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- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned the continued reliance on old ledgers to calculate railway land acreages and noted that technological modernization is needed across the railway system. He asked whether land records would be updated using modern technology to address the issues he raised. Oral Question: Q.562/2025 - Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Railways: Lease Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake acknowledged concerns about railway administration and land use in Anuradhapura, noting that the General Manager of Railways had been sent for special discussions after the District Coordinating Committee meeting. He said official quarters are needed but many are derelict, and referred to unverified reports of subletting during Poson and tourist seasons. He stated that the Department is trying to prioritize departmental and public needs, address administrative sluggishness, recruit more staff, and improve services in the coming months. Oral Question: Q.562/2025 - Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Railways: Lease Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara acknowledged the Minister’s efforts to uplift the railway sector and drew attention to underutilized railway lands in towns such as Anuradhapura, Ratmalana and Mahawa. He said dilapidated railway quarters in Anuradhapura, located near the market and tourist access points, were being misused despite demand for holiday accommodation. He asked whether steps would be taken to develop these assets, either by the Department or through private sector involvement, to improve urban areas and generate benefits for the State and the Department. Oral Question: Q.562/2025 - Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Railways: Lease Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the identified extent currently belongs to the Railway Department. Oral Question: Q.562/2025 - Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Railways: Lease Read →
- 15 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 a question on Sri Lanka Railways land, stating that the Department owns 5,739.85 hectares, with a district-wise schedule to be placed in the Library. He said about 520 acres, or around 10 per cent, is currently leased for up to five years, generating Rs. 882.56 million from 2020 to 30 June 2025. He added that a detailed plan is being prepared to identify unauthorized occupations, with action to be taken under State Lands recovery laws and through Fiscal’s Orders where necessary, while future leases will follow ministry circulars, valuation assessments and railway land disposal procedures. Oral Question: Q.562/2025 - Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Railways: Lease Read →
- 15 November 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri sought permission to raise a further question relating to Question No. 562/2025 on lands belonging to Sri Lanka Railways. The question asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to provide details on the total extent of railway land, lands leased to private parties, lease income from 2020 onward, encroachments by unauthorized settlers, planned eviction measures, and steps to make productive use of railway lands under departmental control. Oral Question: Q.562/2025 - Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Railways: Lease Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister defended the 2026 Budget as a stability and recovery plan built around inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty reduction, digitalization, and public service reform. He cited increases in exports, remittances, tourism earnings and revenue, rejected claims of impending default, and said Sri Lanka is preparing to resume external debt repayments from 2028. He highlighted allocations for the Praja Shakthi programme, estate worker wages, public sector vehicles, EPF/ETF arrears, housing loan interest relief, public sector salary increases, and repurposing underutilized State buildings. He also rejected Opposition criticism over Treasury management, MPs’ vehicle and fuel arrangements, and asserted that the Government is changing past practices and strengthening the public service. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda supported the Government’s second Budget, arguing that Opposition criticism was politically motivated and contrasting it with what he described as past fiscal mismanagement and corruption under previous administrations. He highlighted allocations for agriculture and related sectors, and for sustainable transport reforms, and said revenue performance and the projected deficit showed improved fiscal management. He specifically welcomed Rs. 1,500 million to resume the Ruwanpura Expressway works from Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya and to pay long-delayed compensation to landowners, noting that over 800 families in Kahathuduwa were awaiting payment. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana defended the Government’s Budget, stating that it advances the state rebuilding programme begun under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in 2024. He rejected claims that there was no provision for Kelani flood mitigation, citing a Rs. 250 million allocation for integrated flood management in areas including Colombo and Gampaha, and said past technical plans were being reviewed under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He also disputed allegations of underused capital funds and inadequate housing allocations, stating that 58 percent of capital funds had been spent and that Rs. 15 billion was allocated for 3,000 Colombo housing units, with broader targets of 10,000 houses this year and 50,000 over three years. He further said the Government was rebuilding the public service through salary funding, recruitment exams, and Cabinet-approved appointments across multiple services. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said a road built between 2016 and 2019 at a cost of about Rs. 1,500 million had deteriorated badly, and while he could not confirm corruption or political influence, funds had been allocated for repairs. He outlined ongoing road works in the North, including the Maruthankerny road, Sorampattu-Thallady road, Vattuvakal Bridge, Kurikattuvan Jetty, and the road to Valaiypadu, and invited the Member to inspect them. He also stated that the Water Supply Minister would visit the desalination project on the 19th or 20th, with a handover to the public expected in the coming weeks. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 91(k) and Points of Order Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan urged the Minister to address the poor condition of a coastal road in the Jaffna District serving Maruthankerny DS Division, including Thalaiyadi, Uduthurai, Kattaikadu and Vetrilaikerny. He asked that any political interference or official negligence behind substandard work be investigated and those responsible held accountable, and called for a durable reconstruction rather than repeated temporary repairs for communities affected by the tsunami and the war. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 91(k) and Points of Order Read →
- 14 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 responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Point Pedro–Maruthankerny (B371) road in Vadamarachchi East, stating that the deteriorated section runs from Km 15.000 to Km 31.435 of the 31.435 km road. He said the road was developed during 2016–2019 under a Maga Neguma work order, with deterioration attributed to weak subgrade soil, and that the RDA’s Internal Audit Division is conducting a preliminary inquiry before any further investigation or action against responsible parties. An estimate of Rs. 398 million has been prepared for rehabilitation, with funds earmarked and work expected to begin in January 2026. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 91(k) and Points of Order Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the poor condition of the Point Pedro–Maruthankerny–Mandalai Pillaiyar Kovil coastal road in Vadamarachchi East, noting that it had been carpeted with public funds during 2015–2019 but had become unusable within five years. He asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development for details on the road’s length and funding, reasons for its rapid deterioration, accountability for planning or supervisory failures, and whether an investigation into alleged corruption would be conducted. He also sought a timeline for properly repairing the road to a usable carpeted standard, particularly with monsoon conditions affecting transport in the area. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 91(k) and Points of Order Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage raised a supplementary question on the condition of Gampaha District Hospital, citing a committee report that identified serious shortages in equipment and physical resources, including non-functioning operating tables and limited laboratory centrifuge capacity. He noted the hospital’s high patient load and argued that it is not functioning at the required capacity of a District General Hospital, with low public confidence and staff morale. He asked whether there is a plan to bring the hospital under Central Government control, or, if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Questions: Q.1-Q.5 (Questions stood down) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan argued that the 2026 Budget contains some welcome allocations for the North and East, including university hostels, irrigation modernization, housing, airports, rural development, and sports, but said many are inadequate or lack targeted implementation. He called for higher capital spending in education, locally aligned TVET programmes, restoration of war-affected village tanks, dedicated housing for displaced families and release of military-held lands. He also urged funding for Northern and Eastern tourism infrastructure, use of existing grassroots bodies for rural development, upgrades to the A-9, Trincomalee Port and Eastern rail links, and larger allocations for regional sports facilities. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the 2026 Budget, describing it as aimed at economic stability, export diversification, debt sustainability, rural poverty reduction and digitalization. He rejected claims that the North and East had been neglected, citing major 2025 allocations to Ampara and Batticaloa, progress on the Gal Oya scheme, reconstruction of the Karaithivu–Mavadippalli Bridge, coastal park projects, and high fund utilization. He highlighted 2026 allocations for the Kalmunai Santhangeni Sports Ground, the long-delayed Nintavur cultural hall, and the Valachchenai fisheries harbour, while accusing some Opposition members of attempting to claim credit and inflame communal divisions. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath supported the 2026 Budget, stating that the 2025 Budget had contributed to economic stabilization through growth, lower yields, exchange rate stability, increased remittances and improved anti-corruption standing. She outlined the Budget’s priorities as shared growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, a production economy, rural poverty eradication and digitalization. She highlighted allocations for roads, expressways, road safety, irrigation, rural bridges and tank rehabilitation, as well as concessional housing loans for migrant workers through the SLBFE Fund, and said the Budget maintained fiscal discipline without raising taxes. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had strengthened the economy since taking office, citing 4.8 per cent growth, efforts to reduce public debt, restored vehicle imports, stable reserves of about USD 6 billion, and renewed stalled State projects. He highlighted digital economy initiatives including GovPay, digital payment of traffic fines, the National Cyber Security Centre, upgrades to the Lanka Government Cloud, online access to official certificates and Presidential Fund benefits, and creation of a GovTech company. He said the 2026 Budget supports economic stabilization and development toward 2030 goals, with proposals such as Starlink services, a planned 5G spectrum auction, and vouchers for students in difficult areas to access online education, and sought parliamentary approval for its implementation. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Palani Thigambaram SJB AI summary Welcoming the Budget’s proposed wage support and Rs. 5,000 million allocation for estate communities, Palani Thigambaram asked the Government to clarify whether the Rs. 200 incentive will continue beyond 2026, whether it will be incorporated into the basic wage, and how the proposed allowance will be calculated. He argued that estate worker welfare must be paired with structural reforms, including allocating 10-perch land plots and converting workers into smallholders, while also requesting development of Hatton, dialysis facilities at Kiligama Hospital, and permanent buildings for local bodies and Divisional Secretariats in Nuwara Eliya. He defended past “good governance” initiatives for hill-country communities, opposed politically motivated administrative changes, urged continuation of the dedicated hill-country development authority, and said the Opposition would support Government measures that genuinely improve estate workers’ lives. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister said potable water supply to the tourism area and the wider public is recognized as essential. He noted that a proposed supply from Senanayake Samudraya would also need to serve communities along the route to Siyambalanduwa and Panama, with the initial phase estimated at about Rs. 12,000 million. He stated that discussions with the World Bank are ongoing to secure support for the project. Oral Question: Heda Oya Water Supply Project Status (1395/2025) Read →