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- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake supported amendments to the Standing Orders intended to make COPE and COPA findings on serious fraud or corruption more effective by allowing Parliament, through a motion, to decide on referrals to the Attorney General. He said these committees rely heavily on the Auditor General and parliamentary staff because they lack investigative arms, and argued that corruption and negligence also involve some public officers, not only politicians. He added that earlier attempts to introduce such a process were blocked, and clarified that remarks by Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena concerned continuing theft by some CTB bus conductors and drivers, not allegations against the current SLTB Chairman. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake addressed reports of a Rs. 13.2 billion fraud at a Sri Lankan bank, stating that the President is intervening, depositors are not affected, and the bank is not at risk of collapse due to capital requirements and regulatory oversight. He said any wrongdoing by bank owners, senior officers, or employees should be dealt with through appropriate Central Bank and audit interventions. He also criticized foreign media reports suggesting fuel shortages or economic paralysis, arguing that fuel supply has been maintained despite global pressures and that the economy is growing at 5.2 percent. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath discussed the role of COPA and COPE under Standing Orders 119 and 120, arguing that they must move beyond audit discussions to effective follow-up on fraud, corruption and institutional inefficiency. He cited recent COPA actions, including recovery of payments for excess or misused fuel by former provincial officials, and examples of irregular conduct such as improper vehicle registration. He supported proposed amendments to Standing Orders to allow Parliament, after debate on COPA recommendations and ministerial observations, to refer findings of fraud or corruption to bodies such as the CID or the Bribery Commission for legal action. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB AI summary COPE’s Chair reported that the Committee had held 29 meetings over the past year and examined 21 public enterprises based on audit observations from 2022–2024, identifying instances where financial regulations and procedures may have been manipulated or overridden. He argued that referring wrongdoing for investigation does not undermine the public service, but protects lawful officials and addresses possible political or administrative interference. He proposed amendments to Standing Orders 119 and 120 to allow COPE and COPA, after Parliament considers their reports, to directly refer prima facie serious matters to the CID or the Bribery Commission for further investigation and due process. Debate: Amendment of Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4) and Committee Stage Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned findings in an audit report on coal procurement, linking them to a similar 2022 issue investigated by the Committee on Public Finance and arguing that bypassing supplier qualification requirements can impose major costs on the public. He said higher generation costs feed into electricity tariffs under cost-reflective pricing and reiterated support for targeted relief to vulnerable groups. He asked the Government to explain how announced electricity, fuel and Aswesuma relief—estimated by him at Rs. 80–90 billion and largely time-limited—would be financed, including what expenditure would be cut or reclassified, and whether inflationary pressures could realistically ease within the relief period. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about alleged misrepresentation of Sri Lankan cricketers’ fitness test results, stating that several players who had passed were being wrongly portrayed as failures while others had not yet taken the test. He thanked Gary Kirsten for accepting the post of national Head Coach and urged the Sports Minister to address the issue properly, emphasizing that both talent and physical fitness are necessary for cricketing success. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported the anti-doping regulations while recalling past institutional strengthening of Sri Lanka’s anti-doping apparatus. He raised concerns over the National Olympic Committee’s failure to hold a 2025 AGM, pass a 2026 Budget, and submit the 2024 audit report, and alleged financial irregularities and misuse of ethics procedures to disqualify election candidates, calling for an immediate ministerial investigation. He also congratulated the men’s hockey team on recent success but criticized the current reimbursement system for overseas sports travel, arguing that athletes should receive airfare and accommodation support in advance. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera cited the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report on coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, alleging serious irregularities under the current Government. He said the tender awarded to Trident Chemphar Limited was improper because the company was not registered with Lanka Coal Company at the time, and that required testing and accredited reporting procedures were not followed. He also claimed a Rs. 300 million emergency procurement was awarded to a company lacking basic qualifications and experience, and called for the Minister’s resignation, a government apology, and corrective action. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB AI summary Aruna Panagoda defended the President’s relief package, stating that it was introduced in response to wartime hardships and the festive season, with over Rs. 100 billion in support for farmers, fishers, and low-income groups. He said the Government’s revenue measures are linked to the Budget, aimed at improving tax administration, bringing tax evaders into the system, and shifting away from excessive reliance on indirect taxes. He also argued that strengthening the rule of law and reducing corruption and commissions are necessary to restore investor confidence. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara supported the Budget-related measures, including amendments to the Social Security Contribution Levy, Orders under the Strategic Development Projects Act, Rules under the Central Bank Act, and Orders under the Anti-Doping Act, saying they would support relief, stability, and investment. He said the President’s three-month plan addressed pressures from global conflict and local conditions affecting groups such as tea smallholders, fishing communities, and low-income households. He argued that Sri Lanka was rebuilding international confidence through rule-based governance and investment processes, and said any technical gaps in the legislation should be addressed with input from experts and business leaders. He also criticized the Opposition’s conduct, alleging disruption, lack of credibility, and responsibility for past economic mismanagement. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim criticized government tax policy as favoring foreign investors through 10-year tax holidays while imposing heavier taxes and enforcement on domestic small industries, citing the beedi sector’s increased tendu leaf import duty, higher per-stick tax, raids, fines, closures, and declining number of licensed producers. He argued that cigarette tax policy had reduced State revenue by not applying the pricing formula, estimating a Rs. 9.48 billion loss and a decline in the tax-in-price ratio from 74 percent to 68 percent. He said foreign investment should be encouraged through consistent trade and investment policy, rule of law, investment protection, foreign exchange safeguards, the National Single Window, and accession to the Madrid Protocol rather than tax holidays. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading and Related Orders (Chair Change - Introduction) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim criticized the Government’s tax policy and the regulation under the amended Strategic Development Projects Act, arguing that it remains insufficiently transparent and could allow discretionary tax concessions despite the 2025 reforms. He cited concerns raised by the Committee on Public Finance and questioned why tourism projects receive longer tax holidays than manufacturing and ICT if the Government prioritizes a production economy. He also argued that increased tourist arrivals have not translated into strong net earnings, citing lower per-tourist spending and foreign exchange leakages. He further opposed the SSCL and the reduced VAT registration threshold, saying these cascading tax burdens would affect small businesses and consumers amid high operating costs. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading and Related Orders (Chair Change - Introduction) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya answered a question on persons declared traitors by British colonial authorities, noting that the seven Muslim leaders referred to were among 190 leaders named in the British Gazette No. 123 of 7 June 1804. She stated that the 2016 and 2017 Gazettes issued by former President Maithripala Sirisena did not appear to include any of those 190 names, and that further action would follow after confirmation from historical experts. She tabled the annexed details and placed them in the Library. Ministry Statement: Direct Ferry Service between Mannar and India Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that existing guidelines on media reporting of incidents involving children do not require amendment, as they already prohibit disclosure of details that violate privacy or sensationalize cases. She said the main problem is non-implementation, and that the National Child Protection Authority, media institutions, and the Ministry of Mass Media are being engaged to improve compliance and consider further regulation. Oral Question: School Safety - Abuse and Violence in Educational Institutions Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar questioned whether loan or payment obligations, particularly instalments added during the 2014 Rajapaksa period, could be renegotiated or rearranged. He also raised concerns about SriLankan Airlines’ Colombo–London and Colombo–Melbourne routes, alleging a potential conflict of interest after the airline’s Chairman resigned and a company associated with him began operating on those routes as a local agent, and asked the Minister to respond. Oral Question: Aswesuma Programme - Appeals and Objections Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised concern about risks faced by patients brought in under decisions involving the Governor and the health sector. She asked what action would be taken to address the issue, describing it as a serious matter. Oral Question: Aswesuma Programme - Appeals and Objections Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns about unresolved issues affecting small boat owners and workers, contrasting them with better-regulated large fishing vessels. He alleged unequal treatment of fishermen, claiming banned fishing methods are tolerated in the Minister’s area while fishermen in Kalpitiya are targeted more harshly. He urged the Government to bring forward the long-pending Fisheries Bill, under preparation since 2018–2019 and covering matters such as madal, trawling and NARA findings, and asked when it would be introduced to protect fishermen’s livelihoods. Oral Question: Fishermen in Puttalam District - Fuel Subsidy (Q.749/2025) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Special Select Committee to inquire into the release of 323 containers from the Port of Colombo without mandatory physical inspection and to report, including its findings, recommendations and observations AI summary A Special Select Committee was appointed to inquire into the release of 323 containers from the Port of Colombo without the mandatory physical inspection and to report its findings, recommendations and observations. The committee is chaired by Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara and includes the listed Members of Parliament representing the inquiry’s membership. Opening: Parliament Session - Administrative Announcements and Personnel Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena raised concerns about fuel shortages affecting farmers, fishers, transport workers and industries during the harvest and Yala cultivation period. He requested a special expedited mechanism, possibly through QR systems or recommendations by Divisional Secretaries and Agrarian Officers, to supply diesel to farmers and sectors such as sugar cane transport for Pelwatte and Sevanagala mills. He also alleged that losses from substandard coal imports had increased reliance on oil-fired power generation and worsened diesel shortages, urging corrective action and priority support for poor communities, especially farmers in Moneragala. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →
- 20 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government’s fuel price increase and high fuel taxes, arguing that taxes should be reduced to ease the burden on consumers amid rising transport and goods prices. He alleged serious irregularities in coal procurement, citing delays in contracted shipments, an emergency tender awarded at a higher price, uncollected demurrage, and additional costs to the public purse, referencing evidence given before the Committee on Public Finance. He also said fuel shortages were affecting farmers, workers, fishers, transport operators and tourism, and questioned the Government’s claim of operating without corruption or fraud. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy Read →