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- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep defended the Budget’s plantation wage proposal, stating that the daily wage will rise to Rs. 1,750 from January through Rs. 200 contributions each from companies and the Government, and framed it as part of the Government’s commitment to Malaiyaha workers’ dignity, land, housing and rights. He criticized Opposition figures for challenging the Government’s Rs. 200 support before the Bribery or Corruption Commission and accused past political actors of using plantation wages for trade union and electoral politics. He also noted that the Government had obtained Cabinet approval and issued a Gazette recognizing the Ayyappan pilgrimage to India as a sacred pilgrimage. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had stabilized an inherited bankrupt economy through fiscal discipline and presented the Budget as part of its policy framework for continued stability. He emphasized Government action for the Sri Lanka Malaiyaha plantation community, citing the Hatton Declaration and commitments on housing, land, wages, education, health and infrastructure. He said the Budget provides for land allocation, housing support including projects under Indian credit lines, firm land titles, and a Rs. 200 Treasury-funded attendance incentive in addition to a Rs. 200 wage increase agreed by estate owners, amounting to a Rs. 400 increase for plantation workers. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha said the 2026 Budget includes some relief measures, including support for increasing estate workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1,750, but argued that wages alone will not address long-standing housing and livelihood issues in estate communities. He proposed allocating underutilized land near estates to unemployed residents for productive use and potential export income. He also raised concerns about shortages of essential medicines, long waiting lists for cardiac surgery, lack of ophthalmic equipment, and rural hospital deficiencies, specifically citing the absence of a technician for the X-ray unit at Kolonna Base Hospital. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 14 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said ITAK would abstain on the Second Reading of the 2026 Budget, arguing that it lacks sufficient commitments to Tamil political rights, constitutional reform, Provincial Council elections, land issues, accountability, and targeted development in the North and East. He questioned low utilization of previous Northern allocations, the handling of Eastern Province funds under a Governor, Mahaweli land alienation, and the absence of clear commitments to develop Palaly, Batticaloa, KKS and Trincomalee infrastructure. He said ITAK would support measures against drugs and corruption but not the Budget on the basis of feasibility studies, and raised concerns that estate worker wage and housing proposals did not adequately address dignity, land and secure housing for Malaiyagam Tamils. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill 2026 – Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Danushka Ranganath said the NPP Government’s first Budget had stabilized the economy and that benefits were now being directed to the public. He rejected claims that Rs. 1 million low-income houses could not be built, citing progress in Kalutara where 198 houses were approved, 147 completed and 82 handed over, with photographs placed in the Library. He also highlighted a proposed wage uplift for Malaiyaha Tamil plantation workers through a Rs. 200 company increase and a Rs. 200 Government attendance incentive, estimating an additional Rs. 10,000 per month for 25 working days and benefits for about 45,000 people in Kalutara. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka supported the Budget as a comprehensive programme benefiting all communities and sectors, arguing that the Government had restored political stability, strengthened the economy, and upheld the rule of law since taking office. He rejected Opposition criticism of the Budget and disputed a social media claim about road carpeting in the Knuckles World Heritage area, inviting verification on the ground. He also condemned opposition to wage and welfare measures for Malaiyaha Tamil estate workers, stating that the Government would pursue housing, land, and livelihood improvements to move them out of line rooms. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary Minister Susil Ranasinghe responded to Opposition claims about omissions in the Budget, citing allocations for Hindu religious affairs, restoration of Hindu sites, rubber subsidies, small tea smallholders, and cinnamon development from the Budget documents. He argued that the 2025 Budget stabilized an economy in crisis and that the 2026 Budget shifts toward development through support for rural poverty eradication, entrepreneurship, village-level funding mechanisms such as Prajashakthi, and expanded low-income housing grants. He said housing funds would rise from about Rs. 3.5 billion to Rs. 10.2 billion, defended a community-driven construction model, and contrasted it with earlier housing projects he described as incomplete. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed supported the 2026 Budget’s stated objectives and anti-drug and anti-corruption measures, but urged that the 37 initiatives and development projects be implemented equitably rather than on political considerations. He highlighted the long-term impact of the LTTE’s expulsion of Northern Muslims, welcomed the Rs. 5,000 million allocation for internally displaced persons’ housing, and asked that locally displaced people not be sidelined, including where lands have been gazetted as forest or wildlife areas. He also requested funding to complete stalled school, tank, and housing projects in his district, expressed concern over past treatment of Muslims during COVID-19 and after the Easter attacks, and called for imported copies of the Holy Qur’an held by Customs to be released without delay. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen welcomed several Budget allocations, including funds for the Malwathu Oya project, the Ashraff Cultural Centre, estate worker wage support, and housing in war-affected areas, while urging that displaced Muslims in Jaffna be included in housing and infrastructure programmes. He called for non-political action against drug trafficking and requested urgent progress on stalled projects in Mannar, including the co-op hospital, Silavathurai hall, Mannar–Puttalam road, and Talaimannar jetty rehabilitation. He also sought clarity and public consultation on wind power and mineral sands plans in Mannar, proposing that further wind projects be shifted away from Mannar Island to protect tourism and fisheries potential. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan urged the Government to strengthen, not undermine, the Authority for Up-country development, noting its role in coordinating multiple ministries for a historically disadvantaged community that received citizenship and education access late. He questioned a Planters’ Association of Ceylon letter rejecting the Authority and asked the Minister to verify a previous Rs. 5 million Budget allocation under President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He argued that plantation-region development should go beyond wages to include land rights and housing for all residents, including non-workers, and called for implementation of Indian-funded housing and related commitments, referencing the Government’s Hatton Declaration. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Vidyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Vidyarathna clarified that the 2025 estate housing programme planned 4,700 houses, with beneficiaries selected by Divisional Secretary-led committees prioritizing families at high landslide risk, but the process was delayed after representations to the Indian High Commission. He stated that deeds had recently been issued for 2,056 houses in Bandaragama and that contractor-related issues affecting 1,300 houses from the previous year were being addressed. He also said the New Villages Development Authority for the Plantation Region was not being abolished and that, for the first time, it had been given a dedicated Budget line to strengthen it institutionally. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan welcomed the Budget proposal to provide estate workers an additional Rs. 400, while stressing that legal questions about the Government’s Rs. 200 contribution should not delay payment. He urged the Government to address broader plantation community issues, including land rights, individual housing rather than flats, and clarification of promised housing numbers under Indian-assisted and other programmes. He called for strengthening, not abolishing, the New Villages Development Authority for the Plantation Region, arguing that it coordinates long-term development needs across ministries. He also said the Tamil Progressive Alliance’s policy is to move estate workers from wage dependence toward land ownership, housing, and stakeholder status through cooperatives. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Asked whether the Ministry would urgently intervene and take action to protect the historic land in question. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to concerns about a historically significant site in Ratnapura, stating that he had inspected it and obtained reports from archaeological officials. He noted issues over land excluded between two Gazette notifications, alleged sale of a nearby plot, ongoing private construction, and unresolved questions about intermediary resales. He said the inquiry and government intervention are continuing, and that he would report the final position with the aim of protecting the monument and its surrounding landscape according to its declared status. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concerns over the historic Walawwa, noting its 300-year history, extensive built fabric, and reduction in land extent from 13 acres 3 roods 13 perches in 1978 to 7 acres 0 roods 23 perches in 2006. He asked whether the Ministry had confirmed through reviews that part of the historic land had been lost, in the context of local disputes and later attempts to acquire land by Gazette. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath acknowledged irregularities in land instruments, including duplicate instruments for the same plot, long-term occupants being bypassed in favour of persons from other districts, and instruments issued without site inspections. He said discussions are under way with Legal Affairs to introduce a standardized instrument and strengthen the legal framework to address about 600 related court cases lawfully and fairly. Oral Question 1289/2025: Lands belonging to Land Reform Commission - Transfer Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara raised concerns about “Niyathana Sadhana” instruments issued by the LRC for State lands, noting that Divisional Secretariats often lack records and that duplicate instruments have reportedly been issued for the same land. He asked whether a procedure will be established to cancel improperly issued instruments and grant rights to the eligible occupants. Oral Question 1289/2025: Lands belonging to Land Reform Commission - Transfer Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath said there is public and administrative uncertainty over land alienations and acquisitions, with records indicating past non-compliance and inadequate audits. He noted allegations that lands had been distributed to associates or relatives under previous political authorities and fragmented for activities such as gem mining. He stated that the Ministry intends to audit, regularize, and strengthen oversight to improve transparency and accountability in land use. Oral Question 1289/2025: Lands belonging to Land Reform Commission - Transfer Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara noted that LRC land extents have been identified but not yet comprehensively audited. He asked what action would be taken regarding unauthorized occupants, including those settled through political patronage or who have become de facto permanent residents, in the course of current or future regularization and audit processes. Oral Question 1289/2025: Lands belonging to Land Reform Commission - Transfer Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that 1,418,318 acres, 0 roods and 37 perches were declared under the Land Reform Law No. 1 of 1972, and 418,754 acres, 0 roods and 28 perches under the 1975 amendment. He said district-wise details of lands vested in the Land Reform Commission have been tabled in the Library, but the full extent had not been completely surveyed at takeover and is now being surveyed and mapped with the Department of Survey. He added that alienation is carried out under the Land Reform Law and Control Circular No. 2024/03, that the LRC does not issue “transfer certificates,” and listed the subsequent amendments and special provisions Acts relating to the 1972 Law. Oral Question 1289/2025: Lands belonging to Land Reform Commission - Transfer Read →