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- 10 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva cited IMF and National System Operator documents to argue that losses linked to substandard coal shipments contributed to Ceylon Electricity Board losses and therefore to electricity tariff increases under IMF-mandated cost-reflective pricing. He said reduced coal-based generation from April to June would require more expensive diesel generation, estimating an additional cost of about Rs. 19 billion, or 57 per cent of the Rs. 33 billion tariff increase sought. He tabled the relevant IMF and NSO documents and asked the Government to provide counter-data if it disputed the figures. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged serious irregularities in the coal procurement for Norochcholai, citing CEB, PUCSL, Auditor-General and system operator findings that coal quality and testing processes were deficient. He questioned the extension of the import window, delays in appointing committees and laboratories, failure to test umpire samples, and the use of laboratories he said lacked required accreditation, arguing these actions made tender cancellation and penalty recovery impracticable. He also denied personal allegations, referred to legal action he had taken, and stated that substandard coal would create generation shortfalls requiring higher-cost diesel generation, estimating a Rs. 19–25 billion cost impact to consumers. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Sandaruwan Madarasinghe asked the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply for details on Indian-assisted housing projects in the Padawugama Grama Niladhari Division of Lunugamwehera, Hambantota. He requested confirmation of the number and names of such projects, the houses involved, commencement years, expenditure, current status, and whether any relocation is planned, including the reasons for relocation if applicable. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions in First Round (Q.2, Q.3, Q.4 and others) Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar sought a brief clarification after his name was mentioned, stating that in his capacity as Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development he had summoned an entity affiliated with the Ceylon Electricity Board. The remarks were procedural and aimed at clarifying his role in that committee matter. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake criticized the Government for focusing on cosmetic improvements to the Colombo bus terminal while failing to repair the damaged up-country railway line and restore services. During the debate on extending the State of Emergency, he urged protection of local entrepreneurs and industries, citing the police shoe procurement issue, delays and alleged irregularities in SVAT refunds, and concerns over removing cess on 2,600 imported items under HS codes. He also questioned delays in issuing passports, identity cards and vehicle number plates, warned that import liberalization could undermine domestic production and drain foreign exchange, and raised concerns about factory closures and irregularities at the Foreign Employment Bureau. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala supported extending the Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance and related service regulations, arguing they remain necessary for post-cyclone relief, essential services, and retaining skilled women personnel in the armed forces by aligning service age limits with men. He said the Government is continuing “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” after Cyclone “Dicha,” including grants, sectoral support, safe centres, land identification with NBRI input, and Rs. 5 million for each fully damaged house, with initial payments underway. He also stated that global fuel and energy price pressures are being cushioned through subsidies and relief allocations, citing Rs. 500 billion for cyclone relief and Rs. 100 billion for vulnerable groups. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri raised concerns during debate on defence regulations and the Emergency extension about coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant. Citing the National Audit Office’s Special Audit Report for 2025/2026, he said Trident Chemphar Limited had been awarded a 1.5 million metric ton coal contract despite allegedly being unregistered at the bid date and not having paid the required registration fee, while similar opportunities were denied to others. He also alleged that testing of an umpire sample was bypassed and warned against further emergency procurement of 300,000 metric tons from the same company, urging action based on the Auditor General’s findings. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said MSMEs, which the Finance Minister had acknowledged contribute 52% of GDP, are under severe pressure from recent crises and from the IMF-linked gradual removal of CESS protections. He argued that the suspension of parate execution was not accompanied by debt restructuring or relief for over-indebted SMEs, and asked whether the Government has a programme to protect them and develop export-oriented industry. He warned that major manufacturers such as Brandix and MAS Holdings are relocating operations to Indian states including Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and proposed dedicated industrial parks and stronger support measures to retain factories and jobs in Sri Lanka. Ministerial Statements on Economic Policy Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s proposed electricity tariff increase, linking it to alleged use of substandard coal and failures in power generation. He stated that although the Government now refers to a 15 percent increase, he believes the final increase will amount to 30 percent, and framed his remarks as the basis for further questions. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s handling of coal procurement and maintenance-related power outages, arguing that PUCSL data, plant performance, coal consumption, calorific value and ash content suggested inferior coal had been supplied, preventing full 900 MW output from the three coal units. He asked why the tender was awarded to Trident Chemphar Limited despite alleged incomplete registration, and why laboratory certificates from labs with expired accreditations were accepted. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody tabled annexes in response to questions on coal procurement and the Lakvijaya Power Plant, stating that the plant has only three 300 MW units and that none has been shut down due to coal quality issues. He said all three turbines had been operating continuously since January and that available generation capacity should meet peak demand, subject to hydrology, solar availability and weather conditions. He outlined the supplier registration and procurement process, noting that 12 coal shipments had been delivered by 7 April 2026, seven shipments were delayed, liquidated damages and penalties amounting to USD 12.68 million had been initiated, and further legal action was being discussed with the Attorney General’s Department. Emergency procurement had also been initiated to arrange five additional shipments from 20 April 2026. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on allegations that substandard coal supplied by Trident Chemphar Limited to the Lakvijaya Power Plant had reduced generation efficiency, increased coal consumption, created fly ash issues, and forced costly use of diesel and furnace oil. He requested vessel-wise data comparing Trident’s coal with the previous supplier on generation capacity, consumption rates, calorific value, fly ash output, delivery schedules, and losses. He also asked whether tender criteria were relaxed, whether the supplier was properly registered, what legal and technical advice was obtained, and how the Government would ensure uninterrupted peak-time electricity supply and recover any losses. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe stated that the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority oversees 37 rest houses and that recent inspections found no complaints of illegal activities at the location in question. He noted that although earlier assurances of legal action by a former Minister had not been carried out, the matter could be inquired into, and said the current agreement had already been renewed for 2024-2028 before the Government assumed office. He added that any illegal activity would be addressed under SLTDA rules and regulations. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Deputy Minister stated that the Hanguranketha Rest House is one of 37 rest houses under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and that field inspections have not found illegal activities. He detailed the lessee, Jayalath Mudiyanselage Jayalath Bandara Dissanayake, and said the lease was awarded through an interview process following approvals in 2008, with agreements covering 2008–2018, 2018–2020, and 2020–2028. He added that SLTDA officers conduct periodic inspections, require rectification of shortcomings, and collect a 1% Tourism Development Levy from gross turnover. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna outlined plans to address disparities in school sports facilities by developing 400-metre track-equipped grounds in three provincial schools and one national school per district, using criteria proposed by the Sports Ministry and implemented by the Education Ministry. He said the 17 existing sports schools are being reviewed and realigned to their original objectives, with measures including nutrition programmes, adjusted timetables, adequate coaching, and recruitment of Physical Education teachers. He also stated that the Education and Sports Ministries are exploring the development of at least one fully equipped sports school per district by the following year. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana asked the Minister whether Prima and Tokyo Cement, which operate in connection with the Port of Trincomalee and provide significant economic and employment benefits, have failed to pay harbour tonnage dues since inception as alleged by trade unions and local communities. He requested clarification on whether such dues are being paid, noting that comparable companies at Hambantota and Colombo Ports pay them, and asked whether any unpaid dues can and will be recovered. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on the operational profit and loss of the Ports Authority from 2010 to 2024, noting losses in several earlier years and profits in recent years, including Rs. 926.03 million in 2024. He stated that no Ports Authority jetty has been leased to private companies, but the Vegetable Jetty was temporarily leased to the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau for tourism promotion, with most dues paid except rent from November 2025 to February 2026. He listed the jetties at the Port of Trincomalee and their usage status, and said a Master Plan for the entire port is in operation, with the Trincomalee plan laid in the Library. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana asked the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation to provide detailed financial and operational information on the Port of Trincomalee, including annual profit or loss over the past 15 years. He sought clarification on whether port jetties or terminals had been leased or transferred to private companies, the identities of those companies, payments or taxes made to the Ports Authority over the past 20 years, the current ownership status of port facilities, and the Government’s plans for developing the port. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath acknowledged staff shortages, particularly among field officers, and other service delivery constraints in Trincomalee and the wider Eastern Province, including land-related issues and capacity limitations at Divisional Secretariat level. He stated that the Government is undertaking recruitment and plans to improve DS office facilities islandwide, including through technology, to bring services closer to the public. He also said the Government is willing to consult both Government and Opposition representatives from Trincomalee and act on their proposals. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof asked that the Government revisit cadre creation and boundary-related issues needed to upgrade the demarcated Thoppur Sub-Divisional Secretariat. He also noted the large population and number of Grama Niladhari Divisions in Kinniya and asked whether steps would be taken to establish an additional Divisional Secretariat there to improve public services. Oral Questions and Answers Read →