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- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that the Government was using IMF obligations to depart from its election promises, including through policies such as the 15 per cent tax on IT services. He urged the establishment of a depoliticized National Policy Commission under the Presidential Secretariat to ensure continuity in national policy, noting that a previous Cabinet Paper on the matter had stalled. He also raised concerns about politicization in the public service, difficulty attracting professionals to ministries, graduate employment promises, estate worker wages, doctors’ additional duty payment calculations, and issues in the Public Management Assistants’ Service. He called on the Government to consult stakeholders before changing established arrangements or making key administrative and fiscal decisions. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana welcomed the decision to hold local government elections but questioned the lack of a polling date, noting that nominations are set for March 17-20 and that the law requires polling within 35 to 55 days after nominations close. He urged the Government to clarify the date promptly to address public doubts arising from previous postponements. He also said public servants would judge promised salary increases by their April payslips, and warned that administrative issues, including the announced wildlife census, could have political consequences. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran raised the unresolved status of the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat, arguing that despite a 1993 Cabinet decision upgrading it to a full Divisional Secretariat, it has been treated as an Assistant Divisional Secretariat without lawful authority. He questioned who had the power to alter or downgrade a Cabinet-approved decision, alleged administrative irregularities and land-related frauds, and requested a special committee to investigate and restore its full status. He also urged the Government to provide fair appointments for unemployed graduates in the North and East, particularly about 1,800 in Ampara, including those who passed competitive examinations. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns on public service promotions, recruitment, allowances, and alleged administrative victimization, calling for restoration of merit-based promotion examinations, implementation of the MN 3 salary category, and the holding of the advertised 2020 open competition for Management Service Officers. He urged action on Grama Niladhari demands, including allowances, staffing support, and a transparent Service Minute with fair promotion arrangements. He also requested a clear statement on promised graduate recruitments, cited unemployed graduates and teacher appointment delays, and tabled a related petition. He further called for accountability over delays to local government elections and urged that State or religious-cultural programmes not be used in ways that affect a level electoral playing field. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 4 March 2025 Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala moved a customary cut motion to reduce by Rs. 10 the allocations under specified programme heads of the Appropriation Bill 2025. Opening debate on the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, he noted its Rs. 573.5 billion allocation and wide administrative responsibilities, including District and Divisional Secretariats, Grama Niladhari offices, Provincial Councils, and 341 local authorities. He highlighted the long-delayed local government elections, noting that nominations had been called, a court had directed the elections to be held within three months, and 8,355 councillor positions were at stake. Appropriation Bill 2025 — Twelfth Allotted Day — Committee Stage Read →
- 4 March 2025 Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna denied an allegation made by a Deputy Minister that he had obtained a petrol shed through political connections, stating that he does not own one and that a petrol shed once owned by his grandfather no longer exists. He said his relatives are engaged in legitimate businesses and rejected claims of improper acquisition through political influence. He also objected to implications based on a shared surname with the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and urged Deputy Ministers to make responsible statements. Personal Explanations Read →
- 4 March 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka raised a personal explanation under Standing Order 27(8) regarding media reports linking him to a list of politicians alleged to have obtained fuel filling stations through political connections. He stated that the filling station in question was established by his father about 70 years ago and has been lawfully operated by his family, currently by his brother, without political influence. He requested the Government Chief Whip and the Leader of the House to verify the facts, correct the parliamentary record, and remove his name from the list. Personal Explanations Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that Circular 121/8 provides for fines ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 333,333 for breaches, but that settlements may be permitted after violations under stricter monitoring and conditions. He stated that regulatory gaps would be addressed and that licences may be temporarily reissued subject to conditions in such cases. Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary The Member raised concerns that NGJA-issued gem mining licences in Wellawaya are allegedly being used for large-scale sand trafficking in violation of licence conditions. She questioned why licences were not cancelled and asked for clarification on the NGJA’s use of a “settlement fee” mechanism that permits continued operations. Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister described the Regidale Estate in Kahapola, a 76-acre property donated for Buddhist purposes, as abandoned and overgrown despite an inauguration plaque and only about 5 per cent progress over three years. He outlined the complex administrative history of the land among several state institutions and noted that proper title transfer has not been completed. He said a Cabinet Paper was submitted on 20 December 2024 to regularize the situation and decide the next steps, given the site’s proximity to Colombo and the lack of planned development. Oral Question 1: Shakya Kingdom replica at Kahapola (Q.481/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake seconded the Adjournment Motion on youth institutions, arguing that bodies such as the National Youth Services Council and National Youth Corps have only partly achieved their objectives in youth empowerment, leadership development and vocational training. He said Sri Lankan youth have fallen behind global peers and called for their creativity and skills to be directed into national development rather than overseas labour migration. He referred to alleged past misuse of youth-related funds highlighted in COP reports and stated that the Budget and the NPP policy platform provide opportunities to build a fulfilled, creative youth cohort, while urging Parliament to combat corruption and provide leadership for this effort. Adjournment Motion: Reorganization of National Youth Services Council Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage questioned the Government’s handling of energy policy, particularly the absence of clear ministerial responses after power outages and reported statements opposing solar projects in Hambantota. He warned that halting or retendering renewable energy projects selected under the 2022 expression-of-interest process could undermine investor confidence, create compensation liabilities, and delay efforts to reduce dependence on emergency diesel generation. He urged the Minister to clarify whether past selections were flawed, provide a roadmap for reducing costly thermal power use, and ensure policy consistency in implementing the renewable energy framework established under the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act and related plans. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is reforming the energy sector to reduce corruption, waste and entrenched supplier arrangements in the CEB and CPC, while ensuring uninterrupted fuel and electricity supply. He stated that renewable energy expansion is being prioritized, including rooftop solar improvements, land identification for large-scale solar, lower tariffs achieved for wind and solar projects, and forthcoming tenders for storage. He said fuel dealer margin and tax discount issues would be corrected through existing law and discussions, and rejected claims of a nationwide fuel shortage. He also announced that a new Electricity Act would be brought in 2025 to prevent privatization, reverse fragmentation of the CEB, consolidate its functions, and support lower-cost power generation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that past governments’ contributions to energy and economic development, including the accelerated Mahaweli project, the end of the war, and economic stabilization, should be acknowledged despite political differences. He criticized the Government for unfulfilled promises on foreign funding, graphene production and electricity tariff reductions, and said Ministers had handled recent energy-related explanations irresponsibly. He questioned the award of a 50 MW wind power project to Hayleys after earlier technical rejection, and demanded transparency on the release of 300 containers without proper checks. He also urged the Government to investigate alleged corruption fairly and not use the Police or CID to harass critics. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Budget and the Government’s energy policy, rejecting Opposition claims of an emerging fuel crisis and saying the Government would not allow shortages or instability. He tabled a 2022 National Audit Office report on CPC dealer commission overpayments, documents alleging improper overtime and vehicle use by union-linked individuals at CPSTL and CPC, and a list of alleged political links to petroleum dealerships. He argued that Opposition criticism was connected to affected business interests and stated that the Government’s priority was energy security and public relief after the country’s bankruptcy. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned whether the Government’s handling of energy policy was leading to higher electricity tariffs and possible emergency power purchases, citing reports of drought-related price pressures and delays in renewable energy projects. He argued that the Government had failed to justify fuel pricing despite earlier claims about excessive taxes and commissions, and raised concerns about consistency with IMF revenue targets. He criticized the suspension of wind and solar projects, including the Adani wind project, saying it jeopardized the previous target of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and could increase reliance on thermal power. He also requested careful consideration of village land needs when allocating land for solar projects in Batticaloa, and urged implementation of pending District Coordinating Committee decisions on local issues. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar questioned the Government’s failure to remove the Rs. 50 fuel levy and reduce fuel-related taxes despite earlier promises, noting that prices had not fallen after three months. He also referred to rice import duties and alleged past corruption at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, stating support for genuine government-to-government measures to curb corruption while criticizing inconsistencies over the Trincomalee oil tanks and regional export hub policy. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar criticised the Government for not reducing electricity, water and essential costs as promised, citing electricity bills for 200 and 300 units as substantially higher than regional averages. He alleged that the Government had used the “76-year curse” narrative and social media messaging to win votes, but had not delivered tax or tariff relief after five months. He questioned whether current power-sector decisions remain influenced by a “mafia,” referring to COPE discussions, repeated extensions of a private power plant agreement, and high generation costs. He also asked about the status of rooftop solar expansion, claiming solar installations are being restricted while coal and diesel generation continue to be favoured. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the relevant Minister to review the Ministry’s work carefully, asserting that no action or progress had taken place. The remark functioned as a brief criticism or demand for accountability regarding the Ministry’s performance. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the explanation given for the President’s overseas travel costs and asked for clarification on how 11 people travelled to three countries for Rs. 1.8 million. In the Energy Ministry debate, he criticized the handling of the recent power outage, citing CEB’s own media release and arguing that known Sunday load-management issues involving hydro, Norochcholai and solar generation had not been addressed. He alleged conflicts of interest involving the CEB Chairman and Resource Management Associates, tabled related documents, and raised concerns over delayed solar PPAs, reduced solar tariffs and payment delays affecting investors. He also urged more consultative policymaking on energy and fuel distribution to avoid public panic and hardship for rural fuel outlets. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →