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- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna supported the motion and called for the release of lands in the North and East that remain under military control, specifically mentioning Palaly, Vasavilan junction and Keppapulavu. He argued that unresolved land, language and equality issues continue to affect Tamil communities after the conflict, and criticized past and current political actors for failing to secure accountability and decisive action. He urged the Government to take measures, including constitutional changes, to promote ethnic harmony and enable Tamils and Sinhalese to live with equal rights. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran addressed land issues arising from the 1985 acquisition of several Vavunativu DS Division villages for the expansion of Batticaloa Airport, noting compensation, lease-land arrears, lost documentation due to war and displacement, and ongoing steps to reissue documents and regularize alternative land allocations. He said the Government expects to resolve these long-pending issues while developing Batticaloa Airport to international standards with related transport, tourism, industry and export benefits for nearby communities. He also stated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the staged release of lands held by the armed forces and Police, particularly in the North and East, with details to be collected through District Development Committees and District Secretaries. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, speaking on the Adjournment Motion on deeds for alternative lands linked to the Batticaloa Airport expansion, raised related land issues in Vavuniya District. He requested the release of 231.67 acres acquired in 1985 for the Vavuniya Airport and SLAF Headquarters, noting their importance to the A9 corridor and town expansion. He also called for the release of public lands in Eechankulam now occupied by a camp and 14 acres in Kanakarayankulam allegedly occupied beyond the land formally released for an Army camp, including private land and a cremation ground. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government has begun releasing lands acquired by the armed forces, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and is addressing delays inherited from earlier administrative processes. He stated that discussions at District Coordinating Committees in Trincomalee and Batticaloa, consultations with the Defence Secretary, and directions from the President and Defence authorities support the release and regularization of lands to rightful owners. He said documentary and communication issues would be corrected, deeds would be issued on an outright grant basis without leases where applicable, and a public report had been requested to expedite resettlement and restoration of property rights. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam seconded the Adjournment Motion and called for the release of lands in the Pudur Sri Siththi Vinayagar Temple area still held by the Air Force, arguing that the B and C security zones and related roads should be opened in the absence of war. He raised similar concerns in Batticaloa District, citing schools, markets, camps, and memorial land remaining under military or STF control, and said Defence Ministry approval was needed for releases. He also questioned the lack of action on State lands allegedly occupied in Paddumanodai and urged the Government to implement earlier decisions and promptly return lands to affected communities. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan moved an Adjournment Motion regarding families displaced by the 1985 expansion of Batticaloa Airport, stating that residents from five villages lost homes, fields, roads, schools and other properties. He said around 250 families received alternative lands but, after nearly 30 years, still have no formal deeds and are being asked to pay large lease charges before deeds are issued. He requested that unconditional deeds be granted for the replacement lands and that the former public road, or at least a path along the airport fence, be opened to reduce local hardships. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer regarding Regidale Estate in Kahapola, stating that 72 of its 77 acres are vested in the Department of National Zoological Gardens and 5 acres in the Ministry of Buddhasasana, with deeds, Cabinet memoranda, and a layout plan placed in the Library. He said the Department is using part of the land for fodder and farm cultivation to supply animal feed, with plans to expand production to meet the Dehiwala Zoo’s full fodder requirement. He also noted that a coordinated programme has been prepared jointly with the Ministry of Buddhasasana. Oral Questions: Moulavi Certificate and Regidale Estate Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe (on behalf of the Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi) JJB AI summary Darmapriya Wijesinghe, on behalf of Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, asked the Minister of Environment whether the “Regidale Estate” land in Kahapola, Kesbewa, is under the Department of National Zoological Gardens. He requested details on the land’s extent, current activities conducted there, and any future plans for its use, and asked for reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Questions: Moulavi Certificate and Regidale Estate Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Rs. 2,000 million has been allocated in 2025 for compensation payments related to land acquisitions for the Ruwanpura Expressway, with the aim of completing those payments within the year. The Minister also stated that issues concerning local authority rates could be discussed with the relevant Pradeshiya Sabha to determine appropriate action. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary In response to a matter concerning land acquisition in Homagama, the Minister clarified that the relevant Grama Niladhari divisions are Kahatuduwa North, West, East and South, and Kirigampamunuwa. He stated that the correct number of plots is 560, not 592, with 448 plots under Section 10(1) notices, 15 under Section 17, and 15 decided by the LARC. Payments are ongoing for 9 plots, with a further 6 under LARC, and the acquisition process is continuing. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda raised concerns about 592 acquired plots in the Homagama DS Division, noting that only six have been properly valued after about 10 years. He said affected owners cannot build or sell their land, while local authorities continue to levy rates despite the lands being treated as state land. He asked the Minister what immediate steps will be taken to resolve these valuation and ownership-related hardships. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that land acquisition for the Ruwanpura Expressway began in 2016 and covers about 210.1 hectares, including 2,910 plots, with compensation governed by the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 compensation regulations, and LARC/Super LARC committee procedures. He said project stoppages and Cabinet decisions had caused delays and hardships for affected residents, including delayed compensation, higher rebuilding costs, loss of income, and incomplete houses. He reported that Rs. 5,098 million had been paid by the end of 2024, with further allocations made from 2022 to 2025 and Rs. 129.66 million paid in 2025 for 31 plots. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that revisions to hydrated lime standards and the tender process predated the current administration, that a non-compliant consignment was rejected and not used in water purification, and that batch testing accounts for natural variations in limestone-derived products. He outlined the Ministry’s 2025 priorities in sustainable urban and rural planning, noting Rs. 180.9 billion allocated across water, housing, urban development and waste management, with most funds for capital expenditure. He announced city branding initiatives under the Clean Sri Lanka Programme and detailed housing plans, including Rs. 39.2 billion for housing and construction and Rs. 3,054 million through the National Housing Development Authority to support low-income housing and complete some of the 45,117 unfinished houses begun in earlier years. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha defended past housing initiatives by R. Premadasa and Sajith Premadasa, arguing that the Housing Ministry should focus on concrete delivery rather than lists of projects. He urged the Government to deepen cooperation with India, including reviving Palaly Airport, restarting the Talaimannar–Rameswaram ferry, considering land connectivity, and developing Trincomalee Port as a regional economic hub. He also called for scrutiny of major road and expressway contracts, including CEP-3, the Ruwanpura Expressway and Kadawatha–Meerigama, citing concerns over procurement practices, claims, financing delays and the need to follow National Procurement Commission guidelines. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan raised transport and infrastructure concerns in Batticaloa, requesting new bus driver appointments, replacement of ageing buses, and permanent appointments for long-serving temporary Road Development Authority workers. He also asked for salary relief for railway level crossing guards reportedly earning about Rs. 6,000 despite many years of service. He highlighted the displacement of around 300 families during the 1985 Valachchenai airport expansion, noting that alternative lands given in 1997 still lack deeds, and requested action to issue ownership documents and improve access by reopening or repairing a road along the airport fence. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran requested priority for infrastructure and community-related measures in the North and East, including construction of a bridge across Kokkilai Lagoon linking Mullaitivu and Pulmoddai to improve travel and tourism. He asked that former Thuyilum Illam sites such as Mulliyawalai, Alampil, Theravil, and Eechchankulam be released from military control to allow war remembrance activities. He thanked the Government for allocating funds for the Vattuvakal bridge and urged completion within the year, while also calling for the suspended 2018 housing assistance programme for war-affected and vulnerable families to be fully resumed across the North and East. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathyalinagam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathyalinagam urged the Minister to direct the Sri Lanka Transport Board to provide bus transport for schoolchildren and to address safety at railway level crossings, particularly on the Northern line. He requested permanent or improved arrangements for level crossing guards currently paid Rs. 250 per day, or alternative safety measures such as signals where staffing is not possible. He also raised access problems caused by railway works at Omanthai and between Vavuniya and Mankulam, asking that traditional and local paths across the railway be restored or replaced suitably. On housing, he said many houses allocated under earlier schemes in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar remain incomplete, leaving beneficiaries in debt, and requested additional funds to complete the projects. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath JJB AI summary Rs. 1,360 million has been allocated for repairs to apartments in the Colombo District, while Rs. 3,000 million is set aside nationwide for housing construction. The aim is to build within the year a number of houses equivalent to those built during 2015–2019, with a further Rs. 2,850 million allocated as assistance. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. T. B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary Deputy Minister T. B. Sarath argued that housing policy had been driven by politically motivated targets rather than verified need, citing incomplete model village projects, overstated construction figures, unoccupied or rented-out houses, and thousands of units left only at foundation stage. He said the Government has allocated Rs. 2,000 million this year to complete part of the unfinished work and raised concerns over past projects including Ranpokunugama, Yakkala Charalawatta, Marine Town, athlete housing promises, and NHDA recruitment. He also alleged irregular procurement, missing files, political allocation of housing units, and State losses from concessionary apartments given to MPs after the Aragalaya-related attacks. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →
- 7 March 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman urged that disciplinary action referenced by the Leader of the House result in a permanent remedy rather than a temporary suspension. He highlighted road rehabilitation completed in the hill country using profits from the Water Supply Ministry under the previous administration, and asked the Government to increase BSR rates so contractors will undertake remaining difficult roads such as Dayagama, Frotoft and St. Andrew’s Upper. On housing, he argued that land titles for plantation communities are more important than limited state-built housing allocations, noting the scale of housing need and requesting implementation of Cabinet-approved measures to provide land. He also briefly referenced concerns raised about chromium content in water and hydrated lime. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Heads 117, 123, 306, 307, 309-311, 332, 336) Read →