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- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister answered questions on the Colombo Fort–Talaimannar rail service, stating that while it is not formally an office train for Colombo Fort commuters, its schedule serves commuters at several intermediate stations. He attributed delays to ageing locomotives, mechanical failures, track speed restrictions and the lack of a commissioned signalling system between Maho and Anuradhapura, and said locomotive overhauls and signalling installation are under way. He also outlined plans to improve the Mannar station access road at an estimated cost of Rs. 47.68 million, with work expected from December 2025 to March 2026, and noted the status of connecting SLTB buses and restored online ticketing facilities at Mannar station. Oral Questions: Second Round - Colombo-Mannar Train Service and Related Questions Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised concerns over frequent delays on the Colombo–Mannar train service and requested immediate measures to ensure punctual operations. He also called for a proper access road to Mannar railway station, an affordable connecting bus service from Mannar town, and the introduction of online ticket reservations at the station, citing difficulties faced by passengers, residents, and government officers. Oral Questions: Second Round - Colombo-Mannar Train Service and Related Questions Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Vantharumoolai was described as a railway halt rather than a full station, where passengers may alight and must purchase boarding tickets from the nearest station. The Minister stated that ordinary trains and Colombo Fort–Batticaloa express services stop there, and that from 01.11.2025 the Batticaloa–Colombo Fort express also stops, with arrangements made for all trains except intercity and night mail services to stop based on passenger needs. Oral Questions: Second Round - Colombo-Mannar Train Service and Related Questions Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam) SJB AI summary Asked whether the Minister is aware that Vantharumoolai railway station in Batticaloa District is served only by slow trains, and that express train stops would benefit Eastern University students and nearby residents. Sought a statement on whether steps will be taken to schedule express trains to stop at the station, and if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Questions: Second Round - Colombo-Mannar Train Service and Related Questions Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya outlined measures to address long-standing issues in the education sector, including filling vacancies in professional cadres, commencing teacher and graduate recruitment in early 2026, revising National Colleges of Education curricula by March, and investing in infrastructure through allocations of Rs. 8,604 million for 2026. She reported school transition rates above 96 percent, noted targeted concerns in rural areas and among boys, and said the alleged A/L Economics paper issue had been referred to the CID while examinations continue. She also stated that regulation of non-State education is being reviewed through the National Education Commission and that broader reforms, including an Education Council and pay-related mechanisms, are being pursued as long-term measures. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the proposed education reforms but urged that they be implemented with equitable distribution of resources, particularly for war-affected schools in the Eastern Province and Batticaloa District. He highlighted severe teacher shortages in the Kalkudah Education Zone, especially in mathematics, inadequate provincial school funding, shortages of furniture and facilities, and specific infrastructure needs at Pattiruppu Maha Vidyalaya, Vaalaichenai Hindu College, and St. Michael’s College. He also called for expedited graduate teacher recruitment, expansion of vocational education to NVQ Level 7 with more trainers, and improvements at Eastern University including hostel facilities and regularization of Deans for specific faculties. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed thanked the Education Minister for agreeing to resume halted construction works at six schools in Vavuniya and Mannar and requested an assembly hall for a Vavuniya Muslim Maha Vidyalaya marking its centenary, since National School elevation is not currently available. He urged special attention to Northern and Vanni schools to address resource shortages, teacher shortages in mathematics, science and English, frequent transfers, dropout pressures including drug abuse, and the need for district-based teacher appointments, expedited principal appointments, and school management training. He also called for progress on the proposed medical faculty at Vavuniya University, possible recreational development of part of its land, and the urgent issue of long-delayed certificates for more than 1,200 teacher trainees from several colleges. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka’s education system must be reformed to support broader social and economic change and to prepare future generations for a global, digital society. He said classrooms, teaching methods, facilities, and assessment should be redesigned around self-learning, inquiry, problem solving, creativity, gamification, and knowledge creation and sharing, rather than traditional approaches. He cited major infrastructure gaps, including limited smart boards, internet access, computers, and devices in schools and zonal offices, and stated that a task force for digital transformation in education has been established to address these needs gradually. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the Education Ministry’s Votes while calling for faster curriculum reform, expanded digital learning, improved teacher training and recruitment, and better school infrastructure, particularly in rural, estate and Eastern Province schools. He urged stronger vocational, university and industry-linked education, including support for Technical Colleges, NVQ pathways, research, innovation and international partnerships. He requested policies to expand and regulate non-State universities through incentives, quality assurance, scholarships and loan support, and asked for concessions for children of Sri Lankan expatriates who face foreign-student fees at State universities. He also sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to address the lack of classrooms and facilities at Meelad Muslim Vidyalaya, Dehiwala, ahead of Grade 1 admissions. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported education reforms aimed at improving graduate employability and reducing reliance on government jobs, while urging consultation with teacher unions. He requested action on a separate education zone for Kuchchaveli, completion of stalled school buildings including Vavuniya Muslim National School, and urgent use of Northern Provincial allocations before funds lapse. He highlighted teacher shortages in war-affected and remote districts, proposing district-based teacher deployment and coordinated transport schemes for teachers and students. He also asked for regulation of Colombo school van services and strict controls on school-based parental fund collections to reduce burdens on families. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran welcomed proposed education reforms and allowances in the 2026 Budget, but questioned whether they would address persistent inequities in the North and East, particularly in Vanni. He raised concerns over the lack of preschool standardization, teacher shortages in Northern primary education, weak early literacy and numeracy outcomes, incomplete school buildings, and severe shortages or breakdowns of ICT, laboratory and WASH facilities. He asked whether the Budget would fund practical measures such as trained preschool teachers, repairs and completion of facilities, functioning computers and internet access for all schools, and adequate sanitation, arguing that current resource constraints undermine both existing curricula and planned reforms. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of the Hon. K. Ilankumaran) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure about the waste of surplus palmyrah toddy due to the inactivity of the Jaffna Thikkam Distillery and sought details on steps to modernize and reactivate it. The question requested confirmation of Cabinet approval of Rs. 112.5 million in 2016, the project’s current progress, expected completion date, and anticipated benefits for toddy producers and co-operative societies in the Northern Province. It also sought information on plans to produce value-added products such as toddy juice and surgical spirits and on support projects for small-scale palmyrah suppliers and producers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Oral Question: Palmyrah Toddy Waste and Thikkam Distillery Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said he could not immediately commit to providing an SLTB bus without further consultation, but indicated that a temporary permit could be considered if a private operator is available. He stated that the RDA Chairman would be sent to the area within a week and advised the Member to also take up the bus service issue with the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Passenger Transport Authority. Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked the Minister to clarify transport arrangements during the dismantling of a bridge near Garagoda, noting that residents face a detour of about 15 kilometres instead of a 250-metre approach. He said the contractor had agreed to arrange bus services through the National Transport Commission and requested details on when and how that service would begin. Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised concerns about delays and safety issues related to the Garagoda Bridge project, noting the bridge’s importance to schools, public offices, health facilities and daily commuters. He said the contract had not been completed as expected and that temporary access was only agreed after coordination meetings, but the temporary bridge appeared unsafe due to river filling and erosion from rains. He asked whether the Road Development Authority would ensure the temporary bridge is constructed to proper safety standards. Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake responded that the bridge renovation contract, begun by the Road Development Authority on 31 August 2023, was extended from 456 to 699 days, with completion now due on 30 July 2025. He said traffic has been limited to pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and three-wheelers to reduce risk and inconvenience, while flooding of the Kelani River affected pier construction but should have been anticipated. He stated that contractor underperformance is a major cause of delay, with some stronger companies already blacklisted, and that the RDA is expediting work through a temporary bridge, deck replacement preparations and fortnightly progress review meetings. Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development for details on the delayed renovation of the approximately 120-year-old Garagoda Bridge at Yatiyantota across the Kelani River, including the contracted completion period and reasons for delays since work began in September 2023 with traffic restrictions. He sought confirmation on whether proper procurement procedures were followed, whether the contractor complied with the contract, what action was taken if not, and what steps are being taken to complete the renovation expeditiously given difficulties faced by residents. Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary An amendment to the 2026 Appropriation Bill was moved on behalf of the Minister of Finance to create a new Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation expenditure head. It reallocates recurrent and capital provisions from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Mass Transit and Civil Aviation and the Department of National Budget, in line with Extraordinary Gazette No. 2458/65 of 18 October 2025. The amendment sets out allocations for the new ministerial head and brings the Office of the Registrar of Merchant Shipping under the new Ministry. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman criticised the low reported 2025 progress of the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, alleging that Budget proposals, housing projects, the UDA National Physical Plan, and waste management allocations had not been effectively implemented. He called for a comprehensive Pettah multi-modal transport hub instead of piecemeal upgrades, and urged action over alleged irregular alienation of National Housing Development Authority lands and misuse of residents’ parking areas in Maligawatta. He also raised concerns about RDA expenditure, engineer shortages and possible trade union action, requested urgent ministerial engagement with engineers, questioned delays in resurfacing Japan Friendship Road, and referred to the unresolved appointment of the Auditor-General. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said collection of the Embarkation Levy would resume after Finance Act-related legal steps, with companies already submitting and following payment plans. He outlined plans to expand Ratmalana Airport private operations by negotiating a reduced no-fly zone and adding an Instrument Landing System, rejected claims about paddy storage at Mattala, and said its challenges stem from location and feasibility issues. He said Colombo Port had a 2050 Master Plan and that accelerated work on the East Container Terminal had raised quay wall and yard progress, enabling two large vessels to berth, while interim truck-based operations would be used until straddle carriers arrive. He also said design work had begun for WCT 2 to support future regional port capacity. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →