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- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the regulations and resolutions before the House seek to update outdated vehicle import and tax administration procedures, close legal and procedural gaps, prevent abuses such as tax evasion and registration of stolen vehicles, and improve transparency and efficiency. He noted that Gazette No. 2428/07 of 19 March 2025 designates compliant inspection institutions for vehicle imports and that deposit/advance account limits are being recalibrated after institutional review. He also corrected claims on Puttalam salt production, stating total output is just over 30,000 MT and that about 600 MT has been released, with further releases to follow, and said the Government will act on the Mannar-Puttalam road issue in accordance with the relevant court order. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Thilina Samarakoon explained regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to streamline Japanese vehicle imports, including legal recognition of Bureau Veritas for inspection and valuation reports and digital verification processes to replace courier-based document checks. He said the changes would enable faster confirmations with inspection bodies and banks, improving efficiency for importers. He also outlined 2024 revisions to advance and deposit account limits under the Public Finance Management Act, including increases for CIABOC, Prisons, Customs and Railways accounts and reductions for several other departmental accounts, to be presented to Parliament as required by law. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary There is a severe shortage of hostel facilities across State universities due to past decisions not to build new hostels despite increased student intake and expanded faculties and departments. A space audit has been conducted to identify university buildings that can be converted into hostels, and the UGC has submitted a plan through Vice-Chancellors to the Ministry for implementation. The issue was described as particularly acute outside Colombo, including at the Kilinochchi campus, where lack of accommodation affects students’ ability to attend. Oral Question: University Hostels and Student Allowances (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the Urban Development Authority’s role was limited to preparing the urban plan and facilitating relevant institutions within its mandate. He said land for the school had been acquired and handed over to the Southern Province Ministry of Education, which is now responsible for constructing the school, and that the UDA has completed its part. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage raised a second supplementary question regarding Deiyandara Primary School, stating that after the UDA demolished and removed the school, it had taken over the former school land for carnivals and trade exhibitions while students lacked proper facilities. He asked what intervention would be made by the relevant institution to secure funding and rebuild the school. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Agreed that any removal of a school for development, such as a bus stand, must include a proper relocation plan. Referring to a 2016 decision attributed to political intervention, he noted that although four acres had been allocated for rebuilding the old primary school, poor planning meant it had not been constructed. He stated that, in response to the concerns raised, an investigation would be conducted into the disappearance or status of the former school’s physical assets and necessary action would be taken. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary The Hon. Anton Jayakody said the Government is studying how sand deposits along the shoreline can be used with minimal environmental harm. He stated that, in coordination with the District Development Committee, the Ministry and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, sand permits will be issued in the Eastern Province to help meet national demand and control prices while minimizing environmental damage. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody responded to concerns about forged sand transport permits, stating that the Ministry had discussed raids on clandestinely printed permits and the introduction of more secure permits with the relevant authority, with measures to be announced shortly. He said there is currently no controlled price for sand, but noted that the State levy is Rs. 600 per cubic metre, while the general yard price is around Rs. 8,500, with transport costs varying by distance. He undertook to follow up on the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau’s pending publication of the levy and said a media statement would soon clarify the State levy and yard release price for public awareness. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe raised a supplementary question about the Nawamedagama community water project in Dehiattakandiya, which she said had supplied low-cost drinking water to about 2,500 families. She stated that a self-appointed committee of 35 persons had unilaterally handed the scheme over to the Water Board, causing hardship to residents, and asked whether action would be taken given alleged violations of Ministry of Water Supply Circular No. 12/01 of 21.03.2014 and a 25.02.2021 letter indicating that consumer requests could be accommodated. Oral Question: Takeover of Community Water Supply Centres by NWSDB (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Community Water Supply Centres are not automatically taken over by the NWSDB, but procedures exist for taking over problematic or inactive centres once NWSDB coverage begins. He said takeovers require majority agreement from the relevant community-based organization, field inspection, and approvals from the Ministry Secretary and NWSDB Board, with only necessary assets transferred. Regarding a specific centre, he said steps had been taken to hand it over, but complaints about improper handover are under investigation, with the relevant guidelines placed in the Library. Oral Question: Takeover of Community Water Supply Centres by NWSDB (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe asked the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing whether Community Water Supply Centres under the Department of National Community Water Supply are being transferred to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and if so, what procedure is being followed. She sought clarification on whether all related properties would be taken over, whether the New Medagame, Dehiattakandiya unit had been transferred without a formal audit, and whether Cabinet approval had been obtained. Oral Question: Takeover of Community Water Supply Centres by NWSDB (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen thanked voters after the local authority elections and said the All Ceylon Makkal Congress had secured 140 local representatives, while urging reform of the local government electoral system, which he said prevents stable council administrations and encourages bargaining. He called on the Government to honour pledges to reopen the Mannar–Puttalam road through the Wilpattu corridor, arguing that its court-ordered closure was unequal compared with other roads through wildlife areas, and requested a review by a five-judge bench. He also asked that Decentralized Budget allocations be released to Opposition MPs as previously promised and urged the Speaker and Government to provide adequate police security for MPs in light of reported threats and wider concerns over violence. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister announced the launch of the National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Committee to coordinate emergency aviation responses across state agencies, citing gaps exposed by incidents such as the X-Press Pearl fire. He said airport and aviation tax policy should support wider economic objectives, including extending a prior Embarkation Tax reduction for one year, fully exempting departures from Mattala, and strengthening legal mechanisms to recover about US$27.7 million in reported unpaid remittances from airlines. He outlined development plans for Mattala across seven investment sectors beyond passenger traffic, measures to ease overcapacity at Bandaranaike International Airport including eGates and a Terminal 2 contract by September, and a Rs. 750 million terminal investment at Jaffna International Airport to expand services and destinations. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran responded to Opposition criticisms, stating that the underused Vavuniya Economic Centre would be repurposed following a District Development Committee decision and that land issues would be discussed under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He cited increased National People’s Power representation in Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu as evidence of public confidence, and said the Government had allocated Rs. 5,000 million for road and infrastructure rehabilitation in the Northern Province. He also defended changes to embarkation fees and the Luxury Tax threshold, arguing these would promote tourism through MRIA and Palaly, support airport development including the revived BIA terminal project, and make vehicle purchases more accessible. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage supported the Orders under the Finance Acts extending embarkation tax concessions for airlines operating from BIA, Ratmalana, Jaffna/Palaly and MRIA, arguing that these measures would encourage aviation activity and tourism-related foreign exchange earnings. She also supported the amendment raising the luxury tax exemption threshold for non-electric motor vehicles from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million, describing it as relief intended to stimulate vehicle sales. She linked the measures to the Government’s development and anti-corruption agenda, rejected Opposition criticism of broken promises, and condemned an incident in which she said a woman MP’s right to speak had been questioned. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that LTTE members should not be portrayed as heroes and said war heroes, under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, fought to preserve a unitary Sri Lanka for all communities. He said the Local Government Election indicated growing opposition to the Government, noting increased support for the SLPP and other Opposition groups rather than a renewed government mandate. He also urged the Government to build on post-war infrastructure projects such as Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Hambantota Port and expressways, saying they could support tourism and economic development if properly used. Debate: Finance Act Order and Notification on Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles - Continued (Afternoon Session) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary The speech supported gazettes relating to tourism-related charges and vehicle luxury tax amendments, arguing that tourism recovery requires efficient visa processing, airport development, and stronger legal mechanisms to ensure airlines remit fees collected through tickets. It stated that exemptions continue for children under five, airline crew, and short-term transit passengers, and criticized past stalled airport and online visa projects while saying the Government had restored legal and procedural compliance. The speaker also explained proposed Luxury Tax threshold increases for vehicles, citing depreciation and price increases after years of import restrictions, and linked the measures to wider economic activity, investment, tourism arrivals, and capital spending. Debate: Finance Act Order - Tax Exemptions and Government Policy on Renewable Energy Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake clarified that the reference being discussed was to the Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana. No further substantive argument or proposal was made in the statement. Debate: Finance Act Order - Tax Exemptions and Government Policy on Renewable Energy Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake briefly referred to the Deputy Minister’s mention of Bandaranaike International Airport, indicating a possible follow-up or clarification on that matter. No substantive argument, proposal, or demand is included in the provided excerpt. Debate: Finance Act Order - Tax Exemptions and Government Policy on Renewable Energy Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/30 and No. 2421/41, stating they were intended to support due process and development objectives. He explained that several airport-related concessions had expired between December 2024 and March 2025, and proposed extending them for one year, including a reduced embarkation fee at Mattala and a 50 per cent reduction to USD 30 for passengers using Bandaranaike, Ratmalana, and Jaffna airports. Debate: Finance Act Order - Tax Exemptions and Government Policy on Renewable Energy Read →