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- 5 December 2024 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka marked his first speech as an MP for Ududumbara, noting the National People’s Power’s electoral gains in Kandy and the return of representation for Ududumbara/Hasalaka after many years. He highlighted severe drinking water shortages and kidney disease concerns in areas including Ududumbara, Teldeniya, Digana, Matale, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Ampara, as well as the human-elephant conflict in Hassalaka, Ududumbara, Mahiyanganaya, and Mahaweli-adjacent districts. He argued that previous governments and long-serving representatives had failed to address these issues, contributing to debt, economic decline, and youth migration, and stated that the NPP Government would prioritize resolving these problems and improving living conditions. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that Sri Lanka’s recovery requires an export-led, productivity-driven development strategy supported by consistent national and industrial policy, stronger institutions, skills development, rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and reforms to attract investment. He said the Government would consolidate and strengthen agencies such as the IDB, EDB, NEDA, the Small Enterprises Development Division, and the National Productivity Secretariat, while improving ease of doing business, development finance, logistics, energy reliability, certification processes, and tax rationalisation within the IMF framework. He rejected claims of Rs. 3,000 billion in new borrowing, describing the figure as a debt exchange accounting entry, and set export targets including increasing total exports to about USD 45 billion with sectoral growth in IT, apparel, agriculture, port services, and tourism. He also said the Government would directly engage industries to address costs, technology, credit and licensing constraints, and would improve delivery of SME support after previous concessional loan schemes reached very few firms. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence said the absence of local authority representatives resulted from the postponement of Local Government Elections. He stated that the Government would address this issue and establish a special operational framework to reduce loss of life, livestock, and property in future disasters. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran raised concerns about severe rain and flood impacts in Ampara District, particularly the 10-day interruption of drinking water supply in Karaitivu and slow repairs by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. He urged the Prime Minister, relevant Minister, and disaster management authorities to restore water supply immediately, warning of possible public protests if the issue continues. He also called for urgent relief for flood-damaged paddy fields in Alayadivembu, Thirukkovil, Karaitivu and Navithanveli, and requested the construction of proper drainage canals in Alayadivembu to prevent recurring flood damage. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla, making his maiden speech, argued that Badulla’s current disaster impacts reflect long-term failures in governance affecting education, health, agriculture, the environment, and disaster preparedness. He said 103 families and 3,844 people had been affected, with one death, eight hospitalizations, and about 104 acres of farmland destroyed, and criticized the lack of Opposition presence to address these issues. He called for urgent reforms to reservoir management, including lowering water levels ahead of heavy rains, insurance or protection for downstream communities, sirens, warning signs, evacuation guidance, and early warning systems, citing the midnight opening of the Ulhitiya-Rathkinda spill gates in the Mahaweli “C” area. He also thanked Mahaweli Authority, Divisional Secretariat, and relief officials for their response efforts while urging MPs to work directly with affected communities. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna said he was prepared to support the national government’s constructive initiatives, including on an independent basis, while noting his electoral support in Chavakachcheri, Jaffna. He highlighted flooding in the pediatric ward of Jaffna Teaching Hospital after recent rains and called for efficient future construction in Jaffna, offering his cooperation without seeking any return. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Krishnan Kalaichelvi thanked voters in Nuwara Eliya for electing five National People’s Power MPs and used her maiden speech to focus on disaster impacts in the district, particularly among estate Tamil communities. She said recent monsoon rains affected about 1,500 people from 480 families, damaged estate housing and agricultural livelihoods, and prompted NPP MPs, the District Development Committee Chairman and officials to inspect affected areas and coordinate relief. She attributed recurring disaster risks to past governments’ irregular construction, poor drainage and disregard of NBRO landslide warnings, and pledged that the Government would pursue scientific solutions for housing and related facilities. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised disaster impacts in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, citing large-scale displacement, damage to paddy cultivation, livestock deaths, road damage, unrepaired tanks, and losses to agriculture, livestock and fisheries. He requested adequate compensation based on damage assessments, immediate provision of seed paddy, urgent rehabilitation of about 157 tanks, repair of agricultural and local roads and drainage, and support for fisherfolk and livestock farmers. He also proposed relocating repeatedly flood-affected settlements to higher ground with housing schemes, while noting that previous governments, including during his own tenure, had not resolved these issues due to constraints. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said Cyclone “Fengal” and rains since 21 November had affected 141,151 families, mostly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with 18 deaths and around 20 injuries reported. He outlined government actions including formalizing disaster management responsibilities by Gazette, presidential directives for immediate relief, ministerial visits to Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee, increased relief allocations, and deployment of security forces and officials. He argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen disaster preparedness, citing climate change, monsoon patterns, unplanned development and environmental degradation as factors increasing recurring flood and landslide risks. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa described the impact of recent Northeast monsoon flooding in Ampara, including damage to roads, culverts, bridges, drainage, houses, agricultural infrastructure and fisheries, and noted that eight people died, including six madrasa students. He said NPP MPs had visited affected areas, coordinated with district and divisional officials, and assured residents that compensation and assistance would be expedited. He also criticized past development failures, citing the unusable Oluvil harbour, and called for future disaster mitigation while thanking local welfare groups, fishermen, swimmers and the tri-forces for relief efforts. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman raised the impact of recent extreme weather in Nuwara Eliya, stating that 1,495 people had been affected, with many unable to return to unsafe estate line rooms after rain and landslides. He argued that repeated disaster-related displacement in the plantation sector reflects a systemic problem and called for land rights and permanent housing solutions, including the possible allocation of unoccupied houses in Dunsinane estate to affected families. He urged the Government, the Ministry of Estate Infrastructure, plantation companies, and the new Deputy Minister responsible for plantations to intervene, prevent families from being sent back to high-risk areas, and deliver relief and long-term resettlement solutions. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran thanked voters in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya and highlighted severe recent disaster impacts in the North and East, including flooding, deaths, crop losses, livestock losses and damage to fishing livelihoods. He requested relief for affected farmers, livestock rearers and fisherfolk based on official statistics, while acknowledging district-level assessments and emergency work by officials and MPs. He also called for a new project in the next Budget to replace the damaged Vattuvakal Bridge in Mullivaikkal East, noting its wartime damage, monsoon risks and use by around 40,000 people. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister expressed condolences for those affected by the recent cyclone and floods in Sri Lanka and India, and said emergency responses were carried out by the Disaster Management Centre, public officials, armed forces, and volunteers with unusual coordination and commitment. He detailed relief and transport arrangements in flood-prone parts of Matara, including efforts to ensure A/L candidates reached examination centres, and thanked named officials and defence personnel involved. He provided figures on disaster relief allocations and spending, noted emergency assistance from China, and stated that any allegations of wrongdoing should be raised, while mentioning a CID referral regarding alleged irregularities in Ampara relief distribution during the 2023–2024 floods. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam alleged that the World Bank-funded Strategic Cities Development Project in Jaffna was implemented without local institutional participation, adequate technical data, or qualified oversight, and urged the Government and Prime Minister to investigate possible corruption and negligence linked to recent severe flooding. He also said flooding in Batticaloa was worsened by the uncoordinated simultaneous opening of tank sluice gates. He further appealed for funds to construct breakwaters, deepen channels, and improve coastal protection for Northern fisherfolk whose boats were damaged after the cyclone, while asking that alleged corruption under the previous fisheries minister be examined. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said the Vanni District, particularly Mannar and Mullaitivu, suffered serious flood damage due to inadequate drainage, raised roads obstructing water flow, and poorly planned projects such as the Mannar wind power development. He urged the Government to prioritize drainage infrastructure, rehabilitate breached and vulnerable small tanks, and address immediate risks to villages. He requested relief for affected paddy, pulse and vegetable farmers through loan grace periods or waivers, and compensation for fisherfolk who were unable to go to sea, while acknowledging recent ministerial attention and funding for the affected districts. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns over recurrent flooding in Ampara and Kalmunai/Kalkudah, including an alleged incident where the Valathapitty tank bund was cut and worsened village flooding, and called for a proper inquiry. He urged improved drainage planning, consultation with affected communities, completion of unfinished gabion wall, dredging, and channel-widening works, and construction of flood protection embankments along vulnerable rivers. He also requested revival of the World Bank/ADB-funded Climate Resilience Improvement Project to finance drainage and flood-resilience infrastructure, and asked that crop insurance be extended urgently to vegetable and fruit farmers in both up-country and low-country areas. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary K. Ilankumaran used his maiden speech to report on recent flood impacts in the Northern Province, stating that 51,171 families and 171,536 persons were affected across Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, with two deaths recorded. He said advance warnings and coordinated clearing of drainage channels helped reduce casualties, while 82 relief camps were established and food, essentials, medical support and mosquito nets were provided. He requested continued relief for damage to fishing boats, nets, crops and houses, and acknowledged assistance from ministers, local authorities, fellow MPs and diaspora networks. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra outlined the impact of the recent cyclone-related disaster, giving district-level figures for deaths, displaced families, damaged houses, roads and welfare camps, particularly in Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families. He said the Government, security forces and police acted quickly despite some shortcomings, and argued that many flood-related problems stem from long-standing failures such as poor drainage maintenance, blocked waterways, unsafe bridges, encroachments, minor tank issues and politically influenced sand mining. He stated that the Government intends to pursue longer-term disaster-management reforms, including updating the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, using technical expertise and new technology, securing funding, and involving non-state organizations and communities in preparedness and response. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah thanked voters and pledged support for constructive measures of the new National People’s Power Government, while urging implementation of the President’s policy programme. He highlighted severe flood damage in Batticaloa District and requested immediate assistance for affected families staying temporarily with relatives or friends before entering camps, as well as equipment and support to clear and rehabilitate canals and drainage systems. He also supported the President’s focus on developing the IT sector, citing SLASSCOM’s Vision 2030 proposals to achieve US$5 billion in exports, a 200,000-strong workforce and 1,000 start-ups through STEM expansion, public-private partnerships, student financing, scholarships, and reskilling programmes. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne said the Opposition would act constructively while scrutinizing whether the President’s Policy Statement can be implemented in practical short-, medium- and long-term terms. He argued that Sri Lanka should continue the IMF programme as agreed, warning that reopening it could risk renewed economic instability, and called for clarity on public service reform and the future of loss-making State-owned enterprises such as SriLankan Airlines. He questioned reliance on expanded subsidies and welfare, urging priority for long-planned irrigation projects such as the North Central Maha Ela and Wayamba Canal to improve agricultural productivity. He also noted omissions from the Policy Statement, including the Government’s position on abolishing the Executive Presidency and broader parliamentary system reforms. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →