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 December 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody outlined cyclone-related damage to Sri Lanka’s electricity and petroleum supply systems, reporting 132,000 power breakdowns with 62,447 restored and further restoration targeted in the coming days. He detailed major transmission and substation failures, including on the Rantambe–Mahiyanganaya and Ukuwela–Bowatanna lines, with temporary towers targeted for completion by 10 December and interim supply measures such as back-feeding and generators. He said water supply disruptions were linked to flooded treatment and pumping facilities and power failures, and urged households affected by flooding to have internal wiring repaired by certified technicians. On petroleum, he stated that affected filling stations had fallen from 38 to 24, supply routes were being maintained, and rumours of fuel scarcity were false. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana described the scale of disaster impacts in Colombo District and Kaduwela, citing deaths, displacement, and national losses, and said weak systems, unplanned settlements, and unsafe practices had worsened vulnerability. He outlined the relief response in Kaduwela, including 41 safe centres, official coordination, military and DMC support, volunteer food distribution, and fisherfolk-led rescues, while condemning an assault on a volunteer rescuer. He urged the State to pursue planned relocation from danger zones, accelerate Kelani River flood mitigation work, and implement long-term, science-based disaster and river-basin management programmes. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Government failed to properly implement the Disaster Management Act and maintain preparedness through the Disaster Management Centre, citing unusable equipment, staffing issues and delayed action on Deduru Oya reservoir warnings. He questioned whether decisions of the National Council for Disaster Management, including establishing the Disaster Management Fund, had been implemented. Referring to severe impacts in Kurunegala District, he urged relief for housing loans, farmers’ loans, small businesses and tourism, while thanking officials and foreign partners for assistance. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka urged a non-partisan national response to the recent disaster, proposing that the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme use expert input, international assistance, and long-term planning to repair damage and build stronger systems. He outlined foreign humanitarian support from around 70 countries and operational measures to expedite duty-free clearance of relief consignments through ports and the airport. He also reported on the restoration of airport operations after over 12,000 passengers were stranded and described relief efforts in Biyagama, where about 20,000 people were affected and 19 safe centres were established. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir used the Finance Ministry debate to address the national disaster, expressing condolences and urging the Government to involve the Opposition, experts, civil society and other public figures in recovery efforts. He called for a constructive all-party approach, including using retired cricketing figures to raise international funds, and highlighted the need to restore livelihoods in the Hill Country, North, East and farming regions affected by floods. He requested priority support for essential services, rice millers, businesses, hospitals and restaurants in Ampara and other affected areas, while acknowledging the work of religious institutions, voluntary groups, media, public officers, armed forces and MPs engaged in relief work. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan expressed condolences for those killed or missing in the disaster and urged Members to avoid blame and work collectively on relief and rebuilding. He thanked India, Tamil Nadu, the President, government officials, local authorities, volunteers and the Tri-Forces for their assistance, while requesting special attention to the badly affected Vanni area, particularly Mannar. He called for non-discriminatory assistance to all affected citizens, welcomed the Rs. 25,000 grant for cleaning flooded homes, and asked that it be extended to all affected families. He cited district-level impact figures for Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, noting losses to homes, livestock, farmers and fishing gear, and said he would table the relevant report. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera expressed condolences over the disaster deaths and displacement, and questioned whether earlier warnings had been acted on adequately. He urged the Government to present a clear recovery and resettlement plan, rapidly assess landslide-risk areas with technical officers, and distinguish between families who can return home and those needing new land and housing. He called for transparent compensation procedures for household losses, acceptance of photographic evidence, and relief for affected urban, estate and plantation communities, including damaged roads, power supply and factory operations. He also asked that exporters affected by flooding be included in compensation measures and requested temporary SVAT relief due to delayed VAT refunds. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson briefly proposed that the road in question be built accordingly. He thanked the Deputy Chairperson for the opportunity to speak. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson urged that disaster-response funds be made readily usable by Divisional Secretariats, with clear authority for officers to procure urgent necessities without fear, and called for rapid restoration of electricity because it is needed to supply drinking water. He said the flood-affected Somawathiya Raja Maha Viharaya remained under severe inundation and criticized the lack of official contact with its Chief Incumbent. Referring to recurring floods in Polonnaruwa that have blocked both the Polonnaruwa–Colombo–Batticaloa road and the railway, he proposed constructing an elevated viaduct from Kaduruwela to Manampitiya to keep the route passable while allowing floodwater to flow underneath. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson urged the Government to release and authorize the immediate use of allocated disaster-relief funds for Polonnaruwa through District and Divisional Secretaries, without procedural delays, and to revise the Rs. 300-per-day dry ration allowance as inadequate. He described severe flood impacts including dead livestock, waste accumulation, crop and paddy field destruction, drinking-water disruption due to power outages, and damage to the Elahera anicut, calling for urgent administrative and technical support. He also questioned the water management of Moragahakanda Reservoir and Parakrama Samudra, asking who was responsible for the flooding and seeking measures to prevent recurrence while protecting unaffected cultivation to avoid future rice shortages. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika expressed condolences for those affected by the disaster and acknowledged the work and sacrifices of the armed forces, Police, public officials and health workers. He stated that Government relief funding is in place, explaining that the Rs. 25,000 payment is initial household support rather than full compensation, with assessments and further compensation to follow, and that the dry ration allowance has been increased. He clarified that no extra-legal fund has been created, with official Treasury-authorized bank accounts published for contributions, and urged constructive reporting of gaps while supporting centrally coordinated relief operations under the President. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Government to use available Treasury savings and unexpected revenue to provide immediate disaster relief, arguing that at least Rs. 50,000 should be paid to affected households and that legal provisions allow higher reconstruction spending in 2026 despite IMF-linked expenditure limits. He proposed mobilizing Rs. 300–500 billion for reconstruction, suspending parate executions, and creating a dedicated MSME support fund, while suggesting that Treasury bill rollovers be used to free liquidity for relief. He also questioned the legal basis of the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund, insisting that any such mechanism must be authorized by Parliament, auditable, and compliant with Article 148 and the Public Financial Management Act. He further called for a Budget amendment to reflect changed circumstances and asked the Government to clarify its policy on SOE reforms, citing CEB reforms and SriLankan Airlines losses. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera addressed the Budget Committee debate on the Finance, Trade, and Irrigation-related Heads, beginning with condolences for victims of the “Ditscha” cyclone and outlining relief measures, including the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, increased dry-ration support, and Rs. 25,000 per affected household for cleaning and restoring homes. He said the Fund would support reconstruction through the Disaster Management Centre and other agencies, with resources sought from foreign governments, NGOs and donors, and assured transparency and accountability. He defended Finance Ministry allocations, noting that most of the Rs. 5,102 billion total is for debt service, and said Rs. 500 billion in savings would be used in 2026 to retire maturing Treasury Bills. He also explained proposed revenue and tax administration reforms, including VAT and SSCL changes on imports, lower registration thresholds to broaden the tax base, e-invoicing, RAMIS improvements, Customs single-window reforms, and Excise Department modernization. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne criticized the Government for prioritizing the Budget debate over a parliamentary discussion on the ongoing disaster, particularly its impact on Gampola and the Kandy District. He alleged failures in early warning and coordination regarding reservoir releases, rainfall and river-gauge data, and rumours about the Kotmale Dam, arguing that timely communication could have prevented many deaths. He also raised concerns about inadequate rescue and recovery support, including the absence of machinery to recover bodies, clear blocked roads, assist dialysis patients, and respond to people trapped by floods. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concern that displaced residents in 17 camps in Uva Paranagama, including at Maspanna Ayurvedic Hospital and several surrounding areas, were reportedly being told to return to homes that may be destroyed or unsafe. He requested the Chief Government Organizer to investigate and, if confirmed, stop such action immediately. He also called for a united, nonpartisan national response without divisions of party, race, religion, caste or creed. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage — Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment AI summary The Minister expressed condolences over the recent severe weather disaster and said the Government is prioritizing relief, repairs and reconstruction with support from the Tri-Forces, public officials, volunteers, foreign partners, business leaders and civil society. He noted increased assistance for affected people, including higher allocations for cooked meals and dry rations and an increase in the resettlement grant from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000. Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusion for Sri Lanka’s approximately 1.6 million persons with disabilities. He also outlined measures to strengthen paddy, tea and coconut production, including fertilizer, seed, technology, wage and cultivation-support programmes, while noting disaster damage to plantation areas and plans for rehabilitation. Debate: Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Heads) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan highlighted severe flood and cyclone damage in Trincomalee, citing affected families, damaged homes, destroyed paddy lands and livestock losses, and called for urgent filling of Grama Niladhari vacancies, temporary deployment of other officers to support relief work, and emergency health measures to prevent disease outbreaks. Turning to the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry’s Budget 2026 allocations, he noted fiscal consolidation measures, support for Aswesuma, SMEs, tax administration and digital economy initiatives, while raising concerns about inadequate targeted provision for post-war recovery in the North and East and insufficient support for female-headed households. He also cautioned that increased taxes could worsen living costs and that large allocations to Finance and Defence may constrain social programmes. Debate: Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Heads) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Moved the customary Rs. 10 cut motions for several Heads of Expenditure under the Appropriation Bill, 2026, explaining that multiple motions were being combined to allow more time for Members from disaster-affected areas to speak. Although he had intended to address plantation, tea, coconut and rubber sector issues, he deferred those matters due to the ongoing disaster. He expressed condolences to affected families, noted the scale of deaths, missing persons, displacement and livelihood losses, and acknowledged the work of security forces, public officials, utilities, health workers, disaster agencies, foreign partners and citizens providing relief. Debate: Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Heads) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government would look into providing improved transport support for students who need to travel to Kayts. Oral Question: O/L Applicants of Sarawanabawa Vidyalaya, Eluvaitivu Island (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 3 December 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Asked whether special boat transport arrangements would be made during the examination period for students travelling to St. Anthony’s College, Kayts, given the difficulties they face in reaching and staying near the exam centre. Oral Question: O/L Applicants of Sarawanabawa Vidyalaya, Eluvaitivu Island (Q.1/2025) Read →