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- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged a non-partisan approach to using the Colombo Port City and Sri Lanka’s geographic position to attract investment, particularly in offshore banking, insurance, digitalization, crypto regulation and service-sector activity. He questioned prioritizing housing within the Port City and called for stronger incentives, Central Bank action, and use of Mattala Airport to capture aviation opportunities arising from Middle East instability. He also pressed for urgent structural reforms, including SOE commercialization, action on SriLankan Airlines losses, trade agreements with Singapore, Thailand and India, and labour reforms to support digital economic growth. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe rejected Opposition claims of an imminent economic or power crisis, stating that Sri Lanka recorded 5 per cent growth last year, maintains resilient exports and remittances, and is managing external shocks including the Middle East conflict and fuel needs for industry. He outlined proposed regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, including changes to land allocation, building height limits, retail space requirements, open space parameters and business classifications, and said investor interest remains strong. He said the Government is facilitating fuel quotas for industries and SMEs through relevant agencies and local administration, while assuring that electricity continuity will be maintained through thermal generation if coal output falls. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa disputed the Government’s claim that there is no crisis, citing reduced generation at the Norochcholai coal power plant and alleging that substandard coal has increased ash output, caused repeated breakdowns, and threatens power supply reliability. He warned of environmental and health risks from excess fly ash, especially during the New Year closure of cement companies that normally purchase it, and referred to possible power cuts noted by the Public Utilities Commission. He argued that the resulting fuel and electricity pressures are affecting farmers, fishers, industries, transport workers and SMEs, and called for a relief programme using Treasury resources for vulnerable households and economic sectors. He also questioned whether investment and FDI can be attracted amid electricity instability and an ineffective QR fuel system. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister presented the second amendment to the Colombo Port City Development Regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act for Parliamentary approval, stating that it seeks to facilitate investment through rule-based land-use reallocations while keeping the total land extent unchanged. He outlined changes to land-use categories, public utilities, open spaces, transport facilities and service-use limits, with conditions to protect traffic circulation, internal mobility and external impacts. He linked the regulations to broader efforts to raise economic growth and investor confidence, citing forthcoming or ongoing legislation on public-private partnerships, investment protection and promotion, SOE reform, insolvency, and AML/CFT compliance. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath JJB AI summary Hon. T.B. Sarath raised a concern that unregistered 48 CC-type motorcycles used widely by farmers are being denied fuel at filling stations. He requested that a mechanism be introduced to allow fuel to be issued to these motorcycles, particularly in agricultural districts. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is reviewing the existing Master Plan for Bandaranaike International Airport with a view to increasing its capacity. He also said discussions have begun with several airlines to secure more scheduled flights to Sri Lanka, taking advantage of conditions in the Middle East. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Minister’s answer but asked that the Hingurakgoda Airport, referenced by the President, be included in the Government’s airport development plans. He proposed converting one VIP terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport into an active passenger terminal to ease congestion, noting the airport is operating above capacity. He urged the Government to use Mattala Airport to attract Middle Eastern carriers affected by regional turmoil, including through incentives such as free handling, and to expand cargo capacity to prevent losses in fisheries exports and earn foreign exchange. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on airline operations, passenger capacity and airport charges, stating that 29 scheduled airlines, including SriLankan Airlines and FitsAir, are approved for the winter 2025/2026 season with weekly one-way seat capacity of about 115,000 to 203,000. He said several Middle Eastern carriers and local airlines had reduced or cancelled frequencies due to the regional situation, while Aeroflot, Edelweiss and SalamAir had added flights, and tabled annexes with detailed seat, traffic, levy arrears and airport capacity data. He also set out current embarkation levy rates by airport, noting that the levy is included in ticket prices, collected by the Civil Aviation Authority from airlines and remitted to the Treasury twice weekly. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on the status of Sri Lanka’s aviation sector amid rising tourism, trade and travel demand. He asked the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation for detailed data on operating international airlines, passenger capacity, embarkation tax collection and arrears, arrivals and departures by airport from 2023 to 2025, and the levy due to Government. He also sought information on international and domestic airport capacities, utilization levels, planned infrastructure projects including Terminal 2 and regional upgrades, constraints on tourism growth, and the additional capacity expected from ongoing developments. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Economic Challenges and Aviation Sector Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. K. Kader Masthan) SJB AI summary An oral question was raised to the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government regarding the condition of multi-purpose service centres (Sevapiyasa) in the 153 Grama Niladhari Divisions of Mannar District. It sought details on divisions without proper offices, temporary alternative locations, renovation needs, lack of toilets, water and electricity, and disconnected electricity supply, and asked whether the Ministry recognizes the impact on public service delivery and what plans exist to address these shortages. Oral Question: Multi-Purpose Service Centres in Mannar District (Q.1455/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna outlined two education policy tracks: digitizing about 6,200 secondary schools through fibre or broadband connections by year-end, and reorganizing schools using criteria such as catchment population, transport access, teacher deployment, and infrastructure capacity. He stated that Rs. 500 million supported 31 schools last year, while Rs. 1 billion is allocated this year for 169 schools, with future emphasis on primary schools. He also detailed allocations for Pirivena and special education, national school infrastructure, estate sector schools, and pending “Nearest School – The Best School” projects, arguing that infrastructure funding is being targeted through defined programmes. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary The Minister said the auditorium project was initiated under the “Nearest School – The Best School” programme in 2016, began substantive work in 2019, and was delayed by COVID-19 before Cabinet approval was renewed in 2023. He stated that Rs. 36 million was allocated in 2024 for essential construction, and that the Engineering Department has been consulted on securing and completing the building, surroundings, interior finishes, seating, and fittings, with Ministry funding planned for completion in 2027. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera raised the need to urgently complete the auditorium under construction at Buttala Dutugemunu Central College, noting that it is the only National School in the Buttala Division and serves nearly 2,500 students. He said none of the 26 schools in the division has an auditorium, which affects school activities and participation in national-level competitions, and requested the Deputy Minister to state the plan for early completion and handover to students. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development for historical and current data on vehicle registration in Sri Lanka, including the establishment year of the Department of Motor Traffic, the prior registering authority, the year of the first motor vehicle registration, and annual registrations up to the Department’s creation. He also requested the number of registered motor vehicles as at 31 December 2025 and asked whether the Government earns revenue from vehicle emission certificates, including the amount received in 2025. Oral Question: Department of Motor Traffic: Registration of Vehicles (Q.1822/2026) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary The Department of Irrigation will lead planning and implementation of the project, with studies and reporting already carried out by officials. Delays were attributed to fiscal constraints and limited prior attention, but an operational plan is now being progressed in stages with a target to commence in 2027. Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath, answering on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, said the proposed Vee Oya reservoir near Yatiyantota is intended to support potable water supply, Kelani River flood mitigation, dry-season flow regulation for Colombo and surrounding areas, and possible hydropower generation. He stated that detailed design is underway under the CResMPA project, with implementation envisaged in 2027 subject to Cabinet approval, completed assessments, and World Bank support. He further said EIA and SIA reports are being prepared, preliminary studies identify 203 housing losses and 13 business losses, and landslide-risk studies by the National Building Research Organisation will inform design measures. Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha requested that fertilizer subsidies available to paddy farmers be extended to banana cultivators, citing the high cost of banana cultivation. He also raised concerns that shortages of petrol, diesel, and kerosene are affecting irrigation through agri-wells and disrupting transport and market access, with lorries not arriving from distant areas. He urged urgent measures to address these issues, particularly before the New Year. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is prioritizing fuel and energy allocation for essential sectors including agriculture, transport, industry, tourism and fisheries, with specific quotas for paddy harvesting, ploughing and threshing. He said supply-chain disruptions caused by external geopolitical pressures, rather than lack of Treasury funds, are the main challenge, and noted measures such as fuel support for distribution networks and a QR-linked app to assist tourist transport without queuing. He also stated that LPG demand had risen due to precautionary refilling, and outlined current and scheduled Litro imports intended to meet monthly requirements and secure future supply. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Parliament was asked to approve facilities for CIABOC to conduct systematic investigations, with the Minister noting that concerns about probes can be referred to the now-independent Commission. He outlined government measures, led by the President and approved by Cabinet, to manage fuel allocations amid the Middle East conflict and QR reintroduction, including registration of industrial fuel needs, quota allocation through relevant ministries and CPC agreements. He said priority arrangements are in place for export industries, logistics, food distribution and tourism, including identity protocols for guides and tourist vehicles, and that ministers review allocations every two days to avoid disruption. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne explained the reintroduction of the fuel QR code system as a precautionary measure to manage distribution amid global supply risks linked to the Middle East conflict, while stating that existing stocks remain sufficient for normal needs. He said the Government chose a rapid, phased rollout rather than advance notice or a temporary sales halt to avoid panic buying and economic disruption, with support mechanisms for vehicle ownership changes and mobile number issues. He reported that over 5.09 million users and 5.10 million vehicles were registered, including nearly 440,000 new vehicle registrations, and said the system was being supported by the same technical teams involved in 2023. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →