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- 20 August 2025 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka supported the Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would bring Samurdhi banks and community-based societies, holding about Rs. 250 billion in deposits, under national audit to improve accountability. He argued that past poverty alleviation programmes had been politicized and said the NPP Government would prevent Samurdhi and poverty-related schemes from being used for political gain. He linked poverty reduction to land titles, rural roads, transport, and local economic development, citing ongoing ministry programmes and Budget allocations, and referred to underserved villages such as Galamuduna in Udadumbara as examples of the need for rural infrastructure improvements. Debate: Samurdhi (Amendment) Bill, Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill, Sports Law Regulations, and Judicature Act Rules Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about unpaid compensation for lands already acquired for the airport and requested that affected persons be paid. He also asked for the passenger baggage limit to be increased from 15 kg to 30 kg and proposed a modest runway extension to accommodate A-320 aircraft, arguing that this would improve passenger capacity and foreign exchange earnings. He sought a clear timeframe and assurance from the Minister on implementing these measures. Question Under Standing Order 27(2): Jaffna International Airport Phase II Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Alternative housing has been arranged under the Urban Regeneration Project for 116 applicants identified for removal, with 111 units allocated because five are dependent sub-households that do not meet minimum eligibility. Of the 24 others initially identified, 15 have left the land and nine remain in unauthorised occupation; eviction orders have been issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court because they do not qualify for housing. The Minister also stated that Cabinet approval will be sought to appoint a committee to consider applications from homeless persons and establish a transparent selection method for future allocations. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. S.M. Marikkar) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing regarding residents removed from Pothuvil Kumbura in the Kolonnawa Divisional Secretary’s Division due to the Kolonnawa Meethotamulla garbage dump project. It sought information on the number displaced, how many have received housing, how many families remain without housing, and whether arrangements exist to provide housing to those still affected. Oral Questions (Second Round): Various Ministries Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister tabled a written answer detailing LRC lands in Galle District allocated for industrial purposes as at 20 August 2025, including rubber, garment, livestock, vehicle-spare-parts, fertilizer, tea, footwear and industrial estate projects. The answer stated that all listed projects are operational except the Bettans Group footwear manufacturing enterprise. It explained that the Bettans land had been taken back for use as a Covid Centre, causing possession issues, and that arrangements have since been made to re-transfer possession to the applicant. Procedural Item: Speaker Directions and Questions Stood Down Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Nishantha Perera asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on Land Reform Commission lands in the Galle District allocated for industrial use. He requested a breakdown by Divisional Secretary’s Division of the recipients, relevant industries, which are currently operational or inactive, and whether action will be taken regarding lands allocated to non-operational industries. Procedural Item: Speaker Directions and Questions Stood Down Read →
- 20 August 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development about a National Gem and Jewellery Authority building and land at Galle Face Terrace, Kollupitiya, which he said had subsided due to adjacent construction by a Renuka Holdings-affiliated company. He sought confirmation of the Authority’s legal action against Renuka Holdings and asked whether the Government-appointed Board of Directors planned to settle the case and sell the property to the company, or to explain if not. Oral Question: National Gem and Jewellery Authority Property (Q.4/2024) Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Seconding the Motion, the Hon. Arkam Ilyas highlighted high youth unemployment, outward labour migration, and resulting shortages of skilled workers for major development projects. He referred to two Cabinet-approved measures: low-interest loans at 4 per cent for 50,000 young people in agriculture, and housing grants of up to Rs. 1 million for eligible youth leaving institutions. He urged youth participation in national development under the Government’s programme to address unemployment and strengthen the rule of law. Adjournment Motion: Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development Goals Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Asked whether the company in question is still buying and selling land in a manner that defrauds the public. She further sought clarification on whether investigations have been initiated and whether regulatory or prohibitory action will be taken if required. Oral Question: Park Properties Fraud Investigation (Q.7/1081/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concerns about inadequate electricity, limited drinking water supply, poor roads, and unresolved land documentation in tourism areas including Arugam Bay, Sarvodaya Puram, Pottuvil, and Whisky Point. He requested a permanent CEB office building in Pottuvil, local bill-payment facilities, expedited electricity connections, rehabilitation of access roads, removal of obstructing electricity poles, and prompt land ownership documents to enable hotel registration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. He also called for regulation and closure of an unapproved “Chabad House” linked to increased Israeli tourist activity, citing the need to maintain order, ethnic harmony, and tourism revenue. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that, following the President’s Budget policy that uncultivated cultivable land should be treated as an offence, the Government is preparing to lease underutilized lands for cultivation. He said Janawasama and the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation have identified such lands, surveys and legal preparations are underway, and notices calling for proposals are expected to be published within about one and a half months. Oral Question: Land Granted to Private Plantation Companies from State-Owned Lands (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage asked when the Government would begin returning underutilized lands to the public for cultivation, citing the policy statement “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” and the President’s statement to Parliament. He requested clarification on whether a proper process is already in place to implement that policy. Oral Question: Land Granted to Private Plantation Companies from State-Owned Lands (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to provide details of State-owned lands in the Matara District granted to private plantation companies, including the companies involved, land extents, crops cultivated, and the extent actually cultivated. He further asked which companies had not cultivated allocated lands, whether the Government planned to reclaim such lands, and whether revenues due to the Government had been properly recovered. Oral Question: Land Granted to Private Plantation Companies from State-Owned Lands (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi acknowledged the land-related hardships arising from ancient sannasas and large extents of land, including the 832 acres referred to, noting similar issues elsewhere. He said amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance and antiquities laws should be considered, alongside better coordination between parties and proper court action to expedite cases. He undertook to intervene and seek urgent Government attention for a policy decision covering Humbuluwa and comparable situations. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena raised concerns that around 6,000 villagers have been unable to access services such as school admissions, business registration, bank loans, and house plan approvals following a 23 July 2024 letter from the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to the Alawwa Divisional Secretary. He asked what urgent relief the Minister could provide, emphasizing that rights previously enjoyed by the villagers for generations had been disrupted. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister said the Humbuluwa land dispute reflects wider issues in Ratnapura District requiring detailed study and policy decisions, while noting that related matters are before court. He outlined the complexity of the 832-acre dispute, citing long-term occupation, permanent buildings, cultivation, tax payments, Janma Bhoomi grants, National Housing Authority sales, private and public auctions, temple lands, and historical sannasas. He stated that both villagers’ grievances and temple claims contain evidence, and said the Ministry and Department of Buddhist Affairs seek a fair outcome through expedited court proceedings and mediation. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Hon. Ashoka Gunasena raised a supplementary question concerning sannasa-backed lands reportedly used by villagers for about 200 years. He noted a discrepancy between recent Plan No. 95204, which identifies the land as belonging to Katugampola Hathpattuwa, and the 1911 Plan No. 455, which identifies it as belonging to Dambadeniya Hathpattuwa, and requested the Minister’s urgent attention and clarification on further action. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on land ownership relating to Humbuluwa village and Humbuluwa Raja Maha Viharaya, stating that historical records, including an 18th-century sannasa registered in 1893, identify the village as temple property covering about 832 acres. He said legal proceedings are ongoing, including appeals against a judgment declaring certain lands as belonging to the temple, and that ownership disputes have arisen among villagers as a result. He added that a ministry-appointed committee inspected the copper sannasa and obtained an Archaeology Department report confirming its archaeological value, but further administrative action will await the establishment of rights by court. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. Ashoka Gunasena JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to clarify a land dispute in Humbuluwa village, Alawwa, including the status of the 1911 Village Plan No. 455, recognition of hereditary private lands, and registration details of grant No. 2621. He sought information on when Humbuluwa Temple came under Section 4(1) of the Buddhist Temporalities (Amendment) Act, No. 34 of 2013, and why villagers were allegedly deprived after 2017 of claims to traditionally held freehold lands without notice. He also asked whether this situation violated constitutional people’s sovereignty and what remedial measures the Ministry would take. Oral Question: Land Issue in Humbuluwa Village, Alawwa, Dambadeni (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the “Urumaya” freehold programme has been paused due to procedural and legal concerns raised by the Department of the Land Commissioner General. He said Cabinet appointed a land law expert committee, whose report has been referred to the Attorney-General, and implementation will proceed after legal advice is received. He added that the Government’s broader programme to issue deeds and permits continues, and pending “Urumaya” applications can be considered once deed issuance resumes. Oral Question: Arable LRC Lands in Monaragala District (Q.2/2025) Read →