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- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson seconded a motion by Hon. Rohini Kavirathna and, while marking 17 years since the end of the war, thanked war heroes and wartime state leaders. He highlighted the continuing human-elephant conflict, citing 35 human and 117 elephant deaths nationally from January to April 2026, including 7 human and 22 elephant deaths in Polonnaruwa, and attributed the problem partly to ineffective fencing, habitat loss from land allocations, and livestock inside Maduru Oya National Park. He urged better maintenance of electric fences, payment of overdue allowances and provision of facilities to Civil Security Department personnel attached to Wildlife, faster vehicle procurement, and stronger operational support for the Department of Wildlife. He also proposed that farmer organizations identify households needing secure paddy storage containers during harvest seasons to reduce elephant raids on homes. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it aims to broaden revenue, improve tax administration, curb evasion, and create a stable fiscal base while providing concessions and taxing profits rather than ordinary livelihoods. He attributed the present tax burden to past failures in asset management, borrowing, and weak domestic production, and said expanding exports and production is necessary to reduce taxes over time. He also raised flood damage in Puttalam District following the “Tithwa” cyclone and recent rains, requesting urgent action on a drainage system for Puttalam town and repairs or widening of damaged bridges in Karaitivu, Mundal, Kanamulla, and near Pulichchakulam School. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said war remembrance should continue, but raised concerns about alleged links between public figures and diaspora networks, and criticized the Government’s handling of vehicle import restrictions and fuel price announcements. He questioned practices at CIABOC, urged resolution of recruitment issues affecting Kotelawala Defence University medical graduates, and called for action on matters including the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, student accommodation at South Eastern University, unused railway quarters, and illegal structures in Kotmale/Nuwara Eliya. He also demanded urgent support for SLTB depots facing shortages of tyres, diesel and funds, and appealed for measures to protect Buddhism and avoid inquiries or actions he said could undermine Buddhist institutions. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned why the Government would consider further fuel price increases and maintain high electricity tariffs despite claims of strong Treasury balances, primary surpluses, increased revenue, and multilateral inflows under the IMF, ADB, and World Bank. He also asked when the Government would fulfil its promise that the public could buy a Vitz car for Rs. 1.2 million. He challenged the official poverty line figures and requested that the Department of Census and Statistics explain whether people in all 25 districts can live for a month on the stated amounts. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna AI summary An answer was tabled regarding vehicle requirements for the Kalmunai Municipal Council, confirming that requirements had been identified and submitted in an annex for National Budget Department approval. The annex lists proposed procurements and replacements, mainly for solid waste collection, drainage cleaning, construction work, water supply, road maintenance, street lighting, disaster and fire services, field inspections, and general municipal operations. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam) SJB AI summary An answer was tabled to a question raised on behalf of Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam regarding the relevant Post Office and land status. The Minister stated that the existing departmental building is structurally unsound and cannot be renovated, so a new Post Office building estimated at Rs. 29.5 million was commenced after a foundation stone was laid on 18 September 2025. It was also stated that the land parcel concerned is no longer under Sri Lanka Army control and was arranged to be handed back in 2026. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Chandana Thennakoon highlighted that a local institute with significant land, buildings, staff, IT facilities, and residential and lecture capacity is being used only minimally for irrigation-related programmes. He asked whether additional technical or higher-education programmes could be introduced, or whether the facility could be converted into another educational institution to better serve regional education needs and improve resource use. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided a detailed response on Cyclone “Ditwah” impacts in the Kandy District, covering landslides, floods, high winds, house and business damages, road obstructions, religious site damage, and fatalities across multiple Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. He reported 6,119 fully damaged houses, 11,352 partially damaged houses, 4,179 damaged businesses, 3,404 families living in rented accommodation, and Rs. 625,999,000 paid as compensation to families who lost houses. He also stated that 14 housing relocation projects had been proposed, five initiated, 302 families had received alternative land, and compensation to Gampola businessmen was ongoing subject to documentation and registration issues. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara supported the motion on addressing problematic tree species, urging rigorous scientific research into their impacts on water resources in the central highlands, Uva and Sabaragamuwa. He called for scientific, community-based removal and restoration with indigenous biodiversity, warning against replacing such areas with eucalyptus or pine and against the use of burning. Citing pine plantations around Haldummulla and reduced dry-season flows at Bambarakanda and other waterfalls, he said restoration was necessary for environmental protection and future generations. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir supported the motion, arguing that tree-planting policies should prioritise species suited to Sri Lanka’s varied climate and local needs. He said fast-growing trees planted in school “green revolution” programmes in Ampara had become hazardous, damaging buildings, while principals lacked funds and authority to remove them and State Timber Corporation procedures were slow and costly. He proposed arrangements to remove dangerous trees and encouraged planting economically useful or native species, including along riverbanks, to support local production and national benefit. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara seconded the motion and argued that pine and eucalyptus plantations have caused significant ecological damage in Sri Lanka, particularly in the central highlands, while contributing little to national timber demand. He stated that these invasive plantings destroy habitats, affect water sources and downstream agriculture, and may destabilize slopes after felling. He called for their systematic removal. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on regulating institutions that confer doctoral and professorial titles, urging the Government to introduce rules to prevent the sale of such titles. He thanked the Minister for clarification on Vesak Week restrictions, noting that meat sales and animal sacrifice were prohibited only on specified days, allowing Udhiyah/Qurban observances on May 28–29. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council and requested that premises, staff, a Secretary, vehicles, and other facilities be provided within two months so the Council can begin functioning and deliver services such as waste disposal. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth seconded a Private Member’s Motion and called for a modern public sports ground on 10 acres of identified State land at Sarvodaya Puram in Pottuvil, as well as playing-field facilities for several named schools in the area. He urged the Youth Services Ministry to appoint long-serving local volunteers in Pottuvil and Lahugala as Assistant Youth Services Officers during the current recruitment process. He also requested implementation of a 2021 recommendation to place court matters from 12 GN divisions in Irakkamam under the Akkaraipattu Court, and asked the Power Minister to establish a separate Electricity Consumer Service Centre for Irakkamam. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Emergency is being maintained only to ensure uninterrupted public services and accelerate recovery following Cyclone “Ditwah” and the Middle East conflict, rejecting allegations that it has been used to detain youths, prevent gatherings, or support anti-narcotics operations. She outlined progress in relief payments for affected households, displaced families, schoolchildren, farmers, livestock owners, inland fishers, and boat owners, citing high disbursement rates across most schemes. She said infrastructure restoration, including housing, highways, and railways, is being carried out with disaster risk reduction and scientific siting, and argued that the Emergency is being used to deliver relief and services efficiently rather than to protect the Government or oppress citizens. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that national security depends not only on immigration controls but also on resolving minority political aspirations and improving economic conditions in the North and East. He called for streamlined investment approvals, development of Kankesanthurai harbour using the Indian grant, and progress on Trincomalee oil tank arrangements to support jobs and economic revival. He opposed the use of Emergency powers and the PTA, stating Tamil representatives were prepared to vote against Emergency. He also sought clarification on enforcement where operators hold over 20 per cent of inter-provincial route permits and requested that the Vavuniya bus stand be transferred to Northern provincial or municipal authorities. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported discussion on the Emergency by raising land and security-related concerns in the North and East, urging implementation of the President’s direction to release private lands occupied for wartime security purposes or provide compensation. He requested permanent police station facilities on properly allocated state land in the Eastern Province, including action on the Eravur Urban Council’s allocation, and called for implementation of local authority arrangements for Kalmunai–Sainthamaruthu following a Supreme Court judgment. He also urged a special security and tourism plan for Pottuvil–Arugam Bay, citing multiple roadblocks, recent arrests of visiting youths, and the need to reduce disruption to residents, fishers, farmers, and tourists while maintaining security. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised two local infrastructure requests, urging the provision of urgently needed buildings for Eravur Aligarh National School. He also asked that the Eravur Police Station be established on land already allocated by the Urban Council. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Government’s continued extension of emergency measures after the Ditha cyclone, arguing that affected families still lacked housing, land, rental support, and repaired access roads in areas including Mawathagama, Hiriyala, Mirissala, and Bambarakanda. He questioned official claims of rehabilitation progress and demanded justice and relief for cyclone victims six months after the disaster. He also alleged broader Government mismanagement, citing coal procurement losses, rising fuel, electricity and gas costs, increased poverty, and irregularities involving a USD 2.5 million Treasury incident, Postal Department payments, and relief overpayments in Kurunegala and Kegalle. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe — Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply AI summary Hon. Dr. Susil Ranasinghe defended the extension of the emergency, arguing it was needed after Cyclone Ditha to maintain 15 essential services, expedite recovery, and address wider supply pressures arising from the Middle East conflict, not to suppress speech or media freedoms. He outlined housing and relief measures, including Rs. 500,000 for fully destroyed homes, allowances for flood damage, household losses, student books and rent, and said emergency powers were helping speed up land allocation and disbursements through administrative channels. He rejected opposition allegations on issues such as coal fraud and Treasury-related matters, saying evidence should be presented to the appointed commission, and argued that the Government had stabilized the economy and restarted stalled development projects. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the further extension of emergency regulations, arguing that they are needed to continue relief delivery and accelerate reconstruction after what she described as Sri Lanka’s most severe natural disaster. She cited official figures on deaths, missing persons, damaged homes, affected families, and a World Bank estimate of USD 4.1 billion in infrastructure damage, and referred to measures including the emergency Gazette, essential services declarations, an Essential Services Commissioner-General, the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Presidential Task Force, and special subcommittees. She stated that major relief grants had been largely disbursed, gave percentage completion figures for several payments, and said remaining work includes completing benefits and rebuilding railways, highways, and other essential infrastructure. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →