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. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Thanura Dissanayake supported the Supplementary Sum for the Ministry of Transport and Highways, explaining that funds must be reallocated from delayed foreign-financed projects, including the Gatambe and Kohuwala flyovers, to works that can proceed immediately. He outlined planned transport improvements, including procurement of five DEMU train sets, 5,000 fans, toilet upgrades, 12,000 rails, air-conditioning for locomotive cabins, and better conditions at Ratmalana Workshops. He defended the “Dream Destination” bus terminal and railway station upgrades as comprehensive modernization rather than cosmetic work, and called for public-service-oriented leadership to rebuild an efficient, people-friendly transport system. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar stated that his side would support action against wrongdoing, including any effort by the Government to produce evidence and bring back Arjuna Mahendran. He said payments under the 100,000-kilometre road programme should be based on condition assessments and actual work completed, as discussed at the Sectoral Oversight Committee. He objected to an official allegedly telling contractors that payments would depend on a “complaints committee” and asked that the matter be examined and payments made according to due process. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned the reallocation of Rs. 36.609 billion for debt servicing under the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry, arguing that funds could instead address road bottlenecks, widening projects, and rural road carpeting. He raised concerns over delays in Kankesanthurai Port development, BIA Terminal 2, and restricted airspace affecting tourism, and called for accountability for additional costs and project delays. He also demanded collection of alleged unpaid taxes on crude palm oil imports, safeguards to ensure new investor visas bring genuine foreign exchange, and stronger incentives for diaspora investment. He urged the Government to improve project planning, assess loan feasibility before budgeting, and prioritize practical measures to increase dollar earnings and reduce future supplementary estimates. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister moved a Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 36.609 billion under Head 117 to reallocate anticipated savings from highway and railway allocations that cannot be spent in 2025 due to suspended foreign disbursements, lender issues, contractor disputes, and project delays. He said approval is needed to redirect these funds, mainly to reduce the Road Development Authority’s high-cost domestic bank debt, while also noting reallocations already made under Financial Regulation 66 for rural roads and SLTB depot improvements. He cited stalled projects including flyovers, Indian railway upgrades, Chinese-financed expressway works, and the BIA terminal project, and stated that negotiations on the Central Expressway financing with China had been pursued following the 2022 suspension of disbursements. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Kankesanthurai Port rehabilitation project, outlining delays caused by cost increases from the original USD 45.27 million Indian Exim Bank loan estimate to USD 61.5 million in the 2021 Detailed Project Report and the absence of confirmed additional financing. He said the Sri Lanka Ports Authority had meanwhile completed several works with its own funds, including repairs, security infrastructure, utilities, a passenger terminal, a warehouse and weighbridge, and was proceeding with breakwater rehabilitation and rail extension. He stated that India had in March 2024 indicated willingness to fund the full revised cost, but Sri Lanka is negotiating amendments to certain MoU clauses considered potentially adverse before proceeding. The Environmental Impact Assessment was completed in 2018, and procurement and construction are expected to take about three years once the amended MoU is concluded. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan welcomed the Minister’s explanation and the move to award vehicle number plate printing to three companies rather than a single company, citing past wastage. He requested that the Government consider undertaking number plate printing itself in future, and also referred to vehicle emission testing, arguing that large private-sector earnings from that process should be reduced by bringing it under government control. Second Round Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on delays in issuing vehicle number plates by the Department of Motor Traffic. He asked what measures are being taken to address related national security and organized crime risks, how many vehicles remain without plates, whether private firms are contracted for plate issuance, what instructions have been given to Police and the public regarding temporary paper plates, and when normal issuance will resume. Second Round Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a question based on a Daily Mirror report warning of possible power cuts, asking whether the claim was accurate in light of stoppages the previous day. He requested a response from the relevant authorities, describing the matter as a serious national issue. Second Round Questions and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan noted that the NPP won both Northern Province districts at the last election and referred to 2025 Budget allocations made through the relevant Ministry. He urged that funding be ensured for continuous implementation of services accessed through Grama Niladhari offices, with completion targeted within the coming year. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna stated that earlier initiatives such as “Uthuru Wasanthaya” had not fully delivered expected benefits to the North. He said the Government had allocated funds in the previous Budget and would make further allocations in 2026 to address pressing needs and provide required facilities. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised concerns that about 52 Grama Niladhari divisions continue to operate from temporary offices, forcing some residents to travel up to 20 miles for services. He asked whether the forthcoming Budget would allocate funds to quickly provide basic facilities such as electricity, toilets, and water, noting that annual resettlement allocations have not effectively addressed these needs. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on Grama Niladhari offices, stating that there are 50 permanent and 52 temporary offices. He reported that 55 require refurbishment, 48 lack toilets, 43 lack water, and 61 lack electricity, and acknowledged longstanding shortages in basic facilities. He said steps are being taken to provide the necessary facilities, while part (b) of the question was not applicable. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government for details on administrative infrastructure in Vavuniya’s 102 Grama Niladhari Divisions. He sought figures on GN divisions without permanent offices or using temporary premises, offices needing refurbishment, and those lacking toilets, water or electricity, including disconnected power supplies. He also asked whether the Minister accepted that such deficiencies impede effective public service delivery, and if not, to state the reasons. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe said the Heda Oya Reservoir has been studied since 1956, with later updates showing that the full project would inundate 6,000 acres and displace over 250 permanent households, creating major social and political concerns. He stated that no funds will be allocated for the project in Budget 2026 and that there are no immediate implementation plans, though the project has not been abandoned and would require further socioeconomic and environmental assessments. He said the Government’s current priority is to complete stalled irrigation projects such as Pahala Malwathu Oya, Pahala Yan Oya, Lower Uma Oya, Mundeni Aru and Kivul Oya, where work, land acquisition or expenditure has already begun. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation why the Heda Oya Irrigation Project, identified in 1922 and subsequently designed, studied, approved and allocated funds under several governments, has still not commenced. He outlined its expected benefits for Ampara and Moneragala, including irrigation for over 6,270 hectares, support for more than 5,000 farming families, drinking water for several DS areas, and related economic gains. He requested clarification on delays, funding in the 2026 Budget, timelines, a dedicated implementation and oversight mechanism, stakeholder consultation, assessment of social/environmental/economic benefits, and integration with rural water, agricultural modernization and regional irrigation programmes. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary During the debate on the amendment to the Convention against Doping in Sport, Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth highlighted serious sports infrastructure shortages in several Divisional Secretariat areas of Ampara District, particularly Navithanveli and Pottuvil. He requested the Government to allocate State land and develop public or school grounds in areas such as Vattiveli, Kalappukattu, Sarvodaya Pura and Urani, and to improve existing poor-quality fields used by local clubs and schools. He also asked the Sports Minister to provide sports equipment and support for the Eastern Province, and to appoint a permanent Sports Officer for Pottuvil to help develop local athletes. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, arguing that anti-doping measures are necessary to ensure fairness in increasingly competitive professional sport, while noting that some athletes may inadvertently use banned medicines for medical reasons. He said sports development also requires grassroots infrastructure and financial support for athletes, referring to proposed facilities in the North, including an international stadium in Jaffna, and defending the Rs. 10,000 stipend for athletes. He also raised a request from Sri Lankans in Saudi Arabia to resume a direct Colombo–Jeddah air service, particularly for Hajj, Umrah and urgent family travel, and said discussions were under way with SriLankan Airlines, Saudi authorities and relevant Ministers. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that its delayed enactment had affected athletes and urging speedy implementation. He highlighted the completion of sports complexes in Mannar, Vavuniya and Omanthai, and requested hostel and related facilities for athletes using them. He sought the reallocation of funds that lapsed during the economic crisis and election period for school and public sports grounds, small schools, and registered sports clubs in Mannar and Vavuniya. He also requested urgent rehabilitation of divisional sports facilities in the war-affected Vanni region and proposed raising the upper age limit for Northern Province Sports Officer recruitment from 35 to 40 years, with Higher Diploma qualifications recognized. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi said the Government is allocating substantial funds, particularly to the North and East, to develop sports facilities and ensure children across the country receive equal support, while also noting the importance of basic financial assistance. She stated that the Government supports proposals such as sports schools and a Sports University, and framed these initiatives as part of creating a fair and equal environment. She invited the Opposition to engage in fair democratic competition without breaching rules, arguing that political contestation should take place on an equal and lawful basis. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had reintroduced fuel subsidies for fishing communities after taking office, including monthly support for diesel and kerosene-powered boats over a six-month period, amounting to more than Rs. 2 billion. He noted that fuel prices are adjusted under the IMF cost-reflective pricing framework and invited Members to participate in a forthcoming parliamentary discussion on kerosene subsidies led by the Minister of Power and Energy. He also outlined fisheries development measures in the North and East, including distribution of Chinese-donated nets, installation of container homes, upgrades to Point Pedro and Myliddy harbours, restarting the Karainagar boatyard facility, and recruitment to address official shortages in the Eastern Province. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →