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- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about inadequate financial relief and bank lending in disaster-affected districts, noting low disbursements in Kandy, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya despite earlier Government commitments. He questioned why affected property owners were being asked to accept a one-off Rs. 500,000 instead of the promised support of up to Rs. 5 million, and asked what had happened to the large parliamentary allocation and donated funds. He urged urgent action to ensure proper distribution of relief. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif spoke during the debate on the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, focusing largely on the conditions of Malaiyaha estate communities and pledging that the Government would address long-standing needs such as roads, housing, land titles and basic facilities within its term. He said proposals were being prepared through the relevant Ministry to ensure Tamil communities receive services on par with other communities, and rejected claims that the Government was obstructing Muslim Udhiyah rituals except on Poya days. He also referred to development work under the Clean Sri Lanka programme and urged the Gampola Municipal Council to promptly remove accumulated garbage along the Gampola–Skandza Road to protect public health. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman welcomed the Tamil Nadu election result and urged the incoming Chief Minister to engage with Sri Lanka on issues including Katchatheevu, fisheries disputes between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan Tamil fishers, Sri Lankan Tamils in camps, and recognition of the distinct identity of Malaiyaha Tamils. He criticised the Government’s performance on estate-sector issues, alleging it had not delivered new housing despite citing the Indian Housing Project, and questioned its response to incidents in plantation areas. He demanded clear answers on whether the Government will grant land titles to estate residents, implement housing programmes, and ensure that the Police, rather than private actors, handle estate disputes, while stating that allegations of past corruption should be investigated rather than used to avoid these questions. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath supported the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill, describing it as a necessary reform that replaces outdated insolvency approaches with court-supervised restructuring, administrators, and business reorganization options to preserve viable firms and jobs. He noted that the Opposition had not objected to the Bill, while criticizing Opposition claims about political interference in the public service and raising past employment practices. He also defended the Government’s housing policy, stating that priority is being given to completing unfinished housing units, resolving land and title issues, and building 50,000 houses in the year. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan congratulated the Tamil Nadu Victory Forum on its election success while raising concern over alleged assaults on Malaiyaha estate workers by private security personnel at Neelagama Estate and a similar incident in Matara. He urged the Government and the Minister in charge of Police to ensure estate residents are treated as Sri Lankan citizens protected by the Sri Lanka Police, and proposed banning plantation companies from maintaining paramilitary-style private forces. He also demanded implementation of government commitments, including the NPP Hatton Declaration, to provide land, housing, roads and livelihoods for Malaiyaha communities, warning that the TPA would mobilize if estate lands are distributed to others while their community’s needs are ignored. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary USD 2.5 million had been lost through alleged fraud and administrative failures, and politicized public-sector appointments had weakened oversight and sidelined competent officials. The Opposition Leader called for an end to cadre-based appointments under programmes such as “Clean Sri Lanka,” protection for public officers acting according to procedure, and safeguards for freedom of expression, citing the remand of a social media activist who criticized such appointments. He also urged humane treatment and land-based empowerment for the Malaiyaha Tamil community, proposing small tea plots or micro-holdings for landless people and unemployed youth instead of evictions and short-term job quotas. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary Water supply shortages were attributed to the expansion of connections under the “Water for All” programme without corresponding increases in water treatment capacity. The Minister said the issue affects Kandy as well as the Western Region and Galle, and stated that priority sites have been identified, financing is being pursued, and treatment plant expansion and improved supply in Kandy District are being planned. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna asked a supplementary question regarding land still held by the Mahaweli Authority, noting that this situation is causing difficulties for residents. She sought a specific timeline for transferring the land to the relevant Pradeshiya Sabha. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan congratulated Vijay and the TVK in Tamil Nadu, then raised concerns over the assault on hill-country Tamils at Neelagama Estate, linking it to the continuing lack of land and housing rights for plantation communities. He urged the Government to secure justice, residential land, and housing for hill-country Tamils. He also questioned the detention by Sri Lanka Customs of books by Kilinochchi author Thambi Theepachelvan, arguing that it restricted freedom of expression. He connected these issues with disputes over Kurunthoor Malai and called on the Government to reform its approach, respect minority communities, and promote reconciliation. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep used the debate on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act to raise longstanding land and housing issues affecting hill-country plantation communities, noting that many estate families still live in overcrowded line rooms and are denied permission to build basic facilities. He cited the recent Neelagama Estate incident in Kahawatte, where a worker’s shelter was attacked and family members assaulted, and said nine suspects were arrested within eight hours while investigations were initiated after discussions with officials and plantation company representatives. He stated that the Government’s position is to protect hill-country Tamils, enforce the law equally, prevent estate managements or others from taking the law into their own hands, and pursue land ownership as the solution to repeated injustices. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera asked whether the Ministry would act to reclaim the tsunami-damaged Magistrate’s Bungalow site near Panadura beach, which he said had remained vacant and may have been leased to the private sector for 33 years. He argued that, given Panadura’s importance as a judicial hub and the reliance on rented accommodation, the site or other vacant UDA land should be used to provide official quarters for the High Court Judge and the Magistrate. Oral Question Q.1 (233/2024): Establishment of Provincial High Court for Western Province Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Funds allocated in 2017 and 2024 were used to complete a multipurpose building in Kalpitiya in December 2024, but its handover to the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha was obstructed by persons claiming to represent the Mohideen Jumma Mosque. The Deputy Minister stated that the mosque’s Board of Governors had initially agreed to provide the land, but ownership of the exact portion where the building stands has not been conclusively established by survey, and relevant letters were placed in the Library. He said the facility was publicly funded for use by all residents and therefore cannot be managed by the mosque; pending regularization of land title, it should be assigned to the Pradeshiya Sabha with the cooperation of the District Secretary, the mosque, and other stakeholders. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government regarding a cultural centre built with government funds on waqf land belonging to the Kottantivu Mohideen Jumma Mosque in Puttalam. He asked why the completed centre has remained closed and not handed over for public use, citing mosque objections to reported moves by the District Secretariat to appropriate the land and noting that related mosque and water-supply infrastructure on the site are community-managed. He sought clarification on whether the centre can be handed over to the mosque for management and maintenance, when and by whom this would be done, and what action would be taken against officials responsible for delays or obstruction. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that two housing projects begun in 2018, Gunapala Tissakuttiarachchi Village and Denison Edirisinghe Village, each with 24 houses and Rs. 2.16 million spent, cannot continue because the lands fall within protected wildlife and elephant habitat; the Divisional Secretary has been asked to identify alternative land. In response to supplementary questions on wider housing schemes in Hambantota affected by wildlife lands and human-elephant conflict, he said discussions had been held with district and ministry officials and that 842 habitable houses out of an original 1,200 are to be commenced with Indian assistance. He further said irregularities, including improper allotments to persons from Colombo District, are being investigated by an appointed committee, and action would be taken after the inquiry. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions in First Round (Q.2, Q.3, Q.4 and others) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Sandaruwan Madarasinghe asked the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply for details on Indian-assisted housing projects in the Padawugama Grama Niladhari Division of Lunugamwehera, Hambantota. He requested confirmation of the number and names of such projects, the houses involved, commencement years, expenditure, current status, and whether any relocation is planned, including the reasons for relocation if applicable. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions in First Round (Q.2, Q.3, Q.4 and others) Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan opposed the extension of the State of Emergency, stating that his party and alliance have consistently objected to emergency laws because they are used to suppress public protests. He said they support government action to prosecute all those involved in the Easter Sunday attacks, as well as measures against corruption and narcotics, while reserving the right to criticize government errors. He commended high-achieving GCE A/L students from Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, and raised local concerns including the release of Navy-held lands such as Mullikulam, reducing soil prices in Mannar by regulating supply through local authorities, investigating irregularities in school ground projects, and providing employment opportunities for Tamil youth, particularly women. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath acknowledged staff shortages, particularly among field officers, and other service delivery constraints in Trincomalee and the wider Eastern Province, including land-related issues and capacity limitations at Divisional Secretariat level. He stated that the Government is undertaking recruitment and plans to improve DS office facilities islandwide, including through technology, to bring services closer to the public. He also said the Government is willing to consult both Government and Opposition representatives from Trincomalee and act on their proposals. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that the Government has expanded cyclone “Dicha” disaster relief to Malayaha plantation communities living in line rooms, who were initially ineligible because they lacked ownership of houses or land. He said Cabinet decided on 6 April that line-room residents whose homes are totally damaged, certified as high risk by the NBRO, or deemed uninhabitable by disaster authorities will receive Rs. 5 million in housing relief and 10 perches of land, with options to buy or build a house. For partially damaged line rooms, he said the Divisional Secretary, Plantation Human Development Trust, and the Ministry will assess damage and arrange suitable housing assistance. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that part of the plantation community still lives in line rooms, while others occupy houses built through government, institutional, foreign-assisted, or self-funded programmes. He said the Ministry’s Community Infrastructure Division and affiliated bodies are implementing housing and land-title measures, including preparing deeds for Indian Housing Programme houses and JEDB properties, and providing 10 perches per beneficiary to the Malayaha plantation Tamil community through relevant state plantation institutions. A detailed written answer was tabled. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure whether the Government is aware that plantation communities face difficulties because they lack clear title deeds for the lands they occupy. He requested details of actions already taken to address this issue, or planned future measures if none have been taken. Oral Questions and Answers Read →