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- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake cited a 25 November 2024 Party Leaders’ Meeting decision that all party leaders agreed Local Authorities Elections should be held with fresh nominations. He argued that the election could be conducted after the Budget Debate concludes on 21 March, subject to the Election Commission’s timetable, and rejected suggestions to delay elections for political advantage. He also stated that his side does not use State property or State media for campaigning. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka questioned the Government on the postponement of local government elections, recalling that the Treasury Secretary had cited lack of funds and alleging that JVP MPs supported the postponement despite a Supreme Court judgment. He also alleged an improper appointment of a current local election candidate, Tiron Silavansa, as Secretary to the Kalawana Pradeshiya Sabha, arguing that neither the Provincial Commissioner nor the Minister had legal authority to do so. He asked how many similar appointments had been made and called for the alleged illegal appointments to be corrected. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, arguing that it is required to proceed with the postponed 2023 Local Government Elections in line with Supreme Court rulings. He said the previous administration unlawfully obstructed the poll by withholding funds and pressuring officials, leading to findings that constitutional rights under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(a) were violated. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government was delaying or pressuring the Election Commission, stating that the Bill was brought promptly and that the Commission must conduct the election while respecting other legally required polls. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa requested an early response to his letter seeking a Special Committee to investigate USAID and NGO transactions, arguing that Parliament and the public should know about such activities. He opposed any postponement of the Local Authority Elections, while urging the Government and Election Commission to ensure campaigning does not disrupt the O/L examinations affecting around 400,000 to 450,000 students. He alleged recent intimidation of media, activists, protesters and political opponents, including arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and incidents in Matale, Akuressa and Agunukolapelessa, and called on the Government to ensure a free, peaceful election without repression. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration JJB AI summary Muneer Mulaffer argued that the 2023 Local Government Election was postponed for political advantage despite public demand for change and legal challenges seeking to hold it. He said past governments had used local elections to consolidate power, while the present Government was committed to restoring democratic rights and holding the poll after Ramadan, despite concerns about religious observances and examinations. He acknowledged that electoral laws may need refinement but said such reforms should proceed alongside, not in place of, the delayed election. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha clarified that, in relation to Provincial Council elections, he had only tabled an independent Delimitation Commission report and had not presented and opposed his own Bill. He acknowledged shortcomings in the current electoral framework, including female representation, ward numbers, and population-based delimitation, and urged the Government to use the 90-day period provided in the Bill to introduce necessary amendments. He asked the Government to consider Opposition views and relevant timing factors such as examinations and the Sinhala New Year while proceeding with election-related reforms. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha supported the Bill to cancel the 2023 local government nominations and call fresh nominations, arguing that holding a 2025 poll on old nominations would be impractical given the 2024 electoral register, while noting its need for a special majority in light of the Supreme Court judgment requiring the election. He urged the Government to use the Bill’s three-month implementation window to amend the local government electoral framework, particularly to improve women’s effective representation by revisiting nomination thresholds. He also called for rationalizing the enlarged number of local authority members, citing the cost to the Treasury. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill as necessary to hold the long-postponed elections for 340 local authorities and restore elected representation for local service delivery. He said the Bill would cancel old nominations, permit new nominations, provide for deposit refunds, and expand opportunities for youth and women candidates, including a 25 per cent youth representation requirement. He linked timely elections to implementing Government priorities such as rural poverty reduction, digitalization, Clean Sri Lanka, waste management and local infrastructure, while criticizing alleged efforts to delay the polls and calling on the Opposition to state clearly whether it supports holding them promptly. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill to cancel the 2023 local government nominations and call fresh nominations, citing party leaders’ consensus after the new Parliament met and practical changes in parties, candidates and public mandate since the postponed poll. He referred to the Supreme Court’s findings on the 2023 election postponement, including the violation of fundamental rights and the Court’s determination that this Bill requires a two-thirds majority, while stressing that the election must be held expeditiously. He argued that statutory timelines allow polling around late April after the Budget, supported refunding candidate deposits, and noted proposed 25% youth nomination allocation and strengthened women’s representation. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said his party supports the Bill to cancel previous local government nominations and allow new nominations, noting that the 2023 election was postponed despite court action seeking its conduct. He requested that deposits paid by more than 80,000 earlier candidates be refunded before new nominations are called, and urged that the Election Commission independently determine a practical election timetable without political direction. He also raised concerns about clashes with the Budget debate, examinations and the New Year period, and called for electoral reforms including electronic voting, stronger youth and women’s representation, neutral election administration, and changes to defects in the local government electoral system. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister moved the second reading of the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, explaining that it seeks to cancel the nominations accepted for the postponed 2023 local authority elections and call fresh nominations. He said the postponement had violated fundamental rights, as determined by the Supreme Court, and that fresh nominations were needed to protect the franchise and candidacy rights of those who became eligible in 2023–2024. He stated that the Bill reflects an all-party understanding reached in November 2024 and urged Parliament to pass it to restore elected representation in local authorities. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Read →
- 17 February 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies AI summary The Prime Minister said the 2022 crisis reflected both economic collapse and political failure, creating humanitarian hardship and leading to a public mandate for systemic change at the 2024 elections. Presenting the Budget as the foundation for that mandate, he argued that the new Government had stabilized the economy, strengthened reserves and the rupee, lowered Treasury Bill rates, restored investor and international partner confidence, and expected about 5 per cent growth in 2025. He acknowledged the role of the IMF-supported reform programme and debt restructuring in stabilization, while stating that the Government seeks greater economic sovereignty and sensitivity to the pressures placed on citizens by measures such as higher taxes, interest rates and cost-reflective energy pricing. Appropriation Bill, 2025: Second Reading - Debate Adjourned Read →
- 17 February 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President; Minister of Defence; Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary The President moved the Second Reading of the Government’s first National Budget, framing it as a response to the 2022 economic, social and political crisis and as a mandate arising from the 2024 elections. He attributed the crisis to structural governance and fiscal failures, said the new administration had stabilized reserves, the exchange rate and financial conditions, and projected around 5 percent growth in 2025. He acknowledged the role and social costs of IMF-backed reforms, highlighted completion of external debt restructuring in December 2024, and stated that the Government’s objective is to rebuild economic sovereignty through its own policy framework while maintaining stability and international confidence. Appropriation Bill, 2025: Second Reading - Debate Adjourned Read →
- 17 February 2025 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government met on 17 February 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. (Prof.) A. H. M. H. Abeyrathna. The record lists the Members present, indicating committee participation in matters relating to public administration, provincial councils, and local government. Parliamentary Structure and Committees Read →
- 14 February 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about international discussions on USAID transactions relating to Sri Lanka and referred to a letter from Hon. Namal Rajapaksa requesting a Special Committee. He urged that, since the Prime Minister’s name had also been mentioned, the matter should be addressed formally and asked the Speaker what action would be taken, including whether such a committee would be appointed. Points of Order and Procedural Matters: Supreme Court Determination and Parliamentary Procedures Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports AI summary The Minister supported Hon. Hesha Withanage’s motion and said the Ministry is addressing issues across 74 registered sports federations, including disputes, litigation, suspensions, and allegations of corruption. He stated that decisions on Sri Lanka Cricket would be made within the law, relevant regulations, ethics, and international sporting requirements, not under external influence. He said the Government is studying the 3 May 2024 Gazette, the Chitrasiri Report, and the Sports Law together, and will announce a course of action within two to three weeks. Adjournment Debate: Sri Lanka Cricket Development and Anti-Corruption Measures Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi argued that Sri Lanka Cricket lacks an integrated development pathway from village and school levels to the national team, creating inequities for players from less-resourced areas and those without connections. Citing the 2023 Audit Report and Special Gazette No. 2310/26 under the Sports Law, he raised concerns over allowances paid to an MP holding cricket administrative positions and the absence of proper annual planning. He called for removing corrupt elements from cricket administration and implementing a national sports policy based on equitable access, infrastructure, professionalism, and cooperation among public, private, and NGO sectors. Adjournment Debate: Sri Lanka Cricket Development and Anti-Corruption Measures Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper seconded the Adjournment Motion on Sri Lanka Cricket, linking recent on-field disappointments, including losses to Australia and the Women’s Under-19 team’s failure to reach the semi-finals, to public concerns about corruption in cricket administration. He argued that delays in implementing earlier anti-corruption measures have allowed the same group to attempt to regain control through the forthcoming SLC election, and urged that the matter be treated seriously. Adjournment Debate: Sri Lanka Cricket Development and Anti-Corruption Measures Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi moved an Adjournment Motion calling for urgent reforms to Sri Lanka Cricket amid concerns over poor international performance, audit findings of fraud and corruption, and the pending SLC election. He argued that the 2024 sports regulations enabling extended office terms were not approved by Parliament under the Sports Law and urged the Minister to suspend them, act on the Chitrasiri Committee proposals, and establish a transparent administrative framework. He also raised concerns over recent SLC constitutional changes affecting voting rights and warned that, without intervention, the same allegedly corrupt administration could regain control. Adjournment Debate: Sri Lanka Cricket Development and Anti-Corruption Measures Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem clarified that the COVID-19 cremation policy was decided early, after the second death, and was not originally based on Prof. Meththika Vithanage’s later views on groundwater transmission. He argued that a committee should be appointed to examine all scientific claims and criticized officials for withholding information under the Right to Information process, saying this obstructed the search for truth. He also objected to remarks portraying the absence of a Muslim Cabinet Minister as a positive development, noting that Muslims had held Cabinet positions since Independence. Private Members' Motion 6: Select Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Cremation Decisions Read →