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- 17 March 2026 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the proposal and recalled his role in developing the 2023 anti-corruption law, arguing that institutions such as the Attorney General’s Department and CIABOC must be strengthened. He then raised concerns over the 2025–2026 coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Plant, alleging delays, inferior coal supplies, financial losses, and improper award of both the main and emergency tenders to Trident Chemphar Ltd. despite reported failures and prior blacklisting. He questioned why the Energy Minister remains in office after indictments were filed under the CIABOC Act, and cited alleged improper meetings with a bidder during the tender process, calling for decisive action. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Government has secured fuel stocks, tenders, and orders sufficient until August despite global oil price and logistics pressures linked to instability affecting supply routes. He stated that electricity cuts have been avoided so far, though load shedding may be necessary if conditions worsen, with priority given to public relief and keeping industry operating. He added that Sri Lanka currently has only about 22 days of storage capacity and is beginning projects to expand this to 45 days, while emphasizing that no special fuel quotas are given to MPs or Ministers. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned whether a stated matter was a printing error before seeking clarification on the Government’s preparedness for escalating Iran-Israel-US tensions. He argued that strategic and scenario planning should have anticipated impacts on energy security, citing reduced Norochcholai output over several days and the resulting reliance on diesel generation amid possible global shortages. He referred to PUCSL warnings of power cuts in April, June and July, and demanded a clear, data-driven plan to prevent load-shedding and consumer price increases. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on fuel supply, stating that daily risk assessments are being conducted and discussions are underway with contracted, alternative, and oil-producing country suppliers, including under a Cabinet-approved mechanism for non-registered suppliers. He outlined current fuel sufficiency dates for diesel and petrol grades, said there is no separate emergency petroleum stock, and noted that a committee has been appointed for emergency procurements and prioritised quota allocations to essential institutions. He said crude tenders for WTI, Saharan Blend, and Miri Light were to be opened that day, QR quotas would not be generally revised except for scientifically assessed special cases, and discussions on Russian supplies and access to IEA releases were continuing. The Minister attributed uncertainty to global logistical constraints linked to the war, including insurance and shipping difficulties, and said the Government was managing supplies daily to avoid prolonged power cuts while acknowledging possible cost increases. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa asked the Government to provide current, accurate data on petroleum stocks and the number of days they would last, questioning recent price increases despite earlier assurances on fuel reserves. He called for the removal of all taxes on fuel in line with promised ex-wharf pricing, and requested details of any strategic reserve, contingency plans, and impact assessments for global oil price rises and Middle East supply disruptions. He also raised concerns over the reactivated QR-based fuel distribution system, including inadequate quotas, registration problems after vehicle transfers, and the need to revise allocations for transport, agriculture, fisheries, health, tourism, and other essential sectors. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara acknowledged that inadequate court facilities are unacceptable and said long-standing infrastructure issues in courts are being addressed systematically. Referring to the specific court raised, he stated that the work is expected to be completed within the year and that efforts will be made to move the court into the proper building, avoiding continued rent payments. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Lal Premanath requested urgent completion of the relevant court facility, stating that current court proceedings are being held at a location lacking basic sanitary facilities for the public, witnesses and sureties. He also noted that holding sittings at Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya has disrupted religious activities at the heavily visited temple. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged that around 60 projects had been stalled due to the economic crisis when the government took office. He said action was initiated after the issue was raised through the District Coordination Committee and by letter, with Cabinet memoranda submitted and coordination undertaken with the Cabinet Secretariat and NBRO. He noted that recent cyclone conditions increased NBRO’s workload and caused delays, but stated that the aim is to complete the matter within the year. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Minister responded that the Morawaka court has operated since January 2021 in a rented building at Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya due to cracks and slope instability above the original court building, with a monthly rent of Rs. 440,000 and limited facilities. He said NBRO recommendations and updated designs have led to Cabinet-approved stabilization works, including reducing the retaining wall height and soil nailing, to be implemented with NBRO consultancy under an AIIB–Government of Sri Lanka funded landslide risk project. The work is expected to begin in April, be completed within six months, and allow repairs and reinstatement of the court in its original building by December. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns that a 900 MW coal plant is reportedly producing only about 780 MW because of low-quality coal, creating an estimated 120 MW shortfall that must be covered by diesel generation during a fuel-constrained period. He asked whether the Minister accepts this assessment and noted that COPE is also examining the matter. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy provided annual Lak Vijaya coal power plant generation figures by unit for 2020-2025 and tabled annexes detailing planned and unplanned shutdowns, including dates, frequency, and reasons. He stated that some outages resulted from external system failures, transmission faults, or System Control Centre instructions during low demand. Comprehensive system-wide disruption data was not immediately available due to CEB restructuring, and he requested two weeks to submit it. He also outlined measures to reduce future tripping and prolonged outages, including control logic and protection-setting improvements and steps to prevent turbine diaphragm failures. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Minister of Energy to provide details on the Norochcholai “Lak Vijaya” Power Plant’s contribution to the National Grid from 2020 to date, including the number and dates of breakdowns during that period. He also sought information on the resulting power supply disruptions, the reasons for frequent generator failures, and the measures planned to address them. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply presented the 2023 Annual Report of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the motion was agreed to. Tabling of Reports and Papers Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation presented the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka’s Annual Report for 2024. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the House agreed. Tabling of Reports and Papers Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake presented the 2023 Annual Report of the State Development and Design Corporation. He moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the motion was agreed to. Tabling of Reports and Papers Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe defended the state of emergency as a necessary framework for disaster response following Cyclone Ditwah, arguing that it is being used to coordinate institutions, resettle displaced people, and provide infrastructure rather than suppress dissent. He cited figures from Kegalle District, stating that 3,756 people require resettlement by 31 December 2026, and referred to ongoing work to address both current cyclone-affected families and unresolved displacement from the 2016 Aranayake landslide. He contrasted this with past uses of emergency powers, including during 1971, 1983, 2000-2009 and 2022, and said no recent protests had been repressed under the current emergency. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne opposed extending the Emergency, arguing that while it was justified during Cyclone “Ditwah,” the Government had not shown a current necessity and could use existing presidential powers for short-term fuel or gas supply concerns. He said the Emergency should be used to deliver practical relief rather than control the public, citing unresolved transport disruptions, delayed railway repairs, inadequate bus services, pending damage assessments, limited compensation, and lack of resettlement land in affected areas including Gampola, Mawatugama, Ududumbara, Gangoda, Doluwa and Rajathalawa. He requested clear timelines from the Government on rail restoration, compensation, assessments, shelter and land allocation, while urging preparation for possible fuel risks linked to the Iran situation through proper procedures. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar said the Emergency declared during Cyclone “Ditwah” should be used to maintain essential services, not to intimidate online critics, and questioned the Government’s handling of social media and promised amendments to the Online Safety Bill. He raised concerns over allegedly substandard coal supplied to Norochcholai, citing PUCSL findings of reduced generation capacity, high ash content, shipment delays, and an estimated Rs. 8,497 million loss from nine ships. He warned that continued use of such coal could lead to power cuts or costly diesel generation, and called for penalties, accountability, and for Members of Parliament to inspect Norochcholai before costs are passed to consumers. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera said relief following the “Dittu” emergency remained inadequate despite the Opposition’s initial support, noting delays in payments for damaged household goods, housing assistance, alternative accommodation, and compensation for deceased or missing persons. He urged the Government to urgently begin disbursing the promised Rs. 500,000 support for families in red zones and fully affected households through a clear process. He also raised concerns that local officials lacked stable circulars, legal cover, resources, and technical assessments needed to release funds without personal risk, while the Government sought to extend the emergency. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne defended the Government’s extension of the emergency, arguing it was necessary to coordinate relief, restore infrastructure, and support communities affected by the “Dittu” disaster while the country was recovering from bankruptcy. She said the Government had acted neutrally and in accordance with international law in relation to the Middle East conflict, citing rescue and recovery operations involving sailors and bodies from vessels. She outlined the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” mechanism and its subcommittees, reported Disaster Management Centre figures on affected families and persons in safety centres, and called for psychosocial support for victims. She rejected Opposition allegations of misuse of emergency powers and asked for evidence rather than general claims. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →