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- 27 November 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir urged priority action on flood-related infrastructure in the East, particularly the Mavadippalli and Kittangip bridges, citing repeated tragedies and recent loss of life during heavy rains. He called for the release of lands gazetted as forests after the conflict period so they can be used for cultivation, and proposed using vacant state lands for livestock development to reduce milk powder imports and create employment. He also requested resolution of the Vattamadu pasture dispute, faster completion of land deed distribution under the “Himikama” programme, better use of idle land and rainwater, and public safety awareness in light of disaster risks including tsunami alerts. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan supported the 2026 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Resources, Lands and Irrigation, highlighting planned irrigation and water supply projects in the Vanni, including the Paliyaaru reservoir, Lower Malwathu Oya, and Kivul Oya projects. He said these projects would address drinking water scarcity, irrigation needs, flooding, pasture shortages, and kidney disease-related groundwater issues, while also noting tank rehabilitation and the release of lands previously brought under the Forest Department or Mahaweli system back to farmers and livestock rearers. He outlined livestock and dairy measures, including Milco’s reported profit, profit-sharing with dairy farmers, district-level dairy development support, funding for NLDB farms, and the phased release of pasture land at Mayilathamadu–Mathavani. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson highlighted 2025 Budget allocations for the irrigation sector, noting Rs. 78,000 million overall and specific funding for cascade systems including Gal Oya, Rajanganaya, Huruluwewa and Minneriya. He said Rs. 500 million had been allocated to Minneriya tank, with 85 per cent of the project completed, and referred to the importance of Parakrama Samudraya to Polonnaruwa. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage raised district-level agriculture, livestock, land and irrigation issues in Ratnapura, including delays in fertilizer subsidies for paddy farmers and lack of compensation for pepper farmers after crop failure. He urged strengthening the Cinnamon Development Department, providing land for dairy sheds and fodder cultivation through coordination with the LRC, Mahaweli and Plantation authorities, and addressing restrictions faced by estate-adjacent dairy farmers. He also called for early passage of amendments to the Irrigation Ordinance, feasibility work on a proposed dry dam for Ratnapura flood control, support for the Ellewewa reservoir, and an interim mechanism to prevent children on LRC lands losing school admission marks due to unresolved title deed issues. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla outlined planned investments and development projects in Mahiyanganaya and surrounding areas, including fruit cultivation and processing, allocation of land to landless married farmers, investor-led use of former turmeric lands, and new industries on abandoned sites. He said the Government plans to build the Pullgasyaya tank in 2026 to improve irrigation for downstream tanks and enable two-season cultivation, and to construct a permanent market for 1,000 vendors. He defended low-cost housing through voluntary labour and argued that the National People’s Power’s development approach focuses on a production economy, value addition to agricultural produce, exports, and rural employment. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla described disaster impacts in Badulla, including 29 deaths and damage to irrigation works and paddy fields, and said the District Disaster Management Committee would meet to coordinate relief measures. He defended the Government’s development record in the district, citing financial progress of 74.79 percent and physical progress of 81.67 percent despite limited technical staff, and highlighted community-implemented farmer organization projects in Mahiyanganaya. He said the Government’s 2026 objective is to shift farmers toward export-oriented production, including development of a 1,050-acre abandoned tract in Mahiyanganaya’s “B” zone as a modern agro-park. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised urgent disaster-related concerns, including flooding risks at the Murapola Ela irrigation channel near Ududeniya, and called for investigation of nearby quarry blasting and an assessment by the National Building Research Organization. He urged the Government to resolve long-standing land title issues in Kalugamuwa, LRC lands in Puttalam, and other areas through land kachcheris and agency intervention, and to examine complaints about the dismantling or diversion of pipelines under the Puttalam-South Water Supply Project. He proposed establishing a National River Basin Conservation Authority to coordinate floodplain, irrigation and potable water planning for major rivers, while welcoming the decision not to immediately abolish the Mahaweli Authority. He also sought clarity and action on major water and irrigation projects including Lower Malwathu Oya, Kumbukkan Oya, Heda Oya, Yan Oya and Mundeni Aru, particularly for the Eastern Province. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka urged the Government to expedite pending land-sector reforms, including amendments to the Land Acquisition Act and Registration of Title Act, completion of the Land Use Policy Planning Act, and formulation of a National Land Policy through the National Land Commission envisaged under the 13th Amendment. He also raised concerns over stalled development projects, noting partial funding for some expressway sections but unresolved issues in other road and rail projects. He asked the Government to decide whether to proceed with these projects, and either pay compensation promptly to affected landowners or return acquired lands. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha said the debate on the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation should reflect the Ministry’s full mandate, not only issues such as fertilizer shortages and crop prices. He listed the departments, boards, companies, research bodies, land and survey institutions, livestock entities, irrigation projects and related authorities under the Ministry, highlighting areas such as export agriculture, cinnamon development, agrarian insurance, post-harvest management and major irrigation schemes. He urged Members on both sides to consider this broad institutional and policy scope when discussing the Ministry’s allocations. