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- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill but urged action on congestion and poor conditions at the old Jaffna bus stand, noting its proximity to the Teaching Hospital, alleged drug use, and the underuse of the new long-distance bus terminal. He questioned why Jaffna had not relocated services to the new terminal as Vavuniya had done, and called for integrated timetables and better regulation of SLTB and private buses to address dangerous racing and accidents. He also referred to past allegations he had made and legal consequences he was prepared to face, while calling for sincerity, unity, and truth and justice for all those who died in the conflict. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. R.G. Wijerathna JJB AI summary Hon. R.G. Wijerathna supported the transport Amendment, saying it would enable a national policy, new regulations, stronger oversight, a sector code of conduct, and penalties to improve public transport services. He cited inefficiency, politicization, inadequate buses, and unmet needs in rural areas, while noting plans to modernize 50 bus stands this year and another 50 next year. He also linked the reforms to rising vehicle registrations, the need to upgrade roads and public transport, and the allocation of about Rs. 430 billion for national highway rehabilitation. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary K. Ilankumaran supported amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, stating that the Bill adds safety and quality regulation for school, three-wheeler, office and bus transport after 34 years without amendment. He highlighted recent and proposed transport improvements in Jaffna and the North, including the extension of the Jaffna-Colombo night train to Moratuwa, rehabilitation of rural roads and the Vattuvagal Bridge, freight rail to Kankesanthurai, a Northern fuel storage terminal, and possible rail-based fuel transport. He also called for restoration of the suspended 5.30 a.m. Jaffna train, improved maritime services and jetties for island communities, and better bus stand sanitation under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary He addressed the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill by focusing on broader transport policy, particularly SriLankan Airlines’ losses and debt, citing a Rs. 3.4 billion first-quarter loss and around USD 1 billion in debt. He argued that the airline’s current financial burden stemmed from policy decisions after the end of the Emirates partnership in 2008, and questioned the Government’s plan for restructuring, partnership, privatization, route rationalization, and debt management. He also called for clearer development policies, support for business and finance, and cautioned against decisions that would reduce higher education opportunities such as at KDU’s medical faculty. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that Sri Lanka’s bus system has developed through repeated institutional changes without a sustained, scientific approach, resulting in inefficiency, unsafe competition, harassment, and poor service. Referring to the recent Gerandi Ella bus tragedy in Nuwara Eliya District, he cited police findings on road conditions, overcrowding, driver fatigue, and inadequate safety controls as evidence for reform. He proposed stronger vehicle inspections, mandatory driver rest and duty schedules, technological fleet and driver monitoring, reduced competition among buses, proper bus chassis standards, modern fleet replacement and maintenance, and relief drivers for long-distance hill-country routes. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Supported the Bill amending the National Transport Commission Act, noting that it expands the Commission’s remit to school, three-wheeler, office and other transport modes, and urged that the new regulatory powers be actively used. He requested development of Jaffna International Airport and revival of Vavuniya domestic aviation, as well as restarting a Mannar–India ferry service with port development for cargo. He highlighted road accident deaths and injuries as a major health and economic burden, called for improved school transport in the Vanni, and proposed annual roadworthiness and emissions certification for all public transport vehicles. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims by SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman that NPP councillors would support the SJB mayoral candidate for the Colombo Municipal Council, stating that the NPP would not enter such arrangements and referring to bribery complaints against the candidate. On the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, she said it would strengthen the NTC’s regulatory powers over public transport, including buses, school and office services, three-wheelers, fares, permits, technology use, and passenger and road safety standards. She argued that long-delayed regulatory reforms had contributed to transport sector problems and road safety costs, and framed the Bill as a corrective measure. She also cited the SriLankan Airlines Airbus procurement case as an example of corruption and weak enforcement imposing continuing public costs. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena responded to concerns about the Polonnaruwa depot, stating that the shortage is of conductors rather than drivers, with a deficit of 25 conductors. He said around 20 conductors from surplus depots, mainly in the Eastern Region, have been identified for transfer, subject to relocation and accommodation arrangements, with deployment expected after responses within two weeks. He also noted that Kaju Watta is currently served by one trip and that a requested dedicated school bus for Villeyaaya school may be provided once conductor and bus availability improves. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill while highlighting serious operational shortages at the Polonnaruwa SLTB depot, including the need for drivers, conductors, buses, and restored expressway services. He urged additional bus services for Welikanda, Aralaganwila, Dimbulagala, and Kaju Watta, citing schoolchildren and rural residents affected by inadequate transport. He also called for better treatment of returning migrant workers at the airport and questioned the cost, age, and seating configuration of a newly leased aircraft. He further requested accountability over a reported tender involving the removal of fuel storage tanks at Kaduruwela, asking who authorized it and whether public assets had been undervalued. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal addressed the National Transport Commission framework, arguing that student, rural, night, public, private, rail and depot services require major improvements after past mismanagement. He highlighted specific deficiencies in Puttalam, including overcrowded student buses, poor roads, lack of night buses, reduced train services, inadequate depot facilities, fuel arrangements and driver training, and said ministries had been engaged on upgrades such as a generator and filling station improvements. He also proposed coastal road and bridge projects to improve access to Kalpitiya, hospitals, markets and exports, while stating that the Government plans to modernize bus stands and railway stations, import more buses and vehicles, improve driver training, and strengthen transport services. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary He urged that, in handling unclaimed or lost items, authorities should follow legal procedures while also considering identifying details provided by claimants to maximize the return of property to rightful owners, even if remaining assets are used for regional development. He also called for proper implementation of the National Transport Commission (Amendment), including regulation of private and SLTB transport, rehabilitation of local roads, and introduction of rural services to help farmers, fishers, and small entrepreneurs access markets and obtain fair prices. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill as a step toward streamlining transport services, while highlighting persistent problems in the North and East, including clashes between private and SLTB bus timetables, racing for passengers, and inadequate services for schoolchildren. He urged the Government to import or provide new buses, improve rural routes and rehabilitate local roads so students, teachers and farmers can access schools and markets more effectively. He also requested that jewellery and valuables from the former LTTE bank, now reportedly transferred from Naval custody to the Police, be returned to proven rightful owners through legal procedures, with any unclaimed remainder used for regional development. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. Deepthi Wasalage supported the amendment to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that regulated, efficient public transport is essential for development and especially for women’s safety and dignity. She highlighted harassment in overcrowded buses, citing 289 reported incidents on public transport in 2024, and proposed measures including GPS and CCTV use, displayed WhatsApp complaint numbers, driver alcohol and drug checks, more buses and trains, women-only services, and improved sanitation at bus terminals. She also called for action on Matale’s inadequate bus stand and depot, better long-distance rest stops, and cleaner, more efficient transport to reduce emissions and private vehicle use, while noting ongoing work under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan noted that transport issues had been raised at District Coordinating Committee meetings, leading the DCC Chairman, Government Agent and officials to hold special meetings to streamline related decisions. He highlighted severe transport shortages in parts of the adjacent Anuradhapura District, including Welikollawa, Mugiriyaawa and Tanakawaewa, affecting farmers and students, and requested special SLTB bus services for those areas. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, citing road accident deaths and arguing that stricter laws, higher fines, and technology-based traffic monitoring could improve road safety. He highlighted inadequate road infrastructure in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, noting that many projects begun under previous programmes remain incomplete after the economic crisis. While welcoming the Budget allocation of Rs. 5,000 million for rural roads and bridges in the Northern Province, he said it is insufficient and urged a special programme to complete half-finished works. He specifically requested funding for suspended or needed bridge works, including Vattuvagal, Sivapuram Kuththu, Kalingku at Thaniyankulam, and Kalladi at Erukkalampiddy. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill, arguing that public transport must be standardized, regulated, and made more consumer-oriented to improve safety, service quality, and passenger protection. He criticized attempts to obstruct the constitution of local authorities after the election, describing them as contrary to the public mandate, and said attacks on the Minister of Justice reflected the past conduct of former rulers. He welcomed the introduction of low-floor buses and called for accessible bus stands, terminals, and transport information for persons with disabilities, while also urging regulation of school transport and three-wheelers. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena stated that work on the integrated timetable for the Puttalam corridor has been completed and that implementation is expected soon, with plans to cover the five main corridors by the end of the year. He said related RDA work and inspections of rest facilities at bus halts are underway. He also noted that draft regulations under the Motor Traffic Act on driver drug use were submitted to the Legal Draftsman on 7 April 2025, and that the Eastern Province Chief Engineer appointment process is awaiting approval by the Prime Minister’s Secretary’s Sub-Committee before interviews are held. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda supported the objectives of the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill while proposing a national integrated bus timetable and route plan, drawing on the Southern Province model, along with GPS/CCTV-based monitoring and a pilot card-payment system in that province. He urged incentives for SLTB and private operators to maintain services on low-revenue routes, especially morning and night services, and called for relief for bus owners, school van operators, and three-wheeler operators affected by fuel and spare parts costs. He also criticized the Government for not adequately answering questions on agreements with India, power-sector issues, the monkey sterilization programme, and container matters, and called on the Minister of Justice to focus on expediting court cases, particularly land cases. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath outlined the Government’s proposed amendments to the National Transport Commission Act, No. 37 of 1991, as part of an integrated transport policy under a reorganized Ministry covering transport, highways, ports and civil aviation. He said the Bill would broaden regulation from bus passenger transport to all road-based passenger transport, including school, office and three-wheeler services, with mandatory registration, temporary permits for peak demand, safety and comfort standards, and a training institute. He also noted strengthened enforcement provisions, including higher fines and possible imprisonment, to improve service quality and sector discipline. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Transport reform should account for the current mixed system in which private buses, three-wheelers, school transport and app-based services supplement SLTB and rail, with private buses remaining essential given SLTB’s limited capacity and politically driven overstaffing. He urged urgent mechanisms to detect and prosecute drug-impaired driving, alongside existing drunk-driving enforcement, and supported removing dangerous vehicle modifications while warning against arbitrary or blanket crackdowns without stakeholder consultation. He also called for recognition of three-wheeler services, action on public discipline issues such as horn noise, and careful implementation of National Transport Commission reforms, while advising the Government to heed constructive Opposition proposals. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →