Topic
Land & Housing
1,053 speeches · 220 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. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, M.P. JJB | 106 |
| 2 | Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, M.P. JJB | 43 |
| 3 | Hon. Aravinda Senarath, M.P. JJB | 39 |
| 4 | Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, M.P. ITAK | 26 |
| 5 | Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna, M.P. JJB | 24 |
| 6 | Hon. Jeevan Thondaman, M.P. UNP | 22 |
| 7 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 22 |
| 8 | Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan, M.P. ITAK | 20 |
| 9 | Hon. Mano Ganesan, M.P. SJB | 18 |
| 10 | Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, M.P. ITAK | 18 |
Speeches
1,053 on this topic- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration about the damaged, unused official residence of the Panadura District Judge on De Silva Road, including plans for restoration and details of a partially constructed abandoned building on the premises and expenditure incurred. He also sought information on measures to provide official residences for judicial officers in Panadura, the extent of related State lands near the Panadura seashore, and steps to utilize those lands effectively. Questions and Papers (Resumption after Adjournment) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Sunil Watagala stated that the lease in question was executed through the Yatiyantota Divisional Secretary. He said that if the lease conditions have been breached and not enforced, steps can be taken, including having the property revert to the State since it falls under the Divisional Secretary’s authority. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala questioned the transfer of a 120-year-old Sri Lanka Railways building, formerly used as the Yatiyantota Police OIC’s official residence, to a private individual in 2009 after it was purportedly taken for restoration and regularization. He alleged the property was not returned to the Police and asked whether it could be restored for public use. He further asked what action could be taken if the lease conditions were breached by demolishing the old building and using the premises for political activities. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister, stated that the Yatiyantota property used as the OIC’s official residence has no recorded formal handover date to the Sri Lanka Police and was leased in 2013 to a party for residential and agricultural purposes during regularization of railway reserve lands. He said State Lands law applies, referred to a 2015 letter from the Yatiyantota Divisional Secretary tabled as Annex 01, and noted there is no information it was officially assigned for political activities or that police received complaints about alterations or unauthorized construction. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Hon. Dammika Patabendi provided a ministerial answer on the status and conservation of the Sinharaja Forest, stating that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 December 1988 and now covers 36,474.93 hectares. He outlined its legal protections under the National Heritage Wilderness Areas Act, its earlier designation as a biosphere reserve, the 2019 boundary expansion, and conservation planning under ESCAMP, including ecotourism regulation and 2025 allocations for the Kudawa and Pitadeniya entrances. He also stated that lands within and around the Sinharaja boundary, including Land Reforms Commission and private forested lands, are being vested with the Forest Department, with future action planned to protect buffer forests and complete boundary demarcation. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Issues involving the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Department of Forest Conservation can be addressed through the relevant committee, though no exact timeframe can be given. The Member stated there is no objection to issuing deeds and other facilities to people where needed, provided any changes are made with the concurrence of the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Asked how long it will take for the relevant lands to be released to the people, framing it as a supplementary question seeking a specific timeline from the Government. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Pallekelle was identified as a sanctuary containing both State and private lands, with the issue arising from plots held on permits rather than formal title deeds. The Minister stated that the Department of Wildlife Conservation has no objection to granting lawful ownership to eligible permit holders and will not obstruct the process, but any changes to private lands within the sanctuary require the Department’s concurrence. He added that a committee has met and the Department is ready to assist expeditiously. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Asked what final decision and implementation steps the Ministry will take following the committee’s decision to release lands to the people and strengthen the lower reserve, noting that the matter is at its final stage toward resolution. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath raised the issue of about 3,500 families in 25 villages in the Polpithigama Divisional Secretariat area who have lived for 60 to 70 years on lands classified under wildlife and forest conservation zones while cultivating coconut. She noted that a long-running local campaign sought to release these lands to residents while strengthening the Kahalla-Pallekele Reserve, and that a Ministry-level special committee, including the Environment Ministry Secretary and the heads of the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Departments, has been appointed and has inspected the area. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment provided details on protected areas in the Polpithigama DS Division, including the extent of the Kahalla–Pallekele Sanctuary and forest reserves, and noted that surveys of some residential lands within the sanctuary have been carried out and will continue. He said demarcation of the Hakwatunawa Reservoir reserve began in 2017, with survey fees paid and most of the remaining boundary provisionally marked. He also stated that public facilities exist within the gazetted area, no Forest Conservation regional office operates at Herathgama for instituting cases, and an inter-agency committee is considering land issues in the Kahalla–Pallekele Sanctuary. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath asked the Minister of Environment for details on lands in the Polpithigama Divisional Secretary’s Division gazetted under Notification No. 566/5 of 11 July 1989, including the extents under the Wildlife Conservation and Forest Conservation Departments and whether occupied, residential, or government-grant lands were included. She sought information on surveys and demarcation, including of the Hakwatunawa Reservoir reserve, and asked whether public infrastructure and institutions exist within the gazetted area. She also requested details on legal action by the Forest Conservation Office under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act and whether occupied lands would be transferred to current possessors. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan urged the Government to give special attention to hill-country Tamil and estate worker communities severely affected by landslides in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Matale, noting their existing socio-economic vulnerability and unsafe settlements. He called for safe land allocation and permanent resettlement, including possible land acquisition under Emergency Regulations, to address long-standing land rights and integrate these communities into public services and administration. He also asked the Government to prevent estate companies or officials from pressuring displaced people in camps to return to unsafe areas for labour needs, and said he was willing to help identify suitable estate lands for resettlement. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman tabled a civil society document on relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction for hill-country communities affected by Cyclone “Titva,” and said he had also tabled accounts for nearly Rs. 6 million in assistance provided to 2,137 families. He urged Members to avoid partisan blame over disaster relief and requested Government action over alleged neglect by officials, including the Divisional Secretary in Kotmale and some Grama Niladharis, particularly affecting Tamil estate communities. He also sought clarification of the Government’s land policy after the President’s reference to six perches per family, arguing that previous provisions had allowed seven to ten perches and that estate communities should not be disadvantaged under new circulars. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Irrigation Department and Mahaweli Authority’s flood management during the November 2025 disaster, citing reservoir monitoring systems, hydrological gauges, real-time data updates and staff deployment during record rainfall. He rejected opposition criticism and argued that agencies had acted methodically to minimize downstream damage, while noting recurring flood risks in areas such as Colombo and Ampara. He said the Government is preparing long-term flood mitigation plans and that the Lands Ministry will identify safe state lands, including LRC and Mahaweli lands, for resettling people from high-risk areas in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Badulla. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Palani Thigambaram SJB AI summary Expressing condolences for disaster victims, Palani Thigambaram urged national unity and pledged cooperation with government recovery efforts while criticizing its disaster response compared with its past claims in Opposition. He highlighted recurring landslide risks in plantation districts and demanded safe housing for estate communities, including allocation of 7 to 10 perches of land per affected family, temporary relocation or tents, and immediate use of Indian-funded houses. He thanked India, government officials, and the Army for assistance, and called on the relevant Minister to visit affected Nuwara Eliya areas and make decisions to prevent people being forced back to unsafe sites. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad said recent flooding in Mirigama, Divulapitiya, Katana and Negombo was linked to Ma Oya overflowing, and called for comprehensive irrigation schemes for Ma Oya and Attanagalu Oya, including diversion of water to drought-affected regions. He proposed updated flood benchmarks, systematic maximum flood-level markings, river reservation demarcation, national land-use zoning, and support for households in risk zones to undertake mitigation works. He also urged faster implementation of disaster assistance circulars, protection for affected tenants, concessional finance or moratoria for damaged businesses, and a clear resettlement and housing policy, including possible multi-storey housing near urban areas. He further criticized the absence of digital tools for geo-tagged reporting by Grama Niladharis and asked the Digital Economy Ministry to address this gap. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan raised concerns about disaster-affected estate communities in the hill country, urging that displaced people not be sent back to unsafe homes until proper NBRO certification and basic facilities are ensured. He called for careful handling of relocations in areas such as Vaewandan and Norwood, and pressed the Government to address long-standing estate worker issues by securing wage increases, seven-perch housing land allocations, and permanent settlement in the hill country. He also questioned school reopening claims in the Central Province, requested new buildings for affected schools, and urged immediate appointment of all 1,162 eligible principals. He thanked India, MPs, and the public for relief assistance, while stating that the Government must take responsibility for protecting affected communities. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman described flood and cyclone damage in Kotmale and other hill-country areas, requesting urgent assistance for displaced families, including those at Nuwara Eliya Gamini Vidyalaya, and raising concerns about local administrative support. He reported relief efforts supported by private donors and said accounts for funds collected would be submitted to Parliament. While noting doubts about the Budget’s feasibility and reserving detailed comment on plantation wages, he urged the Government to consider granting land titles to plantation communities as a practical response where housing for all is unaffordable. He said the Opposition and the Ceylon Workers’ Congress would support the President and Government at this stage, emphasizing national cooperation beyond party, ethnic, or religious divisions. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Continued Budget Debate and Amendments Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan expressed condolences for lives lost in the storm and floods and commended the Government, security forces, officials, foreign partners, NGOs and youth for their disaster response. He detailed severe damage in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Weli Oya, calling for alternative land and housing, compensation, bridge and road repairs, tank restoration and support for affected farming and livestock communities. He urged that relief payments be standardized based on actual damage, proposing Rs. 25,000 for all households or lands flooded, and requested that assistance be delivered without discrimination or administrative obstruction. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →