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- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question by outlining how local authorities are funded through own-source revenues, Finance Commission allocations, and Treasury salary-support frameworks, noting large disparities between high-revenue councils and financially weak Pradeshiya Sabhas. He said the Ministry has reviewed the budgets of all 341 local authorities, arranged low-interest concessional loans for revenue-generating projects, earmarked Rs. 3,475 million in performance-based funding over two years, and begun capacity-development programmes for officers. He rejected a broad claim about IMF-driven impacts as incomplete, stating the proposal concerned reducing government expenditure, and noted that North and East development funding had been channelled through earlier programmes while acknowledging concerns over irregular recruitments and expanded numbers of local representatives. He added that the Government is intervening to address operational difficulties, including procuring machinery such as backhoes and motor graders to strengthen revenue generation. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the Bill as necessary to legalize and strengthen regulation of construction in flood-prone and disaster-risk areas, particularly by enabling mapping of landslide and other hazard zones so the public and authorities can identify risks before building. She cited landslide incidents and risk data from hill-country areas, including the fatal Buwelikada incident in Kandy, to argue that enforceable restrictions are needed. She also raised unauthorized constructions in Nawalapitiya, including on railway reserves, which she said have blocked historic storm-water drainage and now require costly technical guidance before a planned bus shelter can proceed. Responding to Opposition concerns, she defended provisions allowing police involvement when officials enter premises, saying enforcement and official protection are necessary for the law to be effective. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, recalling earlier efforts to formalize the NBRO, and urged that its approval processes facilitate construction through clear timelines, such as issuing approvals within two weeks. Referring to frequent landslides and floods in Kegalle, including the Saammasara Kanda disaster, he called for greater attention to disaster risk in the district. He also placed on record land donations from Debathgama Watta and other family-linked holdings for resettlement, waste recycling, temples, schools, and cemeteries, and requested government action to complete delayed title and acquisition processes. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, citing recent landslides and building collapses in hill-country plantation areas, including the collapse of a school in Kenilworth Estate. He linked the need for such an institute to ongoing vulnerabilities in plantation settlements and referred to NEVIDA, established under Act No. 32 of 2018, as a body responsible for housing, water and other development services for plantation communities. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported giving the proposed National Building Research Institute a legal mandate but urged that its functions include assessment of flood risks and road planning in disaster-prone areas such as Batticaloa, where flood-damaged roads remain unrepaired. He also called attention to environmental risks from sand mining and ilmenite extraction permitted in areas such as Thirukkovil and Vakarai. He criticized the Government’s first year in office for failing to address Tamil people’s key concerns, including military-occupied lands, pastureland at Mayilathamadu Maathavanai, Forest Department land release, and unresolved human rights issues. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage supported the Bill to establish the National Building Research Institute, citing repeated disaster losses in Ratnapura and Kegalle from landslides and floods as reasons for strengthening preventive institutional capacity. He proposed adding a nominee from the Ministry responsible for Plantation Industries to the governing body, given the plantation-related nature of many disaster-prone districts. He also urged that NBRI officers be granted lawful land-entry powers for urgent inspections without requiring police accompaniment, and that local authorities be trained on construction and excavation limits to reduce landslide risks. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary An assurance was given that a Ministry-level inquiry would be conducted into the procedures followed in allocating the specific land in question to employees, in response to points raised by another Member. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama questioned land allocations along a road frontage that allegedly restrict access to interior plots, citing a 2006 circular requiring Ministerial approval for such allocations. He stated that requested documentation on approval, valuation and allocation had not been provided, and alleged that the Rs. 1,000-per-perch valuation appeared to relate to a different land while other allocations used higher valuations. He asked whether an investigation would be conducted into the allocation and valuation process, noting that related legal action concerned the Divisional Secretary’s power to cancel allocations rather than the validity of the allocations themselves. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe explained that the LRC has long granted non-commercial land for staff housing under welfare provisions, though the Act does not expressly require it. He noted concerns that some staff obtained commercially valuable urban plots through influence, but said blanket cancellation would be legally and practically problematic. He stated that if any such land is needed for another public purpose, it could be taken over through the District Coordinating Committee and relevant agencies. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama questioned the Land Reform Commission’s policy of granting 10- or 20-perch plots to employees with five years’ service, noting the high market value of such land at “Ratalankawa.” He asked whether any special risk or justification warranted this benefit for LRC employees compared with other public sector employees, and whether the policy would be reconsidered or extended to departments such as Forest, Wildlife, Railways, and Divisional Secretariats. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, provided details on land held by the Land Reform Commission, stating that about 101 acres are vested, with portions allotted to 20 institutions including 27 acres to the Industrial Development Board. He outlined the Commission’s employee land-allocation scheme, eligibility criteria, related court proceedings affirming employee rights, and steps to regularize unauthorised occupants under Plan No. 1584. He stated that detailed answers and annexures had been tabled and could be provided to the Member. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary The member asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on the “Ratalankawa” land in the Kamburupitiya DS Division of Matara District, including its total extent and the portions allocated to various institutions, particularly the Industrial Development Board. He sought clarification on whether allocations to Land Reform Commission employees had proper approval, requested tabling of any relevant approval letter, and questioned whether approval for another LRC land had been misused to allocate this land unlawfully. He also asked what action would be taken regarding families allegedly occupying the land unlawfully. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath asked the Minister of Environment what measures are being taken to protect natural streams and maintain legally required stream reservations, including the extent of land that should be reserved along streams. He sought clarification on enforcement against persons who have forcibly occupied stream reservations and on whether reservations have been granted as freehold lands, particularly in the Kalutara District. He further asked whether the Government will take steps to reacquire such stream reservations, and if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Question Q.1/2025: Natural Streams and Stream Reservations Protection Read →
- 12 September 2025 Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary Hon. T.B. Sarath said certain allocations had been made through direct intervention by former Ministers rather than routine official processes, and that a special committee has been appointed to review them and pursue legal action where necessary. He stated that the spaces would be restored to the public after the review. On the Pettah Floating Market issue, he undertook to inquire into the alleged tenderless allocation and report back to the House. Oral Question: Condominium Management Authority Objectives (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 12 September 2025 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman raised concerns that common facilities and land reserved for residents in housing schemes, citing parking areas at Maligawatte flats, are allegedly being allocated to private use despite complaints. He argued that this contravenes condominium and housing laws and requested urgent action to restore such spaces to residents. He also questioned reports that the Pettah Floating Market may be handed over to an individual without a tender, despite an earlier Urban Development Authority redevelopment plan with Japanese cooperation, and asked whether the Deputy Minister was aware and whether approval was being sought. Oral Question: Condominium Management Authority Objectives (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 12 September 2025 Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Hon. T.B. Sarath set out the objectives of the Condominium Management Authority, including regulation and maintenance of common facilities, oversight of management corporations, protection of purchasers, removal of unauthorized constructions, insurance, utility coordination, and redevelopment or completion of stalled condominium projects. He provided a written financial breakdown of Treasury provisions and self-generated funds used for Authority functions, noting self-generated expenditure of Rs. 607.82 million from 2022 to 31 July 2025 and broader cumulative figures supplied in the response. He said proposed strengthening measures include recruiting essential staff, reactivating stalled projects, introducing legislation to address title issues in tsunami resettlement condominium properties, improving utility infrastructure, supporting a national housing policy, rehabilitating deteriorated coastal high-rises, and securing funds for urgent maintenance. Oral Question: Condominium Management Authority Objectives (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 12 September 2025 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman asked the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to state the objectives of establishing the Condominium Management Authority, provide year-by-year expenditure on the Authority from 2015 to date, and outline measures to strengthen its functions. He also requested reasons if the Minister was unable to provide the information. Oral Question: Condominium Management Authority Objectives (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe addressed the Supplementary Estimates and urged action on the long-abandoned Saudi-funded 500-house Nuraicholai tsunami housing scheme in Akkaraipattu, completed in 2009 but not handed over to beneficiaries. He called on the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, and relevant ministries to convene special meetings and allocate the houses to tsunami-affected families, while arguing that any court-ordered ethnic allocation principle should apply consistently to housing schemes nationwide. He also responded to a claim about Kalmunai District Coordinating Committee meetings, citing a 2024 District Secretary’s letter directing joint meetings for Kalmunai DS Division and Kalmunai North Sub-office at a common venue. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan supported the National Audit (Amendment) Bill as part of anti-corruption efforts, but said past audit findings had wrongly affected resettlement lands in Musali and Manthai West by treating previously inhabited areas as forest. He supported supplementary allocations for pregnant mothers’ nutrition, housing and resettlement, while calling for increased future funding and urgent improvements to roads, electricity, water, and services in post-war areas. He welcomed India’s Rs. 600 million grant for Mannar General Hospital and urged action on releasing public and forest lands, including 10 acres at Poomoddai for a lawful garbage dumping site before the pending court matter. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →
- 11 September 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof disputed a Government member’s claim that his earlier complaint about Muslim health staff in Trincomalee being restricted from wearing cultural attire was false, and submitted a union letter requesting permission for such attire to be recorded in Hansard. He urged the Government to address the issue rather than deny it, noting that related discussions and correspondence were already underway. He also raised the Muthunagar land dispute, stating that farmers who returned to cultivate lands after assurances at the District Coordinating Committee were arrested and assaulted, and called for restoration of the lands, compensation, or alternative land through engagement with the affected farmers. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Read →