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- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that his side does not take commissions. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne supported the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget, arguing that the electoral mandate was for economic stabilization, accountable public finance, and social transformation after failed past governance. Focusing on education and basic services in Nuwara Eliya, she said estate and rural communities face severe hardship, including poor school transport, weak primary education, poverty, malnutrition, teenage pregnancy, and unsafe youth employment. She highlighted Budget provisions for marginalized groups and a Rs. 108.7 billion allocation for rural drinking water, citing acute shortages in Kotmale. She urged fiscal discipline and prioritization, rejecting demands for additional perks, posts, or vehicles while stating the Government would work to fulfil the public mandate. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana defended the 2025 Budget as a shift away from austerity and neoliberal policy toward a production-based, resilient economy focused on economic democracy, social justice and environmental quality. He cited increased capital expenditure, public sector wage rises, SME credit guarantees, public transport and railway modernization, SOE strengthening through a holding company model, and higher allocations for education, health, R&D and social protection. He argued that fiscal consolidation, including a 2.3 per cent primary surplus, should be achieved through restoring State capacity and taxing higher incomes, rather than burdening workers through indirect taxes. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman questioned the Government’s procurement practices, arguing that tenders should not be awarded solely on the lowest price and alleging irregularities in a wind power project and the release of 323 containers without Customs checks. He criticized the Government for not fulfilling promised public sector wage increases, citing teachers and workers who supported earlier protests, and called for compensation for a teacher injured during a demonstration. He also objected to proposed taxation on IT freelancers while alleging inaction on online casino taxation, and urged the proposed Anti-Corruption Committee Office to investigate both past corruption and current matters such as the wind power project, container releases, VFS, and passport-related deals. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman criticized the Government’s approach to consultation, saying it relied on supportive committees rather than farmer assemblies that had protested in Colombo. He argued that rice policy decisions favoured mill owners over farmers, citing meetings with millers and an increase of Rs. 10 that he said benefited them while farmers received Rs. 120 per kilo. He also questioned the Government’s claim that there were no cronies, alleging that a 50 MW wind power tender was granted with Cabinet approval despite procurement and appeal rejections to a person who had supported the campaign. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahman argued that successive governments, despite criticizing the open market economy introduced in 1977, continued or expanded privatization and market-oriented policies, citing the Chandrika Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa administrations as examples. He questioned the NPP Government’s claim of pursuing “economic democracy” or a new economic direction while remaining within the IMF programme and following advice from the Central Bank, Treasury and IMF. He also challenged the Government on whether it consulted the public or farmers’ organizations in preparing the Budget and setting the paddy price at Rs. 120 per kilo. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana spoke in support of the Government’s first Budget during the final day of the Second Reading debate. He criticised members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, alleging misuse of public funds, excessive housing loans, corruption linked to projects such as the Krish building, and other criminal matters. He also challenged claims about past harbour development in Hambantota, Mirissa and Kirinda, arguing that these projects were poorly engineered and have not adequately served fishermen. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake said his previous remarks were a general critique and did not name any individual. He referred to past killings and mass graves, particularly in the Matale District, stating that legal proceedings concerning the deaths of 143 people and other incidents are underway and will identify those responsible. He said these matters would be challenged both inside and outside Parliament and indicated readiness for public debate on them. Question by Private Notice: School Teachers Recruitment and Dhamma School Teacher Allowances (SO 27(2)) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that SriLankan Airlines was profitable under its Emirates partnership but incurred major losses after being brought fully under State control, despite having around 6,000 employees and 19 aircraft. He raised concerns about delays, cancellations and safety issues affecting expatriate demand for direct flights, and asked whether the Government would act on the J.C. Weliamuna Committee’s findings by prosecuting wrongdoing and recovering losses to the State. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma stated that the Rs. 20 billion allocated in the Budget for the airline is to address historical liabilities, not operating losses, noting that the airline is currently operating at a profit. He attributed the liabilities to past fraud, corruption, politicisation, and above-market aircraft lease arrangements, some linked to cases before foreign courts. He said the Government’s 2025–2030 plan does not envisage Budget funding for operating expenses and that discussions are under way on foreign-currency debt restructuring to make the airline self-sustaining without imposing future costs on the public. Oral Question: SriLankan Airlines (Q.3/2024) Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister supported Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva’s proposal on persons with disabilities, noting its significance in the context of disability representation in Parliament. He said the Government is updating the 2003 disability policy in line with current needs, a social model of disability, and United Nations conventions. He emphasized the need for accurate data, citing discrepancies in previous figures, and stated that the 2025 Budget allocates an additional Rs. 100 million to establish a data system for persons with disabilities. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma responded to a point raised by Hon. Rasamanickam, stating that the Government’s policy is to avoid discretionary tax holidays based on personal or institutional connections. He said a new mechanism for granting concessions would be presented to Parliament, with eligibility based on investment scale, employment creation, and environmental and district-level benefits, including in relation to the Eravur Investment Zone. Adjournment Debate: Policy-Driven Programme for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary The member said the Opposition would support constructive government action while scrutinizing errors, warning against arrogance after the Government’s large electoral mandate. He questioned whether the President’s promise to “lift the country” within six months would be measured from the presidential or parliamentary victory, and said the Opposition would allow that period without obstruction. He cited concerns over rice import reversals, Sathosa tender issues, and possible repetition of past corrupt practices. He also urged the Sports Minister to act on alleged corruption in Sri Lanka Cricket, noting prior COPE concerns and saying promised action within 14 days had not materialized. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi argued that the 2025 Budget largely continues the existing IMF-aligned economic programme and does not fully reflect the “system change” mandate received by the Government after the 2022 crisis. He rejected the view that Sri Lanka’s problems stem from a “76-year curse,” citing post-independence gains in education, health, irrigation, hydropower, exports and industrialization, and instead attributed the 2022 crisis mainly to policy failures from around 2004 and the immediate decisions of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He said earlier reform efforts on the public service, CEB, CPC, revenue administration and State-owned enterprises were blocked, and urged the Government, with its two-thirds majority, to present a clear economic and development model through the Budget. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla argued that the government had ended parliamentary privileges and elitist practices, citing the removal of vehicle permits and MPs’ pensions, changes to cafeteria pricing, and the redirection of Presidential Fund benefits to ordinary people. He contrasted this with past abuses, commissions, and political victimisation, including an incident involving his family in 2009, and stated that the government would work to rebuild the country. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the 2025 Budget as the first foundational step in a longer development programme, arguing that it responds to structural causes of the 2022 crisis and looks forward rather than dwelling on past failures. He contrasted it with the 1977 Budget and said both periods involved strong mandates for change, but criticized previous governments for contributing to corruption, failed policy, and the growth of underworld elements. He dismissed Opposition claims that the Budget omits key items, saying later stages of the programme would address them, and also criticized MPs focusing on lost insurance benefits and perks rather than policy. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary The speech defended the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget by arguing that it inherited a damaged economy, high debt, weakened public services, and corruption from previous administrations. It cited past borrowing, alleged tax and procurement scandals, and relief to politically connected businesses as reasons for the crisis, while presenting Budget 2025 as a recovery plan focused on production, village-level investment, Clean Sri Lanka, human development, and digitization. The Member highlighted claims of reduced expenditure by the President, Prime Minister and Ministers, and outlined allocations for small tea growers, nurseries, replanting, mechanization, solar projects, and support to the gem industry. He also linked current underworld crime concerns to criminals allegedly nurtured by former regimes. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as grounded in the National People’s Power manifesto and intended to recover from the economic collapse, debt default, low revenue, depleted reserves, corruption and institutional failures inherited from previous administrations. He rejected Opposition claims that the Budget follows “Ranil’s” or neoliberal policies, arguing that critics fear its implementation and lack a substantive alternative. He highlighted the Budget’s commitment to “democratizing the economy” by ensuring fair competition, equal opportunity and preventing excessive concentration of market power, contrasting this with past conflicts of interest and misuse of ministerial authority for private business gain. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake argued that governance should be directed through state institutions rather than party offices, called for restoring public trust, and referred to his proposal to abolish MPs’ pensions as part of that effort. He questioned the feasibility of achieving the Budget’s revenue and primary surplus targets, and urged a policy shift on vehicle imports, citing high taxes, low LC openings, and reported difficulties with Japanese banks accepting Sri Lankan LCs. He also criticized continued Treasury support for SriLankan Airlines, noting large recent debt-service allocations and outstanding liabilities, and proposed a public-private partnership or privatized management model while retaining strategic oversight if necessary. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →
- 24 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake supported the broad direction of President Anura Dissanayake’s inaugural Budget, linking it to past UNP-led economic reforms and the 2023–2024 stabilization under Ranil Wickremesinghe. He endorsed continuing the IMF-backed recovery path while arguing that Sri Lanka should not accept every IMF condition without tailoring policies through local expertise and maintaining fiscal discipline. He called for prioritizing capital investment, primary surpluses, cost-benefit evaluation of projects, economic diversification, trade facilitation, and digitization, warning that recurrent expenditure and rising debt must be managed carefully. Debate: Second Reading of Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Sixth Allotted Day Read →