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- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath argued that reforms to the power sector are necessary to reduce excessive costs, improve efficiency, ensure reliable supply, and lower tariffs, noting that the Ceylon Electricity Board’s 1969 framework is outdated. She stated that the proposed Amendments replace the 2024 model, which she said risked privatization through 12 companies, with four State-owned companies covering generation, transmission, distribution and system control. She said private investment would be leveraged where needed, particularly in distribution, while ownership remains with the State. She also assured that the rights of about 23,000 employees, including jobs, pensions, EPF/ETF benefits, consent-based assignments and voluntary retirement options, would be protected. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s proposed restructuring of energy-related entities, arguing that consolidating bodies and placing an “independent” institution under the Ministry of Finance undermines independence. He questioned the absence of provisional approvals for renewable energy projects during the Government’s 10 months in office, asked about the progress of investors and tender winners, and warned that delays in new generation capacity affect tariffs and national security. He also called for action against bidders who win low-price tenders but fail to implement projects. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s handling of the Hambantota LNG power plant project, arguing that it weakened energy security while now calling for growth and private investment. He said the PUCSL’s independence would be compromised if it followed Finance Ministry instructions, and urged the Government to focus on adding new generation capacity. He rejected claims that CEB losses were due to excess employees, stating it had been profitable despite higher staffing, and referred to earlier opposition to Minister Kanchana’s electricity sector Bill. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government’s Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it retreats from its election pledge to repeal the 2024 Electricity Act and instead adopts a similar restructuring model under state ownership with investment access. He rejected claims that the power sector had been ruined over 40 years by previous administrations, asserting that the 2005-2015 period achieved full household electrification, lower tariffs and profitability for the CEB. He accused the Government and allied political forces of opposing or obstructing major generation projects such as Norochcholai, Uma Oya and Sampur, contributing to the lack of major power sector development since 2015. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the amendments to electricity sector legislation are intended to strengthen state intervention and regulation while retaining scope for private sector participation. He argued that the 2024 Act weakened state control, particularly by allowing only about 50 per cent state ownership in the transmission company and enabling share divestment, and said the new amendments would make the transmission company fully state-owned. He stated that the reforms align with the NPP policy framework and would establish a national energy policy basis while restructuring the CEB into five principal state companies rather than 12 ad hoc entities. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Tobacco Tax regulation gives legal effect to increasing the beedi tax from Rs. 2 to Rs. 3, following the Budget decision and in line with inflation-based adjustments for other tobacco products. On the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, he argued that the 2024 framework was harmful and that the new amendments retain state governance over generation, transmission, distribution and system operations while allowing investment to improve capacity and efficiency. He said the policy aims to avoid fragmentation and privatization, reduce long-term electricity costs, support industrial development, and reach 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 through expanded hydro, wind and solar generation. He also noted that the Government’s diplomatic engagement had reduced the United States’ reciprocal tariff rate from 44 per cent to 20 per cent. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported the Second Reading of the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, presenting it as a corrective transitional step away from the previous restructuring plan that he said would have split the Ceylon Electricity Board and reduced its workforce. He argued that Sri Lanka must move from an electricity-focused framework to a broader energy policy, prioritising renewable and environmentally friendly generation, lower tariffs, consumer protection, investment, and energy independence. He criticised past reliance on diesel and coal, alleged cartels and debt burdens within the sector, and assured CEB workers and the public that the Government would protect the institution, livelihoods, and public ownership. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar argued that the electricity sector reforms amount to accelerated unbundling and potential privatization despite government denials, and questioned how the proposed transmission upgrades requiring US$5 billion would be financed. He raised concerns over the Cabinet-approved Sahasdanavi plant assumptions on diesel prices, exchange rates and generation costs, and asked on what basis incentives had been granted. He also alleged increasing Israeli-linked activity in areas such as Pottuvil, Arugam Bay and Sinnavillu, urging the Government to act on visa, land-leasing and security concerns. He further called for the removal of the Ministry Secretary from the chairmanship of LTL Holdings due to a potential conflict of interest, proposing that an Additional Secretary be appointed instead. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe supported the Electricity Bill, arguing that it reverses earlier efforts to break up and privatize the Ceylon Electricity Board, including proposals in 1996, 2002 and the previous Government’s legislation. He said the Bill would establish five fully state-owned companies, protect the rights of all 23,000 CEB workers including pensions and EPF, allow voluntary retirement, and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. He rejected claims of privatization, noting that private power generation already exists through CEB purchases, and urged critics to identify genuine shortcomings rather than mislead the public. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara defended the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it would restructure the Ceylon Electricity Board on a “scientific” basis while protecting workers’ pensions, EPF and employment rights. He rejected Opposition claims that the reforms amount to privatization, stating that hydropower assets would remain fully state-owned while private investment and competition would be enabled transparently. He criticized previous governments over alleged failures on LNG projects, solar power planning and emergency power procurements, and said the new framework would prevent such emergency purchases and better coordinate investment and sector reform. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the proposed electricity sector amendment reverses earlier unbundling reforms by re-concentrating generation and distribution under CEB-linked structures, weakening accountability and risking continued monopoly control. He said the amendment leaves key restructuring decisions to unelected officials, creates insufficiently accountable minister-appointed committees, and introduces ambiguous dispatch terminology that could shift costs to consumers. He also questioned the handling of LTL Holdings and Sri Lanka Energies, requested clarification from the Attorney-General regarding an Article 78(3) objection, and warned against policies that would sideline renewable energy such as rooftop solar. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy presented the Amendment as a reform of the electricity sector intended to create a transparent, competitive market while retaining full State ownership of public assets. He said the changes would prevent privatization of CEB assets, replace the proposed National Electricity Advisory Council with stronger core sector institutions, and develop structured wholesale, ancillary services, and retail market mechanisms. He also stated that CEB employees’ rights and benefits would be protected, and that the reforms followed consultations with staff, development partners, and experts, while rejecting pressure to alter government ownership. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody introduced the Second Reading debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, alongside related regulations under the Tobacco Tax Act and Tea (Tax and Control of Exports) Act. He stated that the electricity amendment is intended to bring a significant advancement in the electricity sector and framed it as an important measure for the Government. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) regarding the 2020 Gazette declaring areas under 13 Pradeshiya Sabhas in Jaffna District as Urban Development Areas under the Urban Development Authority Law. He asked whether the Minister was aware that this transfer of regulatory functions to the UDA had affected local authority powers and imposed UDA fees for permits and approvals, causing inconvenience to residents. He also questioned the impact on village livelihoods, particularly small and medium cottage industries being treated as commercial enterprises requiring additional permissions. Oral Question (Standing Order 27(2)): Review of Policies in the Leasing Sector Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a supplementary question regarding delays in establishing the professorial unit at Kuliyapitiya Hospital. He referred to long-running preparations and expressed concern over an attempt to shift part of the unit to Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. Oral Question: Hospitals Governed under Central Provincial Council (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB AI summary The Minister outlined two health infrastructure programmes: a World Bank-supported upgrade of district and rural hospitals due to begin within two to three months, and an Asian Development Bank-supported programme to resource base hospitals, including planned implementation in the Central Province. He said hospital services, resources, and patient loads had been analysed to guide specialization and acknowledged gaps from earlier rural hospital upgrades. He also stated that post-intern medical officers would be recruited and deployed soon after applications close, while recruitment of X-ray Technicians is currently impeded by a court interim order. Oral Question: Hospitals Governed under Central Provincial Council (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure and staffing in primary hospitals under the Provincial Council system, citing hospitals in the Kandy District where large numbers of patients lack basic seating and share limited clinic space. She noted that some hospitals operate with only one doctor, and asked what steps the Government will take to improve facilities and address doctor shortages. Oral Question: Hospitals Governed under Central Provincial Council (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody said the Government had not removed consumer rights and argued that some criticisms related to provisions not contained in the 2024 Act. He stated that the Amendment Bill had been considered by the Sectoral Oversight Committee, including proposals from the Opposition, though some were rejected by court, and said the PUCSL should regulate water, electricity and petroleum more broadly. He announced that an Energy Transition Act covering the wider energy sector would be brought before Parliament by the end of the year or early next year. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board Power Cut Decision (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody explained that the blackout resulted from a system imbalance in which frequency controlled through Victoria deviated from 50 Hz, triggering protective unit trips and a continuing frequency drop. He said immediate recommendations are being implemented, including preventing simultaneous diaphragm trips and enabling soft shutdowns to reduce restoration time. He outlined short-, medium- and long-term measures, including better System Control Centre visibility of daytime solar generation, development of battery and pumped storage, and tenders for 160 MW of battery storage, while noting that CEB financing depends on consumer revenues and external funding takes time. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board Power Cut Decision (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concerns about a near 24-hour national power blackout and questioned the official explanation, noting a committee had reportedly attributed it to irregularities in the frequency control system of the Victoria generator rather than an animal-related incident. He asked the Minister to state the committee’s recommendations and whether they had been implemented. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board Power Cut Decision (Q.1/2025) Read →