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- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government’s renewable energy policy aims to reduce electricity unit costs from about USD 0.13 to USD 0.08 by expanding solar and wind to 70 per cent, while not discouraging rooftop solar. He stated that the Industry Ministry is supporting rooftop solar through “E-Friends” loans, advancing battery storage policy, and seeking to localize manufacturing of panels, cables and inputs. He argued that past grid-planning failures created current constraints, defended tariff-setting as formula-based and challengeable, and said policies such as “Net Plus Plus” must be managed fairly to avoid overloading transformers and restricting access for other users. He also cited ongoing ground-mounted solar projects, SPPA approvals, and Indian-assisted solar provision to religious institutions as part of the broader renewable strategy. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara urged the Government and private sector to prioritize energy storage and the expansion of renewable energy. He warned that delays or restrictions on renewables would increase dependence on fuel and coal, raising costs and creating future energy crises. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera moved an adjournment motion urging the Government to promote renewable energy, particularly solar power, and to suspend measures that discourage solar additions to the grid. He argued that rooftop and ground-mounted solar have added about 1,700 MW through substantial private investment, but alleged that CEB, LECO, and Cabinet Paper No. 36/2025/8 are slowing approvals and reducing incentives using grid imbalance concerns as justification. He called for technical solutions such as grid upgrades, storage, improved controls, accelerated ADB-supported transmission enhancements, and resolution of delays in projects such as the 100 MW Siyambalanduwa solar plant, while warning of risks to investor confidence and about 40,000 sector jobs. Adjournment Motion: Renewable Energy Policy and Rooftop Solar Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, the motion was moved to approve the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Annual Report for 2023, including the Auditor-General’s observations for the year ending 31 December 2023. The report had been presented under Section 33 of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act, considered by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee, and subsequently approved by Parliament. Debate: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading (Afternoon Session and Reported Business) Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara asked what steps are being taken to address inadequate facilities in theatres and auditoriums across the country. He highlighted problems such as the absence of backstage rooms, toilets, electricity, and changing spaces, arguing that these deficiencies hinder dramatists, performing artists, and the broader development of arts and aesthetics. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 9 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary The Minister explained that the proposed multi-functional cultural centres would differ from existing cultural centres by providing facilities such as proper sound and lighting systems, training spaces, food and beverage areas, and limited accommodation. He said the Government intends to begin establishing a regulatory-level network in four areas, including Jaffna, the Eastern and Western Provinces, and Matara, to enable artists outside Colombo to access training and facilities locally before attending national competitions or state festivals. Oral Questions: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Foreign Employment Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana said he was willing to assist the Government on transport matters, starting in Kalutara with a small team and without vehicles or perks, but suggested the proposal had not yet received approval. He alleged corruption in the Sri Lanka Transport Board, referred to past excess payments and bus acquisitions, and said he had received a file on alleged corruption from the head of Lanka Ashok Leyland. He also requested time to speak further on the bond scam, including in the presence of Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Debate: Proceeds of Crime Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath outlined the outcomes of the Indian Prime Minister’s April 2025 visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting agreements and support across debt restructuring, tourism, digitalization, energy, transport, agriculture, investment, and religious-cultural projects. He stated that India agreed to restructure bilateral debt, convert about USD 100 million in recent loans into grants, reduce interest and extend the tenure of the swap facility, and provide grants for Mannar Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit and the Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling upgrade. He also noted Indian financial support for projects in Anuradhapura, the Thirukoneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee, and the Seetha Eliya temple area in Nuwara Eliya, describing these as measures to strengthen religious ties and tourism. Oral Question: MSME Tariff Crisis and Trade Negotiations (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan raised concerns about severe infrastructure and staffing shortages at the Puttalam District General Hospital, noting high daily outpatient numbers and the lack of proper clinic and drug storage facilities. He questioned why two major hospital buildings have remained incomplete for years and urged the Minister to allocate funds urgently, fill junior and nursing staff vacancies, and prioritize the hospital given the district’s large population of fishermen, farmers, and industrial workers needing emergency care. Oral Question: Chilaw General Hospital Development Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Chilaw Hospital was upgraded from a base hospital to a District General Hospital in 2011 and transferred from the Provincial Council to the Central Government in 2013. The Minister stated that stalled development works will be restarted, including completion of the ward complex with operating theatres with Rs. 700 million, the Accident and Emergency Unit with Rs. 300 million over two years, and the sewerage system with Rs. 82 million through the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. He added that the hospital currently has 41 specialists, 958 total staff and 644 inpatient beds, and that facilities will be developed according to District General Hospital standards under the Master Plan. Oral Question: Chilaw General Hospital Development Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media whether the Government is aware that Chilaw General Hospital has not been developed for a long period and that patients face serious inconvenience as a result. He sought details on whether there is a plan to upgrade the hospital with necessary facilities, what actions will be taken to implement such an upgrade, and, if no plan exists, the reasons for that. Oral Question: Chilaw General Hospital Development Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka explained that community participation in pipe-laying is normally organized through Community-Based Organizations for National Community Water Supply Department projects, while National Water Supply and Drainage Board schemes are implemented directly by the Board. He stated that although 62% of the national population has piped drinking water, coverage is lower in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which will be prioritized for future funding. He said water sources, capacities, and plans have been identified for Kuchchaveli and other Divisional Secretariat divisions, with projects to begin as funds become available. Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof urged the Minister to expedite NWSDB water supply to Kuchchaveli, Pudavaikattu, Tiriyai and Salappaiyaru, noting that these areas remain without service despite previous commitments. He also requested special attention to water provision in Gomarankadawala, Padavi Sri Pura and Morawewa due to kidney disease concerns. He asked whether the Ministry could provide small grants for poor residents unable to bear connection costs, and sought clarification on measures to address alternate-day supply and interruptions in Trincomalee amid rising demand. Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka provided answers on water supply coverage and planned improvements in Trincomalee District, noting full NWSDB piped supply in several DS Divisions, partial supply in Kuchchaveli, and no supply yet in Morawewa, Gomarankadawala, and Padavi Sri Pura. He outlined proposed MGPK and Periyaru-based schemes, the planned Waan Ela treatment plant, and ongoing community water projects, while stating that implementation is constrained by funding and the economic situation. He also stated that Kinniya DS Division has received daily water supply since March 2025 after transmission pipeline improvements enabled the Urban Council area to be supplied from the Mahamaru tower. Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof asked the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing for details on drinking water coverage in Trincomalee District, including areas served and not served by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. He highlighted severe difficulties faced by about 5,000 families in Kuchchaveli, Pudavaikattu, Tiriyai and Salappaiyaru, and requested information on plans to supply water to those areas and improve district-wide facilities. He also sought data on water-supply interruptions in Kinniya DS Division between 1 January 2022 and 1 January 2024 and the reasons for them. Oral Question: Drinking Water Facilities Trincomalee (427/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka acknowledged the difficulties raised and stated that the concerns would be referred to the relevant authorities for resolution. He added that, regarding sluice elevations, a technical report already exists and further action would be taken accordingly. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam raised concerns about farmers’ access to fields, stating that the road requires immediate rehabilitation and that crossing the Paranki Aru anicut becomes impossible during the rainy season due to submergence. He requested provision in the current year’s budget for at least a footbridge if a full bridge cannot be built, and called for sluices to be repositioned, arguing that farmers had been misled about water reaching the tanks because of elevation differences. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that temporary permits had been issued, Cabinet approval for land grants obtained, and the Divisional Secretariat was continuing the grant process. He said irrigation constraints around Periyaru tank were due to elevation differences, but Provincial funds had enabled water supply to three tanks and transplanting. He undertook to refer access road improvements and the elephant issue to the relevant Ministers and to alert the Divisional Secretary regarding possible road allocations. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam said affected persons from a project completed 13 years ago still hold only temporary permits and have been resettled in forest areas vulnerable to elephant incursions, asking whether funds will be allocated for protective measures. He also raised irrigation defects, stating that newly interconnected tanks have improperly positioned sluices that prevent water from reaching higher fields, and requested their repositioning. He further asked whether a 3 km access road, currently unusable in rainy seasons, could be rehabilitated under Budget allocations for Northern rural roads. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) Read →
- 8 April 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister responded to questions on alternative land and support measures related to an affected project area in Vavuniya, stating that temporary permits have been issued, Cabinet approval obtained for grants, and work is proceeding through the Divisional Secretariat with irrigation and road works accepted by farmers. He said agreed employment for 18 affected family members at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board requires approval due to recruitment restrictions, while they will be prioritized for labour contract vacancies in the interim. He also reported that a feasibility study found surplus water from the Periyaru tank cannot technically be released to certain higher-elevation renovated tanks, but provincial-funded interconnections among other tanks and canals have enabled water supply and paddy transplantation. Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Vavuniya (424/2025) Read →