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- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that the Trincomalee oil tanks require rehabilitation before they can be used, noting that 24 tanks remain with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation while others had previously been transferred to India. He said rehabilitation has begun on four of the 24 tanks, with two completed and pipeline installation underway, and emphasized that storage can only begin after this work is finished. On Norochcholai coal plant environmental concerns, he said relevant agencies would report any damage and the Government would take appropriate action. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government is ensuring uninterrupted coal-based power generation and that petroleum supplies are not facing disruption. He said existing Ceylon Petroleum Corporation storage tanks are being used at maximum capacity and that construction has begun on nine new tanks. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to maintaining energy security despite external risks such as global conflict. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hector Appuhamy questioned the Minister responsible for coal about reported imports of substandard coal that have reduced Norochcholai Power Plant output from 900 MW to about 600 MW, limiting electricity supply. He warned that reliance on costly generator-based power amid global oil supply disruptions and limited local fuel stocks could create a severe domestic crisis, and asked what steps the Government would take to prevent such a situation. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary No generator was purchased for Norochcholai’s cooling system; two generator units donated by China in 2015 were handed to the Ceylon Electricity Board and allocated to the Lakvijaya Power Plant. The Minister stated that the plant normally uses auxiliary power from its own units or the national grid, and that engineers, the construction company and the design institute are testing whether the donated generators can supply the cooling system during a total blackout, after which required modifications and deployment will be undertaken. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Minister of Energy for details on a generator reportedly brought to the Norochcholai Thermal Power Plant to support cooling needed to control generator heat. He sought the date of its procurement, the amount spent, whether the Minister was aware it had not yet been used, and what action would be taken regarding the matter. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas defended the 2025–2026 coal procurement, arguing that the Opposition had misstated the country’s coal requirement and that the tender followed the same specifications used in 2023 with approvals for the 21-day bidding period and an extension. He said suppliers had been pre-registered for quality, financial capacity and supply capability, and that the selected purchase price of USD 98 per metric ton avoided costs associated with an earlier proposed three-year tender at USD 324 per metric ton. He also stated that penalties and claims for substandard coal have been part of past procurements, that pending recoveries could reduce tariffs, and that the Government would act against any supplier failing to meet standards. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Government to treat the coal procurement allegations as an opportunity for correction, particularly on procurement procedure, Public Finance Committee advice, coal quality, and risks to the power sector, rather than merely rejecting Opposition criticism. He questioned whether imports should continue if reports of substandard coal shipments are accurate, and said the Government must meet public expectations for clean governance after its large mandate. He also requested electricity expansion in vulnerable villages affected by wildlife threats and coordination between the Power and Wildlife Ministers, and called for public examinations to be adapted for visually impaired students by avoiding map- and image-based questions. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan raised concerns about the Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal power plant, alleging inadequate local employment, suspected poor coal quality, pollution impacts, and related health issues, and urged future tenders to prioritise high-quality coal. He also called on the Government to address recent security incidents, including a fatal shooting in Jindupitiya, and to act quickly on the release of translated Holy Quran copies, especially after floods damaged many copies. He further requested urgent action to open the Ilavankulam road, arguing that its closure obstructs development and lengthens travel to the North despite there being no court order requiring closure. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned coal procurement and testing procedures, arguing that the shift during his tenure from Load Port Reports to Discharge Port, Norochcholai lab, and independent testing addressed earlier anomalies, but that current shipments still showed quality failures. He said lower calorific value and higher ash content in recent coal shipments would reduce Norochcholai’s effective generation capacity and increase reliance on costlier thermal generation, creating a significant financial impact. He urged the Minister to adopt pricing tied to energy content, maximize plant efficiency, explain the legality and testing basis of recent shipments, and provide answers on emergency tenders. He also requested a timeline for CEB restructuring, including the proposed company structure, VRS implementation, union negotiations, and responses on cyclone-related CEB losses. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged a forward-looking approach to power and energy policy, citing President Anura Dissanayake’s 2005 May Day statement on reforming the trade union movement. He questioned the short public consultation period for the new National Electricity Policy, noting that comments were invited only from 12 to 19 February despite the Public Utilities Commission’s usual 21-day requirement, and contrasted it with the six-month consultation period for the 2019 policy when he was Minister. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa defended the Government’s coal procurement for the Norochcholai/Lakvijaya Power Plant, contrasting it with past practices of cancelled tenders and Cabinet-awarded purchases to preferred suppliers. He said the 2025 process registered 26 international suppliers, allowed 28 days for bids, received 10 bids, and included an appeal period with no objections lodged. He explained that coal quality is assessed through load port and discharge port reports, with penalties imposed for deviations, and noted past penalty amounts under previous years’ supplies. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding corruption and bank accounts, challenged them to provide specific evidence, and suggested the criticism was linked to the unsuccessful bidder. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir criticised both Government and Opposition for focusing on allegations and political point-scoring in the coal procurement adjournment debate while local problems remain unresolved. He urged action on the Oluvil fishery harbour and commercial port, either by making them operational or closing/removing structures causing erosion, and called for compensation for around 250 acres of coastal land reportedly lost from Maruthamunai to Thirukkovil. He also raised recent severe erosion in Nintavur and flood damage affecting farmers in Ampara, asking the Government to respond urgently. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika rejected Opposition allegations of fraud in an open coal tender, contrasting it with what he described as previous Cabinet-only coal awards without competitive tendering from 2023 to 2025. He denied that coal quality issues were driving a proposed 10% electricity tariff increase, stating that the CEB’s PUCSL applications cited other reasons, and argued that the Government was reducing power costs through competitive procurement of solar and battery storage. He also criticized personal allegations made against the Minister’s family and questioned prior coal awards to a company he linked to associates of the Rajapaksa family. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns over the coal tender and environmental compliance at the Norochcholai power plant, citing alleged failures in coal quality, contradictory inspection reports, and possible links to corruption. He asked whether the Continuous Emission Monitoring System was operating during January and February and called for an immediate investigation into rejected coal lots and the role of named individuals. He argued that substandard coal could breach the Environmental Protection Licence, damage plant machinery, increase reliance on expensive fuel, raise tariffs, cause blackouts, and worsen environmental harm in the Puttalam/Kalpitiya area. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody argued that current coal deliveries to the Norochcholai power plant are proceeding continuously and that delays arose from earlier procurement and stockpiling constraints, not from the present arrangements. He said plant data and monitoring show no evidence so far of turbine damage, boiler tube failures, FGD problems, or deterioration in ambient air quality from the disputed coal shipments, while acknowledging that longer-term effects would require detailed technical assessment. He also stated that inquiries are ongoing, enhanced testing has been instructed through the Ministry Secretary, and past procurement practices, including reliance on load port reports and uncollected penalties, need further examination. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha — Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Minister tabled an answer detailing Board of Investment-approved foreign investment projects from November 2024 to 31 January 2026. The response stated that 29 approved expansion projects amounted to an estimated US$419 million, while 78 new projects amounted to US$541.38 million, with India accounting for the largest share among new projects. It further reported that 45 projects had either commenced implementation or entered commercial operation, and said the BOI was coordinating with relevant agencies to expedite remaining projects subject to permits, environmental approvals, land selection, investor requirements, and statutory compliance. Oral Question: Investments Received (Finance Ministry); Point of Order on Question Scheduling Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that tourism development is being pursued islandwide rather than limited to a few regions, and confirmed that a programme is in place. He listed numerous identified tourism sites in the Puttalam District, including Kalpitiya, Chilaw, Wilpattu, Anawilundawa, Munneswaram, beaches, religious and archaeological sites, and nature-based attractions. He outlined ongoing and planned measures, including the North Western Province Tourism Master Plan, beach park and road infrastructure projects, sanitation facilities, lifeguard and guide training, the “Discover Kalpitiya” website, and proposed ADB-supported and environmental tourism zone developments. Oral Questions on Tourism, Agriculture and Deferred Question (Q.883/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary M.S. Abthul Wazeeth stated that only three of the seven roads approved under the i-Road Project in Pottuvil are currently being worked on. He requested completion of all i-Road rehabilitation works, including several roads arranged under the previous Government such as Nooranaya School Road, Kundumadu Road, Kudaikkallu Road, Absan School Road, Al-Mina School Road, and JICA Tsunami Road. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Welcoming the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill under “Clean Sri Lanka,” Nalin Bandara Jayamaha urged the Government to show measurable results by the following year. On the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, he highlighted prison overcrowding and criticized the absence of customary Christmas inmate releases as a sign of administrative inefficiency. He also warned of a serious gas supply risk, arguing that the selected supplier lacks sufficient logistics and shipping capacity despite only a small price advantage, and urged the Government to ensure stable supply, assess technical capacity, and consider bringing Litro Gas Lanka fully under state operation. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said he had previously warned Parliament that replacing the long-standing Omani state gas supplier with a Swiss company would lead to supply problems. He argued that the new supplier lacked adequate shipping capacity and experience in Asia, despite offering a price 15 US cents lower, and that reliability should have been considered given Litro’s importance to most consumers. He noted that he had raised this concern on 25 December and contrasted it with the Minister’s assurance that there would be no gas shortage. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →