement decisions after appeals and Cabinet consideration improperly favoured Hayleys Fentons despite earlier technical and bid-bond objections. He demanded transparency on the Cabinet approval of 6 January 2025, argued that the project should have been re-tendered if the process was flawed, and cautioned officials against changing tender documents under political pressure. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the recent container congestion at Customs had been resolved through coordinated action, with inspections conducted according to risk-based criteria, and rejected allegations linking specific containers to illicit goods or the Western Province Governor. He explained measures to ease port space constraints and defended phased vehicle import relaxation based on improved reserves while protecting domestic assembly and foreign exchange. He also justified noise restrictions on tourism-related events as compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, outlined guaranteed paddy prices for the Maha season, and said the Government would prioritize rule of law, market regulation, and economic recovery. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The speech supported parliamentary approval of an Order under the Foreign Exchange Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, describing them as temporary measures to protect reserves and support economic stabilization. It outlined limits on outward investments, targets to increase foreign reserves, and a phased relaxation of vehicle import restrictions with registration deadlines, penalties, and licence sanctions. It also explained recent rice import relaxations in response to shortages and said the Government is improving data systems and using these measures to normalize the economy, support tourism, revenue, production, and public transport. Procedural: Committee Composition and Debate Commencement Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the adequacy of the stakeholder consultation process for proposed reforms to the 2024 electricity-related Act, noting concerns about its principles, economic and national security implications, and limits on consumer protection under the Public Utilities Commission. He asked the Minister whether sufficient time and a formal process would be provided for MPs, engineering and electricity-sector experts, and other stakeholders to submit views, given that invitations and public notice had so far been limited. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Electricity Act Amendments (Q.293/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera questioned the Government’s decision not to repeal the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, noting that the NPP’s 2024 energy policy had promised new electricity legislation with stakeholder consultation. He argued that the current Act lacks an adequate governance structure, including a holding company to oversee unbundled CEB entities, finances, policy, and subsidiaries such as LECO and LTL Holdings. He asked why the Government was proceeding with limited amendments rather than fulfilling its mandate to introduce a new Act based on expert input. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Electricity Act Amendments (Q.293/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy stated that the Ministry is preparing amendments to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, rather than having already amended it. He outlined that a Cabinet-appointed expert committee reviewed the Act, submitted its report on 20 January 2025, and the proposed amendments were published for public comment, with the deadline extended to 14 February 2025. He added that views are also being obtained from institutions including the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and JICA, and that the Committee’s Terms of Reference have been placed in the Library. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Electricity Act Amendments (Q.293/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged that Sri Lanka Customs be made operational 24 hours a day for clearances, warning that delays could cause the problem to recur. He called for legislation to ensure 24/7 customs clearance in line with practices in other countries in the region. Oral Question: Export Growth and Economic Competitiveness (Q.292/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the issue of congestion has been substantially addressed through steps taken by the relevant Minister, with further measures being pursued. She said the situation is being closely monitored due to its significant economic impact and expressed confidence that the Minister is managing it effectively. Oral Question: Export Growth and Economic Competitiveness (Q.292/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concern that port or logistics congestion is contributing to cost-push inflation and affecting both shipping and export activity. Citing the December 2024 trade balance, he questioned how the Government intends to address congestion when imports are increasing while exports are not keeping pace. Oral Question: Export Growth and Economic Competitiveness (Q.292/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted delays at the Port and indicated he would assist in framing the second question so that a more comprehensive answer could be provided. Oral Question: Export Growth and Economic Competitiveness (Q.292/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked the Prime Minister whether increasing exports is necessary for Sri Lanka to emerge from its debt difficulties and sought details on how the Government will address obstacles faced by exporters. He raised issues including high bank interest rates, delays and costs in container clearance, bottlenecks in government approvals affecting ease of doing business, and the possibility of 24-hour and pre-clearance systems with post-audit safeguards. He also asked whether rapid economic digitization and cashless transactions could reduce red tape and support automatic implementation of government policies. Oral Question: Export Growth and Economic Competitiveness (Q.292/2024) Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu rejected allegations of political interference by the NPP Government, stating that officials act independently and that any action taken has been limited to advising non-performing officials. He said illegal sand mining had been temporarily halted following a District Development Committee decision and that complaints involving old permits had been referred for legal action. He supported the Eravur textile zone established under the Strategic Development Projects Act Gazette of 30 July 2021, noting its expected employment benefits, export potential, and role in attracting investment. He also proposed upgrading Batticaloa Airport to international status and said environmental safeguards, including water and waste management measures, would be used to prevent harm to local resources. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake supported the Government’s moves on Free Trade Agreements and argued that Sri Lanka must secure reciprocal market access while addressing non-tariff barriers to expand exports beyond its small domestic market. He raised concern over severe delays in cargo clearance at the Port, including containers being held up, vessels turning away, and lorries idled, and called for Port, Customs and related agencies to operate 24/7, implement ASYCUDA and a single-window system, and adopt pre-clearance with post-clearance audits. He said reducing demurrage and easing business costs are essential to export competitiveness and debt recovery. He also supported incentives under the Strategic Development Projects Act, including for the Eravur Project, arguing that investment decisions should consider job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and wider economic returns. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →