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- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns about vacancies in the railway service and public dissatisfaction with its quality, including basic issues such as sanitation on trains. He asked the Minister what systematic plan is in place to develop the service, manage new recruitments, and improve public satisfaction. Oral Question: Technical Officer Vacancies in Sri Lanka Railways (Q.676/2025) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that Sri Lanka Railways currently has 24 Sri Lanka Technological Service officers and 4,425 departmental technical officers, with 35 vacancies in the former and 3,644 in the latter. He outlined recruitment measures, including examinations and applications for technical and operational posts such as train controllers, locomotive drivers, station masters, supervisory managers, technical management assistants and basic technical officers, with several appointments targeted for September 2025. He also noted constraints in filling some Special Grade posts due to a lack of qualified officers and said further vacancies had been referred to the Cabinet-appointed Officials’ Committee on public service recruitment and human resource management. Oral Question: Technical Officer Vacancies in Sri Lanka Railways (Q.676/2025) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation whether the Government recognizes the importance of Technical Officers in Sri Lanka Railways. He requested details on the current number of Technical Officers, existing vacancies, and the measures planned to fill those vacancies. Oral Question: Technical Officer Vacancies in Sri Lanka Railways (Q.676/2025) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake presented the 2024 Performance Report of the Sri Lanka Railways Department 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: Reports and Agreements Tabled Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka supported the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would bring Samurdhi banks and community-based societies, holding about Rs. 250 billion in deposits, under national audit to improve accountability. He argued that past poverty alleviation programmes had been politicized and said the NPP Government would prevent Samurdhi and poverty-related schemes from being used for political gain. He linked poverty reduction to land titles, rural roads, transport, and local economic development, citing ongoing ministry programmes and Budget allocations, and referred to underserved villages such as Galamuduna in Udadumbara as examples of the need for rural infrastructure improvements. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concern over reports that the Eastern Province Pre-school Office in Batticaloa may be moved back to Trincomalee, noting the added travel burden on pre-school teachers from remote areas including Paanama, Pottuvil, Akkaraipattu and Attalay Chandai. He requested the Minister to keep the office functioning in Batticaloa District. He also urged the expedited establishment of a model fishing village and boatyard in Kuda Kalliyadi to address recurring conflicts between fishermen and tourists and support local fishermen. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised development and administrative concerns affecting Pottuvil and surrounding coastal districts during the debate on Regulations under the Law. He requested a modern sports ground on state land in Kalappu Kattu or Vattivelly, citing inadequate facilities despite local athletic achievements. He also urged action on Samurdhi Development Officer vacancies, promotions, salary scale issues, Tamil-language circulars, and payments due to families of deceased and retired officers. He further called for a fairer beneficiary selection method under Aswesuma and for urgent completion of court infrastructure and filling of staff vacancies in the area. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe supported the debate on the Samurdhi and other amendment bills while urging action on long-standing service issues of Samurdhi Development Officers, including promotions, vacancies, MN-2 salary restructuring, Tamil-language departmental communications in the North and East, and faster pension and arrears payments. He also asked that newly recruited Samurdhi officers be absorbed properly into service and linked these measures to strengthening village-level economic development. On sports administration, he highlighted vacancies in the Eastern Provincial Sports Department and in Ampara District, arguing that they affect competitions, talent identification, training, and provincial performance. He requested facilities and funding for sports development, including a modern rugby ground at Palamunai, construction of the Sammanturai Sports Ground, rehabilitation of the Pottuvil–Pasarichenai ground and pavilion, and the appointment of an additional District Youth Services Officer for Tamil-majority areas. He briefly referred to the recent Hartal in the North and East and said the Government should examine its causes and respond accordingly. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir said poverty alleviation schemes such as Janasaviya, Samurdhi and Aswesuma have not sufficiently reduced poverty, and called for legal and administrative reforms, including restoring beneficiaries’ access to compulsory Samurdhi savings for education, illness, livelihoods or old age. He requested measures to address transfers and promotion grievances of Samurdhi officers, and compensation or assistance for the family of a Kalmunai Samurdhi officer who died of COVID-19. He also raised concerns that sports selection and support are affected by wealth, influence and ethnicity, and urged facilities and resources for athletes in Nintavur, including a standard outdoor ground and indoor sports complex, citing the area’s contribution to national kabaddi and athletics. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel spoke during the debate on the Samurdhi and Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Bills and Sports Act regulations, focusing on the need to develop sports among youth in the Hill Country and Uva areas. She said many schools and communities lack grounds, equipment, and coaches despite producing talented athletes, and criticized past reliance on election-time token support instead of sustained development. She highlighted the absence of a fully equipped ground in her electorate and the closure of the Diathalawa Polo Ground, and urged the Government to identify, train, and support local athletes, particularly volleyball players, to reach national and international levels. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna responded to a matter raised by Hon. Withanage, stating that the professorial unit for the University of Moratuwa was established on scientific grounds. He said the recommended site, 52.111/1, was unavailable, so the unit was located at Nagoda, and assured Parliament that there would be no delay and students could graduate on time. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake outlined the legal and administrative history of converting foreign driving licences and issuing temporary permits to visitors, noting that the Department of Motor Traffic continues to handle these functions and that a one-month temporary licence currently costs Rs. 2,000 under the 2022 Gazette. He clarified that establishing a counter at Bandaranaike International Airport is intended to streamline access and reduce broker exploitation, not to create a new legal category. He further stated that temporary licences for tourists are limited to private light-vehicle use, excluding three-wheelers and any public or commercial transport operations. The Minister said a revised fee structure would be proposed to Cabinet and gazetted if approved, following concerns from tourism stakeholders that the current fee is too low. Ministerial Statement: Temporary Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Jaffna airport runway will be rehabilitated to handle approximately 130-seat aircraft, with completion expected by mid-2026. He said further expansion for larger aircraft is not currently economically viable, noted that baggage allowances are determined by airlines, and indicated that reduced embarkation fees could be considered. He emphasized developing Jaffna as a stable and viable international airport while avoiding mistakes associated with Mattala. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about unpaid compensation for lands already acquired for the airport and requested that affected persons be paid. He also asked for the passenger baggage limit to be increased from 15 kg to 30 kg and proposed a modest runway extension to accommodate A-320 aircraft, arguing that this would improve passenger capacity and foreign exchange earnings. He sought a clear timeframe and assurance from the Minister on implementing these measures. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 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 said Jaffna International Airport currently operates two daily flights to India and has shown improving revenue and operating profit, but expansion for larger aircraft would require major infrastructure investment and further feasibility studies. He said terminal improvement works are proceeding in stages under procurement procedures, with temporary passenger facilities already installed and further works expected around October. The Government intends to develop Jaffna as a commercially sustainable international airport, initially targeting safe runway rehabilitation to accommodate about 130-seat aircraft by mid-next year, while decisions on larger expansion, financing, and any further land acquisition will depend on demand, feasibility, and consultations with relevant agencies. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation about delays in Phase II development of the Jaffna/Palaly International Airport. He argued that extending the runway would allow larger aircraft, increase passenger and baggage capacity, and support diaspora travel, tourism, and economic activity in the North and East. He requested details on the status and timeline of rehabilitation works, government plans to expand services, Indian funding for Phase I and requirements for Phase II, constraints on securing further funding, and compensation payments to landowners affected by airport expansion. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Ravi Karunanayake) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Energy seeking details on the Trincomalee oil tank farm, including whether Ceylon Petroleum Corporation tanks are inside or outside Trincomalee Harbour, the total number of tanks, and whether they have been leased out. It asks for the lessees’ institutions and countries, annual income earned from leasing, and the latest investment made in the Trincomalee Oil Tank project. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister tabled a written answer detailing LRC lands in Galle District allocated for industrial purposes as at 20 August 2025, including rubber, garment, livestock, vehicle-spare-parts, fertilizer, tea, footwear and industrial estate projects. The answer stated that all listed projects are operational except the Bettans Group footwear manufacturing enterprise. It explained that the Bettans land had been taken back for use as a Covid Centre, causing possession issues, and that arrangements have since been made to re-transfer possession to the applicant. Procedural Item: Speaker Directions and Questions Stood Down Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Government would proceed with facilities needed for medical education and related services, noting that the Minister of Transport had intervened to provide land at the Kalutara Depot for a Faculty of Medicine building. He also said a DOD building would be constructed affiliated to the Karapitiya/Gallassa Maternity and Children’s Hospital, with the aim of establishing a fully fledged Faculty of Medicine and Teaching Hospital. Oral Question: Staffing at Gallassa Maternity and Children's Hospital (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for details on staffing, infrastructure, clinics, laboratory facilities, ambulances, and ambulance personnel at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Gallassa, Nagoda, including steps to fill any vacancies. He also requested information on the availability and usability of medical laboratory technical facilities in government hospitals nationwide, and on shortages of medical equipment and machinery by hospital section. Oral Question: Staffing at Gallassa Maternity and Children's Hospital (Q.5/2025) Read →