Topic
Corruption & Governance Reform
2,708 speeches · 349 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. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 91 |
| 2 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 86 |
| 3 | Hon. Mujibur Rahman, M.P. SJB | 80 |
| 4 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 70 |
| 5 | Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, M.P. SJB | 68 |
| 6 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 68 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 67 |
| 8 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 65 |
| 9 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 64 |
| 10 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 64 |
Speeches
2,708 on this topic- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister outlined Budget allocations and programmes to strengthen youth institutions, sports governance, infrastructure, and athlete development. He said new sports legislation and gazette provisions would address corruption, irregularities, and prolonged disputes in national sports associations, while legal steps would be expedited for suspended bodies including motor sports, cycling, netball, and rugby. He highlighted major investments in sports facilities in the North and East, village-level sports and youth clubs, women’s participation, national athlete support, nutrition, competitions, and fitness initiatives, stating that the Ministry would not interfere in elections but would act against fraud and corruption. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan welcomed the increased 2025 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development but argued that it remains insufficient, citing the Rs. 26 million allocation for reviving the Kantale Sugar Factory as inadequate. He called for Sri Lanka to become industry-led by allocating at least 5 percent of the Budget to industry and entrepreneurship, with emphasis on R&D, technology upgrading, SME finance, digitization, renewable energy, export diversification, and skills development. He also identified weaknesses in State-Owned Enterprises and proposed reforms including public-private partnerships, restructuring, digitization, stronger audits, and cost controls. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister outlined the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ 2025 budget allocations, including recurrent expenditure of Rs. 7,100 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 5,500 million, and said the Ministry aims to improve implementation after past underutilization of funds. He stated that reforms to the National Sports Act and new regulations covering 73 national sports federations are nearing completion and undergoing legal vetting, with a Gazette to be issued shortly. He also said the Ministry has intervened in issues involving the National Olympic Committee and other federations, and intends to resolve such matters lawfully, including defending its actions in court if necessary. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary A formal cut of Rs. 10 from the relevant Heads of Expenditure was moved during the Committee Stage, while raising concerns about Youth Affairs and Sports policy direction. The speech called for an end to political manipulation of youth institutions, questioned graduate job promises, and sought clarity on the future of the National Youth Corps. It also questioned weaknesses in sports administration, including why only 28 of 73 registered associations participate in National Games, and pressed the Government to act on Sri Lanka Cricket reforms, table the Chitrasiri Report, and clarify whether changes to the SLC Constitution will be made before or after the 31 March elections. Concerns were also raised about politicized stadium projects and the need to prioritize grassroots and school cricket facilities. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake objected to a personal remark allegedly made by a Government-side member at the COPE meeting of 6 March 2025 regarding a National Gem and Jewellery Authority gem lot. He said accusations against him and the Chairman and Board he appointed related to a matter that predated their appointment, and that the Authority released the lot on the Attorney-General’s advice after court orders and payment of the maximum fine permitted. He urged COPE members to avoid personal insults and uphold the dignity of the Committee. Privilege Question: Conduct at COPE Meeting Regarding Gem Lot Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government remains committed to abolishing the Executive Presidency and introducing a new Constitution, but will do so according to its five-year mandate and planned sequence rather than an Opposition timetable. He stated that the Government’s immediate priorities are economic stabilization, reducing waste and corruption, pursuing accountability for alleged fraud and corruption, and holding Local Government and then Provincial Council elections. He added that constitutional reform would resume from earlier drafting work and proceed after those steps, while inviting the Opposition to submit proposals. Adjournment Motion: Necessity of Drafting a New Constitution Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that the 1978 Constitution and the Executive Presidency have long weakened democratic institutions, while previous governments that promised abolition failed to act. She said the National People’s Power Government remains committed to introducing a new Constitution, drawing on the 2015–2019 process and fulfilling its mandate, including reforms to the Executive Presidency. She rejected the Opposition’s call for urgent committees or immediate action, stating that the Government will proceed on its own timeline after ongoing electoral processes and Provincial Council elections. Adjournment Motion: Necessity of Drafting a New Constitution Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala argued that the current three-month-old Government is restoring accountability after decades in which the Executive Presidency dominated Parliament, the Cabinet and the judiciary. He cited recent Court of Appeal proceedings directing action against former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon as evidence of judicial independence without executive interference. He said the Government would fulfil its policy commitments, including reforms related to the Executive Presidency, but according to its own timetable rather than the Opposition’s demands. Adjournment Motion: Necessity of Drafting a New Constitution Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara seconded the adjournment motion and urged the Government to act quickly on constitutional reform, including abolition of the Executive Presidency, using the 2015–2019 reform process as a basis and with Opposition cooperation. He argued that reforms should be pursued through Parliament with broad consultation, including on devolution, power-sharing and national consensus. He also questioned the validity of the Fourteenth Amendment provisions on National List appointments, alleging procedural defects and objecting to defeated candidates entering Parliament through the National List, and called for a special committee with experts to correct these issues and