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- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised an urgent question under Standing Order 27(2) on the February 2025 nationwide power outage, noting that PUCSL had rejected the CEB’s explanation blaming high solar penetration and had initiated an independent inquiry. He questioned the consistency of curtailing rooftop solar while approving procurement of 152 MW of solar power at international pricing, arguing that this creates uncertainty and may disadvantage local renewable energy providers. He asked the Energy Minister for generation cost comparisons, justification for international solar procurement, reforms to ensure fair access for Sri Lankan providers, limits on foreign competition for smaller NCRE projects, the status of LNG import plans, and whether electricity tariffs will rise under cost-reflective pricing. Oral Questions - Various Tabled and Private Notice Questions Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The response to Question No. 7 stated that Stage 1 of the East Terminal project at Colombo Port began in March 2013 and Stage 2 in April 2021. It further stated that a new road layout was approved on 22 January 2025 with the consent of Engineering and Operations division representatives, and that no related issue requiring further action had arisen. Oral Questions - Various Tabled and Private Notice Questions Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning acknowledged that residents of the complex appear to face a practical lack of common amenities beyond documentation issues. He said the Government would conduct an inquiry, verify on-site whether the recorded land extents are physically available, and present findings with appropriate remedial measures. Oral Question: Millennium City Housing Complex, Oruwala - Lands for Common Amenities (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana questioned the adequacy of the official response regarding the “Millennium City” project, noting that 135 acres of public land had been allocated and alleging that the required common amenities reservation under the UDA Act had not been physically provided. He asked what action would be taken to identify and make available the required common amenities land for residents within the complex. Oral Question: Millennium City Housing Complex, Oruwala - Lands for Common Amenities (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chamindranee Kiriella noted that four projects begun in 2017–2018 at Kandy District General Hospital have stalled, while thanking the Minister of Health for allocating Rs. 1,500 million in February, including Rs. 950 million for the cancer treatment building and thalassemia unit. She stated that the ICU project remains unable to proceed due to problems with the current contractor and requested that it be re-tendered and awarded to a new contractor so work can recommence for the benefit of the Kandy District. Oral Question: Lady Ridgeway Hospital - Donations for Purchase of Surgical Items (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that if the road in question falls under the Road Development Authority, he would issue instructions to address it. If not, he suggested it could be submitted under the Rural Roads Development Project, and requested the relevant details to minimize the difficulties faced. Oral Question: Bridge at Pansilgoda, Minuwangoda - Non-Completion (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary The member stated that an alternative road constructed after the removal of a bridge is in poor condition and causing public hardship. He requested that necessary steps be taken to improve the temporary route until the bridge construction is completed. Oral Question: Bridge at Pansilgoda, Minuwangoda - Non-Completion (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary An inquiry will be initiated after obtaining information from the Member and officials regarding problematic bridge contracts handled by SD&CC. It was stated that SD&CC had 69 bridge contracts, 19 of which have become social issues, and that due to malpractice, losses, and lack of capacity, 27 contracts were removed from SD&CC and reassigned after the current Government took office. The Minister said the Government is reviewing such bridges for expedited decisions and may proceed under the supervision of the newly established Minuwangoda Urban Council if it is willing. Oral Question: Bridge at Pansilgoda, Minuwangoda - Non-Completion (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody questioned the removal of a usable bridge in 2021, stating that around eight villages depended on it as their main route to Minuwangoda and as a feeder to the Gampaha–Minuwangoda route. He asked whether the Government would investigate the officials and political authorities responsible for dismantling it without due consideration of local needs or a replacement timeline. Oral Question: Bridge at Pansilgoda, Minuwangoda - Non-Completion (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Construction of a bridge project begun in 2021 and expanded with a new bridge in 2022 has been delayed due to rain, water management requests by farmer organizations, raw material shortages, and issues involving the State Development and Construction Corporation. The cost estimate has been revised from about Rs. 46.07 million to Rs. 86.59 million, with Treasury funds released only for completed and approved work. Due to the unfinished bridge, two private buses have been rerouted between Gampaha and Minuwangoda, leaving about one kilometre unusable, and steps are being taken to terminate the current contract and transfer completion to the Minuwangoda Urban Council by the end of the year. Oral Question: Bridge at Pansilgoda, Minuwangoda - Non-Completion (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Asked about the delayed reconstruction of the Pansilgoda bridge in Minuwangoda, which was removed for repairs in 2021 and is reportedly used by residents of nine villages. He requested details on funds allocated and credited for the new bridge, the relevant bank account, and whether the responsible construction agency had been directed to complete the work within two and a half months at the Minuwangoda Divisional Coordinating Committee meeting on 04 April 2024. He also asked when the bridge would be opened and noted related transport inconveniences, including the non-operation of two buses to Gampaha. Oral Question: Bridge at Pansilgoda, Minuwangoda - Non-Completion (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that some development projects may be discontinued due to consequences of the economic crisis, poor political management, inadequate feasibility studies, and projects driven by local interests rather than economic returns. He said the Government intends to proceed methodically, address difficulties around land acquisition and release, and avoid holding acquired lands idle without clear development plans. He added that lands in some river basins that have remained unused for 20–30 years should be returned to the people, and that the new Government will seek to minimize such situations in future. Oral Question: Lands Acquired for Kurunegala-Habarana Railway Line - Compensation/Ex-Gratia Payment (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna asked whether the Government acknowledges that lands and properties, including those belonging to Rangiri Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya, Bambawa Rajamaha Viharaya, and residents of Galewela and Dambulla, were legally acquired for the proposed Kurunegala-Habarana railway line via Dambulla. She sought clarification on whether those lands will be returned to their original owners, whether compensation or ex-gratia payments will be made for deterioration and loss of income over about ten years, and the procedure and timeline for such payments. Oral Question: Lands Acquired for Kurunegala-Habarana Railway Line - Compensation/Ex-Gratia Payment (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Annual Reports of Lakdiv Engineers (Pvt) Ltd. for 2016 to 2020 were tabled in Parliament. A proposal was made and agreed to refer the reports to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development. Papers - Annual Reports Tabling Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the electricity tariff formula agreed with the IMF, based on the 2009 Sri Lanka Electricity Act and the 1969 CEB Act, must be applied within the law and cannot be altered arbitrarily. He said the Government should not include Rs. 14 billion in legacy debt or recover a Rs. 8 billion first-quarter loss through the next tariffs, contending that such recoveries are not permitted under the formula. He urged the Government to take an independent position and challenge the IMF where its demands conflict with the legal framework. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva challenged the Government’s position on the IMF programme, arguing that if Ministers believe no country succeeds through the IMF, they should propose an alternative course rather than continue with it. He questioned the increase in EV taxes in light of earlier promises of cheaper vehicles and Japanese motorcycles, and raised concerns about vehicle importers allegedly manipulating deregistered vehicles as “brand-new” imports, noting that COPF has sought a report on potential revenue losses. He also criticised the proposed 18.3 percent electricity tariff increase, contrasting it with the Government’s promise of a 33 percent reduction, and argued that legacy losses from past underpricing and debt recovery are driving the tariff request. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the Gazette regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act revising electric vehicle taxes, arguing that it narrows disparities with petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicle taxes while still leaving EVs at comparatively lower rates. He said the broader vehicle import policy is being reopened in stages to balance personal mobility and industrial needs against foreign reserve constraints, while also encouraging locally produced or assembled EVs. He linked the measure to the Government’s revenue requirements, IMF-related VAT commitments, and the need to restructure loss-making State enterprises, stating that contingency planning and limited imports may be necessary in sectors such as salt. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma — Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister explained the Order under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/42, stating that vehicle imports are being resumed in phases covering public passenger buses, production-related vehicles and private vehicles. He said excise duty revisions are intended to reduce large tax disparities between petrol/diesel vehicles and electric vehicles, protect foreign reserves and maintain expected revenue, with duties calculated by vehicle category, engine capacity or electric motor capacity rather than as a percentage of value. He added that early indicators such as duty revenue and Letters of Credit suggest the policy is functioning as intended, while the Government is also seeking to stabilize interest rates and improve affordable financing access for businesses, especially SMEs. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake tabled a response confirming that the Batticaloa and Chenkalady lagoons divide land into Eluwankarai and Paduwankarai, limiting road connectivity and causing difficulties in accessing health services, markets, and schools. He stated that proposed connectivity improvements require detailed feasibility studies, including economic, environmental, and social assessments, and that no 2025 allocations have been made because the relevant locations fall under local authorities. Oral Questions: Plantation Community Infrastructure and Transport Issues Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan on behalf of the Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan, on behalf of Gnanamuththu Srineshan, asked the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation whether the lagoons dividing Eluwankarai and Paduwankarai in Batticaloa District have severely affected transport and economic activity and whether bridges are needed to address this. He requested details on existing difficulties, the estimated number and locations of required bridges, whether at least two bridges would be built in 2025 using Budget allocations and international aid, and the expected social and economic benefits; if not, he asked for the reasons. Oral Questions: Plantation Community Infrastructure and Transport Issues Read →