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- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament AI summary The Minister outlined Budget allocations for 21 institutional Heads, including Parliament, independent commissions, and oversight bodies, noting their important but less visible functions and mentioning pending staff matters such as leave encashment. He urged bodies such as the Bribery Commission and Audit Service Commission to act more effectively and accountably, particularly in addressing large-scale corruption and expenditure in sectors such as highways. He cited alleged inflated claims and major project costs in the highways sector and called for stronger audit standards, management audits, and oversight of high-value projects. He also supported structural reforms to address overlapping state institutions and staffing imbalances, saying independent oversight is necessary to implement the Government’s mandate. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna argued that reductions in presidential expenditure are useful only if essential services of the President’s Office, Secretariat, and President’s Fund continue effectively. He supported reasonable official facilities and security for current and former Presidents, subject to discipline and proper risk assessments, while opposing unnecessary luxury and public-funded residences for former Presidents who have adequate housing. He called for clarification on vehicles exhibited by the Presidential Secretariat that he said later appeared at MPs’ residences, and urged transparent policies on official residences and vehicle permits rather than populist measures. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government inherited a bankrupt economy in September 2024 and is using its first Budget to restore stability, investor confidence and public trust after decades of mismanagement. He rejected claims that independent commissions were being weakened, citing increased 2025 allocations for the Bribery Commission, Human Rights Commission and National Police Commission. He also stated that the Budget includes additional support for national unity and for communities in the North, East and estate areas affected by war and neglect. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that debate on the President’s Head should focus less on the total allocation and more on whether funds benefit the public and support necessary institutions. He welcomed curbs on unnecessary expenditure but urged that programmes such as the President’s Fund, medical assistance, Mahapola scholarships, student aid and religious grants be strengthened, and that Governors be able to support local needs in the absence of Provincial Councils. He also raised issues regarding auctioning Presidential Office vehicles, possible tourism use of official residences, and an obstruction to planting a Bo tree at Galle harbour, while noting cost-cutting measures begun under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and continued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that debate on the President’s and Prime Minister’s expenditure heads should distinguish necessary institutional and functional spending from personal luxury, while scrutinizing whether the Government is delivering on campaign pledges such as increased education funding and anti-corruption action. He questioned progress on recovering alleged stolen assets, returning Arjuna Mahendran, and strengthening CIABOC, proposing greater resources, coordination with the Attorney-General and CID, divisional-level offices, and regular reviews. He tabled a citizen proposals report on Budget 2025, called for digitizing parliamentary processes, strengthening independent commissions and the Election Commission, and sought clarification on reported procurement and port container release issues. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe rejected Opposition claims of Government pressure on the Election Commission and asked that any evidence be tabled in Parliament. During the Committee Stage debate on the President’s Head, he argued that public funds had long been spent on excessive Presidential residences despite widespread housing need, and said the Government would retain only the Colombo and Kandy residences for state purposes while reallocating the others for public use. He also cited the former Agriculture Ministry building lease as an example of misuse of public funds and said the Government was taking steps to reduce costs, restore stability after bankruptcy, and implement its Budget commitments. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned the Government on its mandate to introduce a new Constitution and abolish the Executive Presidency, asking for clear timelines and criticizing the lack of clarity in statements by Government leaders. He argued that the remuneration of 159 NPP MPs imposes a substantial public cost and urged them to forgo or redirect those funds if they are serious about saving public money. He alleged Government pressure on independent institutions, including the National Police Commission, Bribery Commission, Constitutional Council process, Election Commission and Human Rights Commission, and raised concerns about proposed changes to the PTA, noting a gap between earlier promises of repeal and current moves toward amendment or replacement. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Committee Stage debate on the 2025 Appropriation Bill covers key Special Expenditure Heads and marks the beginning of implementing the Government’s policy programme, including a participatory constitutional reform process. She argued that the Government’s proposed “new political culture” requires reducing the financial burden of political offices on citizens, managing public funds prudently, and treating official privileges as tied to office rather than personal entitlement. Citing past expenditure on presidential foreign travel, she said necessary official travel had previously been abused and used the figures to justify stricter oversight of perquisites and expenditure. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns about reports that the Government is considering drafting a new Constitution and submitting it to a Referendum, noting that this relates to its election promise of constitutional reform. Referring to a discussion convened by Karu Jayasuriya and the National Movement for Social Justice, he cited differing legal views on whether a complete constitutional overhaul requires a Referendum, including issues such as entrenched provisions, presidential immunity, and the Executive Presidency. Debate: Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill - Special Expenditure Heads (Heads 1-25) and Amendments Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about governance in the Province, alleging that the Governor’s Office is exercising political control through two seconded schoolteachers who are involved in arbitrary transfers of teachers and officers. He asked that this situation be investigated, noting that it is not occurring in other Provinces. He also questioned a graduate registration programme that is creating expectations of employment and sought clarification on the matter. Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Assured that the Ministry and Department are consulting affected-area MPs, environmental experts, and local communities to address the issue under discussion. He said the Government expects to reduce the conflict significantly in a short period and is prepared to incorporate Members’ proposals into its interventions. Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara objected to the Government’s alleged practice of reappointing university Councils and seeking fresh recommendations for Vice Chancellor appointments instead of acting on nominations already made before the change of government. He cited cases involving the Universities of Ruhuna, Rajarata, Eastern and South Eastern, and argued that restarting a process normally begun months in advance was unfair and could disadvantage candidates. He asked what action the Government would take to address the issue. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about the handling of vice chancellor appointments at Rajarata University, Eastern University, and South Eastern University. He alleged that names proposed by university councils appointed before the current Government were sent back and new councils asked to submit fresh names, arguing that university councils are composed of qualified individuals rather than political appointees. He compared this to earlier disputes over vice chancellor appointments and questioned the Government’s consistency on the issue. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya briefly clarified that the matter under discussion did not occur during Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidency. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya provided details on the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, stating that 323,901 students applied and 319,284 sat the exam, and that investigations found three conceptually similar questions had been shared in a private tuition WhatsApp group before the examination. She outlined the Supreme Court’s ruling on related Fundamental Rights applications, including orders to implement a remedial measure and pay State costs, and described departmental and disciplinary actions against officials and teachers involved. She also listed planned preventive measures, including stronger security in confidential branches, CCTV upgrades, reduced human intervention in paper preparation, tighter supervision, and restrictions on mobile phone use at examination centres. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details on the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, including the number of candidates and whether any exam papers or contents had been leaked to external parties before the examination. He sought information on actions taken regarding any leak, remedies for affected students, and whether evaluation of answer scripts had been suspended, including the reasons for any suspension. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake defended the National People’s Power Government’s first Budget, arguing that its first 100 days should be assessed on political discipline, social stability, and fiscal management as well as on the Budget text. He said problems such as passport queues, shortages of rice, coconuts and salt, the port container backlog, the Grade 5 scholarship paper leak, high prices, and organized crime stemmed from past mismanagement, and outlined steps taken or planned to address them. He emphasized ethical governance, citing prompt responses to controversies over qualifications and statements, and rejected claims that allocations such as the Rs. 100 million Thambuththegama Railway Station feasibility study were personal projects. He also highlighted improved parliamentary performance, including timely answers to oral and Standing Order 27(2) questions, and said the Government was maintaining elections and parliamentary discipline without misuse of state resources. Second Reading: Disposal of Waste (Prohibition) Bill 2025 Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha defended the 2025 Appropriation Bill as a fiscally disciplined Budget that authorizes Rs. 7,190 billion in expenditure, with Rs. 4,990 billion in revenue and grants, a Rs. 2,200 billion deficit, and total borrowing authority of Rs. 4,000 billion, down from Rs. 7,350 billion in 2024. He said the deficit would be financed through non-monetary borrowing rather than new taxes or inflationary money creation, while also covering debt amortization and Treasury bill and bond redemption costs. Responding to Opposition claims that it was an “IMF Budget” or “Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Budget,” he argued that it differs from past budgets by limiting discretionary contingency allocations under the Public Finance Management Act and redirecting funds to development, relief, and infrastructure. He stated that the Government’s economic approach combines fiscal discipline with state intervention, productivity growth, export orientation, global supply chain integration, fair distribution, and broader participation in economic benefits. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha stated support for anti-corruption measures but cautioned that investment activity should not be broadly treated as corruption. He urged the Government to develop a stronger programme to attract foreign direct investment, arguing that loan capital alone cannot drive development. He specifically requested reconsideration of the 15 per cent tax on BPO operations and proposed tax incentives and investor facilitation measures, citing India’s infrastructure and concession-based “plug-in” model as an example. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that they do not take commissions. No further policy proposal, question, or contextual detail was provided in the speech. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →