Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P.
Profession: Economist
Speeches 295 #15 of 225·#6 in party
Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 167 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Debate
Activity by sitting
86 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
295 speeches- 10 June 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that VAT rules disadvantage domestic input suppliers to exporters compared with imported inputs, while noting that SVAT had helped streamline refunds and that policy should support domestic producers becoming exporters. He questioned the use of forced conversion regulations on export proceeds, saying such crisis-era measures restrict economic freedom and should only be imposed during a declared crisis. He urged the Government, if maintaining the rule, to state in Parliament that it is temporary and set a clear timeframe for removal to preserve market confidence. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Foreign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
- 10 June 2026 AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva sought clarification on VAT treatment for domestic suppliers selling inputs to exporters. He noted that imported raw materials for exporters are not subject to VAT, but argued that the law passed the previous day appears to impose VAT on locally produced inputs, and asked the Government to state clearly whether domestic suppliers to exporters are exempt. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Public Finance Read →
- 10 June 2026 AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva briefly requested that the relevant number be provided. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 10 June 2026 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva sought clarification from the Chair or Prime Minister on whether the item just moved by the Prime Minister concerned forced conversion. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 June 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva said the Deputy Minister had confused Governance-Linked Bonds with Macro-Linked Bonds, noting that the relevant relief under Macro-Linked Bonds depends on GDP exceeding USD 108 billion. He criticised the removal of SVAT, arguing that imposing 18 per cent VAT on domestic inputs while imports for BOI exporters remain zero-rated disadvantages local suppliers and discourages their integration into export value chains. He proposed retaining SVAT for exporters while addressing past abuses, and called for lower electricity tariffs to improve export competitiveness. He said the measure should be withdrawn and amended to better support domestic production and reduce energy costs. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Public FinanceEmploymentInfrastructure Read →
- 9 June 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva corrected the figure for residential constructions to 87 and asked that it be checked. He proposed converting the 2018 National Policy on Involuntary Resettlement into law, noting that current application varies by funding source and is often enforced only under ADB or World Bank projects. He argued that legislation would better protect resettled communities by addressing schooling, employment access, housing conditions, and multi-ethnic coexistence. Oral Questions 1-10 Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceLand & Housing Read →
- 9 June 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva welcomed the Deputy Minister’s efforts to conclude a long-standing resettlement matter but sought to correct the stated figures, saying the total should be 87 rather than 83 when approved residential constructions and pending appeals are counted. He asked within what timeframe the resettlement process would be completed once the corrected figure is taken into account. Oral Questions 1-10 Land & Housing Read →
- 9 June 2026 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva raised Question 1919/2026 to the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development regarding the removal and resettlement of unauthorized settlers on Edirisinghe Road, Gangodawila. He asked whether the Minister was aware of the resettlement plan, the number of affected families, how many would receive alternative housing, and whether housing would be provided in Maligawatta instead of Colombage Mawatha or Kalinga Mawatha, seeking reasons if so. Oral Questions 1-10 Land & HousingParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 June 2026 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva stated that Order 74/2025, concerning deductions for bad debts owed to the Government by telecommunication operators, was not approved. He said further justification and a clear mechanism were requested, noting that while the concept was not opposed, no procedure currently exists to deduct such uncollected debts from operators. Messages from President and Petitions Public Finance Read →
- 21 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva warned that the foreign exchange market was entering a confidence-driven vicious cycle, with exporters delaying conversions and importers rushing to buy dollars as the rupee weakened, citing a Bank of Ceylon dollar sell rate of Rs. 354. He argued that political assurances were insufficient and called on the Finance Ministry, Treasury and Central Bank to give clear policy direction, restore two-way market pricing, and use market intelligence. He suggested interest rates may need to rise by 50 to 100 basis points if confidence is not rebuilt, while noting the resulting cost to government and borrowers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Public FinanceForeign Affairs Read →
- 6 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva sought clarification from the Minister on whether two proposals submitted by the Committee on Public Finance, following consultations with 15 stakeholder groups, would be incorporated at Committee Stage. He specifically asked whether the Bill’s 60-day period for MSMEs to negotiate with creditors and present a restructuring plan to court would be amended to 180 days, as proposed by the Committee, instead of relying on extensions through court orders. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Public FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 6 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly sought a clarification from the Minister. No specific policy issue or proposal was stated in the excerpt. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva indicated that he was concluding his remarks and thanked the Chair. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that proposed changes affecting the Port City would remove promised worker protections through the Commissioner of Labour. He raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities in a public debt-related transaction, questioning the role of the External Resources Department, the authority for a US$9 million payment, and the qualifications and delegation arrangements of relevant officials. He said the Committee on Public Finance had faced non-attendance by senior Treasury officials despite requests, tabled a letter to the President, and stated that the Committee has authority under Standing Order 121(2)(u) to examine State debt and debt service. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Public FinanceParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the effective indirect tax burden on ordinary consumers is higher than the 18 per cent VAT rate when the 2.5 per cent SSCL is treated as a VAT-like impost. He also questioned the Government’s proposed removal, in the Port City context, of the requirement to obtain the Commissioner of Labour’s permission before terminating employment, contrasting it with the Government’s stated pro-worker position during elections and asking the State Minister to clarify the change. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Public FinanceEmployment Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva objected that the preceding remarks by the State Minister concerned VAT rather than the matter before the House, but responded to the tax point raised. He argued that the effective tax burden is higher than the stated 18 per cent VAT because the 2.5 per cent Social Security Contribution Levy is also applied across goods and services, and on a value-added basis across the supply chain may raise the effective rate to around 22 per cent. He asked the Government to explain if it disputes that calculation. Debate: Port City Economic Commission Regulations and Orders Public Finance Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva briefly explained several instruments tabled, including Port City duty-free provisions allowing multiple USD 2,000 purchases within a year, amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, Motor Traffic regulations on preferred vehicle numbers, and the Rehabilitation, Reorganization and Insolvency Bill. He noted concern that Port City employers may terminate employees without the Commissioner of Labour’s recommendation following court-directed changes to the Act. On the insolvency proposals, he welcomed the shift from liquidation to restructuring for defaulting SMEs but urged that the court-supervised negotiation period with creditors be extendable from 60 days to around 180 days. Papers: Reports and Regulations Tabled Public FinanceJustice & Human RightsEmployment Read →
- 5 May 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Committee on Public Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva tabled orders and rules issued under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021. The documents included orders published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2475/28 of 13 February 2026 and rules published in Gazette Extraordinary Nos. 2471/52 to 2471/55 of 16 January 2026. Papers: Reports and Regulations Tabled Public Finance Read →
- 10 April 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva cited IMF and National System Operator documents to argue that losses linked to substandard coal shipments contributed to Ceylon Electricity Board losses and therefore to electricity tariff increases under IMF-mandated cost-reflective pricing. He said reduced coal-based generation from April to June would require more expensive diesel generation, estimating an additional cost of about Rs. 19 billion, or 57 per cent of the Rs. 33 billion tariff increase sought. He tabled the relevant IMF and NSO documents and asked the Government to provide counter-data if it disputed the figures. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) InfrastructurePublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
- 7 April 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva sought clarification from the Minister on the broader tax incidence of the 2.5 per cent Social Security Contribution Levy. He asked what its VAT-equivalent burden would be compared with VAT, noting that SSCL is non-creditable and functions like a provincial sales tax rather than a value-added tax. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Public Finance Read →