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

3 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance, said the Special Commodity Levy on sugar imports was reduced to 25 cents per kilogram from 14 October 2020 under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2197/12, following a presidential directive to lower duties on sugar, dhal, canned fish and big onions to ease the cost of living. He listed the companies that imported sugar during the period and stated that, according to the Auditor General’s 2022 report, the revenue loss from the reduced levy on 336,949 metric tons of sugar imported up to 28 February 2021 was Rs. 16.76 billion. He outlined subsequent actions, including COPA’s direction for a CID investigation, the CID’s request for a forensic audit, the Auditor General’s position that further criminal investigation falls within the CID’s powers, and Inland Revenue’s ongoing recovery of income tax on importers’ profits. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
21 January 2026 AI summary Community Empowerment Councils were defended as non-political bodies whose names are not being changed for political purposes. The councils are described as involving local officials such as the Grama Niladhari, Development Officer, Samurdhi Officer, and Agriculture Research and Production Assistant, with collective decision-making aimed at identifying village development priorities and supporting beneficiaries through a structured process. Oral Question No. 6 (1222/2025) - Aswesuma welfare benefits Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
21 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera stated that payments for “transitional” welfare beneficiaries, which were due to end on 31 December 2025, have been extended to 30 June 2026 through a proposal under the Welfare Benefits Act approved by Parliament. He said fresh applications were invited after the Government took office, with over 800,000 applicants and about 287,000 selected in the second round, while further beneficiaries will be added after bank account openings and the consideration of appeals and objections. Oral Question No. 6 (1222/2025) - Aswesuma welfare benefits Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
21 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister, stated that there are 1,657,621 current “Aswesuma” beneficiaries and that all approved eligible beneficiaries will continue to be paid. He said additional applicants are still being processed, including cases pending Divisional Secretariat verification, Welfare Benefits Board approval, bank account opening, and final decisions on appeals and objections. Payments to eligible persons in these categories are expected to begin from 28 January 2026 once approvals are completed and bank details are available. Oral Question No. 6 (1222/2025) - Aswesuma welfare benefits Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera outlined the Aswesuma welfare payment categories under the Welfare Benefits Act, noting recent increases for poor and severely poor beneficiaries and continued support for elderly persons, persons with disabilities and CKD patients. He said the immediate proposal is to extend for six months the Rs. 5,000 monthly allowance for the vulnerable group, which ended on 31 December 2025, in view of the impacts of Cyclone “Diththa.” He stated that the Government aims to reduce dependency by empowering beneficiaries through economic activity, supported by annual re-registration and an electronic data system to identify eligible recipients and ensure timely payments. He also briefly defended the Government’s education reforms against Opposition criticism. Debate - Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme EducationCost of LivingPublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary A pending court case concerns the matter, and the court has indicated that a resolution should be reached. The Ministry of Finance has issued a circular under which some vehicles have already been cleared, but further procedural discussion was avoided because the matter is sub judice. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Justice & Human RightsPublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera explained that the 3% surcharge on vehicles not sold within three months was introduced to prevent importers from accumulating large stocks and causing excessive foreign exchange outflows. He stated that Customs data show vehicle clearance usually takes only a few days to about two weeks, even during peak arrivals, and that the measure is intended as a forex regulation mechanism. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera stated that revenue or receipts had significantly exceeded expectations, with Rs. 904 billion received against an expected Rs. 441 billion. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera sought clarification on whether the question concerned expected revenue versus revenue actually received. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera answered a question on vehicle imports and related taxation, stating that 451,770 motor vehicles had been imported and listing the applicable tax instruments, including Customs Duty, VAT, Excise, Luxury Tax, and the Ports and Airports Development Levy. He said motor vehicles are taxed by HS classification and engine capacity under specified gazettes, and reported that by 31 December 2025 realized revenue from key vehicle-related taxes was Rs. 904 billion against an estimate of Rs. 441 billion. He also stated that 22,407 three-wheelers and 313,989 motorcycles had been imported, with taxes applied under the relevant HS headings and gazetted tariff codes. Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) Public Finance Read →
8 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Deputy Minister stated that 4,216 liquor licences are currently issued. He said licence approvals follow the distance requirements from registered schools and places of religious worship set out in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2366/39, Excise Notification 02/2024, and that the recent CA (Writ) 36/2025 judgment confirms this position. He further stated that no licences have been issued in violation of the Excise Notifications, though separate information is not maintained on the internal transparency of issuing application forms. Oral Questions to Ministers (Q.1664/2025 through Q.1719/2025) Public FinanceLaw & Order Read →
7 January 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera outlined the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill, stating that it follows a Special Committee review and Cabinet approval to remove investor impediments and align the law with global standards. He detailed new tax incentive tiers for Primary and Secondary Businesses of Strategic Importance, including corporate tax holidays or reduced rates, import duty exemptions, VAT treatment, APIT provisions, revised fee procedures, and strengthened compliance, disclosure, and performance-review requirements. He also linked the amendments to broader investment conditions such as macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, skilled labour, double taxation agreements, and recent export, remittance, and tourism performance. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Bill Public FinanceInfrastructureEmployment Read →
3 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera addressed the Budget Committee debate on the Finance, Trade, and Irrigation-related Heads, beginning with condolences for victims of the “Ditscha” cyclone and outlining relief measures, including the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, increased dry-ration support, and Rs. 25,000 per affected household for cleaning and restoring homes. He said the Fund would support reconstruction through the Disaster Management Centre and other agencies, with resources sought from foreign governments, NGOs and donors, and assured transparency and accountability. He defended Finance Ministry allocations, noting that most of the Rs. 5,102 billion total is for debt service, and said Rs. 500 billion in savings would be used in 2026 to retire maturing Treasury Bills. He also explained proposed revenue and tax administration reforms, including VAT and SSCL changes on imports, lower registration thresholds to broaden the tax base, e-invoicing, RAMIS improvements, Customs single-window reforms, and Excise Department modernization. Debate: Continued Committee Stage of Appropriation Bill 2026 (Ministry Expenditure Heads - Multiple Speakers) InfrastructureEnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
8 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera defended the Government’s second Budget, arguing that fiscal discipline has reduced the deficit from recent highs and that 2025 revenue is expected to exceed the approved target for the first time in recent years. He attributed improved performance to stronger revenue administration, debt and cash management, and policy coherence, noting gains in the primary balance, exports, remittances, tourism, FDI facilitation, and capital expenditure execution. He highlighted tax relief through a higher personal income tax threshold, funding for public sector salary increases and property loans, and the restart of major infrastructure projects, and urged Parliament to approve the Budget. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 InfrastructurePublic FinanceEmployment Read →
22 October 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera moved approval for amendments to Excise Notification No. 962 to tighten recovery of liquor excise arrears, stating that unpaid excise totals Rs. 10.5 billion and that licences will now be cancelled if dues remain unpaid beyond one month, with all related licences cancelled after 90 days. He said the Government is also preparing a comprehensive replacement for the Excise Ordinance to strengthen recovery powers and is modernizing Excise administration through the RASED system, POS integration, and a public verification app for tax-paid liquor. He also sought approval for an Order under the Special Commodity Levy Act raising levies on imported potatoes and big onions to protect local farmers and create more market space for domestic produce. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) AgricultureLaw & OrderPublic Finance Read →
21 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera supported the proposed Customs, Finance, Excise, and Construction Industry Development regulations, stating that new HS codes were needed to classify series hybrid vehicles and apply fairer duties after vehicle imports reopened in February 2025. He disputed Opposition claims on excessive vehicle taxes, citing CIF and duty data to say average duties were about 152 percent, with higher rates on luxury vehicles and lower rates on commercial vehicles. He also reported that Customs revenue had exceeded targets, defended the recognition of Bureau Veritas as a lawful vehicle certifier, noted that disputed LC-related consignments were before court, and said reforms such as online pre-filing and tourist VAT refunds were being implemented. Debate: Customs Ordinance, Excise Regulation, Finance Act Order, and Construction Industry Development Act (Continued) EnvironmentInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
19 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera outlined the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, noting that it would replace existing gambling-related laws and establish a regulatory body to license and supervise all gambling activities, including online and offshore operations. He said the Bill aims to ensure revenue collection, transparency, prevention of crime and money laundering, protection of children, and proper record-keeping for tax assessment. He also highlighted age restrictions, penalties for unregistered operations, and the transfer of licensing powers from ministerial discretion to an Authority with representation from finance, tax, police, financial intelligence, and expert fields. Debate: Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, Public Debt Management Act Regulations, and Foreign Exchange Act Regulations Public FinanceLaw & Order Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera rejected claims that the new Government is increasing the tax burden, citing tax relief measures in its first Budget including higher personal income tax thresholds, changes to withholding tax on bank interest, and VAT exemptions for milk products. He also defended the Government’s approach to school supply costs through a Rs. 6,000 allowance for children from low-income families. He argued that these measures show the Government is pursuing equitable relief while working to strengthen the economy and raise the country’s overall standing. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Public FinanceCost of Living Read →
25 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera asked the Minister of Finance about additional charges imposed by merchants on consumers using credit cards, debit cards or QR payments. He sought clarification on whether such charges are permitted, what remedies consumers have, and what barriers are limiting wider digital and QR-based transactions in Sri Lanka. He also asked whether the Government is considering reimbursing a flat per-transaction fee to promote digital payments and what progress has been made on that proposal. Adjournment Questions Cost of LivingPublic Finance Read →