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- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Minister said there is no current congestion in releasing import containers at the Port of Colombo, though difficulties have arisen in inter-terminal trucking of export and re-export containers due to increased capacity and traffic. He outlined measures being implemented in response to Chamber of Commerce proposals, including reactivating the Speedy Clearance Committee, extending scanning and screening toward 24-hour operations, expanding Green Channel access, increasing RCT capacity, adding staff, and introducing a real-time port operations dashboard. He also cited steps to diversify trucking operators, provide an off-dock Customs inspection bay, address private sector clearance delays, and improve agency staffing, while noting that incomplete Customs digitalization, delays at the East Container Terminal, and regional disruptions have contributed to pressure. He stated that congestion has eased but may recur around December-January, and planning is underway. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 [Unnamed Minister/Member] AI summary Forecasts for October–December 2025 project electricity-sector revenue of LKR 112,372 million against expenditure of LKR 125,377 million, with the tariff methodology requiring prior-quarter profit or loss adjustments, including a second-quarter 2025 regulated profit of LKR 5,311 million and a resulting LKR 7,994 million loss deviation. The member said the Government’s policy is to reduce electricity tariffs by 30% over five years, while tariff revision authority remains with the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and is to be exercised without ministry interference. The speech defended amendments and state-owned restructuring in the electricity sector, rejected opposition claims of privatization, and stated that the Government aims to revive the sector, protect employees, reduce input costs, and eventually cap electricity purchase prices at 5 US cents per unit. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said the CEB has sought PUCSL approval for a tariff increase for October–December 2025, citing forecast below-average rainfall and an estimated hydropower output of 4,388 GWh. He stated that hydro and thermal plant maintenance scheduling is based on meteorological and operational forecasts, not arbitrary decisions. He said the cost estimate includes fuel, capacity charges, debt servicing, Uma Oya delay penalties, supply reliability projects, project management, and 2025 insurance reserves. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported Hon. Kabir Hashim’s Motion and criticized the Government for not fulfilling its promise to reduce electricity tariffs by 30 per cent. He said poor households face disconnections, interest on arrears, and high reconnection fees for small unpaid bills, and urged that these practices be stopped. He also questioned restrictions on rooftop solar capacity and argued that with available hydro generation and previous pledges to curb fuel and coal-related commissions, tariffs should be reduced to assist households and small producers. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara supported the Government’s electricity-sector reforms, stating that the restructuring of the CEB would create core companies for generation, transmission, distribution and system operation, while retaining state ownership and safeguarding employee benefits. He rejected claims of mass layoffs and criticized union-led opposition to reforms such as smart grids and renewable-energy expansion. He argued that the Government is already reducing fuel and electricity costs across household, hotel and industrial categories, and called for efficient, transparent management of the CEB without emergency procurements. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna opposed the proposed expansion of the Mannar wind power project, stating that the existing 35 turbines and planned additional turbines were degrading land and causing public resistance. He questioned the development rationale behind concentrating turbines in Mannar, referred to an unmet presidential undertaking for stakeholder consultation, and criticized continued project activity despite local opposition. He called on Mannar residents and religious leaders of all communities to unite against the current project design and associated excavation activities. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the current power sector restructuring, stating that the proposed companies would remain 100 per cent state-owned under the Treasury Secretary and did not amount to CEB privatization. He argued that restructuring is needed to lower electricity tariffs by reducing generation, transmission and distribution costs, while addressing under-investment in the network and expanding renewable energy toward the 70 per cent target by 2030. He also said electricity and other prices had been stabilized or reduced under the Government, citing lower bills for low-consumption households, and stated that IMF-related measures were being negotiated in a manner suited to Sri Lanka. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera seconded Hon. Kabir Hashim’s Motion and argued that CEB restructuring is necessary but is being handled in an opaque manner that risks higher tariffs and employee uncertainty. He called for disclosure of the boards, chairpersons, headquarters, governance structures, staff placement arrangements, and migration plan for the six successor companies, noting that four have already been established and the transition is expected around November. He urged the Government to use competent professional advice, resolve labour concerns, build confidence, and ensure the reforms support renewables, a smart grid, investment, and fair tariffs for households and industry. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Ceylon Electricity Board is profitable when recent earnings and clawback provisions are considered, and that further tariff increases after the June 2025 increase are unjustified. He said the proposed increase is driven by a Cabinet decision linked to IMF EFF Third Review conditions to pass legacy debt to consumers, rather than by operating costs, and questioned whether the tariff formula legally permits this. He also asked whether IMF-flagged accounting and data issues at CEB had been corrected and sought details on when and how the promised 30% reduction in electricity bills would be delivered. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised several service-delivery and compensation issues affecting Pottuvil and surrounding areas in Ampara District, including unpaid relief supplier bills from the January 2024 floods and unpaid compensation for 14 fishermen affected by a mini-cyclone in October 2024. He requested action on water shortages through bowser allocations and the Keda Oya project, a fire engine and beach-cleaning machine for Arugam Bay, school infrastructure and staffing improvements, reduced fruit import duties, and proper staffing for the Pottuvil Divisional Veterinary Office vehicle. He also thanked the President for supporting recognition of Palestine at the UN and noted the commemoration of the International Day of Sign Languages. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon supported regulations enabling vehicle imports for tourism, arguing they align with the sector’s recovery and the Government’s targets of three million tourist arrivals and US$ 5 billion in revenue. He emphasized expanding tourism beyond coastal areas into inland, community- and environment-based destinations, particularly in the North Western Province and around reservoirs, heritage sites, and rural attractions. He identified poor rural roads and infrastructure as a key constraint and said the Government intends to address this while developing sites such as Yapahuwa, Haththikuchchi, Rasvehera, and areas in Galgamuwa. He also linked tourism growth to wider economic stabilization and welfare measures, while defending the Government’s first year in office against Opposition criticism. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the vehicle-related import and export control regulations require timely updating to keep pace with changing technologies such as hybrids and electric vehicles, warning that delays in customs and related processes create costs for importers and congestion at the port. He rejected claims that a foreign bank branch closure signalled economic failure, citing ratings upgrades, stock market gains, higher exports, remittances, tourism receipts, FDI, and improved tax collection despite PAYE reductions. He also questioned why the Opposition had not used Standing Order 27(2) to raise narcotics issues, defended ongoing anti-drug operations, and asked the Pohottuwa to respond to alleged links involving a former provincial coordination secretary. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera said tourism growth should be viewed as the result of measures across successive governments, after setbacks from the Easter attacks and the pandemic, rather than attributed solely to the current administration. He highlighted continuing difficulties faced by small hotels and tourism operators, including unresolved loan burdens, taxes, electricity costs, water and municipal charges, and VAT, and called for targeted relief and stronger attention from the Tourism Minister. He also urged a proper development plan for Kitulgala water rafting in Kegalle District to support local youth and expand that tourism segment. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala linked the tourism debate to the President’s recent UN General Assembly address, highlighting themes of improving Sri Lanka’s international image, combating corruption and transnational crime, poverty eradication, digitization, education, health, and ethical governance. He supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to permit the import of 250 small buses and 750 vans for tourism transport needs. He argued that improved transport and supporting facilities are necessary to develop cultural, ecological, agricultural, coastal, religious, sports, wellness, and culinary tourism, particularly given Sri Lanka’s geographic diversity. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that the import control regulations are only a temporary response and called for coherent policies on vehicle imports, cross-border LCs, public transport, renewable energy, tourism transport, and export facilitation. He said declining public transport capacity is increasing reliance on private vehicles and fuel imports, and urged renewed attention to projects such as LRT and to renewable energy as a state policy. He supported a shift away from government-run businesses toward facilitation and public-private participation, citing telecom and sugar as examples, while raising concerns over productivity, wage policy consistency, and selective participation by foreign banks. He also warned that rising external debt repayments from 2028 require stronger export earnings, faster container clearance and approvals, and specific support for sectors such as apparel and tourism. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara urged support for strengthening Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by promoting lesser-known local attractions, including areas such as Mirigama. He called for the use of Parliament’s mandate to amend relevant orders, laws and regulations, and encouraged local-level participation to develop tourism and contribute to national progress. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Chaminda Lalith Kumara supported the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that facilitating vehicle imports would strengthen transport services needed for tourism. He said the Government is rebuilding and promoting tourism, including community-based tourism in villages, so that benefits extend beyond large hotels and reach rural communities. He highlighted initiatives in districts including Gampaha and stressed the need for reliable transport, accommodation, promotion, and a peaceful environment to sustain rising tourism indicators. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena responded to concerns on fiscal stabilization by citing growth in tourism arrivals and earnings, remittances, exports, foreign direct investment, state revenue, and profits of selected state-owned enterprises. He argued that these indicators, along with stable currency management despite vehicle import-related demand, show progress toward strengthening the external sector and reducing the revenue-expenditure gap. He said the Government is working toward fiscal anchors for 2028 and beyond, including a 2.3 percent primary surplus, lower debt-to-GDP over time, and controlled gross financing needs, while also emphasizing asset declarations and recent narcotics seizures as part of governance and enforcement efforts. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development JJB AI summary Cabinet-approved tourism vehicle import concessions for 750 cars and 250 buses were extended by three months to 30 September 2025 due to technical delays in clearing vehicles, and the relevant Gazette was presented to Parliament for approval. The Minister said the Government has removed vehicle import restrictions in stages while maintaining economic stabilization as its first-year priority, citing controlled inflation, growth above earlier expectations, and increased private-sector credit. He urged reliance on official data and said investor confidence, legal reforms, and policy stability are necessary for continued growth under the Government’s development programme. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah raised a Private Notice Question on the requirement, linked to IMF conditions, for local authorities to meet increasing shares of employee salaries from their own revenues up to 100 per cent by 2028. He said many Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas, particularly in the North and East and in areas affected by war or disasters, cannot meet even the initial 20 per cent while maintaining services such as waste removal, sanitation, drainage and street lighting. He requested time-bound relief and interest-free credit facilities to help local bodies establish revenue-generating activities such as markets or fuel stations, warning that salary pressures could disrupt essential services and discourage officials from serving in those areas. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →