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- 24 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath thanked the Minister for commencing bridge reconstruction work and requested revisions to railway and bus schedules in Batticaloa District, additional train compartments, a railway substation near Eastern University, reopening of the Vakarai substation, renovation of the Valachchenai bus stand, and measures to address staffing and bus shortages. He also sought development funding for rural roads and bridges, including the Narippulthottam–Pankudaveli bridge, and called for a safe boat service from Kinniyadi to Pirmaduwa Island. He further urged projects for Batticaloa urban development, lagoon dredging, sewage treatment, irrigation and drinking water supply, particularly for Paduvankarai, and requested an amicable resolution to the issue over removal of Archaeology Department signboards to prevent escalation. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Participating in the Committee Stage debate on allocations for the Ministries of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, and Urban Development, Construction and Housing, the Member raised district-level infrastructure concerns in Batticaloa. He specifically referred to matters relating to the Kiran Bridge and Pondugal Senai, indicating requests or issues to be addressed under the relevant ministry allocations. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said a new scoring system for driving licences has been designed and approved by the National Transport Commission Board, with Cabinet approval to be sought, while issues concerning Acting Station Masters and SLTB recruitment are being handled through the Management Services Department and a second round of interviews. He outlined ministry performance targets, stating that 2025 progress stood at 65.83 per cent by 31 October and is expected to reach 88 per cent by year-end, with improvements also targeted in foreign-funded programmes. He argued that Sri Lanka has historically overfunded highways relative to public transport and said the Government is gradually increasing the public transport share, including through the Lanka Metro Bus Company, upgraded bus stands, and cashless fare payments with no added cost to passengers. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake provided timelines for sections of the Central Expressway, stating that Kadawatha–Mirigama is targeted for 1 September 2028, Pothuhera–Rambukkana for March 2027 with an expectation of earlier completion, and the full project by 2029. He said funds for Dambulla land compensation had been allocated by the President while the funding source is being finalized. He also said advertising on roads should be considered with road safety as the priority, and urged media responsibility, warning against content that incites the public. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala urged the Government to prioritize stalled and delayed transport infrastructure, including the Kadawatha–Mirigama expressway section, the remaining Pothuhera–Galagedara road works, and the Kurunegala–Dambulla corridor, noting prior land acquisition and compensation. He recalled former President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s housing programmes and international recognition of shelter initiatives, while also asking the National Housing Development Authority to comply with a Labour Tribunal order to reinstate employees. He further raised concerns about proposed changes to expressway advertising structures affecting businesses and landowners, and criticized the summoning or harassment of media editors, calling for reporting concerns to be addressed through clarification rather than intimidation. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Nanda Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Nanda Bandara conveyed condolences over the Lower Kadugannawa incident and said state intervention would be pursued to prevent similar tragedies. Speaking on the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, he outlined allocations and progress under the National Community Water Supply Department, including Rs. 2,701 million for 2025 and nearly Rs. 3,000 million for 2026. He highlighted severe drinking water shortages in upland areas of Kegalle District, particularly in the Aranayake electorate, and noted ongoing projects, feasibility studies, rehabilitation works, and planned completion of 146 projects in 2026 to expand and improve community water supply. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised several Trincomalee District issues, requesting the urgent resumption of the suspended daytime air-conditioned express train between Trincomalee and Colombo and improvements to drinking water distribution from Kuchchaveli to Pulmoddai and within Kinniya. He called for completion of stalled housing projects, upgrading and widening of key roads including the Trincomalee–Batticaloa route through Kinniya, completion of the Thoppur Al-Hamra internal road, and transfer of more local roads to RDD/RDA maintenance. He also asked the Government to address the Muthunagar land and housing issue affecting evicted families and to enhance operations at China Bay airport to support tourism. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera criticized the Opposition for lacking constructive proposals and said the Government’s 2026 Budget addresses long-standing water supply problems, including low pressure, interruptions, and quality concerns in areas such as Homagama, Kaduwela, and Maharagama. He highlighted two planned projects: a Rs. 200 million Greater Colombo water and wastewater management initiative to reduce non-revenue water from about 50 per cent to 18 per cent, and a Rs. 3,995 million Ambatale energy conservation project to modernize pumping, pipelines, and automation systems. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir addressed the budget allocations for urban development and transport-related ministries, highlighting neglected infrastructure and unfinished projects in Ampara, Kalmunai, Nintavur, Mannar, and Pottuvil. He requested action on replacing the dilapidated Kalmunai NHDA complex, improving the Kalmunai market, strengthening solid waste management, completing the Velavallodai beach park and lagoon tourism development, and allocating Rs. 470 million to finish the Mannar–Silavathurai Cultural Hall. He also called for rail links to Eastern Province tourist destinations and educational institutions, compensation for land damage caused by Oluvil Port-related coastal erosion, rehabilitation of Hidayapuram Road, and restoration of an abandoned park under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the budget allocations for transport, highways, ports, civil aviation, and housing, citing ongoing rural road rehabilitation in the Northern Province, including Rs. 2,200 million for Mannar and additional allocations for rural roads. He said reduced political interference and prevention of commission-taking had generated savings that would be redirected to road projects, and noted planned SLTB staff appointments and rehabilitation of bus stands and railway stations under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He also referred to Northern resettlement housing allocations targeting 2,445 houses with basic facilities, and requested additional support for housing construction in Jaffna islet areas due to higher transport costs for materials. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera welcomed the card payment initiative for bus fares and requested assurances that passengers will not be charged commissions, while urging faster recruitment of SLTB drivers and conductors and procurement of suitable buses, especially small “C” type buses for rural and difficult routes. He called for regularization of SLTB wage anomalies and an end to alleged trade union-based discrimination against employees. On railways, he suggested prioritizing modernization of the existing Kelani Valley line over extending it to Ratnapura, and on roads he urged completion of abandoned projects under the earlier 100,000 km roads programme. He also requested urgent completion of the Garagoda bridge in Yatiyantota. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath defended the Government’s economic and development agenda and criticized the Opposition, arguing that previous infrastructure spending had not prevented bankruptcy. He highlighted transport reforms in Kalutara District, particularly integrated timetables for SLTB and private buses, stating that these have reduced conflict, improved revenue and delivered more efficient services. He said the Government is addressing losses at five SLTB depots in Kalutara and completing halted rural road and iRoad projects, including 24 roads under project 115080 that have been tendered. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about the incomplete restoration of train services after rehabilitation of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line, specifically citing the non-resumption of the “Uttara Devi” service and the Mail Train to Talaimannar. He requested urgent action to address signalling and operational delays on the line, and called for better management of underutilized Railway Department lands. He also urged modernization of SLTB services, including the introduction of modern buses and CCTV in buses, to improve public transport quality and efficiency. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra supported Budget allocations for transport and urban development, highlighting CCTV installation in public transport to address harassment of women and children during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. She noted planned SLTB investments including depot development, driver rest facilities, recruitment, repairs to buses, engine replacements, additional long-distance buses, and services on unprofitable routes, while requesting attention to non-functioning low-income urban routes in Colombo. She also welcomed new National Transport Commission regulations on roadworthiness and driver drug use, and referred to a forthcoming road safety law. On housing, she cited plans to build 27,000 houses, including over 6,000 in Colombo, and urged speedy and sensitive relocation for unauthorized settlers. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the Government has neither decided to proceed with nor finally cancel the LRT project, but is unlikely to begin it within four years, prioritising road development and other measures to reduce Colombo congestion. He stated that the CoMTrans 2012 plan is being updated, with a policy to develop multimodal centres, including about 15 initially and around 50 over four years. He said SriLankan Airlines remains burdened by debt but is improving operationally, and urged assessment by performance rather than individuals. He also said regulations to resolve private bus ownership transfers after an owner’s death are expected this month, enabling proper transfers under amended law. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi urged the Transport Ministry and Department of Railways to cooperate with the RDMNS.LK mobile app, a non-profit, crowdsourced service widely used by train passengers, tourists, and even railway staff for real-time train information. He said the group needs official notifications on timetable changes, special trains, and cancellations, and noted that an agreement was reportedly executed on 9 June 2024 but has not been implemented. He alleged obstruction by unions and ticket-related interests, and questioned why Sri Lanka Railways denied the existence of the agreement in an RTI response despite documents being available. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi addressed Budget expenditure heads related to transport and urban development, focusing on Nuwara Eliya District’s unmet needs in plantation-linked rural villages and underdeveloped towns. He highlighted inadequate sewerage, toilets, roads, housing and public transport, noting that 24 routes are too degraded for regular bus operations and 20 routes lack buses due to shortages, and said he was tabling a list of affected routes. He cited Rs. 500 million allocated for Hatton town, planned development of several other towns through 2026–2028, and around Rs. 3,000 million in 2025 for carpeting 44 roads, with further Provincial Council and PRDA road works. He urged systematic, ministry-linked development of rural roads and towns and invited the Opposition to support the programme. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran welcomed allocations and administrative improvements in the transport, highways, ports, civil aviation, urban development and housing sectors, while urging priority action for Ampara District infrastructure needs. He requested rehabilitation of about 72 km of rural roads, a 7–8 km drainage system for flood-affected Alayadivembu, and urgent repairs to the dilapidated Keethanki bridge, which he said isolates large numbers of residents during rains. He also proposed revisiting a Batticaloa–Pottuvil railway link, restoring at least the 5.15 a.m. Rajarata Rajini train service from Vavuniya to Colombo, and addressing sewage and flooding problems affecting condominium housing schemes in Kalmunai through the Clean Sri Lanka programme. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan welcomed allocations for transport, highways, ports, civil aviation and urban development projects in the Northern Province, but noted that many roads and bridges remain only at initial stages and urged completion. He requested practical changes to the Rs. 1 million housing assistance scheme, a properly planned resettlement programme based on accurate data for war-displaced communities, and completion of unfinished schools and cultural halls. He questioned why most revenue from vehicle emission testing goes to private operators, called for reform of the system and use of funds for environmental protection, and asked for action on the Kadawatha–Meerigama Expressway and road connectivity between Puttalam and Mannar. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara stated that urban development plans require active implementation and said over Rs. 2,000 million is expected to be allocated, with the President’s intervention, for a targeted programme covering 10 towns from early next year. He said discussions are underway with District Secretaries and district Members of Parliament to coordinate implementation. He also addressed flood management in Colombo, Gampaha and areas such as Kolonnawa, noting recent interventions during heavy rains and stating that a stronger programme led by the Minister and relevant officials will be implemented next year. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Read →