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- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer regarding an Urban Development Authority payment, confirming that while the then Chairman had approved it subject to procurement approval, there was no evidence such approval was obtained. The answer stated that procurement authority lay with the Procurement Committee and that the activity was linked to instructions for attractive opening ceremonies and publicity for leasing commercial constructions in Colombo. It further noted that failure to follow procurement procedures prevented open bidding by state and private entities and the selection of the most beneficial option for the government. Oral Question: TRIAD Company Payment to Urban Development Authority (Q.7-Q.8/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe (on behalf of the Hon. Padmasiri Bandara) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to clarify expenditure on media coverage for the opening ceremony of 42 shops at Bastion Mawatha, Pettah. The question sought confirmation of whether Rs. 17,639,938.86 was paid as an advance to TRIADE out of a total cost of Rs. 19,301,403.61, whether procurement procedures were followed, who approved the payment, why such expenditure was incurred, and why a State media institution was not used. Oral Question: TRIAD Company Payment to Urban Development Authority (Q.7-Q.8/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman raised concerns that unregulated mining has caused landslides in Lunugala. He asked whether the Ministry is pursuing legal amendments and reforms to regularize and develop the mining industry, and requested the current status of those efforts. Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman raised concerns about licensed and unlicensed mining in Badulla, alleging past political interference, environmental damage, and social tensions in villages. He asked whether the Ministry would establish a proper regulatory process for future mining activities, including recommendations from Divisional Secretaries and better coordination among relevant authorities. Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said a Cabinet Paper is being submitted to appoint a committee to establish an independent Prosecutor’s Office, guided initially by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda. He stated that the policy direction is to decentralize prosecutions to the provinces, with possible new recruitments and legal amendments to be considered by experts. He also said the Government Analyst’s Department may be decentralized to reduce administrative delays, emphasizing that professional expertise should guide justice-sector reforms. Adjournment Debate: Select Committee on Administration of Justice Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta argued that public confidence in the Police and Judiciary has improved under the NPP Government due to the absence of political interference and greater institutional independence. He referred to past politicization of police appointments, criticism of judges by former ministers, and specific court proceedings to contrast with the current situation. He noted that the Government is addressing issues in the Attorney-General’s Department, including vacancies and possible provincial prosecutorial offices, and concluded that a special Select Committee is unnecessary at this time. Adjournment Debate: Select Committee on Administration of Justice Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the Government’s credibility on fuel availability, saying public queues showed a lack of trust in official assurances. He pressed the Minister of Justice for answers on the proposed new Constitution, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the disappeared, and reduced allocations to the Office on Missing Persons and Office for Reparations. He also demanded the Government state what action has been taken on emblematic accountability cases, including the killings of journalists and civilians, the Trinco 5, ACF aid workers, Lasantha Wickrematunge, Prageeth Eknaligoda, and cases affected by the Political Victimization Commission. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman urged the Minister of Justice to intervene to withdraw what he described as politically motivated cases against Aragalaya activists and trade union leaders, noting ongoing summonses and practical consequences such as difficulty obtaining police clearance. He also called for the withdrawal or conclusion of allegedly baseless Easter Sunday-related cases, citing the detention and prosecution of figures including Hijaaz Hisbullah and Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen. While acknowledging progress in some corruption-related cases, he asked for faster action on matters such as the VFS deal and passport issuance allegations. He further raised concerns about the handling of a proposed impeachment of the President of the Court of Appeal, arguing that any action affecting judicial independence should follow proper parliamentary due process. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Bhagya Sri Herath argued that justice sector reform must address both court efficiency and the broader social and political conditions that affect public trust and crime. He cited the special High Court in Anuradhapura for child sexual offence cases and the reported backlog of over 1.1 million cases to show that speedy convictions alone are insufficient. He supported digitalization of the justice system, noting that better technology, investigations, and data systems are needed to reduce delays and strengthen credibility, and said the Government is committed to building a stronger political and legal culture. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi argued that the Government’s mandate is to restore justice, transparency, institutional independence and public trust following past misuse of public assets and funds. He outlined a series of proposed laws and reforms, including measures on public procurement, public asset management, state enterprises, investment protection, AML/CFT, proceeds of crime recovery, disability rights and other regulatory areas. He noted Budget allocations of Rs. 80.2 billion for law and order and Rs. 14 billion to strengthen Mediation Boards, stating that the objective is to protect and recover public assets and hold those responsible for corruption accountable. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that reconciliation, accountability, and reintegration require the adoption of a new Constitution. He noted the Government’s stated intention to introduce one and urged that constitutional reform be prioritized to address the national question and support economic improvement. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe congratulated Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and urged cross-party cooperation on eliminating corruption and ensuring justice. He praised Sri Lanka’s judicial independence, noting available mechanisms such as recusals and transfers where bias or conflicts arise, and thanked the judiciary and Ministry staff for maintaining standards. He also defended the Attorney-General’s Department as principled and non-political, while acknowledging pressures and limits affecting the Attorney-General’s role. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the expedited establishment of the proposed Provincial High Court at Panadura and similar measures elsewhere to reduce court delays. He called for immediate implementation of court digitalization and automation, citing prior Cabinet and institutional work since 2017-2019, and said the project had been vetted and could reduce delays, malpractice and inefficiency. He also requested faster publication and digital availability of Sri Lanka Law Reports through a dedicated unit. Referring to the Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, No. 49 of 2024, he asked that the required Gazette be issued under section 2(1)(a)(ii), with the appointed date backdated to enactment to avoid complications in cases already decided under the Act. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera urged the Justice Minister to present a roadmap for implementing shared constitutional reforms, including a new Constitution, power-sharing, devolution, abolition or reform of the Executive Presidency, and electoral reform, noting that the Government may have sufficient parliamentary and Opposition support to act within the first year. He also raised concern over the 2024 amendment to section 9(a) of the Civil Procedure Code, arguing that allowing cases based on the plaintiff’s residence enables Colombo-registered companies and banks to file money suits in Colombo, burdening that court while reducing work in provincial courts and increasing costs and delays. He requested a prompt remedy to address the jurisdictional effects of the amendment. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne reviewed legislative work undertaken in the justice sector since 2022, stating that 36 Acts and multiple regulations were passed under successive Justice Ministers, with around 90 further drafts in progress. He highlighted laws connected to GSP+, the IMF programme, Central Bank independence, anti-corruption, and election expenditure regulation, and urged effective implementation, including possible amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act and speedy presentation of pending Bills. He also called for phased digitalization of the court system, including SMS court notices and digital record rooms, given fiscal constraints. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that remarks by Ven. Kagama Sirinanda Thero were made during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Government and clarified that the related social media post has only recently been recirculated. He sought to distinguish the timing of the original statement from its current circulation. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper criticized the Budget and warned against attempts to entrench political power, drawing comparisons with past constitutional actions affecting the Opposition. He raised concerns over several major criminal investigations, including the Easter Sunday attacks, the murders of Lasantha Wickrematunge and Dinesh Schaffter, the Central Bank bond case, and recent organized killings, calling for consistent use of legal mechanisms, including PTA investigations and trial in absentia where appropriate. He also questioned the President’s remarks suggesting criminal links within the police, armed forces, judiciary, and legal profession, urging the Minister of Justice to clarify and defend confidence in the justice system. He concluded by warning against abuse of power and organized crime while stating that the Opposition would support the State in defending the country’s integrity. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister outlined Budget 2025 allocations for the justice sector, stating that Rs. 24 billion has been provided despite economic constraints and that the Ministry is addressing major backlogs, including over 1.1 million pending cases as of June 2024. He identified human resource shortages, stalled court infrastructure projects, and weak contract enforcement as key constraints, and said the Government will recruit judicial and non-judicial staff, resume 23 halted projects, construct a new Ministry building, and expand courts in underserved areas. He also proposed implementing pre-trial procedures, expanding Small Claims Courts, piloting digital courts in Kandy and Negombo, and strengthening the Attorney-General’s Department while beginning steps toward a separate prosecution service. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Mano Ganesan moved the customary Rs. 10 cut to the relevant expenditure heads and urged the Ministry to treat national integration, social justice and equality as priorities alongside economic recovery and anti-corruption efforts. He called for constitutional reform and meaningful devolution within a united Sri Lanka, including strengthening the 13th Amendment, and asked the Government to dispel doubts about its commitment to devolution. He also emphasized full implementation of official language policy, proposing stronger use of the Official Languages Commission, Department of Official Languages and NILET to train and deploy language-skilled public officers and teachers so citizens can receive services in Sinhala or Tamil across the country. Committee of Supply: Ministry of Justice and National Integration (Head 110, Heads 228-236, Head 326) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a privilege matter alleging that the Prime Minister gave incorrect information in response to his supplementary question on the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Rajarata University. He tabled a UGC letter dated 2025.01.06 which, he said, shows that the instruction to reinitiate the selection process came from the President’s Secretary through the Ministry, not because the UGC had rejected the names recommended by the University Council. He requested that any contrary UGC letter be tabled and asked that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Privilege Matter: Vice-Chancellor Appointment - Rajarata University Read →