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- 20 January 2026 The Hon. R. G. Wijerathna JJB AI summary R. G. Wijerathna raised an Adjournment question on post-cyclone relief following the “896” cyclone, asking what arrangements will be made for compensation for partially and totally damaged houses, relief for affected businesses and its timeline, and attention to insurance compensation and loan relief for damaged property. He defended the Government’s initial disaster response and contrasted it with delays in past landslide resettlement cases in Nuwara Eliya, while criticizing Opposition allegations. He cited National Audit Office findings on the Disaster Management Centre, including unutilized funds, incomplete legal transfer of its headquarters, inactive early warning towers, delayed amendments to the Disaster Management Act, and incomplete multi-hazard profiling, arguing these showed longstanding administrative weaknesses in disaster management. Adjournment Debate - "8960" Cyclone Relief Measures and Constitutional Point of Order Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth thanked individuals who supported the construction of the Pottuvil Grand Jummah Mosque. He requested UDA intervention to build a modern public market with parking and a comfort centre in Arugambay and transfer it to the Pradeshiya Sabha as a revenue source. He also asked that the incomplete Maruthamunai Children’s Park be completed under the UDA and called for rehabilitation or completion of key roads in Bandiruppu-Maruthamunai-Neelavanai and Tsunami Relocate-Islam Nagar-Cemetery areas. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy responded to questions on the 2025–2026 coal procurement, stating that the tender followed limited competitive bidding among prequalified suppliers, with NPC consent to a shortened timeline later extended to 28 days, and that no bidder had appealed. He said technical and financial criteria were unchanged from the previous tender, ten bids were received, and the selected supplier was registered and qualified to supply Norochcholai, while rejecting allegations of governance failure or risk to energy security. He noted that the first shipment failed to meet the required Gross Calorific Value and would attract double penalties of about USD 2.08 million, while subsequent testing and enforcement were proceeding, and announced steps to establish an accredited coal-testing laboratory in Sri Lanka through SLSI. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Coal Supply Tender Process Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa raised questions on alleged failures and lack of transparency in the coal procurement process for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant. He asked the relevant Minister to explain the timing and conduct of the tender, the reported reduction of the bidding period, changes to technical and financial eligibility criteria, bid evaluation details, and the selected supplier’s experience. He also questioned reports of substandard coal, delayed testing, increased coal consumption, possible losses exceeding Rs. 10 billion, and risks to coal stocks, boiler performance, efficiency, and plant life. Question under Standing Order 27(2): Coal Supply Tender Process Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that operational problems in the Samurdhi banking system stem from its long reliance on manual processes since the Samurdhi Authority was established in 1995. He said about 450 banks have shifted to computerized operations over the past year, and the Government is working to integrate 1,097 banks and 335 societies into a single digital network to address remaining issues. Oral Question: Pension Entitlements and Samurdhi Banks Computerization (Q.67/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concerns over about 11,000 high-end vehicles imported under the cross-border method and stranded at Hambantota Port for nearly a year. He asked whether, if legal proceedings are ongoing, the vehicles should be auctioned and the proceeds deposited in court to prevent further loss of value, rising demurrage charges, and damage to modern sensor-equipped vehicles from prolonged exposure. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Read →
- 20 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary As of 4 January 2026, Dumbara Prison held 2,246 inmates, including 699 remand prisoners, against a broader prison system facing overcrowding above 300 per cent. The Minister stated that the new Dumbara Prison project, replacing the former Bogambara Prison and Kandy Remand Prison, is planned for 400 female and 2,500 male inmates with 102 official quarters, at a revised cost of Rs. 4,360 million, and that completed works currently allow accommodation of 2,139 inmates. He said further construction will depend on annual allocations, while measures including referring drug dependents to rehabilitation camps and using selected government buildings for temporary inmate accommodation are being arranged to ease overcrowding. Oral Question: Dumbara Prison Overcrowding (Q.21/2026) Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abdul Wazeeth highlighted severe staffing vacancies at the Pottuvil and Lahugala Divisional Secretariats in Ampara District and requested urgent cadre appointments, especially management service and land administration officers, to maintain public services. He also called for improved education administration in Pottuvil, localised teacher appointments, action on Eastern Province teacher shortages, and consideration for graduates in Siddha, Ayurveda and Unani medicine. He further requested measures for Lahugala’s drinking water and lawful sand extraction needs, immediate coastal protection for the eroding Maligakadu central cemetery, and a slight reduction in the Health Management Service Officer recruitment cutoff mark. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported amendments under the Import and Export (Control) Act, arguing that crisis situations expose weaknesses in existing laws and require stronger frameworks for economic stability, disaster management, national security, and rebuilding. He called for a comprehensive strengthening of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, including clearer legal authority and coordination across state institutions to ensure rapid distribution of essential goods and prevent hoarding and profiteering during disasters. Referring to ongoing flood risks in the East and possible heavy rainfall in the North, he said rebuilding should include institutional and legal capacity, not only physical reconstruction. He also urged Members to maintain parliamentary decorum and avoid abusive language in Parliament and public meetings. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were supported as necessary to expedite clearance of foreign-donated consignments after Cyclone “Dicha,” while maintaining safety and quality checks for medical goods through processes such as NMRA approval and re-verification. The Deputy Minister said the Health Ministry uses priority lists to avoid unsuitable donations and hidden recurring costs, and noted planned absorption of 153 donated or funded ambulances into the 1990 Suwaseriya service. He also addressed Kandy municipal issues, stating unauthorized pavement trading was removed after a phased process with alternatives provided, and denied claims of arbitrary 400-500 per cent rate increases. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the import regulation amendments facilitating disaster relief goods through the Disaster Management Centre, but urged safeguards to prevent abuse and unsuitable donations, citing problems experienced during the 2004 tsunami. He cautioned against concentrating authority in the Controller of Imports and Exports to waive standards, and called for wider legal reforms affecting land administration, local authority revenue, and outdated fees. He also proposed reflective ear tags for livestock in the North and East to reduce night-time road accidents. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook supported the amended regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, stating that they were needed to expedite Customs clearance of donated goods and equipment following Cyclone “Dicha”. He detailed housing damage in Kandy District and said reconstruction was under way, with land identification for rebuilding continuing there alongside programmes begun in other districts. He also disputed claims about relief work in areas such as Deltota, Akurana and Rambukeella, crediting government MPs, officials, the Police, Army and other agencies for restoring access, and called for machinery such as JCBs, trucks, bowsers and chainsaws to accelerate rebuilding and resettlement. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Kaushalya Ariyarathna - Deputy Minister JJB AI summary Cabinet approval has been obtained to clear 150 unregistered Indian-donated ambulances without airbags for the Suwaseriya Foundation, with regulations prepared for Customs clearance. The Deputy Minister said the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund has raised Rs. 4.1 billion in an audited Treasury account, and that legislation and a public website will be introduced to ensure parliamentary oversight and donor transparency. She cited housing projects and relief measures for disaster- and war-affected families as evidence of faster recovery, and also referred to the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions as an election pledge. She criticised Opposition conduct, including alleged abusive language and disruptions in the House, and called for greater decorum in parliamentary proceedings. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the regulation permitting women over 18 to work extended hours in the food and beverage sector with safeguards, while affirming his party’s support for women’s employment and political rights. He said ITAK has serious concerns about proposed education reforms, including rural impacts and curriculum content, but condemned personal attacks on the Prime Minister, especially gendered attacks. He disputed claims about Karaitheevu lands in Batticaloa, argued they are historically Tamil lands, and urged proper local inquiry before proposing solutions. He also condemned the reduction of Batticaloa-Colombo train services, citing cancelled or curtailed services and inconvenience to passengers, and asked why existing public transport services were being cut. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe supported the Regulation under the Shop and Office Employees Act to allow women to work night shifts in food and beverage service within tourism, subject to consent and provision of transport or accommodation between 6.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. He argued that the measure would help increase women’s participation in Sri Lanka’s tourism workforce, which he said remains far below regional levels, and would support rural youth employment alongside the Rs. 500 million “Hospitality Labour Corps” training initiative. He also cited record tourist arrivals in 2025 and praised coordinated disaster management during Cyclone Michaung, before requesting parliamentary support for the Regulation. Debate: Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Regulation Amendment Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary In reply to a question by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Minister set out export earnings targets rising from USD 23.6 billion in 2026 to USD 36 billion by 2030, with sectoral strategies aimed at higher value-added exports and access to new markets through FTAs, PTAs and improved existing agreements. He said the impact of new Trump tariffs would depend on bilateral negotiations and regional outcomes, while investment facilitation would proceed through the BOI and the amended Colombo Port City framework. He detailed MSME support measures, including concessional credit schemes, ADB programmes, and credit guarantees through NCGIL, with Rs. 96 billion budgeted across SME and related financing. He also stated that incentives remain rules-based under existing tax, strategic development and Port City laws, and that reserve accumulation is expected to support debt servicing after gross official reserves reached USD 6.82 billion by end-2025. Answers to Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath JJB AI summary Following cyclone “Divva,” over 90 percent of water supply systems in affected areas were disrupted, with repairs completed within about 14 days where possible. Government funds have been allocated for full restoration, and work is continuing to complete the remaining repairs. Oral Question: Water Supply in Bandarawela (Q.10) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Asked the Deputy Minister about the restoration of water supply in Badulla District after cyclone “8960,” noting that service had reportedly been fully restored through temporary measures. He sought details on the plan, timetable, and work programme for permanent repairs and full normalization of the water supply, including whether works had commenced. Oral Question: Water Supply in Bandarawela (Q.10) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath JJB AI summary T.B. Sarath stated that the Bambarakanda water project has already commenced and that the Government is making arrangements to complete it and hand it over to the public. Oral Question: Water Supply in Bandarawela (Q.10) Read →
- 9 January 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara asked whether the previously proposed DOD project for the Bambarakanda–Haputale–Haldummulla tourism belt has begun under the current Government or is scheduled to begin this year. He noted acute water issues in Haldummulla, Harankahawa and Kalupahana and linked the project to tourism development in the area. Oral Question: Water Supply in Bandarawela (Q.10) Read →