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake made a special statement on heavy rainfall, floods and landslides, detailing NBRO warnings and recommendations for the Kadugannawa section of the Colombo–Kandy Road after rockfall and subsidence halted traffic. He said limited one-way traffic would be allowed only in dry conditions with barriers, flagmen, lighting and continuous monitoring, while the road would close during rain and alternative routes, including protected transport for A/L candidates, would be provided. He reported over 170 landslide-related incidents, 26 deaths, four missing persons and several road closures, and urged the public not to visit hazardous sites. He also tabled NBRO reports, including a 1999 Kadugannawa slope stability report, and said further decisions on protecting the historic corridor and relief measures would follow discussions with the President. Ministerial Statement: Heavy Rainfall, Floods and Landslides Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said he was satisfied with the answer but urged Parliament to focus on the ongoing disaster situation in Badulla District, where he said 18 deaths had occurred and further heavy rainfall was forecast. He reported that several roads, including in Lunugala, Passara, Mätigahathenna and Akeeriya, were impassable and requested the Leader of the House to mobilize dozers and private vehicles for urgent relief operations. Oral Question: BYD Vehicles and Second Round Proceedings Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Digital Economy, the Deputy Minister confirmed that Sri Lanka is introducing a biometric-based digital identity system as part of its digital transformation. He said the system is expected to improve access to public and private online services, reduce fraud in benefit distribution and financial transactions, support inclusion in the digital economy, and strengthen national security and law enforcement by preventing forged or multiple identities. Oral Question: Digital Identity Card Introduction (Q.552/2025) Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Weeraratne noted that telecommunications towers are now also operated by independent tower companies, not only by telecom operators. He argued that licensed infrastructure-sharing should ensure all operators can access towers at equal cost, preventing larger operators from gaining unfair advantages and supporting competition and affordable services. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Weeraratne clarified that telecom tower infrastructure is now commonly developed by licensed tower companies, not only telecom operators, to support shared infrastructure and prevent market dominance through proprietary towers. He stated that infrastructure licences are not exclusive, noting that EDOTCO and TowerCo already hold licences, another local company has applied, and more may qualify. He argued that multiple providers would allow all telecom operators equal access to towers under the legal framework, promoting competition and more affordable services. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera questioned the Government’s decision to grant EDOTCO a nationwide tower rollout licence without tender, asking how such an arrangement would reduce consumer prices. He argued that the previous Government had introduced transparent tender frameworks, including in the power and renewable energy sector, and said current solar procurement processes depended on those earlier policies. He called on the relevant Minister to respond, framing the issue in the context of the Government’s stated commitment to ending corruption. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne clarified that telecom tower construction by private companies is governed by licences issued by the TRC, not by tendered contracts. He stated that two companies already hold such licences, another application is in process, and additional firms may apply, but only licensed entities can build telecom towers privately. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said Northern and Eastern fisheries once contributed a major share of national fish production, but fishers now remain economically vulnerable due to debt, dependence on boat owners and private financiers, lack of price support, and limited cold-chain facilities. He urged the Ministry to establish a government fish purchasing scheme, restore or support insurance premium sharing, and provide compensation mechanisms for losses such as nets destroyed by Indian trawlers or rough seas. He also called for improved education facilities, including nurseries and schools, in fishing communities as part of broader livelihood upliftment. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage said the Government has introduced a national science and technology policy to guide research and development, acknowledging expert contributions and responding to Opposition questions on policy coordination. She stated that Cabinet approval has been obtained to seek investors for the Eppawala phosphate project, with 14 expressions of interest, and that Phase 1 work on sulphuric acid is underway. She outlined 2026 priorities including the Vidatha Action Plan, upgrading 73 Vidatha Resource Centres, expanding STEM and Young Inventors’ Clubs from 100 to 1,000 schools, and strengthening university–Vidatha and private-sector R&D collaboration. She also cited a planned zero-budget central cinnamon processing facility in Karandeniya under the Industrial Technology Institute’s zero-waste concept, emphasizing technology transfer, value addition, and “lab into market” implementation. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad alleged a conflict of interest involving a Deputy Minister, claiming that Eimsky Business Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, a company owned by the Deputy Minister, was a main supplier for the RDA’s Smart Highway Tolling System under the Transport Digitalization Programme. He questioned the propriety of a minister-owned private company controlling backend revenue systems for expressways and noted that the Deputy Minister’s Ministry regulates market conditions relevant to the company’s operations. He also referred to a purported CID complaint concerning past software theft and argued that, if proven, the matter could have serious consequences for the Deputy Minister’s parliamentary position. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad questioned the Government’s progress toward its ICT workforce and university expansion targets under the “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” policy, and asked for clarification on proposed science and mathematics universities. He urged digital regulation and safety improvements for the fireworks industry, tax concessions for R&D imports, and updates on the Eppawala phosphate and Paranthan sulphuric acid projects. He also called for digitization of Customs and Excise to improve transparency and raised concerns about an alleged conflict of interest involving companies linked to the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy receiving government digitalization contracts. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →