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 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill, arguing that it would legalize and professionalize an important logistics sector while promoting fair competition, revenue generation, and digital connectivity. He said Sri Lanka must align depot operations with international standards such as ASYCUDA and strengthen its logistics performance if it is to become a regional hub. He also raised concerns over shipping lines extracting value without adequate returns to local operators, Customs clearance delays causing demurrage costs, and revenue from foreign-operated terminals leaving the country, and asked that the relevant Minister or Deputy Minister respond to these issues. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the Government’s record in Puttalam, stating that work had begun within a year to upgrade the Puttalam Base Hospital and pledging to complete the necessary arrangements and open the Puttalam–Mannar road for public travel. He accused former ministers of using the needs of displaced communities and election promises for political gain without securing services, and said legal cases by their supporters had obstructed the road opening. He also rejected allegations that the Government promoted racism, arguing that the NPP had reduced communal rhetoric and vandalism, while providing flood relief and pursuing anti-corruption, proper use of foreign funds, rule of law, and macroeconomic stability. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that reducing trade and logistics barriers is necessary to lower the cost of goods, urging legal and regulatory reforms to speed imports and exports. Referring to the Manning Market, he requested additional entry and exit routes to ease congestion caused by wholesale, fish market, and produce traffic. He also responded to allegations about his visit to India with other MPs, explaining the delegation arrangements and criticizing what he described as politically motivated claims about the trip. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister supported the three Bills before the House, stating that they form part of the Government’s broader programme to stabilize institutions, laws, and economic management, including establishing a statutory framework for real estate professionals. He said macroeconomic indicators, including foreign reserves of USD 6.8 billion after vehicle import expenditure, show stabilization, and defended procurement processes such as coal tenders as transparent and competitive. He also outlined the Government’s response to the recent cyclone, including housing assistance of Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses and up to Rs. 250,000 for partially damaged houses, noting that payments had begun for 136 fully damaged and 1,580 partially damaged houses while delays were due to verification and rebuilding requirements. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen opposed the Government’s position on the Mannar–Puttalam road, arguing that it is a long-established public B-class road whose closure would unfairly affect residents and travellers by adding about 100 kilometres to journeys between the North-West and the North. He said that past administrations and relevant agencies had previously supported public use of the road, but alleged that under the current Government the Forest and Wildlife authorities had effectively sided with petitioners seeking its closure, without a court order mandating such closure. He called on the Government to honour earlier commitments, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stated pledge to open the road, and warned that his side would oppose any move to permanently close it. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Bills relating to real estate professionals, container depot operators, and licensing of ship agents and related operators, arguing that they form part of the Government’s reforms to strengthen economic and industrial development. He said the Government had restored macroeconomic stability after the country’s recent crisis and was addressing past weaknesses, corruption, and institutional failures. He also criticized the Opposition over its handling of issues such as School Development Officers, claims about religion, and references to war heroes, while stating that the Government would allow legal institutions to act independently against corruption and crime. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara spoke during debate on the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill, but focused mainly on rebutting opposition allegations and defending the Government’s anti-corruption and law-enforcement agenda. He argued that investigations into past murders, assaults, disappearances, procurement issues, and alleged corruption—including the MIG deal—were part of the Government’s electoral promises, and said special courts for major fraud and corruption were now functioning. He also rejected claims about religious suppression, housing failures, container irregularities, and coal procurement misconduct, while citing past landslide resettlement delays and urging the Opposition to abandon communal politics and respond to ongoing investigations. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the Bill to establish the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka as a means to attract skilled professionals and investors, including emigrated Sri Lankans, while expanding entrepreneurship, exports, and employment without discrimination. He urged reforms to university curricula so graduates develop practical skills, self-employment capacity, and job-creation abilities rather than relying mainly on government employment. He also raised concerns about the Batticaloa railway service, stating that reduced coaches and altered timetables had lowered revenue and inconvenienced commuters, and requested restoration of the previous train schedule and rolling stock. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Government’s economic management, stating that the IMF programme is on track, the next tranche is expected on time, and debt service, fiscal targets, inflation and interest rates are being managed within the programme framework. He argued that logistics and transport are central to export growth and said the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill responds to industry demands by regulating depots, reducing congestion, setting service and price standards, and empowering the Director-General of Merchant Shipping, alongside digital port reforms such as the Port Community System and Single Window. He also supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka, as a measure to professionalize the sector through standards, accountability and stakeholder consultation, while urging the Opposition to engage constructively through committee processes. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku JJB AI summary Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku outlined progress on the East Container Terminal, noting that quay works are complete, yard integration is expected by month-end, and straddle carrier procurement has been restarted after earlier irregularities. He said congestion is driven largely by inefficient handling of the domestic import/export share of Colombo Port traffic, and that the Bill would regulate container depot operators through licensing, service standards, pricing oversight, minimum tariffs, and infrastructure requirements. He also referred to plans to open an elevated highway ramp by end-March to move green-channel containers directly to inspection facilities and ease port circulation. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku supported the Bills under debate, including the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, as necessary for regulating depot operations and improving efficiency around port activity. He reported that the Port of Colombo exceeded 8 million TEUs for the first time and outlined plans to expand capacity through the WCT, ECT and JCT to approach 15 million TEUs by year-end. He said the ECT project had been accelerated since late 2024 despite procurement-related delays, with partial yard completion and operations expected to commence during the month. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake presented three Bills, including the Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Sri Lanka Bill, and said the latter would establish a regulated professional body for the expanding real estate sector. He argued that regulation is needed to improve governance, ethics, investor confidence, financial transparency, and AML/CFT compliance, noting risks identified by the Financial Intelligence Unit and the forthcoming FATF assessment. He also said the Institute would support graduates and professionals in property management, valuation and investment analysis by creating licensing standards and an ethical framework. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan said the court record indicated continued confusion over the road issue in Mannar, noting that the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s position that the road would not be opened to the public had led to the withdrawal of the matter. He argued this did not provide a permanent solution and urged the Government to convene stakeholders, set a date, and act quickly to reach a people-friendly resolution after years of dispute. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake — Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary The Minister said the Puttalam–Mannar B-379 road section through Wilpattu National Park is currently unsuitable for transport and cannot be maintained or opened for public use beyond the limits set by the Supreme Court order in SC/FR/224/2010. He noted that the order prohibits public through traffic and general entry into the Park, while allowing only gravel-road maintenance and limited lawful access. He said the Government would consult Mannar representatives, relevant agencies, and the Environment Minister to seek a solution that balances transport needs with protection of Wilpattu, including considering feasible alternative routes. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question seeking the reopening of the Puttalam–Eluvankulam–Mannar B-379 road for public transport, arguing that it is an RDA-maintained national road historically used as a key North–South link. He disputed claims that court action or wildlife concerns justified its closure, stating that no court ban was imposed and that transport had continued until 2019. He asked whether the Department of Wildlife Conservation had authority to block public transport on the road, alleged officials had misled the President at a district coordinating committee meeting, and requested prompt ministerial action to reopen the route. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) seeking details on planned reforms to the Ceylon Electricity Board, including institutional changes, the timeline for Time-of-Use tariffs, and their impact on different consumer categories. He asked whether reported reforms or liquidation steps have stakeholder and trade union consent, how Cyclone “Ditwah” costs of about Rs. 20 billion are being funded or recovered, and whether tariff increases included recovery of VRS and street lighting costs with Cabinet and PUCSL approval. He also sought clarification on cross-subsidy changes, financing for transmission and distribution upgrades, concerns over BESS prioritization and renewable curtailment, and measures to ensure an open, renewable-friendly energy policy, while requesting an inquiry into the handling and timing of his submitted question. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary An answer was tabled detailing the national highway network maintained by the Road Development Authority, comprising 4,217.42 km of A class roads, 8,045.42 km of B class roads, and 315.8 km of expressways, while C and D class roads fall under Provincial Councils. It listed road development projects initiated from 2019 to 2024, including foreign-funded, government-funded, expressway, coastal, and regional road programmes. The response stated that 3,827.90 km of roads were developed under these projects, including 386.25 km in Kurunegala District at a cost of Rs. 18,988 million. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of the Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to provide details on Sri Lanka’s A, B, C and D grade roads, including the length of each category and the institutions responsible for their maintenance. He also requested information on road development projects initiated from 2015 to 2024, the kilometres developed, whether such projects included the Kurunegala District, the extent of roads built there, and the total expenditure. Oral Question: SLEAS Recruitment, Road Development, and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister to respond on whether electricity consumers can expect a one-third reduction in bills. He cited data that 38 percent of electricity is coal-generated and questioned whether the lower calorific value of coal, reportedly below 5,300, is increasing thermal generation costs. He also referred to a statement by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa on renewable energy and Battery Energy Storage System costs, seeking clarification in that context. Oral Question: Private Electricity Generating Companies (Q.313/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake challenged the ruling that his matter fell under Standing Order 27(2) and objected to receiving only annexures after waiting 14 months for a response. He asked for details on electricity generation volumes and unit costs, linking the request to prior commitments to reduce tariffs by one-third and arguing that renewable generation should enable a 35–40 per cent tariff reduction for consumers. Oral Question: Private Electricity Generating Companies (Q.313/2024) Read →