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- 21 January 2026 Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna rejected claims that the Government ignored disaster forecasts, citing Disaster Relief Service Guidelines No. 01/2025, which he said had established advance procedures and empowered district and divisional officials to act immediately. He stated that relief was handled through formal grama, divisional and district committees rather than party organisers, and that Opposition Members could participate in District Coordinating Committees. He reported progress on restoring roads, clarified that Divisional Secretaries had not threatened withdrawal, and said 525 deaths had been legally confirmed with compensation payments under way, while housing assistance would be based on damage assessments and unsafe sites would not be used for resettlement. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary As of 21 January 2026, Rs. 45.7 billion had been released through District Secretariats to Divisional Secretariats for disaster relief, contradicting claims that no funds were released. Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne detailed relief measures in Nuwara Eliya, including compensation for 55 deaths, cleaning grants, item replacement assistance, and school support, and said temporary shelter and 212 acres for resettlement were being arranged. She rejected allegations concerning the Kotmale reservoir and political appointments, challenged critics to file cases if evidence exists, and urged that the disaster response not be politicised. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody said Cyclone “Michaung” caused severe damage and loss of life, and that the Government mobilised administrative officials and relevant agencies for the response. He rejected claims of inadequate warnings, explaining that the cyclone formed close to Sri Lanka, moved slowly across the island, and was monitored through the Department of Meteorology, the Irrigation Department, and regional systems including the RSMC in New Delhi. He argued that Sri Lanka should strengthen disaster preparedness through investment in equipment, data and technical capacity, noting that climate change is intensifying extreme weather and that rebuilding livelihoods remains a priority. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka defended the Government’s post-Cyclone “Michaung” relief response, citing payment figures for cleaning grants and other assistance and outlining compensation for damaged housing, school supplies, farmers, household items, and small and medium industries. He said housing reconstruction and relocation are proceeding based on NBRO assessments of safe land, with efforts to keep affected families within their communities where possible, despite delays caused by shortages of technical officers. Referring particularly to Kandy District, he noted extensive damage including 243 deaths and 173 damaged schools, and urged Members not to politicise disaster relief. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister reported extensive cyclone damage, including deaths, missing persons, housing losses, and damage to irrigation infrastructure, and said restoration and compensation work had begun with official and volunteer support. He rejected claims of impending food shortages and said the Government had expanded agricultural compensation beyond previous schemes, paying Rs. 60,000 per acre and covering vegetables and fruits as well as traditional crops, with remaining payments expected to be completed shortly. He also criticized past governments’ handling of farmer payments and disaster relief, while stating that damaged tanks, anicuts and canals would be repaired and that current relief funds were being directed to affected people. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that unsafe settlements and unauthorized constructions remain a long-term consequence of inadequate planning. He outlined measures to revive industries affected by recent damage, including the IRFP to connect major enterprises with 200 affected industries, Industrial Development Board assessments for machinery replacement, possible tax relief, and UNDP-supported guarantee and risk systems. He also called for a national approach to flood insurance, especially for riverbank businesses, and for embedding risk management and business continuity planning in industrial development. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna responded to references to her father’s political role, stating that past disaster resettlement in Udasiyapattuwa and Etanwala had been carried out through proper procedures by relocating affected people to Nochchiyagama. She called for a similarly structured resettlement process and better future disaster preparedness, emphasizing that the issue should not be used for political attacks. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary During the debate on recovery from the “@OOo” cyclone, the Deputy Minister said the Government’s priority was to restore affected industries and businesses, with over 90 per cent of large industries resuming within one to two weeks after road, power and water services were restored. He outlined Ministry actions including a dedicated Disaster Management Centre, use of floodsupport.org to collect business data, Rs. 200,000 grants for MSMEs, and a target to pay 6,370 agency-linked beneficiaries by 31 January. He also cited Central Bank moratoria, subsidized credit facilities, a Rs. 10 billion on-lending scheme, a corporate-supported Industry Recovery Foster Programme, and plans for machinery replacement support, credit guarantees, risk management, insurance, and a national industrial resilience plan. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem urged that post-cyclone reconstruction be made resilient to future disasters, highlighting severe coastal erosion in Ampara and the Eastern Province affecting burial grounds, fisheries infrastructure, and heritage mosques, and calling for increased funding, permanent revetments, groynes, and alternative burial land. He cited damage to irrigation bunds, roads, and paddy fields in Batticaloa and requested urgent repairs, particularly to the breached Kaluwamadu bund. He also raised delays and confusion in compensation schemes in Mutur and Kandy, including ambiguity over housing damage categories, kitchen repair payments, and small-business grants, and asked the Government to clarify circulars so officials can disburse assistance promptly. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep defended the Government’s response to the recent “Hour” cyclone, stating that relief efforts were carried out swiftly with support from officials, public representatives, NGOs, the diaspora and foreign leaders, while accusing the Opposition of politicizing shortcomings. He said plantation workers would receive a daily wage of Rs. 1,750 from 10 February and criticized Opposition members over their stance on wage increases. He also announced that, following NBRO guidance, safe land would be identified for affected Hill Country residents and that 7,000 houses with 10 perches of land would be built and handed over in 2026 as the first phase of assistance. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said communities in several parts of Ampara District were severely affected by Cyclone Ditva, with prolonged loss of electricity, transport and communications preventing timely reporting of damage, and urged that reporting deadlines be extended and compensation granted for damaged homes and lost livestock as in other areas. He also called for urgent coastal protection measures, including rock revetments, in Thirukkovil, Karaitivu and Maligaikadu, citing erosion that threatens livelihoods, places of worship and cemeteries. He further requested the Government to present a plan to Parliament for national preparedness amid possible global conflict, including protection of the economy, essential supplies, fuel stocks and domestic production. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe defended the Government’s disaster response, saying it restored essential services and normalcy within two weeks after severe damage to power, transport, water, housing, agriculture and industry affecting over 600,000 families. He argued that the President and Ministers provided the leadership needed for the State machinery to respond, while acknowledging weaknesses in the existing Disaster Management Act mechanism. He outlined the housing reconstruction programme, reporting about 6,000 fully damaged and 109,000 partially damaged houses, with Rs. 500,000 for fully destroyed homes and initial Rs. 50,000 payments, rising to a maximum of Rs. 250,000 after assessment, for partial damage. He said disbursements had begun for 1,150 families, with the Government prioritizing safe resettlement and restoration of livelihoods. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said the Opposition cooperated in disaster relief but criticised delays in housing, land allocation, compensation and resettlement, questioning why the Government had not invoked Sections 11 and 12 of the Disaster Management Act to declare a state of disaster and mobilize resources. He sought clarity on promised compensation, renter support, safe relocation, and implementation circulars, and called for NBRO-led scientific interventions, stronger regulations, a dedicated disaster management Cabinet ministry, better equipment for relevant agencies, expedited Doppler radar installation, and an international donor conference. He also proposed Opposition support for any IMF renegotiation to ease programme conditions, urged relief for MSMEs affected by debt and CRIB blacklisting, and called for more respectful terminology and land grants for the estate community. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna welcomed the Motion and stated that the Government had approved Rs. 5,000 million to support an increase in estate workers’ daily wage from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750, effective from January and payable by February 10. He outlined the scale of damage from Cyclone “Ditwah”, citing Disaster Management Centre and NBRO figures for Matale and nationally, and said relief payments, resettlement, school repairs and irrigation restoration were progressing with support from State agencies, security forces and volunteers. He argued that, despite shortcomings, the disaster response had been effectively managed and called for a constructive Opposition and national cooperation, while also referring to Government efforts against narcotics, organized crime, corruption and fraud. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne supported the call for a plan after Cyclone “Ditwah” but criticized the proposed Select Committee composition as inadequate for accountability, urging a genuinely empowered, fact-based inquiry into dam operations, evacuations and the roles of Engineers-in-Charge. He alleged failures in water management at Kotmale, including removal of an experienced technical officer, lack of controlled pre-releases, poor communication and emergency coordination, and called for practical evacuation plans for each dam. He proposed reforming the Disaster Management Centre into an independent authority with statutory powers, modelled on FEMA, to coordinate warnings, resources and local officials during disasters. He also rejected claims that Ambuluwawa caused flooding in Gampola and denied allegations regarding cable-car investments and Ambuluwawa revenues, inviting investigation while cautioning against derailing projects through rumours. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna warned that the disaster had caused 474 deaths and said the Government would bear responsibility for further loss of life or damage if adequate preventive action was not taken. Citing NBRO risk reports for Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Kegalle, she called for advance preparedness, a ten-year Central Highlands Conservation and Development Programme overseen by experts to manage river outflows and reduce flooding, and an all-party, expert-led national disaster management plan with relief for affected people. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna said the promised Rs. 1,000,000 compensation for disaster-related deaths had not been paid and alleged that Opposition MPs were excluded from district-level disaster management activities. She criticized politicization of relief distribution, lack of clear guidelines for officials, and the involvement of “Praja Shakthi” committees in administrative functions. Citing NBRO guidance on high-risk areas such as Puwakpitiya, Alakolamada, Alkaduwa, Watagoda and Yatawatta, she asked whether safe evacuation sites and durable relocation or protection measures had been identified. She urged the Government to implement a structured post-disaster management programme rather than relying on publicity. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna stressed the need for accurate, district-level data on damage from Cyclone “Ditwah” to guide relief and future disaster planning, noting that such information had still not been properly provided to Parliament nearly a month later. Citing UN, ILO, World Bank and Disaster Management Centre figures, she outlined extensive deaths, missing persons, displacement, damage to infrastructure, hospitals, livelihoods and economic losses, including specific impacts in Matale and Laggala. She criticised the Government’s preparedness, response and post-disaster relief management, and questioned delays and practical obstacles in delivering promised compensation, housing support, rent assistance and aid to affected families. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna moved an Adjournment Motion on the devastation caused by Cyclone “Ditwah,” arguing that the Government bore responsibility for inadequate action on prior meteorological warnings and had not presented clear data or a coherent disaster management plan. She called for structured post-disaster rebuilding, including compensation, resettlement, livelihood restoration, infrastructure, disease prevention and psychosocial care, and criticized the lack of written guidelines from relevant authorities on compensation, landslide risk zones and displaced persons. She urged the immediate preparation and implementation of an emergency disaster management plan using international benchmarks, with the involvement of MPs and local representatives. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details on the “Nearest School—the Best School” infrastructure projects in the Matara District, including total expenditure and the numbers completed and incomplete. He also sought information on why two teacher quarters at Urubokka National School cannot be used and what steps will be taken to make them usable. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order clarification Read →