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- 20 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister presented the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption’s performance reports for the first three quarters of 2024 and moved that they be referred to the Committee on Parliamentary Business, which was agreed to. She also presented an amendment instrument to the Sri Lanka-India double taxation avoidance agreement under Section 75(1) of the Local Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, and moved that it be referred to the Committee on Public Finance, which was also agreed to. Papers Presented Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath — Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath defended the Government’s inaugural Budget as a national plan to rebuild the economy after the September 2024 change of government, arguing that national recovery requires patience, discipline and public sacrifice. He cited examples such as China, Singapore and Cuba to support the need for long-term planning and adjustment, and contrasted the Budget with what he described as previous governments’ politically motivated allocations. He rejected Opposition criticisms, including claims that the Budget was province-specific or IMF-driven, stating that it was intended for the whole country and reflected the Government’s promised “system change.” Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the 2025 Budget, presenting it as a mandate-based plan to rebuild the country after economic collapse and criticising the Opposition for failing to offer substantive objections. He said the Budget strengthens the State sector, promotes productive national economic activity, reduces wasteful spending, mobilizes tax revenue and labour, and directs benefits to the public. He also argued that the Government is leading by example by cutting perks and improving efficiency and cleanliness in the State apparatus. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam argued that the 2025 Budget’s aim of “economic democracy” cannot be achieved in the North and East without resolving political marginalization, land issues and long-standing regional inequities linked to the war and poor governance. He highlighted the Northern Province’s low GDP contribution and called for timely fertilizer subsidies, fair market access, disaster compensation, restoration of tanks, release of lands held by the military and State agencies, and allocation of pasture for livestock. He also criticized delays faced by diaspora investors in obtaining land and approvals, urging a genuine one-stop mechanism to facilitate investment in the region. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena defended the 2025 Budget as the National People’s Power Government’s first effort to address hardship through targeted welfare, poverty alleviation, agriculture, employment and tourism support, while acknowledging fiscal and administrative constraints. He cited planned expenditure of Rs. 8,835 billion, expected revenue of Rs. 4,990 billion, school supply and footwear grants for low-income children, and post-climate damage repairs in areas such as Anuradhapura. He argued the Government would follow principles of meritocracy, pragmatism and honesty, reject corruption, and strengthen public sector basic salaries while raising the PAYE/APIT tax-free threshold from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000. He also detailed salary increases for categories including university academics and medical officers, presenting them as fair adjustments based on analysis rather than agitation. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim criticised the Budget presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arguing that it continues Ranil Wickremesinghe’s IMF-aligned economic programme through debt restructuring, cost-reflective pricing, tax increases, public-private partnerships, privatization and private-sector land release. He accused the JVP of abandoning its past socialist and anti-IMF positions, misleading voters who expected a “system change”, and betraying those who supported or sacrificed for its earlier Marxist politics. He also contended that the JVP had contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic setbacks by opposing foreign investment, free trade zones and education reforms, while stating that the SJB acknowledged past faults and had formed to correct them. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera raised a supplementary question about activities at a park said to fall under the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau, alleging that recent actions had taken place without the Bureau’s knowledge or coordination. He asked the Minister to intervene and examine whether the responsibilities assigned to the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau were being properly carried out, noting concerns about briefings to local residents and resulting public protests. Oral Questions: Holuwagoda Development Project and Sports Facilities Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister stated that although a District Coordinating Committee decision carries political and social significance, existing licences remain valid legal instruments for companies. He said the issue should be addressed by the relevant Ministers taking responsibility and visiting the area rather than relying on correspondence, and assured Parliament that Ministers would be informed to meet affected people urgently, explain the situation, and determine the next steps. Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Ministry Statements Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the 2025 Citizens’ Budget, arguing that it reflects the NPP’s election mandate and responds to an inherited context of sovereign bankruptcy, weak tax collection, poor fiscal management, and inefficient state-owned enterprises. He said the Budget seeks to raise tax revenue fairly, strengthen public financial management, reduce state expenditure, and establish fiscal discipline through limits on political perks, foreign travel costs, nepotism, and political appointments. He also cited international comments, including by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, as evidence of confidence in the Government’s transparency, governance, and business environment. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Read →
- 18 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva warned against government arrogance and intolerance of criticism, citing past incidents and the experience under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, while urging the current Government to listen to constructive Opposition input during the Budget debate. He argued that rebuilding the country is a collective parliamentary responsibility and expressed hope that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would be open to persuasion, referencing a past discussion on sovereign bond restructuring. Opening the 2025 Budget debate for the Opposition, he questioned whether the Budget reflected the Government’s own political-economic programme or continuity with the Treasury-led framework of the previous administration, contrasting it with Dr. N.M. Perera’s ideologically clear 1970 Budget. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that teacher transfers are carried out by the Teachers’ Transfer Board, with union representation but not union control. She said current issues in transfers are not solely due to unions but also reflect political interference, and noted that union leaders had told her this year’s transfer appointments were handled properly and independently because she did not intervene. She emphasized that her role is to ensure the Transfer Board functions independently. Oral Question No. 4 (247/2024): Teacher Attachments and Transfers Read →
- 18 February 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned whether the Government has entered into any new fuel supply contracts, alleging that fuel continues to be procured from the same suppliers under the same premium arrangements as before. He also challenged claims that new appointees to petroleum-related institutions would serve without benefits, citing reported allowances paid to the current Chairman, Executive Director, and CPSTL Managing Director, and asked the Minister to confirm whether he accepts these details. Oral Question No. 1 (98/2024): Sale of Petroleum by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper clarified the Opposition’s position on the Supreme Court Determination concerning the Local Authorities Elections legislation, arguing that the Court required a two-thirds majority not because Parliament contradicted a prior judgment, but because the Bill sought to apply youth nomination requirements retrospectively to nominations already accepted, creating an Article 12(1) issue. He stated that Act No. 30 of 2023 was prospective and alleged that the previous administration had used the youth candidate issue to obstruct the postponed local authorities elections. He also noted that if the Bill were certified that day with the agreement of Members, the earliest possible date for holding the elections would be around 11 April. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported holding the delayed local authority elections and welcomed increased representation for women and youth, while urging that this representation be matched with real powers. Citing increased membership and allowance costs after 2018, he requested the Minister to conduct the election on the basis of the 2022 committee recommendation to reduce councillors to about 4,714, which he said would save about Rs. 750 million annually and improve stability. He also called for greater powers and resources for local bodies, noting examples from India and Toronto and pointing to service limitations such as waste collection in Trincomalee. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, stating that local authority elections must be held to restore bodies closest to the people. He recalled the subdivision of large Pradeshiya Sabhas in Nuwara Eliya District during the “good governance” period and argued that such changes improved service delivery, particularly in plantation areas. He suggested, on practical grounds, that the election be held after the Budget Debate and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and called for further subdivision of overpopulated Grama Niladhari divisions in Nuwara Eliya after the election. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi argued that the issue before Parliament should be not only the timing of local government elections but also the defects of the current ward-based electoral system. He said the system creates practical problems for chairmen and members, weakens leadership development, and can produce unfair or unrepresentative outcomes through ward results and proportional lists. He urged the Government, given its two-thirds majority, to hold elections promptly while reforming the system by restoring the former proportional preference model with youth and women’s quotas and stronger campaign finance rules. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe urged support for the Special Provisions Bill to facilitate the holding of local government elections following the election of a new President and Government and a subsequent Supreme Court judgment. He argued that elected local authorities are necessary to implement the Government’s first Budget development and welfare proposals, and called on the Opposition to cooperate in completing the election process. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, arguing that local government elections must be held promptly to restore services handled by local authorities. He criticized the previous postponement of the 2023 elections, alleging that funds were withheld, the Election Commission was pressured, and attempts were made to challenge judicial intervention through Parliament. He said the Government is acting in line with the Supreme Court’s direction to hold the elections expeditiously, while addressing the technical issue of rejecting outdated nominations and allowing new candidates, including youth and women, to contest. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that the postponement of the 2023 local authority elections undermined democracy and disrupted services delivered through local councils, particularly in plantation areas. He said reforms since 2018 had enabled local bodies to serve estate communities, including improving roads, water supply and opportunities for plantation women’s political participation, but these gains were denied by the delay. He rejected proposed reasons for further postponement, cited the Supreme Court decision, and urged that local elections be held immediately. He also briefly welcomed the Government’s maiden Budget, noting salary increases for teachers. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara denied claims that the Opposition sought to postpone the Local Authorities election, arguing that Clause 3 of the Government’s Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill itself permits the Election Commission to call nominations within three months of the Act coming into force. He requested that election scheduling take account of the Budget Debate ending on 21 March, noting practical difficulties for smaller Opposition parties in campaigning while participating in parliamentary proceedings. He also urged the Government and Election Commission to ensure refunds of nomination deposits already paid by parties and independents, citing significant financial burdens and ongoing discussions with the Treasury. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →