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- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Government’s delay in implementing promised electricity tariff reductions, noting earlier public assurances of substantial bill reductions. He referred to repeated extensions granted to the CEB by the PUCSL, the rejection of proposed reductions, and indications that only a minimal reduction may be possible, despite high hydro generation. He asked why relief has been postponed until June and highlighted the impact of high electricity costs on small industries. Oral Questions Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy provided current electricity tariff details as at 20 November 2024, including domestic block tariffs, optional time-of-use rates, and general purpose tariff categories. He stated that no tariff revisions had been made since 21 October 2024, that the Government would accept decisions of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and that there was no intention to dissolve the Commission. He explained that Ceylon Electricity Board tariff proposals are made to cover forecast costs for the relevant period, with rates varying according to factors such as exchange rates, fuel and coal prices, and rainfall. Oral Questions Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported regulations under the Port City Commission Act, arguing that the Colombo Port City and related legal changes should be used under strong government oversight to attract investment, revive construction, improve ease of doing business, and create jobs. He linked the need for such economic measures to youth unemployment, low wages, migration and brain drain, warning that reliance on remittances is unsustainable. He also noted risks including environmental impacts, unequal benefits, tax concessions, money laundering, and effects on local businesses, and called for safeguards to protect sovereignty and national security. He additionally rejected blame on the Government for red raw rice shortages in the South, attributing them to climatic changes and irrigation deficiencies. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu outlined proposals to increase Batticaloa’s contribution to national production through sustainable use of natural resources, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, MSMEs and revival of abandoned industries. He called for action against illegal sand mining, deforestation and timber smuggling, and proposed solar power and electric fencing to address human-elephant conflict in border villages. He also urged upgrading Batticaloa Airport, introducing lagoon seaplane services, expanding vocational training, establishing an Ayurvedic hospital linked to tourism, opening Sathosa and Osusala outlets, and attracting diaspora investment to create factories, industrial zones and employment in the conflict-affected district. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G. G. Ponnambalam raised several issues outside the day’s main topic, urging appointments to the Health Ministry’s Dispenser Service following 2024 interviews, measures to prevent transfers out of the Northern Province, and action to hold overdue Efficiency Bar examinations or grant increments to affected Grade I dispensers. He also called for the restoration of Colombo–Jaffna train services reduced after track repair works, including services from Mount Lavinia via Wellawatte and Bambalapitiya. He further urged the Foreign Minister to secure the repatriation of Sri Lankan citizens reportedly forced into service with the Russian Army. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the proposed regulation concerning the Colombo Port City Commission, stating that it is needed to improve the quality of the 68 ongoing developments and should be adopted. He said the Government would continue bringing necessary regulations to strengthen the National People’s Power’s economic policy, in response to the economic policy failures for which the electorate had mandated change. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Foreign Exchange Act, Payment Systems Act, and Casino Business Regulation Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake tabled the Government’s response on the Southern Expressway projects, stating that four phases comprising 32 subprojects and a further four extension subprojects had been completed. He reported that 36 connected subprojects were implemented using civil-works contract savings and gains from USD appreciation, with Cabinet approval, and that loan, utilization and savings details were provided in annexes placed in the Library. He also stated that there were no unresolved audit queries, with routine issues addressed under the Ministry of Highways and the Road Development Authority. Procedural Matters and Standing Order 27(2) Question on Prevention of Terrorism Act Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the earlier proposal to establish a domestic airport on 46 acres in Digana had not progressed, with no feasibility report, Cabinet Paper, or lawful land transfer recorded by the Ministry. He said the land belongs to the National Livestock Development Board, not private owners, and that the Sri Lanka Air Force is acquiring 20 acres there for a Disaster Management Training School and a heliport. He added that no private housing loss or related compensation issues arise. Oral Question: Proposed Domestic Airport in Digana Area (Q. unspecified) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation to provide details on land allocated or acquired for the proposed domestic airport at Maberiyatenna in Medadumbara, Kandy. He requested information on the extent of government and private plantation land involved, the number of residences, factories, estate schools and public service institutions affected, and the names and addresses of residents identified as losing homes. He also sought details of policy decisions and resettlement measures for displaced households, or reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Proposed Domestic Airport in Digana Area (Q. unspecified) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper noted the 2024 mid-year recovery indicators but argued that growth remains fragile, citing weak agricultural performance, a widening trade deficit, reliance on tourism and remittances, rising tax burdens, higher VAT and excise duties, and the failure to pass on lower global oil prices. He criticized the Government for continuing policies it had previously opposed, including rice import taxes and IMF-aligned fiscal measures, while presenting earlier fiscal outcomes as its own achievements. He called for urgent infrastructure investment, particularly completion of the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway through possible Chinese grant assistance, and raised concerns over reduced rural road funding and damaged bridges in the East. He also linked human rights to economic standing, urging adherence to non-refoulement obligations for Rohingya refugees and warning against treating refugees as victims of human trafficking. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah expressed support for economic rebuilding during the debate on the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position while highlighting infrastructure gaps affecting tourism development in the Eastern Province. He requested urgent measures for Arugam Bay, including gazetting it as a tourism zone, providing beach-cleaning equipment, repairing the seaplane landing dock, and establishing fire services to enable hotel development. He also called for terminal upgrades and ICAO certification for Batticaloa International Airport, a Passport Office in Batticaloa, and gazetting Trincomalee Harbour as a tourist harbour with suitable terminal facilities. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that the Government’s mandate reflects public support for a new political direction and urged the Opposition to scrutinize accountability and performance rather than private lives. Referring to the Mid-Year Fiscal Position, he said state enterprise performance should be assessed against liabilities and debt service, citing plans to accelerate operations at the Colombo Port East Terminal and address airport capacity constraints to support foreign exchange earnings and tourism. He also outlined Government measures on fertilizer support, SME and debt moratorium relief, Aswesuma expansion, school supply assistance, tax threshold changes, and efforts to retain or attract professionals, presenting these as part of data-driven planning aligned with IMF benchmarks. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha welcomed the change in government and said the President had a historic opportunity to build an inclusive national vision, while urging the Government to accept constructive criticism and pursue economic stability pragmatically, including through engagement with the IMF. He called for privatizing SriLankan Airlines, reforming investment promotion beyond BOI, Port City and Strategic Development Projects mechanisms, and creating incentives to direct FDI to lagging regions. He also urged reconsideration of taxes on cement and building materials, raised the need for confidence-building with northern and Muslim communities, sought remorse over the COVID-19 mandatory cremation policy, and referred to Sri Lanka’s refugee policy in relation to Rohingya asylum seekers. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif attributed Sri Lanka’s current economic hardships to past governments, corruption, and divisive politics, and urged all parties to support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s development efforts. He called for national unity across ethnic and religious lines and highlighted Government relief measures, including Rs. 6,000 for school stationery for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families. Speaking as a Kandy District representative, he requested priority development for Gampola, citing the lack of public toilets and parking facilities. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar raised a supplementary question regarding the Low Level Road upgrade in the Kolonnawa electorate, begun in 2017 with foreign assistance and reportedly completed except for two outstanding bridges. He requested Government intervention to allocate funds, resolve the stalled bridge contracts, and expedite completion, noting that the project would reduce traffic congestion for commuters travelling from Parliament Road towards Kaduwela. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary No new decision has been taken to proceed with the proposed flyover. The Ministry instead intends to widen Baseline Road up to Dutugemunu Junction and along the 120 bus route, with works expected to continue where compensation has already been paid so that those payments are not wasted. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Minister to clarify the Government’s policy on a flyover project for which preliminary studies, surveys, and land acquisition compensation had already been funded. He argued that abandoning the project would waste public expenditure and fail to achieve its intended objectives, noting that the previous Government had decided not to proceed. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary In response to a question on a proposed flyover project, Bimal Rathnayake stated that it is not currently being implemented because the Cabinet-appointed RAMP Committee decided on 10 November 2022 not to proceed, due to the inability to secure domestic funding amid the economic crisis. He added that no decision has been made on whether to construct the flyover or on any funding source, and related follow-up matters are therefore not applicable. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation whether the proposed flyover at Kirulapona junction will be constructed, and if so, the expected timeframe. He also sought clarification on whether funding for the project would be sourced locally or from abroad, and requested reasons if the project is not proceeding. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction: Funding AI summary An oral question was raised regarding the proposed flyover over Kirulapona Junction, with attention to how the project would be funded. The matter sought clarification from the relevant Minister on the financing arrangements, likely in the context of transport infrastructure planning and public expenditure. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Read →