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- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister answered Question 871/2025 on immovable properties held by local authorities in Galle District, stating that there are 20 such authorities and providing a summary of property counts for each, with Baddegama Pradeshiya Sabha having the highest number at 178 and Thawalama Pradeshiya Sabha the lowest at 7. He said detailed information, including the legal or illegal status of possession and steps for regularization where required, has been placed in the Library as an annex. Oral Question: Local Authorities Properties in Galle District (Q.871/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that inquiries are under way into Mahaweli lands granted for projects, including the funds provided, implementation status, and possible further action. He requested that related issues first be taken up at District Coordinating Committees and then reported to the Ministry, noting that the Ministry, the Mahaweli Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture are prepared to act. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Padmasiri Bandara raised a supplementary question on land issues in Mahaweli areas, alleging that large extents of land had been privately allocated to public figures and remain uncultivated. He also referred to reported paid transfers of ownership in Mahaweli “B” and “D” zones and asked what action the Ministry is taking to address these matters. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran questioned the Government’s economic direction after seven months in office, arguing that reliance on foreign and IMF borrowing is unsustainable and calling for concrete plans on productivity, investment, poverty reduction, exports, and cost-of-living pressures. He urged the Government to act against corruption without using past administrations’ failures as a substitute for current economic policy. He also raised concerns over changes to Hindu religious traditions linked to the Kataragama Pada Yatra and Aadi Vel festival, and requested action against obstruction of a temple entrance arch at the Sri Sindhayathirai Pillaiyar Temple in Veeramunai. He further called for land, housing, roads, and basic facilities for displaced families in Pottuvil and for the return of disputed lands in Sainthamaruthu/Thottachchinungivattai to documented rightful owners. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Upul Kithsiri defended the Government’s regulatory approvals, including measures under the 1969 Act and the 2023 Disposals Act, arguing that vehicle import restrictions are being eased gradually after a five-year halt and that deposit requirements may be adjusted as economic conditions change. He rejected Opposition criticism on shortages and investment, attributing problems in rice storage, transport, land administration, and infrastructure to previous governments. He said the Government would pursue uniform solutions for land title issues, including in the North and Ratnapura, while prioritizing rural roads, drinking water, the rural economy, and tourism infrastructure to support a target of 3 million annual tourist arrivals. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran supported regulations on vehicle imports, arguing that the removal of Luxury Tax for vehicles below Rs. 5 million would help ordinary buyers, support tourism, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings. He said the Government is prioritizing post-war development in the North through investments in roads, harbours, sports facilities, tourism, and land regularization, while pledging that private homes would not be seized and rightful ownership would be restored. He rejected allegations that the NPP is racist, cited past efforts on citizenship rights for Sri Lankan refugees in India, and called for an end to patronage and ethnic politics in favour of reconciliation and people-centred governance. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath argued that the Government has not yet built confidence among Tamils, particularly regarding land issues in Batticaloa where Forest Department actions are affecting residences, farmland, temples and public spaces. He questioned whether these actions are government-directed, called for mechanisms to restore ownership where wartime displacement caused loss of title documents, and warned against legal or administrative changes enabling dispossession. He also raised concerns about removal of Tamil historical content from textbooks, inadequate Tamil-language access in universities and examinations, and lack of Tamil representation in university council appointments. He further criticized the absence of Government representatives at Mullivaikkal commemorations, called for May 18 to be recognized as a genocide remembrance day, and urged protection of Tamil land, language, culture and equal rights. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan raised concerns that large areas of farmland in Trincomalee District have been demarcated or taken over by the Forest Department, Wildlife Department, Department of Archaeology, and as “Pooja Bhoomi,” preventing farmers from cultivating land used before and during the war years. He cited specific affected areas and acreage in Muttur, Seruwila, Verugal, Kuchchaveli and Thiriyaai, arguing that these restrictions cover over 236,000 acres and significantly reduce paddy production. He urged the relevant Ministry and Government to halt further demarcations, release the lands for cultivation, and support farmers’ livelihoods and domestic rice production. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka asked the Deputy Minister why sand-mining permits had not been issued for about five months in the Pillumalei, BAC, Muttur and Valikanda areas despite current demand. He sought clarification on what action is being taken and whether permits will be issued for those areas. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary The land in question had been allocated on preferential terms for a centre to buy and sell beneficiaries’ produce at fair prices. Dr. Susil Ranasinghe stated that reports indicate it is instead being used as a hotel or restaurant, and that if the legal basis is established, action can be taken to re-vest the land. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the land in question was granted on a preferential basis following a letter dated 27 September 2022 from then Land Minister Harin Fernando. He indicated that the grant was made accordingly. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla alleged that valuable state land originally intended for an agricultural equipment sales centre in the Girandurukotte/Mahiyanganaya area had been transferred through political influence rather than tender or auction. He questioned how land worth an estimated Rs. 300–400 million was registered to the 82-year-old father of a former UNP Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, despite stated criteria focusing on economic production capacity, and requested an investigation into the alleged abuse. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe confirmed several details regarding a land lease requested by the Mahiyanganaya Agrarian Services Centre on 03.03.2023. He stated that under the State Lands Ordinance, leases may be granted to anyone over 18 with no maximum age limit, based on ability to pay rent, project feasibility, and availability of land for Government needs. He added that maximum age and physical fitness are not considered, and that the lease approval will be cancelled because lease conditions have been breached. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about the proposed preferential lease of State land in Mahiyanganaya Town to Mr. Y.M. Rathnapala. He noted that the land had earlier been identified for an agricultural sales centre and allegedly sought for the Department of Agrarian Services, and questioned the grounds for granting it to an individual over 80 years old. He requested clarification on whether State land allocation criteria, including Government land needs and the recipient’s physical fitness, had been considered, and whether the lease approval would be revoked. Oral Question: Grant of State Land in Mahiyanganaya Town (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the matter would be examined, noting complications from overlapping land grants by the Mahaweli authority and later allocations of Land Reform Commission lands to others. He said discussions are ongoing and some related cases are pending. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi questioned the legality and basis of land grants, including a cited 39-acre allocation allegedly made only on a ministerial letter without feasibility assessment. He alleged that LRC lands in areas such as Suriyakanda, Hetchchatha, Embilipitiya Walawa Region, Kolonna, and up to Hambantota had been allocated based on popularity, retired military status, or political affiliation rather than proper criteria. He requested a review by the District Secretary or another authority and asked whether the Government would re-vest lands not being used for cultivation, offering support for such a plan. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that there are multiple issues concerning land grants by the Mahaweli Authority and that inquiries into some cases have already begun. He requested specific details of disputed lands so that further investigations can be initiated. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi thanked the Deputy Minister for the response but questioned the basis on which lands had been granted in the Embilipitiya Walawa Region under the Mahaweli Authority over the past decade. He alleged irregular allocations, including land granted under letters bearing Chamal Rajapaksa’s name, appointments made to suit ministerial interests, and plots obtained under the Dole Lanka brand, including 39 acres within the Embilipitiya paper mill premises. He requested an investigation or a committee review into recent land alienations to ensure limited land is allocated properly to genuine agricultural project implementers. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 May 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, stated that Mahaweli Authority lands for investment projects are identified through land-use planning and released on long-term lease under the State Lands Ordinance after tender or approved discretionary selection and required committee, board, and ministerial approvals. He said no land had been released to Dole Lanka in the Chandrika Wewa Division of the Walawa Region, while 39 acres in two plots had been leased to Vita Organi for a banana cultivation project. He maintained that the proper procedure had been followed in alienating these lands. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to explain the procedure used by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority when granting land for large-scale projects. He specifically sought details on the land extents allocated to Dole Lanka and Vita Organi for banana cultivation in the Chandrika Wewa Division of the Walawa Region, and asked whether the Minister acknowledged that proper procedure had not been followed in those allocations. Oral Question: Grant of Lands by Mahaweli Authority for Large-Scale Projects (Q.1/2025) Read →