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- 7 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the referenced projects were identified through discussions held in 2023 with relevant officials. She clarified that, under the Government’s 2025 and 2026 Budget proposals, development projects are planned for the Eastern Province, and provincial public representatives may submit proposals through District Development Committees. Oral Question: Projects Approved with Indian Government Assistance - Eastern Province (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya clarified that her earlier answer was limited to projects under the MoU signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit, as that was the scope of the Member’s question. She stated that Government development plans for the Eastern Province extend beyond those projects, with separate budgetary allocations for 2024, 2025 and 2026, and that provincial officials and public representatives have been asked to submit proposals following consultations. Oral Question: Projects Approved with Indian Government Assistance - Eastern Province (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details of all approved Indian-assisted projects in the Eastern Province under the MoU signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka. He requested information on how each project was identified and approved, whether stakeholders were consulted, and the names and details of those consulted, or reasons if no consultation occurred. Oral Question: Projects Approved with Indian Government Assistance - Eastern Province (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill as part of necessary structural reforms to generation, transmission, distribution and operations, arguing that past governments failed to ensure reliable and affordable electricity despite long periods in office. He said the Government’s new legal framework is intended to support economic growth and social welfare, though results may take time to become visible. He contrasted current Opposition criticism with the former Opposition’s stance on projects such as Uma Oya, stating that they opposed developments only where environmental and social harm was alleged, citing court action and compensation related to damaged houses, dried wells and affected farmland. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera argued that decisions on CEB staffing should be based on a formal human resource audit and called for a collective agreement to safeguard employees’ jobs, benefits, and any voluntary retirement terms before reforms proceed. He criticised the Electricity Bill for inadequate consumer protections and for classifying LTL Holdings as a transmission company despite its domestic role in generation and manufacturing, urging the Government to bring amendments to correct these issues. He said the Opposition would support reforms that promote smart grids, renewable energy, lower tariffs, and investment, but could not vote for the Bill in its current form. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported reform of the electricity and wider energy sector, arguing that the 1969 Ceylon Electricity Board framework no longer meets current national needs and must be updated as part of broader state reforms. He said the Bill aims to reduce electricity costs and tariffs, improve rural and island power supply, retain technical expertise, and modernize generation and distribution without harming workers. He rejected Opposition criticism, blamed past governments for CEB losses and staffing problems, and stated that the Government would protect employees through job security, mobility among state companies, and voluntary retirement options. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported legal amendments that improve electricity reliability and consumer benefits, while questioning whether the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill addresses practical barriers to solar adoption, especially in Batticaloa and the North and East. He raised concerns about delays in CEB connections, lack of transformers and three-phase supply, high costs for new household connections beyond 50 metres, and the relocation of electricity poles during road development. He also called for adequate CEB staffing, facilities, and disaster-resilient services in war-affected and infrastructure-poor areas, urging special attention to ensure affordable and continuous electricity access. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported the electricity sector amendment, arguing that it would improve service quality, introduce competition, protect consumers, and maintain 100 percent state ownership while safeguarding CEB employees’ jobs and allowances. He said the Bill addresses supply reliability issues, enables consumer choice among licensed providers, and creates scope for competitive generation and overseas opportunities for state-linked power entities. He also criticized past emergency power purchases as costly, called for stricter regulation of such procurement, and urged a review of overly expensive technical standards to avoid waste. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Participating in the debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, Hon. M.A.M. Thahir argued that CEB restructuring and wider economic reforms have not provided relief to poor households, public servants, or small businesses. He highlighted electricity and water disconnections, including during the crisis period, and questioned the absence of measures such as lower tariffs, subsidized new connections, or assistance for Samurdhi and Aswesuma beneficiaries. He called for reforms that improve services while addressing the cost-of-living burden on ordinary consumers. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary Eranga Weeraratne said the proposed amendments to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act are intended to further restructure the CEB by separating system operation, transmission, generation and distribution functions while retaining key entities under full government ownership. He argued that competitive bidding, independent generation including renewables, and digital tools such as smart grids, smart meters, AI, digital tendering and land portals would improve transparency, attract investment, reduce losses and lower tariffs over time. He also stated that the transition would include employment protections, a government-owned employee welfare and pension fund, voluntary retirement options, and training for affected workers. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran supported the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it protects CEB employees’ jobs, salaries and allowances while enabling private investment and strengthening the electricity sector to deliver lower tariffs. He said past mismanagement had burdened consumers and stated that the Government would pursue scientifically assessed renewable energy projects, including clarifying concerns over Mannar wind power with Vanni District MPs and the Minister. He also rejected allegations about the Minister’s Mannar visit and about the Justice Minister’s remarks on mass graves, saying the Government had funded excavations and would act through proper legal channels. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns during the debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill about the proposed wind power project in Mannar, saying local communities and representatives had not been adequately consulted despite ongoing protests. He said residents were not opposed to renewable energy or development, but objected to projects that affect fisheries, tourism, livelihoods and future economic prospects without providing local benefits, and requested that the project be shifted from Mannar Island to suitable mainland areas. He also criticized what he described as unequal treatment of foreign nationals, alleging preferential access for Israelis while Indian workers were deported, causing difficulties for farmers in harvesting. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika defended the Government’s electricity sector amendment as a planned restructuring measure consistent with its pre-election commitment to reduce tariffs systematically and protect national energy interests. He said the Bill preserves 100 per cent State ownership, removes the earlier model allowing partial private sale of entities, and still recognises existing private participation, especially in renewables. He rejected claims of job losses, stating that current CEB employees would be protected and contrasting this with a pre-election circular proposing major staff reductions. He also noted the previous day’s parliamentary vote concerning the former IGP, recording that 177 Members voted in favour and none against. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva opposed the proposed amendments to the electricity law, arguing that they reverse the investment and competition framework established by the 2024 Act, which he said was intended to reduce tariffs, improve efficiency, and support private participation where appropriate. He stated that multilateral agencies including ADB, IFC and JICA, as well as business and sector stakeholders, had warned the Government against the changes, and he tabled related correspondence. He questioned the feasibility of financing major transmission investments through public borrowing, citing concerns over CEB debt risk and borrowing costs, and argued that higher costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers and industry. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran raised concerns over wind power projects and ilmenite mining in Mannar, stating that current activities arise from approvals granted by previous governments and not new permissions from the present Government. He said earlier approvals lacked consultation with local communities and religious leaders, and announced a parliamentary meeting with Vanni MPs, ministers, officials, religious leaders, fisheries representatives and civil society to review the issues. He stated that the Government would consider local concerns, reassess field impacts, and make decisions aimed at protecting fishers’ livelihoods. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised concerns during the debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill about delays in electricity connections in the Vanni District due to shortages of poles, insulators and wires, and frequent power cuts in Mannar despite the presence of wind power projects. He said residents oppose wind plants on Mannar Island because of impacts on fisheries, flooding and land use, and proposed relocating such projects to other areas of Mannar District, urging that these matters be addressed at a scheduled meeting with the Minister. He also objected to CEB-related land allocations to companies in Muthunagar, Trincomalee, affecting long-standing farmers, and requested that remaining land be formally given to them. He further asked for free or affordable electricity connections for low-income households, noting that about 2,500 families are waiting for assistance. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said the proposed electricity sector amendments seek to modernize outdated laws while protecting State ownership, worker rights, national security and sovereignty. He rejected claims of privatization, stating that core functions would be unbundled into State-owned companies, with the National System Operator and transmission network remaining fully State-owned. He said private investment may be allowed in limited areas such as generation and grid extensions, under PPAs and licensing, to improve efficiency and reduce tariffs. He also outlined a long-term aim to make electricity distribution more competitive, allowing consumers greater choice of distributor based on price and service. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem criticized the Electricity Amendment Bill, arguing that it reverses prior unbundling efforts by reconsolidating generation, transmission and distribution under State control, which he said would deter private investment, weaken efficiency and strain public finances during the post-debt-crisis recovery. He questioned changes to the unbundling timeline and warned that proposed arrangements could weaken the PUCSL’s regulatory independence through Finance Ministry supervision. He also challenged the tariff treatment of small renewable energy projects, alleging discriminatory returns compared with larger dollar-pegged projects. He called for a high-powered, conflict-free inquiry into LTL shareholdings and alleged links involving former public servants, including hidden employee trust structures and the value of stakes following the IPO. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the amendment to the 2024 electricity sector legislation, arguing that it restructures the sector into five fully State-owned entities instead of the earlier model that allowed wider private ownership. He said the amendment protects employees’ jobs, salaries, allowances, pensions and EPF arrangements, while retaining energy as a strategically important public asset. He rejected concerns over PUCSL’s role, stating that “consultation” does not amount to approval and that tariff processes already involve public and institutional input. He argued that the reforms aim to improve reliability, transparency, efficiency, competition and ultimately reduce electricity tariffs. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns over the proposed LNG FSRU procurement, questioning the eligibility of the China Harbour Engineering Company–Engro joint venture after Engro’s exit, the apparent permission for a site change, and the cost of leasing rather than purchasing the unit. He alleged the arrangement may be corrupt, tabled related documents, and asked the Minister to scrutinize it, while also criticizing the halting of the LTL Holdings IPO and proposed CPC investment. He further warned against concentrating key CEB reform positions under one individual, requested recruitment of 167 qualified electrical superintendents, and argued that high electricity tariffs are undermining Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness despite US tariff preferences. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →