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- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Lower Basin Development component of the Uma Oya project had stalled after about 85 per cent completion, with several canal sections halted, abandoned, or damaged. He stated that Rs. 2,000 million has been allocated this year and 68 work items have begun through the Irrigation Department’s direct labour. He said the Government aims to complete most works by the end of the year, with any remaining work to be finished by May next year. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Asked whether, with the recommencement of the Lower Basin Development of the Uma Oya project, funds would be allocated from that project to restart the relevant canal work. She also sought clarification on the future measures planned for the canal project. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that no investigation has yet been initiated into the canal constructed under the “Lower Uva Medium and Minor Scale Development Project,” which began in 2008 and concluded in 2023. He noted that the 6.5 km canal had been stopped and restarted intermittently, and that the Department of Irrigation acknowledges siltation is obstructing water conveyance. He said the Ministry will discuss the matter with the Department to determine whether the canal has failed or whether defects in construction caused the problem. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister answered questions on the Debara Ara feeder canal, stating that construction began in 2008 with an initial estimate of Rs. 67.58 million under the Lower Uva Medium and Minor Scale Irrigation Development Project, with procurement procedures followed. He named the four contractors and said the Department of Irrigation supervised the staged works, with excavated rock and soil reused for related irrigation and service-road purposes. He stated that although water had been delivered to the Debara Ara reservoir, the 6.5 km deep canal has silted due to rainfall, reduced demand and non-use of the upstream reach, requiring a special allocation for maintenance. He added that water is currently supplied to nearby fields, two minor tanks and about 200 acres of highlands, and that plans are in place to desilt the canal before the next rainy season. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock Resources, Lands and Irrigation for details on the Irrigation Department project to construct a canal from Kuda Oya to the Debara Ara reservoir in the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat Division. She sought information on the commencement date, allocation, funding sources, procurement process, technical supervision, contractor, disposal of excavated material, and whether the project’s intended objectives had been achieved, with a request to table relevant documentation. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka answered Question No. 1073/2025 on UDA projects in Matara, stating that 18 projects are being implemented in the district and tabling annexes with project details, expenditures, status, and administrative responsibilities. He said key projects include developments related to the Matara bus stand and Sanath Jayasuriya Stadium, Matara Beach Park, Kotuwegoda Public Market, commercial complexes, parking facilities, and the Nilwala Riverbank Park. Regarding Matara Gangabada Udyana, he said it was intended for recreation and tourism, was not accepted for maintenance by the Matara Municipal Council, was assigned to a private operator, and is now closed under a court order after safety clearance issues; reopening is expected subject to court permission. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake JJB AI summary Acknowledging the validity of the concern raised, Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake stated that some projects had been started without proper feasibility assessments on suitability or accessibility. He noted that the SAARC Cultural Centre received no contributions from SAARC countries despite its name, with Rs. 1,432 million spent from Sri Lankan funds, and said efforts would be made to find a productive use for the asset. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama stated that a site about 7 km from Matara is facing investor reluctance due to poor and narrow access roads. He requested the Ministry to coordinate improvements and widening of access infrastructure, preferably completing the work within 2025 to help attract partners. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama raised concern that a project on which about Rs. 1,432 million had been spent was abandoned after 2019 and is now deteriorating and exposed to damage. He noted that previous efforts to hand the premises over to the University had not progressed and asked whether the Ministry would intervene to restart the process and bring the asset into use. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne outlined the Government’s ongoing digitalization programme, including digital IDs expected from around April, expansion of GovPay to nearly 100 institutions and over 1,200 services, and work on digital TV, driving licences, e-passports, agriculture support systems and justice-sector efficiency. He emphasized that implementation requires participation from the public sector, private sector, academia, schools and citizens, with awareness campaigns to increase usage. He announced that September will be designated “Digital Month” with a 100-day programme featuring events on investment, fintech, AI, cybersecurity and public experience centres, alongside plans for 5G, school digital upgrades and improved digital services in transport, health and education toward 2030 targets. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the motion on digitalization and the digital economy, citing examples from airport procedures, COVID-era court operations, and current judicial digitization to argue that citizens and institutions can adapt when digital systems become necessary. He proposed prioritizing practical digitization in local authorities, courts, land registries, and Parliament, including wider use of GovPay for fines, stamp duties, and local authority payments, and better digital facilities for Members to participate in committee work. He also urged the revival and expansion of digital court proceedings and transport e-ticketing using existing resources, stressing that such measures would save time, money, fuel, and administrative effort. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe seconded the Adjournment Motion on digitalization, arguing that Sri Lanka has lagged behind other countries in technology adoption while regional competitors advance. He emphasized the need to involve the State, private sector, education system, international experts, institutions and the diaspora, with early action in schools and universities to improve computer literacy. He noted ongoing Government initiatives such as digital ID and e-passports, stating that digitalizing public institutions would improve efficiency, ease transactions, support crime control and reduce corruption. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary National digitalization policy mechanisms have been prepared, and youth, entrepreneurs, and citizens were invited to engage with and contribute to the platform. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga moved an Adjournment Motion on the Government’s initiative for an inclusive digital economy, presenting digital economy development as a key pillar of the Government’s development strategy. She called for stronger integration of public digital infrastructure and AI-related technologies into the national economy, with emphasis on youth and women, startups, innovation-led enterprises, foreign investment, and international engagement. She proposed a broad public awareness programme led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and outlined planned measures including digital state services, national ID and licensing systems, land registration, government networks and cloud services, rural inclusion, knowledge centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and smart-city infrastructure. Adjournment Motion: Government's Initiative towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath supported amendments under the Construction Industry Development Act to reduce contractor renewal fees from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,000 and raise grading financial limits, including increasing the CS2 ceiling to Rs. 6,000 million, saying these measures respond to contractor demands and support the sector’s recovery. He also defended government policy on paddy procurement, stating that the Paddy Marketing Board is buying at 142 locations at about Rs. 120 per kg, with fertilizer subsidies increased and production costs reduced. Responding to Opposition criticisms on taxes and vehicle prices, he argued that revenue collection is being directed to public infrastructure and housing, and that higher vehicle prices reflect the exchange-rate depreciation after the economic crisis. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper proposed using renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power available during peak sun hours, to establish onsite vehicle charging systems. He presented this as a practical measure for sustainable energy use and thanked the Chair for the opportunity to speak. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported aligning customs and excise tax treatment for vehicles with carbon-footprint objectives as Sri Lanka transitions from combustion engines to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. He urged the Government to develop fast-charging infrastructure, particularly at expressway terminals and service areas, noting that limited range and charging access discourage EV adoption. He also called for a special programme for electric three-wheelers, addressing high upfront costs and safe charging requirements, and cautioned that rapidly changing vehicle technologies and HS code classifications require stronger verification to prevent misclassification and fraud. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha supported the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance updating HS codes for vehicle imports after their resumption on 1 February 2025, stating that it would address new vehicle technologies and avoid higher “Other” duties. He argued that economic confidence has improved, citing vehicle imports, export growth, rupee stability, increased remittances and investment, tax compliance, and resumed construction activity. He also referred to the planned completion of the Warakapola bypass by 2026 and the resumption of water and sanitation projects in Thulhiriya, while emphasizing the Government’s agenda of rebuilding production, reducing waste, and combating corruption. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera supported the proposed Customs, Finance, Excise, and Construction Industry Development regulations, stating that new HS codes were needed to classify series hybrid vehicles and apply fairer duties after vehicle imports reopened in February 2025. He disputed Opposition claims on excessive vehicle taxes, citing CIF and duty data to say average duties were about 152 percent, with higher rates on luxury vehicles and lower rates on commercial vehicles. He also reported that Customs revenue had exceeded targets, defended the recognition of Bureau Veritas as a lawful vehicle certifier, noted that disputed LC-related consignments were before court, and said reforms such as online pre-filing and tourist VAT refunds were being implemented. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The speech supported the Regulations under the Construction Industry Development Act, No. 33 of 2014, citing recent Central Bank PMI data as evidence of recovery in the construction sector after previous declines and stalled projects. It argued that improved political leadership, reduced interference, and stronger institutional independence would help restore confidence, employment, and investment in the industry. The speaker highlighted CIDA’s role in registering and grading contractors and accrediting adjudicators, and specifically endorsed reducing the adjudicator registration renewal fee from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,000 to support dispute resolution. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) Read →