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- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath, replying on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, provided district-level figures for lands declared and vested under the Land Reform Act, No. 1 of 1972, in Kalutara District, including 33,243 acres 2 roods 28 perches of high land and 243 acres 0 roods 21 perches of paddy land. He stated that division-wise records exist for LRC land distribution, deeds issued, and permit-based allocations across 14 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions, and that deeds may be issued for LRC lands not re-acquired by the Government where permits already exist. He noted that some LRC-alienated lands had later been disposed of irregularly without subsequent institutional inquiries, that lawfully alienated lands used according to the Act cannot be re-acquired, and that a mapping exercise using LRC registers and Survey Department ILAS base maps is underway to identify irregular acquisitions. Oral Question: LRC Lands in Kalutara District: Details (1664/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha - Question to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for detailed information on Land Reform Commission lands in the Kalutara District, broken down by Divisional Secretary’s Division. He sought data on the extent of LRC lands, allocations under leasehold, direct public allocation, freehold and permits, abandoned lands previously allocated, and lands illegally encroached upon. He also asked whether permit lands could be converted to freehold deeds and whether abandoned lands could be reacquired and redistributed to the landless. Oral Question: LRC Lands in Kalutara District: Details (1664/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary State plantation lands under the Ministry’s institutions may be considered for resettling disaster-affected people, subject to approval by the relevant District or inter-agency coordination mechanisms and clearance from the National Building Research Organisation. The Minister stated that, where suitable lands are available, the Ministry is prepared to facilitate such allocations. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised a supplementary question regarding resettlement after the “Ditsa” cyclone, noting that over 300 high-risk houses remain near Seepoth and Berannawa. He asked whether part of the underutilized lands at Nagastenna could be allocated, subject to proper technical clearance, to relocate some of the affected families. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Nagastenna Estate in Yatiyantota, owned by the Janatha Estate Development Board, covers 482.84 hectares and has faced poor management due to financial constraints, lack of inputs, and absence of replanting, though fertilizer and agrochemicals are now being supplied. The estate has 1,646 residents, including 99 unauthorized occupants; legal action has been taken against five external encroachers, while action against unauthorized resident workers has been deferred due to social concerns. Measures to improve productivity include providing inputs and management guidance, and processing 138.26 hectares of underutilized cultivable land for lease or allocation to suitable private investors. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala - Question to the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to provide details on the current ownership and management status of Nagastenna Estate in Yatiyantota. He also sought information on alleged private encroachments, action taken in response, and measures to develop the estate’s economically, environmentally and socially valuable lands. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged the difficulty of acquiring underutilized plantation lands for public purposes, citing long-term agreements with regional plantation companies and examples such as land for Deniyaya Hospital. He said the Government has directed plantation companies to bring such lands into productive use or lease/sub-lease them to capable parties, while state entities including SLSPC, JEDB and Elkaduwa Plantations have begun advertising thousands of acres for lease. He added that further policy measures are being considered against private companies that fail to develop or lease underutilized lands, and requested Members’ cooperation on reforms linked to worker welfare and wages. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha asked whether neglected or marginal estate lands in Ratnapura, including Opatawatta and Hunuvalawatta, could be allocated to estate communities for cultivation. He proposed that, in addition to providing 10 perches for housing, portions of these lands be used for high-value export crops such as cinnamon, clove and pepper. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister said the government is addressing longstanding land and housing insecurity in the estate community by granting 10 perches of land to families without land rights and expanding housing construction. He cited temporary hut settlements, landslide-displaced families, and delays caused by terrain reassessments after the “Ditsa” cyclone, while noting ongoing delivery of houses for affected families. He stated that the Indian-assisted 10,000-housing project is progressing with Sri Lankan funding for infrastructure, with 2,026 grants issued in 2025 and more than 2,600 houses planned in 2026. He also said Rs. 500,000 has been approved for fully damaged houses from “Ditsa” and that discussions are underway to extend support to estate residents without land titles. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha questioned the Minister on housing for plantation Tamil families, citing over 2,000 families in temporary huts and more than 30,000 families in Ratnapura living in old, overcrowded line rooms. He referred to the Government’s policy promise of 10 perches per family and asked how houses would be built rapidly, including under Indian-assisted programmes. He specifically raised the delayed “Aluth Kaella” site in Suriya Kanda, noting landslide risks, and sought a concrete plan for swift solutions. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister provided district-level data on estate housing in Ratnapura, stating that there are 24,235 estate housing units, including single houses, twin cottages, line rooms, upstairs line rooms, and temporary sheds. He outlined national estate housing development allocations from 2020 to 2025, and specified that Ratnapura received Rs. 58.5 million in 2021 and Rs. 10.2 million in 2025. He stated that ongoing projects listed in the tabled annexes are being expedited, and placed the relevant annexes in the Library. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha - Question to the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to provide details on estate housing in the Ratnapura District. He requested the number of estate houses, annual funding allocations from 2020 to date, and planned future measures for their development, with reasons if the information cannot be provided. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Minister Abayarathna responded on waste management at the Athulathmudaligama/Barabinduwa site, stating it is used for composting, temporary waste storage, recycling transfer and disposal preparation, with odour and vector control measures in place. He said accumulated mixed waste near the entrance has been removed, supervision assigned, and drainage and water testing are being arranged in response to concerns about a nearby community well. He reported that the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha and Waste Management Committee are pursuing acquisition of about five acres from LRC land for improved waste management, supported by Rs. 13 million in Provincial Council funding for water supply, machinery, concreting, drainage, roofing and related works. He added that steps are also being taken to release Maddegodara LRC land and that the Provincial Council will assist the local authority despite the matter falling under the Pradeshiya Sabha. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about health and environmental problems caused by the unsuitable waste management site for the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha at Athulathmudaligama. He asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to address foul odours, pests, roadside garbage, and the risk of contamination to a nearby community water scheme well. He requested an urgent site inspection and the allocation of suitable Land Reforms Commission land for a proper waste management facility, noting the site’s proximity to schools and the town. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary McHeyzer Stadium is currently suitable for national-level competitions, with development ongoing and the swimming pool, indoor sports complex and 400-metre track completed, while the pavilion is nearing completion. The Minister stated that Trincomalee District still lacks turf pitches for leather-ball cricket, as Sri Lanka Cricket has not yet been allocated state land despite discussions with the Trincomalee Municipal Council. He added that plans since 2016 to obtain state lands in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee for district cricket grounds, potentially upgraded to international level, remain on hold, though funds have been allocated in Sri Lanka Cricket’s 2026 budget. Oral Question: McHeyzer Stadium, Trincomalee - Development (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep supported the extension of the Emergency Regulations, arguing that the current emergency was declared for humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditva rather than for political suppression. He said the regulations enabled faster rescue and relief in hill country areas by allowing cross-boundary assistance, removal of dangerous trees, land allocation, and delivery of essential services. He rejected Opposition claims of abuse of emergency powers, asked for specific examples, and raised related concerns including communal divisiveness, respect for women MPs, ongoing hill country housing projects, wage increases, and a call for estate-owning politicians to provide land to affected people. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi argued that the Government is managing the aftermath of the “Ditva” cyclone as part of a wider socio-economic and institutional recovery, emphasizing housing, land, financial support, and restoration of livelihoods for affected families. She defended the extension and use of Emergency Regulations as necessary to reduce administrative delays and enable timely relief, while stating that assistance is being delivered transparently and according to need. She criticized the Opposition for focusing on shortcomings rather than supporting disaster response, and called for cooperation among political leaders, officials, and citizens in rebuilding efforts. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, that the issues raised regarding Akkaraipattu were acknowledged. He said plans had been prepared, estimates initiated, and the matter included in the 2026 priority list, making any further response not applicable. Oral Questions: Various (Q.3, Q.5, Q.6) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill, arguing that Sri Lanka lacks systematic planning and standards for land and property use, causing conflicts among residential, industrial and commercial interests. He highlighted the importance of property valuers for local authority revenue collection, transparent use of development funds, and bank lending, citing an urban council where a comprehensive valuation had not been conducted since 2003. He said the proposed professional institution would help uphold standards, ensure uniformity of service and build the professional capacity needed for national development. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →
- 5 February 2026 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody supported the Institute of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill, arguing that the rapid growth of the real estate, condominium and land markets requires a legally recognized public institution to regulate, supervise and professionalize the sector. He said the Bill would help protect the dignity of real estate professionals while providing accountability mechanisms for the public, similar to those governing surveyors, lawyers, accountants, engineers and valuers. He also noted the need to address risks such as money laundering through real estate transactions and to regularize previously inadequate professional structures. Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Container Depot Operators Licensing, and Shipping Agents Licensing Bills (Second Reading) Read →