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. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva referred to vehicles imported under irrevocable letters of credit and said Sri Lanka Customs had been urged not to require re-export but to allow release on payment of an additional duty. He noted that while a decision had been taken to levy additional duty and release the vehicles, registration issues remained due to an Imports and Exports Control Department rule, even where bank guarantees were provided. He requested that vehicles be released either on cash payment or on a bank guarantee with an added interest component, noting that 17 had been released and about 870 remained. Papers: Regulations and Reports Presented Read →
- 1 December 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim, speaking on behalf of the Opposition, said Parliament had not been given adequate time to discuss policy responses to the current disaster despite prior meteorological warnings. He argued that reservoir management failures, including sudden spill gate openings at Kotmale and earlier precedents such as Deduru Oya in 2016, had worsened the impact and called for a proper policy framework to prevent further loss of life. He urged the Government to acknowledge mistakes, enable cross-party discussion, and work jointly with the Opposition to assist affected communities. Procedural: Opposition Statement and Parliamentary Scheduling Dispute Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised the impact of recent heavy rains, winds, and a cyclone across the Eastern Province, particularly Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara. He acknowledged the President’s immediate action and requested urgent assistance and shelter facilities for thousands of affected residents whose roofs had been destroyed and who were displaced. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised an urgent matter concerning a bus with about 70 passengers stranded on the Kalawewa bridge on the Anuradhapura–Puttalam road, noting that approval for a helicopter rescue had not yet been granted and calling for immediate Government intervention. He also highlighted severe weather conditions, including a red alert in Kalutara District and heavy rains in Ratnapura, and requested special attention to relief efforts in Kalutara where floodwaters remained stagnant in several DS divisions. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam warned that flood impacts in the North and East, particularly Batticaloa and Ampara, may worsen as runoff from central rains reaches those areas. He said many residents are reluctant to evacuate to camps due to fears of looting and requested legal clarity and measures to protect property so evacuations can proceed safely. He also urged the Government to consider administrative experience when appointing District Secretaries, raising concerns about the current Batticaloa District Secretary’s responsiveness and suitability. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary As Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva stated that existing disaster-related allocations include Rs. 8.508 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 1.58 billion for capital expenditure, with a further Rs. 15 billion available to be spent in the coming weeks without fresh parliamentary approval. He emphasized the need to make provision in the 2026 Budget, calling for at least Rs. 15 billion to be immediately allocated under 2026 heads, particularly for capital works to repair canals and waterways. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy requested urgent action by Local Authorities, coordinated by Governors, to convene Commissioners and Chairmen and approve funds through an expedited process. He argued that delays would hinder timely canal cutting, blockage clearing, and desilting of waterways needed to prevent flooding. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged that, given the seriousness of the situation, an emergency be declared so funds can be allocated and essential items distributed without hesitation by State officials. He also warned that the Diyawanna Oya water level was high, recalling the flooding of Parliament in November 2010, and requested immediate steps to reduce the water level. Motions at Commencement of Public Business - Emergency Response Coordination Read →
- 28 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa — Leader of the Opposition AI summary Called for urgent, coordinated disaster response following cyclone-related flooding and landslides, noting deaths, displacement, property damage, power outages, and people trapped in about 580 locations. Requested health services, disaster management authorities, district and divisional secretariats to expedite supplies, provide boats for evacuations, and deliver immediate relief to landslide-affected communities. He also urged the public to follow official instructions in high-risk areas and asked that machinery, equipment, personnel support, and higher financial allocations be sent quickly to the relevant institutions. Statements on Emergency Situation - Cyclone and Rainfall Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said three-wheelers provide important affordable transport but require regulation due to safety risks, citing 2023 data showing 5,972 of 24,784 road accidents involved three-wheelers. He highlighted overloading, lack of seatbelts, open sides, unsuitable loads, speeding, poor vehicle condition, and unsafe school transport as key concerns. He said planned measures from January include CCTV in vans, standards for vehicles transporting children and office workers, driver training, and consultations with trade unions and stakeholders, with the aim of safeguarding passengers without imposing undue hardship on drivers. Adjournment Motion: Three-Wheeler Industry Development Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary After conveying condolences over a fatal vehicle accident in Sainthamaruthu, M. Nizam Kariapper thanked the Minister for prompt action on a longstanding Kalmunai land-permit issue affecting businesses on state land, including alleged fraud linked to promises under the “Urumaya” programme. Supporting the motion on three-wheelers, he said regulation is necessary but must recognize that three-wheelers are essential transport for poorer and rural families where buses are limited. He proposed fair safety measures such as improved indicators, enclosed or EV three-wheelers, ventilation, and passenger protection, while avoiding undue hardship for drivers and users. Adjournment Motion: Three-Wheeler Industry Development Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra seconded the Adjournment Motion and expressed condolences to those affected by disasters and bereaved families. She supported regulating three-wheelers used for private passenger transport and schoolchildren, noting that the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Act now provides legal authority to regulate such vehicles and improve child safety. She highlighted low-income families’ reliance on shared three-wheelers for school transport and urged the Ministry of Transport and National Transport Commission to provide driver guidance, facilities, and safety measures, including considering CCTV or similar safeguards beyond school vans. Adjournment Motion: Three-Wheeler Industry Development Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Condolences were expressed for those affected by recent disasters, and urgent relief was requested for flooded paddy lands, damaged canals, and bunds following earlier unrest among potato and onion farmers. Attention was drawn to Ambalantota residents in Liyanagastota and Punchi Heneyagama who face removal due to new Irrigation Department surveys beyond the earlier 66-foot reservoir contour, with a petition to be submitted seeking intervention. The speech also requested action on a disease affecting thousands of coconut trees in Matara and Hambantota, rehabilitation of Lunugamwehera canals, and additional pasture land near Lunugamwehera reservoir to support Hambantota dairy farmers and preserve the “Ruhuna milk” industry. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha expressed condolences over the ongoing emergency and questioned whether the Government was responding under an adequate emergency framework, particularly given widespread agricultural damage. He urged immediate support for affected farmers, including assistance to reprepare and resow paddy fields and replace fertilizer where needed. He criticized the Government’s handling of rice, crop damage by wildlife, agricultural imports during harvest periods, and the lack of progress on export agriculture and collective farm market initiatives. He also called for faster implementation or funding of key irrigation projects, including Lower Malwathu Oya, the North Western Canal, Lower Uma Oya spurs, and Hada Oya, while emphasizing better coordination between Trade and Agriculture to protect farmers. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister expressed sympathy to disaster-affected communities and outlined major 2026 irrigation allocations, including over Rs. 77,000 million overall and specific funding for the Lower Malwathu Oya, Mundeni Aru, Kivul Oya, and Maduru Oya projects. He argued that irrigation infrastructure must be paired with planned agriculture, noting problems of low farmer incomes, inadequate yields, weak adherence to sowing schedules, and continued dependence on imports for essential crops. He said the Government is seeking to improve paddy yields from about 80 to at least 100 bushels per acre through a technical package and timely cultivation, while coordinating agriculture, trade, and industry through an integrated pilot programme in Anuradhapura District to stabilize production and markets. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Called for land titles and basic facilities, including housing, electricity, drinking water, and transport, to be provided to affected residents. Also requested the establishment of a permanent drainage system in Kalmunai to enable quicker discharge of floodwater, while acknowledging local individuals involved in the issue. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth expressed condolences for deaths caused by severe flooding and outlined damage to roads, bunds, anicuts and irrigation infrastructure in the Ampara District, urging immediate rehabilitation and support for affected farmers. He requested expedited review and release of lands in Pottuvil, Lagugal and related areas that had been gazetted as forest or scrub forest after wartime non-cultivation, including specific lands recommended by district committees and cultivated paddy lands at Palliadi Vattai. He also called for expansion of Radella tank, repairs to irrigation schemes and roads, additional staff and machinery for the Pottuvil Central Irrigation Office, consideration of converting some sugarcane lands in Irakkamam to paddy cultivation, and land arrangements to enable development of Pottuvil Base Hospital. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that a French Government-funded major irrigation project in Batticaloa had been halted due to economic reasons. He said government MPs had previously raised the matter but that its status remained unclear, and urged that attention be given to reviving or addressing the project. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Minister to prioritize irrigation management and rehabilitation in the East. He proposed improving water distribution from Senanayake Samudraya’s right bank to Rubus Kulam to enable cultivation on over 4,500 acres for two seasons, and requested attention to the Kandiyanaru and Panichenkeni tanks in Batticaloa, noting that studies on Kandiyanaru had already been submitted. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena raised urgent flood-related concerns in Moneragala, including submerged areas, trapped residents, blocked roads and the risk of collapse of the Kumbukkan Oya and Nakkala anicuts, and requested immediate intervention by the Irrigation Department and verification of relief arrangements. He urged expedited compensation for affected farmers and residents, noting shortages of Agricultural Research and Production Assistants and asking that reports be accepted from officers covering vacant divisions. He also called for faster issuance or return of land permits and deeds, including documents taken under the “Urumaya” programme, and proposed land kachcheris to reduce disputes. On livestock, he requested a pasture-land allocation programme using suitable reservoir reservations and open shrub lands, and asked that budget allocations for milk production be used to support traditional dairy farmers. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →