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- 10 October 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna responded to questions on the tea industry, stating that some factory closures were due to accidents or management and workforce shortages, and affirmed the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the sector. He said the Kahagalla facility processes waste tea and is operating below capacity because only 20 workers are available out of the 155 needed. He also outlined a housing deed programme for the Malaiyaha community, saying 2,056 houses built with Indian assistance, each with basic infrastructure and 10-perch plots, will receive ownership deeds, with 237 ready for initial distribution at Bandarawela under the President’s leadership. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that the Government must hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections as a democratic requirement under the 13th Amendment, not as a test of party popularity, and urged adequate budgetary allocation to the Election Commission for that purpose. He rejected suggestions that elections could be deferred because other polls were held recently, noting prior government assurances to hold them. He also called for a legislative solution to the Norochcholai housing issue, proposing that houses be allocated to all tsunami-affected eligible communities in Ampara District, irrespective of ethnicity. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman reviewed the Government’s first year against the President’s “Hatton Declaration” commitments to plantation communities, questioning progress on housing, land rights, public services, education, health, and plantation company accountability. He argued that planned housing “entitlement” certificates do not amount to legal land grants, urged land titles for all residents where they live, and criticized moves affecting the Norwood Divisional Secretariat and the possible closure of the New Villages Development Authority. He also raised concerns about halted or incomplete initiatives such as Grama Niladhari divisions, government takeover of estate medical assistants, STEM teacher training, creche breakfast provision, and scrutiny of plantation companies, while requesting action after a fire at Lakshapana Estate tea factory. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam criticised the Government over the involvement of the TID in inquiries about a school sports meet decoration in Kilinochchi, arguing that such action contradicts promises to repeal the PTA and allow war commemorations. He said commitments on the Palaly Airport upgrade and the release of military-held private lands in the North had not been fulfilled, contrasting this with faster progress on Ratmalana Airport. He also raised concerns about alleged illegal military-backed construction on private land near Palaly and the Thayyiddy Vihara issue, urging the Government to act early on North-East commitments if it is to retain trust. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that he could not provide full details on the Nawamedagama tower immediately, but said the reply referred to the “Medagama Dialog tower” being alienated under the State Lands Ordinance with covering approval from the Director General. He explained that lease regularization and collection for telecommunications towers have been delayed nationwide due to land-tenure complexities and rapid deployment needs. He said the Land Commissioner General’s Department and Divisional Secretaries are working to regularize such leases and collect dues, and clarified that the issue is countrywide, not confined to Mahaweli areas. Oral Question 3: Telecommunication Towers in Mahaweli System C Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that misuse of State lands obtained for projects, including non-implementation, sub-leasing, sale, or subdivision, has occurred both under the Mahaweli Authority and in other State land allocations. He said the Government is compiling system-wise data on long-term Mahaweli lease lands to determine actual use and payment status, with action to follow through land recovery or enforcement of lease conditions. Oral Question 3: Telecommunication Towers in Mahaweli System C Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A. M. M. M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Questioned the Government’s position on underutilized upland plots in Mahaweli areas, noting that only about 25 per cent had reportedly been productively used since inception. Raised concern that some lands granted for proposed projects remain fallow or have been diverted to other uses, and asked what action would be taken regarding such unimplemented projects. Oral Question 3: Telecommunication Towers in Mahaweli System C Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister detailed the number and status of 16 telecommunication towers erected in the Dehiattakandiya DS Division of Mahaweli System C, including whether each site had formal lease approval, had been alienated under the State Lands Ordinance, or was only handed over for possession. He explained the approval process for tower sites and the procedure for land already granted to individuals, including reacquisition by the State and issuance of long-term and interim leases under the relevant circular. He also stated that no lease payments had been collected for the Dialog tower in Nawamedagama due to the absence of formal lease approval, and that the Ministry is compiling details of Mahaweli Authority lease lands to verify proper use, recover arrears, regularize telecom tower leases, and repossess lands where warranted. Oral Question 3: Telecommunication Towers in Mahaweli System C Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that compensation and provision of alternative land had been discussed, including the development of certain Forest Department lands for paddy cultivation. He said irrigation infrastructure such as canals and field channels cannot be completed fully within the year, but the Department of Irrigation plans to finish the work in the first months of 2026 and enable cultivation by the third quarter of 2026. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the Yan Oya Reservoir Project, though initially foreign-funded, was later implemented with Government funds and has left affected residents without compensation, alternative land, or paddy fields for over a decade. He said a seven-member committee, chaired by former Secretaries M.K. Dissanayake and Sarath Wijesinghe, was appointed to review the issue and has submitted its report after field visits and consultations. Based on its recommendations, the Ministry is proceeding with compensation payments and provision of alternative lands, with a target to complete compensation within the year using allocated funds. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, answering on behalf of the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister, provided details on the Yan Oya Reservoir Project, including its 2013 commencement, government funding of Rs. 48,355.30 million, command areas supplied by the left and right bank canals, and the feasibility study conducted by the Irrigation Department. He said the project remains delayed, with completion extended to 31 December 2025 and a Cabinet Memorandum submitted to extend it further to 31 December 2026. He outlined land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement arrangements, stating that compensation for acquired residential lands has been completed, some payments for upland and paddy lands remain pending, and delays continue in providing alternative lands under Ministry of Lands Circular 1/2016. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Nimal Palihena asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation for detailed information on the Lower Yan Oya Project in Anuradhapura, including its commencement year, funding source and allocation, beneficiary areas, feasibility study status, and scheduled completion date. He also sought details on displacement and resettlement, including the number of affected families and land extents, identified relocation lands and procedures, outstanding compensation cases, and reasons for any delays. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. [Name not clear] AI summary The Member said that families affected by the Muththunagar solar power project, including those unable to cultivate during the Maha season due to signed power purchase agreements, will be identified and compensated by the Ministry of Power. He stated that landless cultivators will be identified and provided alternative land outside the port area, while about 4,000 families occupying 2,500 acres agreed to be released by the port will receive title deeds. He urged Trincomalee District political leaders to support port development and related industries while protecting residents’ rights, and defended the Government’s actions as consistent with written policy. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a motion on Trincomalee Port, stating that the Government supports both developing the port and related industries and granting land rights to long-settled residents living on adjacent lands, irrespective of ethnicity or religion. He said delays in issuing titles since the 1984 Gazette should be examined, and outlined recent discussions involving the Prime Minister, relevant ministers, the SLPA, and other officials. He noted complications arising from prior lease agreements granted to solar power companies before the current Government, saying any changes require due process. He announced that titles would be issued to eligible residents, including some without documentation after verification, on 790 hectares identified as not required by the SLPA, where about 4,000 families live. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan supported the Adjournment Motion on releasing Sri Lanka Ports Authority lands in Trincomalee, describing the proposed return as a correction of past land dispossession in Town and Gravets areas such as Linganagar, Palaiyootru, Poombuhar, Kappalthurai, Munthunagar and China Kuda. He said lands originally occupied by about 800 families were taken around 1979, and urged the Government to release the maximum possible extent, noting that 4,672 families are now affected and only 790 hectares are proposed for return while 1,219 hectares remain with the SLPA. He also called for urgent attention to alleged land seizures and associated religious-site developments in Kuchchaveli, Thiriyaai and other Tamil areas, while pledging cooperation for the initiative. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Welcoming the Adjournment Motion on releasing Sri Lanka Ports Authority lands in 11 GN divisions of Town and Gravets, Trincomalee, the Member urged the Government to give immediate priority to the Muththunagar land issue affecting about 350 families. He said residents had protested for 21 days, faced difficulties meeting officials, and that five farmers were arrested despite assurances at a District Coordinating Committee meeting that cultivation could continue on surplus lands. He called on the Government, given its parliamentary majority and control of relevant offices, to engage with the affected people, provide relief, honour election commitments, and proceed with releasing the lands for public use. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said a longstanding land issue in the Trincomalee Town and Gravets DS Division, dating from the 1980s, is now being addressed through coordination with the Divisional Secretary and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. He stated that lands in 11 GN divisions have been identified, with permits being prepared for about 4,500 to 5,000 families and around 800 hectares to be released. He added that in Muththunagar, permits for homestead lands for about 186 families are being arranged, while agricultural land matters will be handled separately, and said other Trincomalee land issues will be addressed through a structured process. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion to release lands in Trincomalee vested under a 1984 Gazette for Sri Lanka Ports Authority purposes, noting that the vesting affected homesteads and paddy lands across Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities and restricted even basic improvements for four decades. He welcomed the Government’s move but raised concerns about reported allocations of some land to four solar power companies and asked for clarity on demarcations, acreage, and Gazette procedures. He requested that, once criteria are set, priority be given transparently and fairly to genuine residents and cultivators occupying the lands between 1970 and 1984. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana moved an Adjournment Motion urging the release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority lands in 11 Grama Niladhari divisions in the Trincomalee Town and Gravets DS Division to long-time resident families. He said the lands were vested in the SLPA by Gazette No. 314/10 of 1984, but about 790 hectares have since been identified as non-essential to port needs and are occupied by approximately 4,672 families. He stated that discussions with local officials, the SLPA and the Minister of Ports had led to a political decision to release lands for around 5,000 families, and requested that the administrative process be expedited to grant legal title. Adjournment Motion: Release of Sri Lanka Ports Authority Lands in Trincomalee District Read →
- 8 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on the Mahiyangana fair redevelopment, stating that the Pradeshiya Sabha decided in 2012 to remove old stalls and build a shopping complex and central weekly fair area under a Public-Private Partnership to improve public facilities and revenue. He said stall allocations were made to persons nominated by the Traders’ Association, with details tabled in the Library, and noted that allegations that MPs received stalls were not supported by the list. He also identified a rent anomaly involving Hanco Investment (Pvt) Ltd receiving 15,780 square feet for Rs. 5,000 per month while 150-square-foot stalls pay the same amount, saying it requires rectification. Land ownership remains with the Pradeshiya Sabha, while stallholders have lease rights for 25 years or until breach of conditions. Oral Questions Nos. 03, 04, 05: Prison Inmates, Mahiyangana Fair, GN Offices in Vavuniya Read →