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- 8 October 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that, despite claims of nationwide infrastructure development, many road projects in areas such as Yatiyantota and Kegalle remain stalled, particularly under the iRoad and “Laksha Mawatha” programmes, and requested priority action to complete them. He also urged the Government to procure smaller, durable buses suitable for remote, narrow and hilly routes rather than large coaches unsuited to such terrain. He further asked the Sri Lanka Tea Board to correct its public claim about a record tea auction price in Japan, noting that Avissawella Tea Factory had achieved a higher price in 2024 and should receive due recognition. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that reallocations in the Supplementary Estimate were necessitated by Sri Lanka’s 2022 debt default, which halted foreign loan disbursements and delayed projects, including the Central Expressway, resulting in about US$ 340 million in accumulated interest. She said the Central Expressway financing terms with Exim Bank of China changed after default from a dollar facility to a yuan facility, with a floating rate of 2.5–3.5 percent, and described renewed lender engagement under those constraints as significant. She also stated that the National Police Commission independently delegates powers to the IGP under the Constitution, and cautioned against parliamentary remarks that could place undue pressure on the Commission or police operations. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Danushka Ranganath supported the Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 36,609 million for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, linking it to the Government’s policy agenda on economic stability, public services, rule of law, and anti-corruption. He said the Ministry is improving transport infrastructure, particularly through the “Path to Revival” rural roads programme, under which 1,619 roads have been identified this year at a cost of Rs. 25 billion, with further funding proposed next year. He also stated that a new iRoad phase will cover about 500 km nationwide, including 24 roads in Kalutara, and said stalled works from earlier contracts have now completed procurement and will be restarted and finished before year-end. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the Rs. 36,609 million Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, stating it reallocates funds following halted donor disbursements after the 2022 economic crisis and supports domestic debt servicing and ongoing infrastructure work. He said the Government had not borrowed for highways in 2025 and was continuing road, bridge, highway and rural transport projects within the approved Rs. 435,100 million allocation. He also highlighted deficiencies in mass transit, alleged route-level mismanagement in several Colombo District services, and said the Government’s policy was to develop sustainable transport as part of broader economic and environmental goals. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticized reductions in transport-related allocations under the Supplementary Estimate and urged the Government to take responsibility for reviving rail and SLTB services, citing the closure of the profitable Ridithenna SLTB depot as an example. He requested urgent action by the RDA and Provincial Road Development Authority on several deteriorated iRoad and district road segments, and questioned reallocations from the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal, iRoad, and Getambe flyover projects amid congestion and stalled work. He sought clear timelines for the Kandy bus terminal components and progress on the Central Expressway up to Galagedara, including widening the road from Galagedara to Kandy. He also asked that unresolved contractor claims relating to Central Expressway Section 1 be settled before the Government proceeds with the loan and contract approval. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Funds have been allocated to renovate the Kankesanthurai jetty and provide passenger facilities. The Minister stated this in response to a concern raised earlier, noting that the issue had also been brought to his attention by a professor from Kandy. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about poor facilities at the passenger terminal of Kankesanthurai Port, noting complaints from Indian tourists. He requested the Minister to address the issue urgently. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha defended the Government’s record against Opposition criticism, arguing that the present administration is addressing the economic collapse, debt default, shortages, and governance failures inherited from previous governments. He rejected allegations regarding police appointments and institutional independence, while stating that the Government’s 159-member team would take collective responsibility and seek to correct mistakes. He outlined transport and infrastructure measures linked to the Supplementary Estimate, including modernization of 32 railway stations, renovation of the Pettah Central Bus Stand, development of 25 SLTB depots, import of buses for persons with special needs, procurement of 200 luxury buses and five DMU sets, and upgrades to rail equipment and roads. He said rural road, iRoad, World Bank-supported ICDP, bridge, and district-level projects were being funded, including Rs. 7,200 million for Ratnapura District, and stated that the Supplementary Estimate was a lawful reallocation to support recovery and development. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri stated that Rs. 3,000 million allocated in 2011–2012 for rehabilitating 53 roads in the North Central Province was misused by the contractor, Kanthi Construction, and the works were not completed. He said allegations that the then Chief Minister received money from contractors were revealed, and that COPA had made recommendations on the matter, which have been submitted. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, distinguishing it from previous supplementary allocations and framing it as part of fiscal recovery and disciplined revenue management. He cited revenue, tourism, remittance, export, customs, port, petroleum and telecom performance figures to argue that state income has improved despite a large budget deficit. He highlighted road and bridge development in Polonnaruwa, including the Kotaliyadda and Gallelle bridge projects, stating that tender savings were achieved by eliminating corrupt cost inflation practices. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected Opposition criticism on SME support, arguing that the crisis reflects long-standing weaknesses in banking instruments, collateral-based lending, and limited Central Bank capacity, while stating that the Government has issued circulars and coordinated banks through the Industry Ministry to assist affected businesses. He supported the Supplementary Estimate as a reallocation of Rs. 36 billion in unspent funds to reduce debt and interest costs, not as additional expenditure. He said transport and logistics reform is essential for economic growth and investment competitiveness, citing Sri Lanka’s weak World Bank Logistics Performance Index ranking compared with regional peers, and called for alignment of ports, buses, roads, and freight systems to support production and productivity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported the Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, stating that part of the remaining allocation would be used to settle Road Development Authority debt. He outlined ongoing transport and road development projects, including upgrades to Pettah transport facilities, A and B class roads, bridges, rural roads, Sri Pada access roads, and key routes in Nuwara Eliya District. He also noted allocations for safety barriers at identified danger points in the Central Highlands following road safety concerns. The speech contrasted these initiatives with criticism of the Opposition’s past record and asserted the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and accountability. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa addressed a Supplementary allocation under Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, arguing that the Government now supports expressways it previously criticized and asking for Ministry-level progress reports on Budget spending and public benefits. He criticized proposed changes to the National Police Commission, alleging they would reduce police independence and enable political control over transfers, appointments, and investigations. He also questioned the Government’s stance at the UNHRC, called for solutions for farmers, fishers, and workers, and asked for details on investment inflows and foreign exchange generation. He urged the Government not to use the police, armed forces, or intelligence services for political purposes and called for an investigation into the reported theft of 32 animals from a zoo. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the Supplementary Allocation for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation was a reallocation of already-appropriated funds to conclude or redirect stalled projects, reflecting improved financial management and transparency. She linked weaknesses in past project selection and management to the economic crisis and argued that the Ministry should become more people-centred, efficient, and responsive. She highlighted the need to improve public and school transport, road access to remote schools, safety and quality standards, accessibility for children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities, and better facilities at stations and on trains. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Criticizing government messaging on the Penal Code amendment, he said the matter should be discussed within the Government Parliamentary Group before tabling and argued that removing the relevant Chair would resolve the issue. He noted support for the Rs. 36 billion Supplementary Estimate and urged the Government to use funds, including allocations for industry and road works in Badulla, to deliver services rather than blame past governments. He rejected allegations of obstruction by the Opposition and called on the Government to govern responsibly for its term. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Dr. Elayathamby Srinath stated that adequate construction and infrastructure facilities had not been provided and requested that the issue be addressed through the Supplementary Estimate for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and in the next Budget. He thanked the authorities for actions already taken and urged prompt attention to the remaining needs. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary During debate on the Supplementary Estimate for Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed allocations and feasibility work for the Kiraan Bridge and small bridge rehabilitation, but urged that remaining funds and further infrastructure needs in Batticaloa and the wider North and East be addressed through the Estimate or next Budget. He called for rehabilitation of bus stands and the Valaichchenai depot, establishment of a Vakarai sub-depot, improved rail schedules, a promised railway substation near Eastern University, and new ferry links for Paduvankarai, Poompuhar, Kinniyadi, Palugamam, Kaludawila and Perambaditheevu. He also requested recommencement of feasibility studies for bridges at Mandur, Kurumanveli, Nasivantheevu, Pankudaveli and Narippulthottam, arguing that basic transport infrastructure in war-affected Batticaloa areas is necessary to connect them with urban centres and build public trust. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi stated that Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt.) Ltd. was commencing under special initiatives and outlined ongoing public transport improvements, including procurement of railway power sets, importation of 5,000 electric fans for coaches, sanitation upgrades, and road network development. He said the Supplementary Estimate was intended to address issues arising from previous governments’ economic policies and requested its approval by the House. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Supplementary Estimate, stating it reallocates funds to more suitable projects and reflects improved financial management. He contrasted current transport investments with alleged past mismanagement, citing audit-reported overpayments in 2023 SLTB bus procurement, and said the government is upgrading railway stations, rebuilding bridges, improving SLTB depot facilities, and renovating the Pettah bus terminal while avoiding political use of SLTB resources. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi supported the Supplementary Sum for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, arguing that unutilized allocations arose because foreign-funded projects stalled after the 2022 debt standstill while domestic counterpart funds remained idle. He said the funds should be reallocated to productive uses, including reducing the Road Development Authority’s domestic bank debt of about Rs. 310,639 million as at 31 July 2025. He attributed the need for the transfer to past fiscal mismanagement and cited the stalled BIA Terminal 2 project and its alleged Rs. 60 billion delay cost as an example, urging approval to support debt reduction and project implementation. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →