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- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said the Government was committed to reconciliation and human rights for all communities, linking that commitment to development initiatives in the North, East and Hill Country. He outlined land-related measures including the “Himakama” programme for titles and permits, planned issuance of titles for 700 LRC lands in Mannar, and discussions to release gazetted forest lands being used as farmland. He also cited irrigation and water projects such as Pahala Malwathu Oya, “Chari Mahima,” and the planned Mundeni Aru project as measures to support cultivation, flood control, drinking water supply and reconciliation through development. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra welcomed the Adjournment Motion as an opportunity for the Government to outline its approach to reconciliation, citing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report as evidence of international expectations for reforms on truth, justice, rule of law, and non-discrimination. He said the Government was moving to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, with a Bill expected by early September, while introducing modern laws to address crime without oppressive measures. He also highlighted land-related measures, including a decision in Trincomalee to release over 55 hectares previously demarcated for Forest Conservation but used by local farmers, and called for more Tamil-speaking Archaeology Department officers. He urged the Opposition to identify shortcomings and assist reforms rather than, in his view, attempt to destabilize the Government. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi said the Government views human rights as linked to economic stability, equitable regional development, and environmental protection, including a commitment to increase forest cover to 32 per cent by 2030 through the “Vanaspathi” programme. He stated that GPS-based reserve demarcations after the war had wrongly included private lands and public buildings in the North and East, and announced plans for a Cabinet paper to appoint a special committee to verify and recommend land releases, with over 100,000 acres already identified in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya. He also referred to resolving forest and wildlife management issues, improving drinking water access through schemes including Pali Aru, and bringing legislation to recognize and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna welcomed the Minister’s remarks but challenged the Government to act on them. He demanded the release of Ananda Sudhagar, the return of lands in Mayiliddy and Palaly, and resolution of the Thayiddi Viharaya issue, stating that support from his side would depend on such actions being taken. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan supported the adjournment motion and urged the Government to take credible steps on Tamil grievances, including holding long-delayed Provincial Council elections, beginning constitutional reform talks, and implementing key LLRC recommendations. He argued for an inclusive Sri Lankan identity recognizing all communities, languages, and religions, while noting that responsibility now lies with the current Government despite many issues originating under previous administrations. He also called for land and housing rights and stronger local governance for plantation communities, citing measures taken during 2015–2019, and demanded affirmative action for estate schools and other marginalized groups. He reminded the Government of its 2023 Hatton Declaration commitments on plantation people’s rights and urged implementation. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan moved an adjournment motion calling for action on longstanding human rights and political issues affecting Tamils in the North, East and Malaiyagam, including power-sharing negotiations, release of political prisoners, land release, resettlement, justice for the disappeared, and protections against PTA use and military interference. He argued that successive agreements and proposals from the Bandaranaike-Chelvanayakam Pact through the Indo-Lanka Accord, constitutional reform efforts and APRC proposals had not been implemented, leaving the national question unresolved for decades. He also sought specific measures for Malaiyagam estate communities on housing, land, education, livelihoods and implementation of commitments such as the Hatton Declaration. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary In response to a question on grazing land in the Vanni District, the Deputy Minister said District Development Committees are coordinating with the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife Conservation to allocate suitable forest lands to livestock farmers once formally released. He stated that these lands, along with unused or underutilized State lands where needed, would be managed under departmental guidelines, with technical support from animal production and veterinary authorities and plans to rehabilitate or establish water sources. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation on shortages of grazing land affecting livestock farmers in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi. He said traditional grazing areas remain under military control or otherwise inaccessible, while delays in releasing State lands, water scarcity, inadequate veterinary services and limited pasture facilities have worsened conditions. He asked what steps would be taken to allocate grazing lands, manage pastures, improve veterinary and technical support, release unused State or military-controlled land, and develop pasture and water-source projects. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Bimal Rathnayake tabled an answer on the “Urumaya” Programme, stating that it began in 2024 and was reviewed by an expert committee appointed under a Cabinet decision of 24 February 2025. The committee’s recommendations were submitted to Cabinet on 11 July 2025 and approved on 21 July 2025, after which the programme will continue as a regular initiative rather than an emergency measure. The answer also noted that about 3,800 prepared free grant deeds are being readied for issue, and further information may be obtained from Divisional Secretaries or the Land Commissioner General. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about delays in issuing freehold deeds under the “Urumaya” Programme to landowners who had handed over land permits, grants and deeds to the Government. He sought clarification on whether the Government accepts that no action has been taken, what steps have been taken to establish entitlement, whether there is a timeframe for completing the process, and how affected individuals can obtain updates on the status of their documents. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to provide details on State plantation company lands in Monaragala District, including the extent held by each company and any sub-leased lands with the names of sub-lessees. He also requested year-by-year figures from 2015 onward on tax revenue from such sub-leases and information on measures to ensure proper collection of that revenue. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage asked whether the Urban Development Authority could return the Gangabada Udyana land to the Matara Municipal Council following an inquiry. He said the original understanding was that the land would revert to the Council after UDA development, but it had instead been given to a private entity that briefly opened it while commercializing public access and needs. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka answered Question No. 1073/2025 on UDA projects in Matara, stating that 18 projects are being implemented in the district and tabling annexes with project details, expenditures, status, and administrative responsibilities. He said key projects include developments related to the Matara bus stand and Sanath Jayasuriya Stadium, Matara Beach Park, Kotuwegoda Public Market, commercial complexes, parking facilities, and the Nilwala Riverbank Park. Regarding Matara Gangabada Udyana, he said it was intended for recreation and tourism, was not accepted for maintenance by the Matara Municipal Council, was assigned to a private operator, and is now closed under a court order after safety clearance issues; reopening is expected subject to court permission. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe – for the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe stated that residents occupying State lands in Manmunai North without grants or permits may be considered for long-term leases under Land Commissioner General’s Circular No. 2008/04. He tabled annexures listing relevant GN divisions, case details, legal actions under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act, and evictions carried out by court order. He further said 41 persons not yet removed through fiscal process had been reported to the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court Registrar, with Gramasevaka officers instructed to report on the remaining cases. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 21 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media (for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) AI summary The Minister, responding on behalf of the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister, said the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment regulates foreign employment and prohibits sending persons under 18 abroad for work. He reported that a female who travelled to Oman in 2022 without SLBFE registration and under another passport identity was later identified as a minor, and the matter has been referred to the CID’s Human Trafficking, Smuggling and Maritime Crimes Division. He added that SLBFE applies minimum age limits for registration and has instructed airport officers to conduct strict scrutiny to prevent minors being deployed for foreign employment. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.971/2025 and others) Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB AI summary Hon. T. B. Sarath stated that a full inquiry should be conducted into the issue raised regarding the leasing of two parcels of land in 2014 and 2023. He said the Ministry was also concerned about whether the activities of Venerable Itthekande Saddhātissa Thera had received approval, and that action would be taken according to law following a proper investigation. Adjournment Debate: NMRA Medicine Supply and State Land Leasing Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana alleged that land leased in 2014 for a learning centre for novice monks has instead been misused for commercial purposes, including parking for a supermarket and storage for a construction company, generating private income. He argued that this was contrary to the lease purpose and cited provisions under the Land Alienation Act and the UDA’s authority to re-enter and recover the land if the intended purpose is not fulfilled. He asked the Deputy Minister whether the Ministry is prepared to reclaim the land and prevent further misuse of public property. Adjournment Debate: NMRA Medicine Supply and State Land Leasing Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, T. B. Sarath stated that UDA-acquired lands in Kallapaluyaya, Battaramulla, including Plots 33 and 35, belong to the Urban Development Authority and have been leased or are being processed for lease to the Sri Sankhapala Buddhist Social Service Foundation for Buddhist educational and meditation purposes. He said Plot 33 was leased in 2014 for 30 years at an annual rent of Rs. 87,500, while Plot 35 is being processed under a 30-year lease at Rs. 870,000 annually, with Rs. 1,025,512.50 already recovered and possession handed over in August 2024 after removing unauthorized constructions. He clarified that there is no legal provision for the Foundation to sublease Plot 35, and that if the land is not used for the intended development activities after the Letter of Understanding is executed, the UDA will cancel it. Adjournment Debate: NMRA Medicine Supply and State Land Leasing Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana raised a question to the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing concerning alleged misuse of prime state lands obtained cheaply and subleased for excessive profit. He asked whether the UDA owns land near the Second Bypass Road in Kalapaluwawa, Kaduwela, and, if so, its extent and whether it has been leased, including the lessee, purpose, and terms. Adjournment Debate: NMRA Medicine Supply and State Land Leasing Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna addressed allegations made during debate on the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill regarding the resignation of the Janatha Estates Development Board Chairman. He stated that the former Chairman, Jayanta Nilakaratne, resigned for personal reasons and denied claims that ministerial or secretarial pressure was exerted to allocate state lands to associates. He said the Ministry would act against corruption in the JEDB and was prepared to disclose and pursue cases involving the capture of public estate lands by politicians or influential persons. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →