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- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Dewananda Suraweera supported extending the emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, stating it was proclaimed to manage the aftermath of the Ditva cyclone and speed up reconstruction and relief. He said the emergency is intended to expedite procurement, repair infrastructure, allocate land for displaced people, maintain essential services, and protect officials acting urgently, not to restrict democracy, unions, assemblies, or protests. He argued the measure is necessary to restore normalcy, support economic revival, tourism, and investment, while criticizing the Opposition’s attacks and inviting constructive criticism. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda opposed reliance on emergency powers, arguing that the Government should first implement actions available under ordinary law. He urged immediate action on railway delays caused by strict speed-limit compliance after recent derailments and faults, including instructions to Railways or attendance relief for affected public and private sector workers. He also accused the Government of failing to act on its anti-corruption mandate, listing numerous alleged losses, procurement irregularities, governance failures, delayed elections, undisclosed agreements, and unresolved investigations, and demanded accountability and disclosure. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Aboobucker Athambawa supported extending the state of emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing the severe impact of Cyclone “Ditva” on lives, housing, livelihoods, agriculture, roads, railways, tanks, canals, bunds and bridges. He said the Government was providing compensation to farmers, fishers and affected households, restoring damaged infrastructure through the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme and relevant state agencies, and managing these efforts despite economic pressures and global instability. He urged Opposition cooperation, stating that emergency powers were being used responsibly to meet public needs. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath supported extending emergency provisions under the Essential Public Services Act in response to the “Ditva” cyclone, arguing that temporary powers are needed to maintain essential services, public order, security, and supplies during disasters and potential global supply disruptions. He cited government actions including evacuations, deployment of security forces, restoration of rail services, measures against hoarding, and an interim housing programme for affected districts. He stressed that emergency powers should remain temporary and subject to parliamentary, judicial, and constitutional oversight, and urged the House to approve the extension. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan addressed the 2026 regulations under the National Transport Commission Act and Motor Traffic Act, noting that they create a formal mechanism for private inter-provincial bus permit transfers and extend access to special forward vehicle registration numbers for a Rs. 1 million fee. He welcomed the objectives of transparency and revenue generation but raised concerns that the Rs. 2 million financial capacity requirement could exclude smaller investors and that high-fee special numbers may reinforce wealth-based prestige. He also requested urgent support for Trincomalee SLTB services, including repairs to unserviceable buses, at least 10 additional buses, and action to address a 50 per cent staff shortage. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe – Deputy Minister of Tourism AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe defended the Government’s economic and tourism policy record, citing the passage of the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Bill, reported GDP and per capita income gains, and strengthened legal stability and enforcement. He said the Government had corrected the visa regime by introducing a six-month free-visa pilot for selected countries, based on expert advice and international practice, to increase tourist arrivals and foreign exchange. He also referred to efforts to expand airline capacity, including discussions or agreements involving IndiGo, Turkish Airlines and Vietnam, and said 2025 tourist arrival targets remained achievable. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the proposed Regulations under the National Transport Commission Act and Motor Traffic Act, noting that premium charges for forward vehicle numbers could increase non-tax revenue and that a legal framework for inter-provincial bus route permits could address longstanding issues. He then criticized the Government’s broader performance, citing high fuel prices, unmet promises on electricity bills, fertilizer delays, and the rising cost of living. He argued that the public expects practical relief and effective governance rather than repeated announcements and political slogans. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena – Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways AI summary Regulations were presented under the National Transport Commission Act to formalize the transfer of passenger service permits, replacing informal transfers through powers of attorney with a regulated process based on service history, pending legal or institutional inquiries, public complaints, continued route operation, and a Rs. 2 million financial capacity requirement. The Deputy Minister said 320 regularization applications had been received, with 98 approved, and outlined plans to reallocate 357 non-operating or surrendered permits after a grace period ending 30 June through a Cabinet-approved points-based tender system, including new route permits from 17 June based on demand surveys. He also presented regulations under the Motor Traffic Act to allow advance reservation of vehicle registration numbers up to 100,000 numbers ahead, for prescribed fees ranging from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million, excluding motorcycles and three-wheelers. Debate: National Transport Commission Act Regulations, Motor Traffic Act Regulations, Immigrants and Emigrants Act Regulations Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister responded under Standing Order 27(2) on petroleum procurement, listing suppliers registered in the past year and explaining that CPC rejected altered payment terms from Verrington UAE after a Cabinet-approved procurement from an unregistered supplier. He outlined ongoing term and spot procurements for crude and refined products, stated that evaluations follow international standards adapted to CPC infrastructure, and said further comparative price, bid, supplier, audit, and refinery-yield information would be compiled or tabled subject to confidentiality requirements. Questions by Private Notice: Fuel Purchase (CPC) and Private Lands Released by Military Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that although he had inspected the Peraru reservoir, he was not aware of the specific issues raised. He clarified that the reservoir falls under the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, requested the District Coordinating Committee to submit recommendations to the Ministry, and said he would obtain details from the Board on the current status, problems, and actions taken before proceeding swiftly. Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam raised concerns about the Peraru Reservoir project in Vavuniya, stating that farming families who donated paddy lands on assurances of alternate land, title deeds, and access roads have still not received deeds after 13 years. He asked whether the Ministry would provide the promised access roads and a flyover or bridge, noting that spill water during rains prevents farmers from reaching their new fields. Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe acknowledged serious difficulties in rural community-managed water schemes, noting that nearly half of the 3,800–4,000 schemes under the National Community Water Department face problems due to the Department’s lack of statutory authority, staffing, and technical capacity. He stated that draft legislation to empower the Department would be brought to Parliament, enabling government intervention in such schemes, and that Cabinet-approved structural reforms are being implemented. He also said an action plan would be prepared within months and committed to revisiting affected districts, including Vavuniya, to develop a programme with local representatives. Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Asked the Minister whether a special committee would be appointed to review non-operational community water supply schemes in dry areas. He said some projects had been implemented without proper needs assessments, leading to wastage of public funds, and requested project-by-project identification of failures and recommendations for solutions. Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on water supply projects in Vavuniya District, stating that 73 projects are being implemented across five Divisional Secretary’s Divisions and that 50 are currently supplying water to the public. He said 23 projects are non-operational, mainly due to unpaid electricity bills, lack of funds for repairs, weak community participation, leaks, falling water levels, aged equipment, and communities shifting to other water sources. He stated that the Government will take steps to reactivate these schemes or provide suitable alternative water supply methods, with action planned within the next two years. Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that trunk mail transport is currently carried out using Department lorries on five main routes covering the Northern, Eastern, Uva, North Western, and Southern sectors, with further distribution handled by crew cabs and other vehicles from hubs. He said existing transport needs are being met, but district-level requests will be considered and additional vehicle procurement is planned for the next Budget. Oral Question 7 (1457/2025): Post Offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran asked for immediate action to provide the promised postal vehicle for Mullaitivu, noting that Mannar had already received one following an assurance given during oral questions on 08.04.2026. He stated that the delay of about a month showed unequal treatment of Mullaitivu in provincial postal services and said the designated vehicle was reportedly in Jaffna. Oral Question 7 (1457/2025): Post Offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa provided staffing and transport details for postal services in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya, reporting vacancies of 25, 32 and 56 respectively. He said a 2025 recruitment exam for Supervisory Management Assistants produced only about 326 qualified candidates against 600 intended appointments, including 1 for Mullaitivu, 3 for Mannar and 2 for Vavuniya. He stated that Mullaitivu does not currently justify a separate Divisional Superintendent’s Office because of the number of post and sub-post offices, and confirmed that all districts have mail transport facilities, with vehicles allocated to Vavuniya and additional lorries and crew cabs provided nationally. Oral Question 7 (1457/2025): Post Offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary The Member asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media to provide district-wise staffing details for post offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Vavuniya, including approved cadre, officers in service, vacancies, and measures to fill them. He also sought information on districts lacking Divisional Superintendents of Post Offices, steps to relocate the Mullaitivu superintendent’s office from Vavuniya to Mullaitivu, and districts without vehicle facilities for mail delivery. He further requested details on measures to provide transport facilities to improve postal service efficiency. Oral Question 7 (1457/2025): Post Offices in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that class sizes should be based on educational criteria, noting that overcrowding persists in both secondary and primary schools. He said the Government aims to reduce class sizes below 35, but only gradually alongside education reforms, school rationalization, infrastructure improvements, and the recruitment of additional teachers. He clarified that no decision has been taken to raise secondary class sizes beyond 40 or to 45, and that limits will be enforced according to classroom capacity. Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka needs a modern framework to replace the 1853 Insolvency Ordinance and improve the ease of doing business. He said the Bill shifts the focus from rapid winding-up to rehabilitation of viable individuals and businesses, including through an Insolvency Regulatory Authority and special attention to MSMEs facing finance, debt-servicing and cash-flow difficulties. Citing Central Bank 2025 credit expansion data, he linked the measure to economic recovery and confidence-building, while stating that the Government aims to strengthen resilience and prevent future collapses. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →