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- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following Cyclone “Dicha,” arguing that state agencies issued evolving warnings and that the Government mobilized essential services, the armed forces, provincial resources and volunteers for emergency response. He said the National Council for Disaster Management had been reconvened after years of inactivity and outlined proposed compensation increases across 15 sectors, including housing, agriculture, livestock, employment and infrastructure. He also rejected Opposition allegations that warnings were ignored or that emergency access repairs were ineffective, characterizing the work as necessary temporary relief measures. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna expressed condolences for those killed and missing due to Cyclone “Dicha” and thanked officials, security forces, clergy, medical staff, and the public for relief efforts in Matale District. She said widespread landslides and ground collapses in the Central Highlands, including the Knuckles range, require permanent engineering solutions and a national plan developed jointly by Government and Opposition rather than temporary flood measures. She urged coordination with religious institutions to relocate displaced persons from schools so examinations and reopening can proceed, and called for support to farmers whose fields and wells are filled with sand, including stopping fines for sand removal or having the Government clear the land itself. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara said the Government’s supplementary estimate was being presented while continuing cyclone “Dicha” relief work, and commended state officials, security forces, volunteers, and local communities involved in rescue, road clearing, irrigation repair, and school restoration efforts. He argued that in Badulla the Government prioritized saving lives, restoring access, and enabling cultivation, including completing urgent Uma Oya canal works within 12 days while planning longer-term engineering solutions. He criticized the Opposition’s attendance and response to the crisis, urged them to contribute practically to the estimated 1,300 damaged irrigation works, and contrasted the current response with past disaster management failures. He also stated that economic stabilization had continued despite the disaster, citing worker remittances, tourism, foreign reserves, rupee liquidity buffers, and lower exchange-rate volatility as evidence of public and investor confidence. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan expressed condolences to disaster-affected families and commended relief efforts by officials, MPs, civil society and the public, while urging proper and transparent implementation of government assistance. He raised concerns about statements made to the President at the Puttalam DCC regarding the Puttalam–Elavankulam–Mannar road, arguing that the route has historical public use, significantly reduces travel time to Jaffna, and was wrongly closed following litigation and Wildlife Department assurances. He questioned the basis for restricting public transport through Wilpattu when other roads through wildlife areas remain open, tabled related Supreme Court documents, and urged action to protect and reopen the road, including measures against future flood damage. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya – Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya outlined the Government’s response three weeks after Cyclone “BOO,” citing rescue and relief work by state institutions, security forces, citizens, the international community and others, and noting continuing risks such as landslides that led to the closure of all schools in the Central Province. She said the Supplementary Estimate would support recovery and rebuilding through 2026, with Rs. 75 billion set aside in 2025 and Rs. 500 billion in 2026 while maintaining macroeconomic targets. On education, she reported that 1,382 government schools and several universities, technical colleges and vocational training centres had been affected, announced support of Rs. 25,000 for each affected student, and emphasized psychosocial wellbeing, scientific relocation and standards-based rebuilding. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem acknowledged cross-party and community assistance following the recent disaster, particularly in Kandy District, while stating that relief delivery and administrative response had been slow. He called for urgent relocation and recovery measures for affected institutions including Al-Hikma School, Rambukwella School, Wattegama Hospital, and around 140 impacted schools in Kandy, based on rapid needs assessments and community consultation. He urged revival of climate-resilient infrastructure programmes, a donor conference with involvement from former leaders and neighbouring countries, urban regeneration and drainage plans for Gampola and nearby areas, coordinated identification of river buffer zones, and regulatory oversight to ensure insurers honour flood and cyclone claims. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam expressed condolences for disaster victims and argued that Sri Lanka’s disaster governance has failed to function as required under the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, particularly because the National Council for Disaster Management has not met quarterly as mandated. He said weaknesses in mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—such as inadequate planning, lack of drills, staff shortages at the Disaster Management Centre, and insufficient divisional officers—have worsened recurring disaster impacts. He welcomed proposals to amend the 2005 Act but urged a policy of relocating repeatedly affected communities, including in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar, to safer areas rather than resettling them in unsafe locations. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake expressed condolences to victims of the natural disaster and praised public servants, the Armed Forces, volunteers, and affected communities for emergency response efforts, including in the Central Province where access, communications, power, and water systems were severely disrupted. He defended the parliamentary scheduling of the debate, citing staff needs, and criticized Opposition conduct during visits to affected areas, saying some members did not reflect ground realities and politicized relief efforts. He said the Government would use existing fiscal space, including an additional Rs. 500 billion and 2026 Budget allocations, to restore livelihoods and infrastructure without extra borrowing or disrupting fiscal plans. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined the Government’s disaster relief response, noting payments of the Rs. 25,000 grant, dry rations, and planned schoolchildren’s grants, while acknowledging that some delays and omissions are possible given the scale of the disaster affecting over 1.7 million people. He detailed impacts including 643 deaths, 183 missing persons, and extensive damage to housing and infrastructure, and said assessments including a World Bank report were pending. He supported the Supplementary Estimate providing Rs. 500 billion for housing and public infrastructure restoration, explaining that exceeding the primary expenditure ceiling is permitted under Section 16(4) of the State Finance Management Act due to the calamity, and that the allocation can be managed within the already approved borrowing limit. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka addressed the response to the recent cyclone and floods, stating that the Government prioritized rescue, relocation, and provision of essentials within the first 24 hours with national and international support. He outlined early recovery measures, including payments of Rs. 25,000 for cleaning homes, Rs. 50,000 for basic repairs, and Rs. 15,000 for schoolchildren, funded through a Rs. 50 billion supplementary allocation approved by Parliament. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the power sector transition should be managed smoothly and stably. He emphasized the need to protect consumer interests while maintaining reliability in the electricity system. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government is pursuing cost control in the electricity sector through lower purchase prices and competitive tenders, while planning to review exchange rate-related conditions early next year to prevent losses or windfalls. He said rooftop solar tariff formulas are being corrected to reflect faster capital recovery, and that battery energy storage tenders have extended guarantees from 10 to 15 years while balancing investor returns, consumer interests and grid stability. He also noted that the CEB bore significant emergency restoration costs after Cyclone “Ditwah” and deployed crews rapidly without external assistance. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the rationale for raising electricity tariffs again after earlier reductions, arguing that the focus appeared to be on increasing revenue rather than reducing costs. He asked why battery energy storage system projects were limited to 10 or 15 years when a 20-year lifecycle funded by the private sector was feasible, and urged the use of clawback mechanisms to return more benefits to consumers from debt settlements. He also sought details on the impact of Cyclone “Ditwah” on CEB transmission and generation, and asked whether the Government accepted the need for firm generation through battery storage to reduce exposure to fossil fuel costs. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 19 December 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the CEB recorded an adjusted operating profit of Rs. 106,601 million in 2024, of which Rs. 96,264 million was used for debt servicing, including bank interest and principal payments. He stated that electricity tariff decisions are made independently by the PUCSL, noting a 20.08% tariff reduction in January 2025 through a clawback, a subsequent 15% increase in June 2025 following CEB losses, and PUCSL’s later decision to maintain prevailing tariffs for July–December 2025. He said renewable energy capacity has exceeded targets under the 2025–2044 generation plan and outlined the quarterly tariff-setting method for NCRE projects and recent changes to Battery Energy Storage System terms, including a 15-year operating cycle and import duty waiver for qualifying systems. Ministerial Statements and Points of Order Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence outlined the State’s disaster response under the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act and the National Disaster Management Strategic Plan, stating that the President convened the National Disaster Management Council on the 27th and directed coordinated action by the Tri-Forces, Police, Civil Security Department, ministries and district authorities. He reported large-scale deployments by the Army, Navy and Air Force for rescue and relief operations, and cited earlier preparedness measures including tsunami early-warning drills and public briefings on safe centres and emergency routes. He argued that repeated disasters show the need to restore natural defences and enforce environmental protections more effectively, and acknowledged support from Sri Lankans overseas, India, Pakistan, and international partners. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon described the impact of Cyclone “Ditva” on Anuradhapura District, stating that all 22 Divisional Secretariat Divisions were affected due to flooding linked to major rivers, reservoirs, tanks and irrigation spillovers. He cited district figures including 22,838 affected families, 86 deaths, extensive housing and irrigation damage, and major crop losses, including 9,500 hectares of paddy fully damaged. He said state officials, security forces, volunteer groups, religious leaders and political representatives worked jointly on rescue and protection efforts, and that relief payments and agricultural damage assessments were under way. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary M.S. Abthul Wazeeth requested the CCD to inspect an unspecified local issue and provide a permanent solution for the affected people in the area. He also called on the Government to assist in addressing the matter. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth said the absence of a bridge between Vedativu and Majithpuram in the Muthur Divisional Secretariat area had worsened disaster impacts and called for its construction. He also raised concerns over coastal erosion in Thirukkovil, Maruthamunai, Pottuvil, Maligakadu and Maiyavadi, noting risks to fishermen, residents, religious sites and burial grounds. He requested the Coast Conservation Department to urgently inspect the affected areas and implement a permanent solution. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth thanked ministers, MPs, local authority officials, youths and community leaders involved in relief and clean-up work following the recent disaster, particularly in Kandy District and the Eastern Province. He raised the collapse of buildings at Pottuvil Usmaniya Vidyalaya, noting that seven of ten classrooms serving 237 students had collapsed, and welcomed the Eastern Provincial Education Ministry’s Rs. 1 million allocation for temporary sheds to resume classes. He requested government assessment and reconstruction of structurally unsafe buildings at Pottuvil Al-Aqsa Vidyalaya and Minaul Uloom Vidyalaya, and called for subsidies or assistance for affected fishermen, farmers and livestock breeders. He also urged urgent payment of previously promised Rs. 400,000 compensation to 15 Pottuvil fishermen who lost boats and gear in a mini-cyclone the previous year. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath said the Government had managed the recent crisis in a way that minimized harm to the public and protected major irrigation infrastructure, including the Mahaweli system. He acknowledged some damage to minor irrigation systems in Anuradhapura, attributing it to issues such as the absence of spill gates, and stated that the Government’s decisions over 669 days had aimed to steer the country in the right direction and improve public living conditions. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →