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- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said the fisheries and aquaculture sector is being refocused through expansion in the North and East and renewed attention to Puttalam’s contribution. He stated that past political interference had damaged the sector, and that the Ministry will convene exporters and engage stakeholders in producing districts to address issues. He also outlined plans for modernisation, including breeding centres and hatcheries, aimed at sectoral transformation. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran responded to an Opposition MP’s allegation that rural road rehabilitation funds in the Chettikulam Pradeshiya Sabha area were allocated arbitrarily and with bias. He stated that the Rs. 200 million allocation was distributed equally across divisions, with an additional amount for Chettikulam, and alleged that the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman was refusing to use the funds for political reasons. He said road rehabilitation would continue into the following year and that allocations would be made without discrimination or political bias. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Welcoming the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, he supported the new provisions on corporal and non-physical punishment of children but requested clearer definitions, including for “likely to cause humiliation,” and correction of discrepancies between the Tamil and English texts, particularly on the fine in Section 314A. He raised concerns that road-repair funds allocated for local authority roads in Vavuniya are being channelled through Government Agents without adequate consultation with local bodies, and requested coordination to ensure priority roads are selected. He also urged the Government to provide the newly upgraded Vavuniya Municipal Council with the required cadre and infrastructure, strengthen the district’s limited fire service, and reform local authority cadre structures to improve service delivery. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake tabled a written answer on the status of Maga Neguma companies, stating that production and construction activities have ceased and only winding-up-related functions, security, and custodial work continue with minimum staff. He said Cabinet decisions in 2023 and 2025 provide for winding up the companies and releasing certain plants to State or semi-State institutions on a tax-waiver basis, subject to legal authorization. The answer detailed the status of the Road Construction Equipment, Emulsion Production, and Consultancy and Management companies, including plans to recommence the emulsion plant under the Road Development Authority. It also listed assets at the Ganewalpola yard, valued in September 2024 at Rs. 91 million for plants and Rs. 72.71 million for vehicles, while noting that pending court cases prevent their use without court permission. Oral Questions 6, and continuing questions on Seeds, Tanks, and Immigration Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of Hon. Thilina Samarakoon) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation about the operational status of Maga Neguma, including which offices and industrial yards are functioning or have been closed. He specifically sought details on the Maga Neguma yard in the Anuradhapura, Kekirawa and Ganewalpola areas, including its condition, reasons for closure, available machinery and vehicles, their value, and whether they will be used for road development. He also requested clarification on any plan, basis, responsible institution and timeframe for taking over the centre if it is not to continue. Oral Questions 6, and continuing questions on Seeds, Tanks, and Immigration Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media, Acting Minister of Justice and National Integration, and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer on postal services in Kilinochchi District, listing the number and categories of post offices and identifying which offices and sub-post offices have permanent land and buildings. He stated that buildings for sub-post offices are generally not constructed from departmental allocations because suitable premises are to be provided by the Sub-Postmaster, and noted that modern and computer facilities have been provided to Kilinochchi, Paranthan and Pooneryn post offices. He further said residents in the referenced areas can access postal services within 2–3 kilometres through nearby offices, that no record exists of the cited letter to the Postmaster General, and that there is no post or sub-post office named “Pachchilaippalli.” Oral Questions 6, and continuing questions on Seeds, Tanks, and Immigration Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan) SJB AI summary Asked for detailed information on postal services in the Kilinochchi District, including the classification and number of post offices and sub-post offices, their land and building status, plans for permanent buildings, and availability of modern facilities and computers at specified offices. Also questioned whether new sub-post offices should be established in Bharathipuram, Punnaineeravi and Pallikkuda, and sought reasons for the lack of action on a 2016 correspondence to the Postmaster General. Oral Questions 6, and continuing questions on Seeds, Tanks, and Immigration Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake presented the Sri Lanka Transport Board Annual Report for 2023 to Parliament. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: University Reports and Government Documents Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera – Acting Minister of Defence AI summary The Acting Minister of Defence supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, stating that it would give legal authority to technical recommendations and certifications, particularly for construction in landslide-prone and hilly areas. He said the Bill aims to reduce disaster risks through mandatory geotechnical assessments, enforceable building guidance, early warning and response systems, inter-agency coordination, research and development, and environmental safeguards. He noted that disaster management has been placed under the Ministry of Defence for coordination, that the National Council for Disaster Management recently met under the President’s chairmanship for the first time since 2018, and that programmes are underway to relocate families displaced by landslides to safer areas. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute but argued that development and disaster-related governance must properly include the North and East. He questioned the Governor’s allegation against the Northern Province District Secretary under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and criticized delays and uncertainty over promised funding for Northern roads and the Vattuvagal bridge. Referring to Thileepan’s remembrance and post-2009 conditions, he said unmet basic needs drive demands for self-determination and pledged to seek Tamil political unity to press the Government for development in the Northern Province. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, arguing that strengthening the NBRO is essential for landslide risk reduction and public safety in the hill country. He cited past disasters including Meeriyabedda, Kabaragala, and continuing risks in areas such as Haldummulla, Passara, Kanavarella, and Meedumpitiya, while noting unresolved permanent housing needs for affected families. He urged the Opposition to support the Bill in the national interest and also referred to future legislation against narcotics and underworld activity, particularly in relation to concerns about Tangalle. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas stated that Sri Lanka currently relies on foreign construction standards, including British, European, Indian, American, Australian and New Zealand codes. He said the proposed Act would support the development of Sri Lanka-specific codes of practice, in coordination with UDA, NBRO, CIDA and the National Physical Planning Department, tailored to local environmental conditions and wind loads. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported legislation establishing the National Building Research Institute as a statutory body, noting that the NBRO has operated since 1984 without an enabling Act despite its role in disaster prevention, geotechnical assessment, and construction guidance. He highlighted landslide risks across 14 districts, recent casualties, and past disasters such as Aranayake and Koslanda, arguing that the Institute should have legal authority to require concurrence, restrict construction, and transmit hazard maps to local authorities. He also said the law would regulate geotechnical reporting, address risks from high-rise and unstable-site construction, and give legal standing to building condition and impact assessments used in resolving disputes. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem requested the expedited submission of the Auditor-General’s forensic audit recommended by the Committee on Public Finance regarding the alleged loss from awarding a contract to a Dubai-registered company linked to VFS, noting its relevance to pending court proceedings. He supported the National Building Research Institute Bill but proposed that the Institute include representation from the Urban Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. He also urged urgent scientific action on recurrent flooding in Akurana, landslide-damaged school buildings in the Central Province, and inadequate firefighting capacity for high-rise buildings in Colombo. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Second Reading of the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, stating that it would give legal status to the National Building Research Organization, which had operated under a circular since 1984. He argued that the proposed law would make the institution more orderly, regulated, and efficient, and contrasted the Government’s action within its first year with the previous lack of legislation. He also cited major landslide disasters in Kegalle in 2016 and national landslide deaths in 2017 to underline the need for a stronger institutional framework. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna supported the Bill to give legal authority to the National Building Research Organisation, arguing that stronger institutions and enforcement are needed to reduce disaster risk, particularly landslides. He cited major past landslides and said failures to act on NBRO warnings, including before the 2014 Meeriyabedda disaster, showed the consequences of weak implementation and lack of resettlement options. He also highlighted human-induced damage from the Uma Oya project, noting Cabinet decisions on compensation, water supply, soil conservation and the Talpitigala reservoir. He outlined planned measures for high-risk plantation communities, including housing and land for 2,125 families, relocation of vulnerable schools, and Rs. 1,500 million for landslide mitigation works in Badulla. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Amila Prasad supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, arguing that the upgraded institution should focus on disaster prevention, climate-resilient construction, soil and mineral resource mapping, and integration with agencies such as the Disaster Management Centre. He sought clarification on the Government’s overarching policy framework for the Bill and proposed district or regional NBRI branches, mandatory pre-construction soil testing, stronger links with local Technical Officers, and Budget allocations for modern equipment and staffing. He also raised related implementation and safety issues, including monitoring silted reservoirs and landslide-prone areas, enforcing limits on sand and gravel transport, improving school-time bus services, empowering provincial and local authorities, and holding Provincial Council elections. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Bill as necessary to legalize and strengthen regulation of construction in flood-prone and disaster-risk areas, particularly by enabling mapping of landslide and other hazard zones so the public and authorities can identify risks before building. She cited landslide incidents and risk data from hill-country areas, including the fatal Buwelikada incident in Kandy, to argue that enforceable restrictions are needed. She also raised unauthorized constructions in Nawalapitiya, including on railway reserves, which she said have blocked historic storm-water drainage and now require costly technical guidance before a planned bus shelter can proceed. Responding to Opposition concerns, she defended provisions allowing police involvement when officials enter premises, saying enforcement and official protection are necessary for the law to be effective. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, recalling earlier efforts to formalize the NBRO, and urged that its approval processes facilitate construction through clear timelines, such as issuing approvals within two weeks. Referring to frequent landslides and floods in Kegalle, including the Saammasara Kanda disaster, he called for greater attention to disaster risk in the district. He also placed on record land donations from Debathgama Watta and other family-linked holdings for resettlement, waste recycling, temples, schools, and cemeteries, and requested government action to complete delayed title and acquisition processes. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary Lt. Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga supported the Second Reading of the Bill establishing the National Building Research Institute, stating that it gives legal personality and authority to the former NBRO after decades without a statutory framework. He said the Institute would be able to regulate and carry out building materials testing, environmental monitoring, geotechnical testing, hazard mapping, and landslide risk mitigation, particularly in the context of climate variability. He emphasized the need for proactive safety measures and research-based decision-making, while also briefly extending retirement and birthday wishes to a retiring Parliament official. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →