Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Deputy Minister of Economic Development

Profession: ---

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Speeches 59 #82 of 225·#37 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

59 speeches

10 June 2026 AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that when exporters purchase domestically produced inputs, VAT is charged but later refunded through the SVAT mechanism. He argued that, as a result, VAT on such inputs should not be treated as a production cost for exporters. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Public Finance Read →
10 June 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that new rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act reduce the period exporters may retain export proceeds in foreign currency before converting balances into rupees, while allowing deductions for specified foreign currency obligations such as inputs, debt service, wages, dividends, Treasury investments and supplier payments. He said the measure responds to rupee volatility caused by higher dollar demand from Middle East-related import costs and increased vehicle imports, while noting improved remittances, exports and expected tourism recovery. He also stated that replacing the CESS on imported textiles with VAT would not disadvantage exporters because VAT paid through domestic suppliers is refundable under the SVAT system. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Foreign AffairsEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined four fiscal measures: remitting stamp duty on government disaster-assistance payments, updating Ports and Airports Development Levy and excise provisions to align with new HS sub-classifications, and replacing the specific Cess on imported textiles with VAT from 01 April 2026. He said the textile VAT change responds to local garment manufacturers’ requests for equal treatment, allows VAT-registered producers to claim input credits, and should not undercut domestic apparel production because finished apparel imports remain taxed. He also stated that Sri Lanka has met the macroeconomic targets and reporting timelines required under the IMF-linked debt restructuring, making it eligible for a 0.75 percentage point interest relief under Macro-Linked Bonds. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) EmploymentPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera requested additional time to provide an answer to the question raised. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera outlined recent fiscal allocations for relief and economic support, including Rs. 67 billion for “Ditva” cyclone-affected persons in 2025, Rs. 500 billion in 2026, Rs. 100 billion in concessional credit for MSMEs, and Rs. 100 billion for sectoral relief linked to the Middle East war’s impact. He stated that the Ministry of Finance has met the conditions for the macro-linked bond and IMF targets, while maintaining coordination with the Central Bank, despite tax relief measures expected to reduce revenue by about Rs. 100 billion. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
9 June 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, outlined the roles of fiscal and monetary policy and the respective responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. He said IMF, World Bank and ADB support contributes to stabilization and reforms, including the 2023 IMF Extended Fund Facility, Aswasuma social protection allocations, debt restructuring, governance reforms and public sector transparency measures, while national policy decisions remain with the Government. He noted coordination under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, and identified risks including high public debt, geopolitical and trade uncertainties, inflationary pressures, SOE-related fiscal burdens and social protection needs. Government responses cited included strengthening tax administration, rationalizing exemptions, improving expenditure management, debt and SOE reforms, expanding social protection and digitalization, anti-corruption measures, and promoting exports and foreign exchange earnings. Oral Questions 8-27(2): Standing Order questions Public FinanceCost of LivingCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
22 May 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled a response on behalf of the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister regarding disciplinary action against Mr. H.S. Wanasinghe of the Department of Census and Statistics. He stated that Wanasinghe had been interdicted in 2014 following preliminary investigations, later reinstated subject to inquiry, paid withheld remuneration, found guilty on three charges, and punished by withholding increments, before retiring in 2016. He also said the Department’s statistics are compiled using field data, estimates, and internationally accepted methodologies, and that data distortion was therefore not applicable. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Public Finance Read →
21 May 2026 AI summary Several regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act were presented for approval, including limited Kiri Samba imports, tyres for SriLankan Airlines, and HS code changes. The Deputy Minister argued that the economy stabilized in 2025 with improved fiscal and growth indicators, but said 2026 pressures arose from Middle East-related import cost increases and a surge in vehicle imports that raised dollar demand and temporarily weakened the rupee. He said stabilization would come through Central Bank action, Government policy measures, expected IMF and multilateral inflows, public restraint on non-essential imports, and better communication, while cautioning importers against panic-driven over-importing. He stated that recent additional duties were aimed mainly at slowing luxury vehicle imports, excluding development-related vehicles such as those used for agriculture and public transport. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Public FinanceCost of LivingForeign Affairs Read →
19 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera said the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill seeks to simplify tax administration, reduce taxpayer burdens, improve compliance and broaden the tax base without raising rates. He outlined measures including removal of estimated tax statements, audit relief for compliant taxpayers, lower investment thresholds for SME machinery allowances, deductions for exporters’ overseas expenses, interest waivers on arrears, revised treatment of salary arrears, simplified refunds for senior citizens, exemptions for minor incidental income and private vehicle capital gains. He also noted that, following Supreme Court petitions, Cabinet agreed to withdraw three clauses and amend provisions on deficiency assessments and appeals, while providing a legal framework for withholding tax self-declarations. He stated that Inland Revenue and overall tax collections exceeded Budget targets in 2025, which he attributed to improved administration and compliance. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
5 May 2026 AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that breaching the agreement would affect the person’s residency status. He added that action would be taken in accordance with the relevant court order. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Justice & Human Rights Read →
5 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera stated that he had previously raised the issue of VAT applied to financial services. No further substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in this excerpt. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Public Finance Read →
5 May 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government’s medium-term policy aims for 7% growth, supported by higher FDI, with USD 1,057 million secured in 2025 and a USD 2 billion target for 2026, and cited Port City amendments intended to attract investment through incentives, import provisions, and construction-related changes. He clarified that the 2026 Budget VAT reforms do not raise the public VAT rate, which remains 18%, and that for banks and financial institutions the existing 18% VAT on financial services plus 2.5% SSCL will be consolidated into a single 20.5% VOFS from 1 July with no net increase. He also said e-invoicing and POS integration are being advanced to improve tax administration, compliance, and refunds. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Public FinanceEmployment Read →
5 May 2026 AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera sought parliamentary approval for regulations under the Port City Economic Commission Act. He said one regulation aligns Port City labour rights with a court decision, while another allows tourists to use the USD 2,000 duty-free allowance across four visits instead of a single visit, with the aim of increasing tourist spending in Sri Lanka and the State’s 7% share of duty-free turnover. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Public FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
10 April 2026 AI summary Responding on behalf of the Finance Minister, the Deputy Minister said the next Aswesuma web and printed publications are targeted for 30 October and 30 December 2026, respectively. He reported that an expert committee is reviewing beneficiary selection criteria, with a final draft to follow field testing, Cabinet approval and submission to Parliament. He provided beneficiary figures for disability, chronic kidney disease, elderly and centenarian allowances, noted appeals and objections pending before the Welfare Benefits Board, and placed district-wise annexes in the Library. He also outlined April Aswesuma top-up payments, related relief for fisheries, fertilizer and electricity, and said recertification assessments to address inclusion gaps would be finalized by 30 June. Private Notice Questions and Procedural Matters Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
8 April 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development requested additional time to provide an answer. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Digital Payment Platforms in Foreign Exchange Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary The amendments are presented as part of the 2026 Budget commitments to increase revenue while improving investor predictability through domestic dollar bonds and a rule-based incentive framework under the Strategic Development Projects Act. Nishantha Jayaweera said the objective is to support higher, more inclusive growth by expanding investment and delivering benefits to the public. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading and Related Orders (Chair Change - Introduction) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined amendments to the Social Security Contribution Levy Bill to charge the levy on imported motor vehicles at importation rather than resale, and to reduce the annual turnover liability threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million. He said the Government’s revenue strategy is based on tax administration technology, simplification, base-broadening and compliance, while citing recent tax relief measures and higher Inland Revenue Department collection targets. He also described rules allowing exporters to invest up to 10 per cent of repatriated export proceeds in domestic dollar bonds, and a rule-based Strategic Development Projects tax exemption framework intended to replace ad hoc concessions and support the Government’s 2026 investment targets. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading and Related Orders (Chair Change - Introduction) EmploymentPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that, following expert committee recommendations, the system would be simplified and made more user-friendly. He said people without access to technology could obtain assistance at Divisional Secretariats, where officers have been instructed to help with data submission and participation. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary Nishantha Jayaweera stated that no weighting system was used in assigning points for welfare benefit selection. He said the Committee on Standing Orders and Rules recommended revising the process, and the Welfare Benefits Board has since received general recommendations from an expert panel to refine eligibility criteria, include deserving beneficiaries, and remove ineligible recipients. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Parliamentary ProcedurePublic Finance Read →
7 April 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Deputy Minister provided figures on Aswesuma appeals and objections, stating that 57,770 reviewed cases had been sent for Welfare Benefits Board approval and that payments would begin once beneficiaries opened bank accounts. He said a scientific selection method and integrated digital welfare management system were in use, legal action had been initiated over relevant irregularities, and recovered amounts could not yet be stated because proceedings were ongoing. He added that no further allowance increase was currently proposed, but empowerment programmes were being implemented through Samurdhi, with specified domestic and foreign allocations for 2026. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines - A330-200 Aircraft Acquisition and Fertilizer Distribution Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →