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- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said flooding in the Kelani basin is a long-standing problem worsened by climate change and unplanned urbanization, requiring both immediate drainage measures and a long-term solution. He outlined ongoing or planned works including pumping stations for Colombo, the Hettiyagoda Oya drainage project in Kaduwela, the Oliyamulla pumping station, and drainage improvements linked to Kalu Oya for Wattala, Kadawatha, Horape and Ragama. He stated that the Government would seek Cabinet approval to establish a Task Force under the Prime Minister, with relevant MPs and institutions, to review past proposals and develop a sustainable basin-wide solution. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the Irrigation Department’s approach to flood control, noting repeated crop losses since November due to extreme rainfall and identifying 24 flood-prone river and stream basins. He said effective management requires better meteorological forecasting, early warning systems, and data-driven infrastructure such as diversions, reservoirs, and flood-management works. Referring to the World Bank-supported CResMPA project studying 22 high-risk basins and proposed works for the Kelani basin, he argued that fragmented institutional responsibility is the main obstacle and called for a unified coordination mechanism involving relevant central, provincial, and local authorities. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna supported the adjournment motion on flooding while arguing that recurrent flooding and water-management failures should be addressed islandwide rather than by locality. He cited flooding in Colombo South, displacement near the Iranamadu tank in Kilinochchi, alleged failures in the ADB-funded Iranamadu water project, and inadequate drainage in Nallur as examples. He also referred to a bribery inquiry concerning alleged diversion of cancer-related funds at Tellippalai Base Hospital to illustrate broader governance concerns, and endorsed the proposal to establish a special committee to study and address these issues nationally. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera supported the motion and said the Ministry of Defence is developing a strategic, long-term disaster management approach in consultation with MPs, experts, and relevant line agencies. He stated that Rs. 95 million has been allocated for immediate short-term relief projects on the south bank of the Kelani Valley, with implementation to begin soon. He also said the National Council on Disaster Management, chaired by the President, would be convened to appoint expert committees to address disaster situations across the country. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that flooding should be addressed as part of broader climate-change-induced disaster management rather than as a problem limited to the Western Province or a single river basin. He called for scientific planning based on long-term rainfall and hydrological data, including possible measures such as improved outfalls, embankments, repumping retained water, and hydropower use where feasible. He proposed establishing a dedicated Parliamentary Oversight Committee to coordinate with officials and experts, align with UN Sustainable Development frameworks, and seek international funding for disaster risk reduction. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala seconded the motion, stating that the monsoon made the debate timely and noting the recurring flood risk in low-lying, densely populated areas around the Kelani, Kalu and Gin rivers, particularly in Gampaha and Colombo. He argued that annual relief measures are insufficient and called for long-term flood mitigation, including possible embankments with pumping systems or diversion of excess water to less vulnerable areas. He urged Members and residents to work together to implement existing proposals, including past studies on the Kelani and Kalu Ganga. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana moved an Adjournment Motion calling for a sustainable flood control programme for the Kelani Valley, citing repeated flooding in areas including Kolonnawa, Kaduwela, Homagama, Awissawella, Kelaniya, Biyagama and Dompe. He argued that climate change and intensified monsoon rainfall have increased flood frequency and imposed major social, economic and fiscal costs, including Rs. 53.5 billion in relief expenditure after the 2016 floods. He proposed a coordinated mechanism involving relevant State agencies, experts and people’s representatives to move beyond ad hoc relief towards permanent flood mitigation solutions. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported the Personal Data Protection amendments, arguing that they are necessary to protect citizens’ personal data and to enable Sri Lanka’s participation in the digital economy. He said the Bill clarifies definitions, strengthens the role of the Data Protection Authority, provides recourse for misuse or breaches by private, state, or foreign entities, and supports cross-border data exchange and interoperability. He also emphasized the need for institutional compliance, public awareness, and future cybersecurity legislation, linking digitalization to greater transparency, efficiency, and oversight in public administration. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe supported the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, arguing that stronger regulation is needed to secure personal data shared through health services, digital platforms, institutions, and biometric systems. He said Sri Lanka had fallen behind global technological trends due to past policy failures, and linked the amendment to the Government’s digitalization programme alongside Clean Sri Lanka and rural poverty eradication. He stated that the legislation would help protect data subjects, deter misuse through penalties, align with international norms such as EU data protection standards, and support innovation in a digital economy. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu supported the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, describing the 2022 Act as a major framework for safeguarding personal data while enabling digital economic development. He said the amendments are needed to extend implementation timelines and give public institutions, from central ministries to local-level offices, time to build the human, financial and technical capacity required for compliance. He argued that stronger data protection would help address misuse of personal information, online fraud, false records, harmful propaganda and loss of public trust, while supporting the Government’s wider digitalization agenda. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake defended the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, arguing that Sri Lanka needs an operational data protection framework to attract BPO/BPM and digital economy investment and align with global standards. He said implementation should be phased because public and private institutions require time, skills, infrastructure, and capacity, and noted provisions such as outsourcing Data Protection Officer functions to reduce burdens on startups and small businesses. He also emphasized establishing and staffing the Data Protection Authority, providing legal recourse for data breaches, improving cybersecurity standards, and countering misinformation in public debate. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa welcomed amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act but criticised delays in appointing and staffing the Data Protection Agency, arguing that they should not impede national digitization. He questioned the Government’s progress on the Unique Digital ID project funded by an Indian grant, use of the Rs. 3 billion digitization allocation, court automation, data centre arrangements, custodianship and data aggregation. He also criticised past politicisation of personal information, called for stronger privacy protections and regulation of public and private data use, and cautioned Ministers against statements that could politicize the judiciary or create diplomatic issues regarding digital agreements with India. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Welcoming the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised district-level concerns in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya, including recent drownings in Mullaitivu and requested swimming pools and swimming instruction in larger schools. He asked that national management service officer vacancies be filled, where possible, by candidates from the relevant districts, particularly in the Vanni. He urged immediate coastal protection for Vankalai and other affected areas in Mannar, citing severe erosion, livelihood losses, illegal activities and local requests for additional protective structures. He also alleged unresolved resettlement and land access problems in Mullaitivu due to gazetting by the Forest, Wildlife and Archaeology Departments, specifically referring to displaced families from AC Farm in Thanduvan who have not been resettled. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister moved the Second Reading of amendments to Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act on behalf of the Minister of Digital Economy, citing the growing economic and privacy significance of personal data and international models such as the GDPR. He said the amendments address implementation needs before full commencement, including review rights for automated decisions, appeals against refusal of access, withdrawal of consent, and clearer rules for cross-border data flows. He argued the changes would strengthen privacy protections while supporting legal certainty, regulatory readiness, innovation, investment, and international trust. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is seeking Cabinet approval for government-to-government procurement of medicines from several countries to address shortages caused by supply delays, quality failures, lack of registered suppliers and tender non-participation, while continuing standard procurement and prioritizing local production. He said real-time stock monitoring is being done through the “Swastha” system, local manufacturing is supported through buyback guarantees and expanded SPMC capacity, and a senior officials’ committee will oversee the process, with NMRA ensuring quality and SPC handling procurement. On Elekta Infinity radiotherapy machines, he reported that Phase II agreements have been signed, funding has been allocated for bunker construction or upgrades, and installations are planned for Hambantota, Badulla and Ratnapura by end-2025, with Anuradhapura and Kurunegala expected by April 2026. Ministerial Statement: Drugs Shortage and Government Initiatives Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya responded that the Sri Lanka-German Technical Training Institute in Kilinochchi has not been granted autonomy and currently operates under the Colombo CGTTI framework, which the Government says preserves recognized certification standards. She provided student enrolment figures by ethnicity and NVQ level, outlined the courses offered and admission procedures, and noted that legal amendments would be required to make the institute autonomous under Act No. 15 of 2017. She said student welfare, hostel facilities, infrastructure and staffing issues had been identified, with funds allocated in Budget 2025 and further allocations planned for Budget 2026 to improve facilities and complete hostel construction, while recruitment proposals are under consideration. Private Notice Question: Sri Lanka-German Technical Training Institute Autonomous Status Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the 28 km tunnel project had faced complications, including an allegedly improper decision to bring in a second tunnel boring machine, which he said may have wasted about USD 50 million. He also referred to a further reported USD 50 million taken for other activities, along with alleged technical and procedural weaknesses. He said technical and financial assessments are being pursued to determine the project’s past and current status before deciding further action. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary The Minister outlined progress and funding for the North-Central and North-Western Great Canals, noting limited results despite significant ADB-funded expenditure over the past decade. He said Rs. 7,800 million has been allocated under “Vāri Mahima – Our Heritage” for irrigation rehabilitation, including Rs. 3,250 million to make the North-Central Great Canal usable. He also stated that Cabinet has approved renewed discussions with the ADB to secure further support and deliver irrigation benefits to farmers. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna raised a supplementary question on an unfinished water canal project covering six districts and ending at Nachchaduwa in Anuradhapura. He noted that a drinking water project had begun based on assurances of water from the canal, but delays were causing serious difficulties, including limiting cultivation for farmers around Mahakandarawa. He asked what plan exists to complete the project. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, replying to Question 836/2025, provided details of the North-Central Great Canal Project, initiated in March 2015 and implemented in six phases covering canal, tunnel and water-transfer works from Moragahakanda through to Mahakandarawa Oya, with a map placed in the Library. He said the project will benefit Matale, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura by providing reliable irrigation to 12,300 hectares, supporting 25,000 farm families, supplying 40 million cubic metres of drinking water annually to about 150,000 families, and improving groundwater and local economic activity. He stated that completion is scheduled for 24 June 2025, but progress is currently 20.5 per cent physically and Rs. 40,600 million financially, with delays attributed to tunnel tender re-evaluation after Uma Oya leakage concerns, COVID-19, the 2022 economic crisis, input shortages and price increases, and delayed loan disbursements. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Read →