strengthen a Parliament-accountable system. Adjournment Motion: Necessity of Drafting a New Constitution Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Government to act swiftly on its election pledge to introduce a new Constitution abolishing the Executive Presidency, restoring a parliamentary system, and creating a new electoral system subject to referendum. He said the Opposition supports the process and argued that the Government’s parliamentary strength and broad public mandate make the present moment suitable, but criticized the absence of a road map, funding, expert committee, or official response from the President or Ministers. He proposed establishing an all-party Constitutional Drafting Assembly, appointing constitutional law experts, allocating necessary resources, and completing drafting and adoption within one year. Adjournment Motion: Necessity of Drafting a New Constitution Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary The Hon. Anton Jayakody stated that the GSMB officer in question had been reinstated by Ranil Wickremesinghe shortly before an election while under interdiction. He said an inquiry is being conducted under the Ministry Secretary and that further action would be taken based on its findings. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government for calling Provincial Council elections during the Budget Committee Stage, arguing that it disrupted MPs’ ability to participate fully in debates and undermined calls for substantive scrutiny. He urged greater state attention to under-resourced rural temples while supporting dignity for all religious observances, and opposed creating a separate “Sri Lankan Day,” saying Independence Day should remain the main unifying national event. On environmental matters, he questioned appointments to mineral resource institutions, alleged revenue losses and corruption, and demanded implementation of producer responsibility requirements for plastic recycling. He also raised concerns about imported waste, container releases, damage to ecosystems and endemic fish, and called for stronger waste management after the local elections. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said the Government had consolidated environment-related institutions under the Environment Ministry and aimed to align environmental protection with the economy in line with Sustainable Development Goals. He said the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau would be reformed to prevent political interference, publish geo-mapped licence information, revise mineral pricing, strengthen royalty collection, and curb illegal mining. He also announced Water Resources Board programmes to protect groundwater, aquifers and springs, beginning in Badulla District, citing increased evapotranspiration and water loss. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe requested the relevant Minister to appoint a special committee through the Ministry to resolve the Sainthamaruthu mosque administration issue. He warned that, if left unresolved, political influence could spread into mosque administrations across the country. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe raised concerns during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs about comments and proposed changes relating to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, urging prior consultation with the ACJU, religious leaders and community representatives. He asked that racist statements about the Muslim community be prevented in Parliament and called on the Government to obtain information from Ven. Gnanasara Thera regarding his claim to know those behind the Easter Sunday attacks. He also alleged political interference in the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Wakfs Board, citing the Sainthamaruthu Jumu’ah Mosque trustee appointment process and tabling related correspondence and lists. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister argued that Sri Lanka’s environmental crises, including landslides, floods and forest fires, are linked to past politically driven misuse of natural resources and cannot be addressed separately from economic and social policy. He said the Government aims to pursue environmentally friendly development through integrated planning across ministries, contrasting this with previous approaches he described as environmentally harmful development. He outlined the National People’s Power environmental policy, based on 13 principles and 80 actions, highlighting environmental justice, balancing development with conservation, sustainable resource use, and soil conservation in the central highlands. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister said the Environment Ministry’s institutions have been consolidated under one ministry for the first time, bringing 12 agencies under a framework intended to improve coordination, engage environmentalists through ten thematic committees, and support both conservation and economic activity. He said the 2025 Budget allocates Rs. 16,040 million to the Ministry, including plans to modernize the Environment Act after 24 years, introduce air quality monitoring and public alerts, and digitize Environmental Protection Licence processes. He also stated that Cabinet has approved 144 recruitments to the Central Environmental Authority and that 3,530 appointments for multipurpose development officers attached to the Department of Wildlife Conservation will be issued once Public Service Commission approval is received. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate on Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Environment Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Fund, established in 2000 with Rs. 781 million from the Treasury, shareholders, and member insurance contributions, remained profitable until 2008 but subsequently recorded losses. He attributed the decline to poor management and alleged fraud and corruption noted in audit reports, and said inquiries would be conducted with appropriate action to follow. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Nishantha Perera raised concerns that audit reports indicate mismanagement and misuse of a Fund financed by small tea holders. He asked the Minister what measures would be taken to prevent future misuse. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.504/2025, Q.510/2025, Q.483/2025, Q.493/2025) Read →
- 15 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan supported the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, arguing that the Ministry is central to addressing the dollar crisis through remittances, tourism, investment and improved diplomatic relations. He said the Government is rebuilding trust after past cronyism in diplomatic appointments and corruption in investment and foreign employment processes, and cited migrant remittances of about US$ 7.5 billion and a trade deficit of around US$ 8 billion. He referred to recent action on issues affecting Sri Lankan workers in Italy and outlined expected job opportunities in South Korea, Israel and Japan, while pledging fairer and less corrupt foreign employment administration. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-first Allotted Day - Committee Stage, Head 112 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) Read →