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- 20 November 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka questioned alleged government criticism of Derana TV and Aruna newspaper over reports on police clearance procedures, arguing that two Ministers had given conflicting positions and tabling a Moratumulla Police Station form listing recommendations from the Public Security Committee Chair and Grama Niladhari as requirements. He said action should not be taken against media when the reported procedure matched information from the responsible Minister, and contrasted this with past publications by the JVP’s Lanka newspaper. Turning to the Energy Ministry, he asked how the Government planned to bring in a refinery investor without first separating and valuing the CPC and the refinery, and sought details on the Mannar 50 MW wind project, including who initiated it, allocated land, conducted feasibility work and prepared the RFP. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted that the debt-to-GDP ratio remained at 104 per cent and argued that the stated Rs. 102 trillion GDP figure partly reflected rupee depreciation alongside rising debt stock. He called for careful capital absorption, energy planning that accounts for geopolitical factors in LNG decisions, timely retirement of old power plants, and investment in new capacity, including through private capital. He also urged that successful subsidiaries should not be weakened, but instead managed through taxation and regulation. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake warned that Sri Lanka faces a serious energy supply and cost challenge as electricity demand is projected to rise sharply by 2030, 2040 and 2050, while current generation costs and tariffs remain uncompetitive compared with regional peers. He urged policy clarity on CEB restructuring, greater commercialization, reduced political interference, protection of successful PPP models such as LECO, and an update on governance concerns raised over vehicle procurements. He argued that the country requires about US$ 8 billion in energy investment over the next 7–8 years and should shift more decisively towards renewables, noting their domestic value retention and the need to adjust planning and system absorption constraints to accommodate them. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the 2026 Energy Head is aimed at supporting economic growth through reliable, fairly priced energy, noting that 702 MW was added in 2025 and electricity tariffs had been reduced by 11 per cent, with a longer-term target of about one-third. He outlined plans to expand solar, wind, floating solar and future hydrogen capacity, including feasibility studies, a hydrogen policy by year-end, and related tariff, battery, safety and standards frameworks in 2026. He also detailed fossil fuel security measures, including expanding storage from about 25 days toward 45 days, new tanks at Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela, and Cabinet-approved fuel pipelines from the Dolphin Oil Terminal to Kolonnawa and Colombo Port to reduce unloading times and costs. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that previous UNP and SLFP governments completed major power projects such as Uma Oya, Norochcholai, Victoria and Kotmale despite protests and criticism, and that the current Government is now benefiting from them. He asked whether Uma Oya’s full 120 MW capacity had been received and said projects like Norochcholai were essential to avoid load shedding and sustain economic growth. He also claimed that rural electrification in areas such as Haputale and Badulla was largely achieved under previous administrations, while the present Government had not yet added comparable capacity or infrastructure. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara supported the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board into 12 government-owned companies, arguing it will improve transparency, competition and efficiency without staff layoffs. He rejected Opposition claims on renewable energy and tariffs, stating that 702 MW of the 2,000 MW renewable target has already been added and that a 30 per cent electricity bill reduction is intended over the next three years. He highlighted technical measures to integrate rooftop solar, including inverter control units, smart meters, smart grids, AI forecasting, and locally developed systems to improve real-time monitoring and grid stability. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to use energy-sector connectivity and supply expansion to help avert electricity and fuel crises and reduce tariffs, citing the promised 33 per cent electricity bill reduction. He proposed revisiting Trincomalee energy hub plans, including the oil tank farm, pipeline connectivity with India, bunkering and refinery options, while questioning the need for a third refinery if pipeline-based fuel supply could lower costs and improve reserves. He also raised objections to the installation of 14 wind turbines in Mannar despite local opposition, and requested action on barriers to household solar connections in Batticaloa where residents are being asked to fund long-distance power line extensions. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam argued that Sri Lanka should use energy policy to prevent future crises and generate foreign exchange, drawing lessons from countries such as Bhutan and Nepal that trade electricity with neighbouring grids. He supported the proposed HVDC grid interconnection with India, stating it would allow Sri Lanka to import power during shortages and export surplus renewable energy, particularly to meet growing demand in southern India. He proposed developing solar capacity, especially given Sri Lanka’s geographic advantages, and urged the Government to move beyond political objections to regional energy connectivity. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody corrected the Leader of the Opposition’s statement on rooftop solar pricing, stating that the Government reduced the unit price from Rs. 27 to Rs. 19. He argued that purchasing electricity at higher rates, such as Rs. 37 per unit, would undermine the supply of cheaper power to low-use consumers, noting that about 70 per cent of consumers receive up to 90 units at Rs. 18.50 per unit. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s failure to implement election pledges to reduce electricity tariffs by 33 per cent and sell fuel closer to landed cost by removing taxes and commissions. He criticised the proposed Sahasdanavi combined cycle project, alleging that its Cabinet Paper used inaccurate assumptions on diesel prices and exchange rates, contrary to Public Utilities Commission observations, and warned of an estimated Rs. 7.3 billion cost to consumers. He also argued that renewable energy commitments, including solar expansion, were being undermined by reduced solar tariffs and inadequate support for existing solar investors. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the 2026 Energy Ministry estimates, stating that recent CEB Act amendments would restructure the electricity sector into four fully state-owned entities while protecting employee rights and avoiding asset sales. He said a National Electricity Policy, fair pricing framework, smart meter rollout, battery storage procurement, and PPP-based competitive investment processes are intended to improve transparency, system stability, renewable generation, and tariffs. He reported progress toward adding 2,000 MW of solar capacity, including about 800 MW added by October 2025, and cited ongoing wind and battery tenders. On petroleum, he noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation had recorded a Rs. 32 billion profit by October. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Government to move beyond anti-India attitudes and pursue mutually beneficial investment, particularly by activating the 66 unused oil tanks at Trincomalee through Indian participation or other investors with India’s concurrence. He criticised the lack of progress at Trincomalee Port and described it as a missed national opportunity rather than an India-related obstacle. He welcomed the move from the earlier Adani power proposal to competitive tenders yielding lower renewable energy prices, and called for all future power generation projects to be awarded only through competitive tendering to ensure cheaper, secure electricity for industry and employment. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction under Head 119 and criticized changes in Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s stance on media-related issues after assuming office. Turning to the electricity sector, he said the Opposition supports Ceylon Electricity Board restructuring into more manageable functions to improve service and pricing, but argued that future reforms must allow domestic and foreign investment if Sri Lanka is to develop a smart grid requiring an estimated USD 8–10 billion. He urged the Government to engage an experienced professional restructuring firm, such as PwC or another comparable firm, to manage the transition rather than relying only on limited internal arrangements. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana challenged the Minister’s response, arguing that the CEB’s transmission tender and the solar project tender are separate matters. He stated that transmission work is progressing slowly and that the solar project tender has not yet been called. Oral Question No. 2 (Q.812/2025): Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery Expansion and Modernization Project Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody addressed concerns about the Sampur power project, saying claims made by another Member were inaccurate and that the required transmission line from Sampur to Kappalthurai has already gone to tender and is under evaluation. He said the solar panel tender was deliberately delayed because prices are falling, while transmission works take longer and should proceed first. He added that substation land-filling is under way, and that expected savings from lower solar costs are planned to be invested in battery storage with the Indian company’s agreement. Oral Question No. 2 (Q.812/2025): Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery Expansion and Modernization Project Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana questioned the Minister about delays following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the Sampur solar power project with the President. He asked why tenders had not yet been called and why the CEB’s required infrastructure and transmission line work appeared not to be progressing. Oral Question No. 2 (Q.812/2025): Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery Expansion and Modernization Project Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Cabinet approval was granted on 20 February 2025 for a project to develop and expand the Sapugaskanda Refinery Complex, and the Expression of Interest process was completed on 26 September 2025 with about 20 submissions now under final evaluation. The Minister said the project aims to meet domestic petroleum demand through the CPC, provide bunkering services, promote exports, and position Sri Lanka as a regional petroleum export hub, potentially through modernization or a new refinery under a BOT model. Reported expenditures include Rs. 785.8 million for land acquisition, a Rs. 510 million advance for land acquisition, and USD 600,000 for a 2022 feasibility study, with Requests for Proposals to be called next under government procurement guidelines. Oral Question No. 2 (Q.812/2025): Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery Expansion and Modernization Project Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana asked the Minister of Energy to provide details on the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery Expansion and Modernization (SOREM) Project, including its commencement date, objectives, and separate expenditures on land acquisition and the feasibility study. He also asked whether the Minister is aware that the project is currently not operational and, if so, what future plans the Ministry has for it. Oral Question No. 2 (Q.812/2025): Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery Expansion and Modernization Project Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan requested administrative restructuring in Batticaloa, including splitting Eravur Pattu DS and Kanthiran Kudah GN Division due to their large size and access difficulties. He urged age-limit extensions for public service competitive examinations affected by Covid delays, the prompt holding of long-delayed Provincial Council elections, and relief for low-revenue and war-affected local authorities facing increasing salary burdens. He also called for higher public assistance grants for vulnerable groups and action in the 2026 Budget to address long-standing pension anomalies affecting retired teachers and principals. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported the Budget allocations for State Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and Labour, arguing that government development programmes are now producing measurable results. He cited completed and ongoing projects in the Matugama Divisional Secretariat area, including decentralized, provincial development, model and rural road projects, and rejected Opposition claims that allocated funds were not being used effectively. He also referred to wage increases for estate workers, plans to recruit about 76,000 public servants through competitive examinations, and government support for local authorities through equipment and institutional strengthening. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Labour) Read →