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- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayathissa presented Government Valuer assessments and maintenance costs for official residences allocated to former Presidents and a former First Lady, arguing that the State is carrying an unjustifiable financial burden. He cited high property values and monthly rental estimates, including Rs. 4.6 million for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Wijerama Mawatha residence, and detailed recent repair and maintenance expenditure borne by the State. He said some former office-holders had vacated their residences, while others remained, and indicated that the valuation of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s residence would be tabled later. He called for former Presidents to relinquish such residences, stating that the Government intends to change the political culture around post-retirement privileges. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister opened debate on economic stabilization measures, including a Gazette to establish a textile production zone in Eravur with a USD 35 million investment, tax concessions, projected returns of about USD 300 million, and around 490 direct jobs. He compared recent FDI figures with the Government’s reported USD 3.78 billion Hambantota refinery investment, argued that corruption allegations and demands for commissions deter investors, and questioned the outcomes of past foreign travel expenditure by MPs and officials. He also rejected claims linking reduced security for former Presidents to renewed insecurity in the North, citing recent electoral support across regions, and highlighted migration and suicide statistics as evidence of continuing economic and social pressures the Government says it seeks to address. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera asked whether the Urban Development Authority plans another operation to remove pavement vendors, noting that some traders were previously removed under beautification efforts while others have since forcibly occupied those spaces. He sought clarification on rumours of a renewed removal campaign. Oral Question: Olcott Mawatha Traders and Floating Market Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Harshana Rajakaruna challenged the Prime Minister’s supplementary answer regarding vehicle use, alleging that CCTV at Parliament and the Madiwela MPs’ housing would show many vehicles being used by MPs. He requested an inquiry, arguing that the Government had promised to end such practices but that they continued. Oral Question: Vehicle Assignments to Government Members Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the claim that no vehicles had been provided to MPs, citing vehicle PH-1208 being used at coordination committee meetings in Pussellawa, Lunugala and the District Coordination Committee, as well as in Punagala Estate. He said the matter damaged the Government’s image and submitted a photograph as evidence. Oral Question: Vehicle Assignments to Government Members Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Government’s claim that vehicles had not been allocated, alleging that vehicle PH-1208, registered to the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, was being used by a Government MP. He said photos on social media showed the vehicle being used for hunting wild boar in Punagala Estate, Bandarawela, and submitted a photo to the House. Oral Question: Vehicle Assignments to Government Members Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa stated that an earlier Cabinet decision, made despite expert epidemiological advice and without sufficient scientific basis, was wrong and was later reversed by a properly constituted committee. He said evolving WHO guidance allowed country-specific adaptations, and that Sri Lanka should continue to acknowledge and express regret for the decision. Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa said past political decisions in the health sector caused hardship to the public and pressure on officials, citing the closure of the Atulugama maternity clinic and its later restoration after opposition. He expressed regret over pandemic-era decisions influenced by religion, noting the government is now addressing such issues, and said legal action would be taken where deliberate wrongdoing is identified. Oral Question: Disposal of the Dead Due to COVID-19 During 2019–2022 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary The Minister stated that return on equity in State banks should be assessed through a detailed decomposition analysis to identify operational drivers, including administrative cost impacts. He noted that financial conditions are stabilizing and emphasized the importance of a sound financial system, with State banks playing a major role. He also said past appointments to bank governing bodies had included unqualified or inexperienced persons, and cited the appointment of the current Bank of Ceylon Chairman, a former Citibank Country Director, as an example of merit-based selection. Oral Question No. 3 & 4 – 149/2024 & 176/2024: Bank of Ceylon Financial Status and Performance Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake alleged that members of the former COPE process, whom he called the “footnote gang,” protected former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in relation to the 2015 Central Bank bond issue and named several former MPs in that regard. He argued that such conduct must be addressed as part of the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme and urged the Opposition to offer substantive criticism rather than personal or minor attacks. He also said the Government was prepared to allocate two days in March for a further debate on the programme. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 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 Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a mandate-driven national effort focused on integrity, public service, road safety, social dignity and institutional reform, rejecting opposition claims that it is merely a shramadana project or copied from abroad. He criticized the SJB for alleged political engagement with Ranil Wickremesinghe and association with the Rajapaksa legacy while claiming to support Clean Sri Lanka, and cited the resignation of the former Speaker over certification concerns as an example of responding to public moral expectations. He outlined transport-related measures, including action on road accident blackspots, engagement with the World Bank and private sector, and an investigation into the Ghandara bus accident. He also said Tamil-language Clean Sri Lanka materials would be tabled and made available, and acknowledged the need to improve Tamil signage in institutions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana welcomed the “Clean Sri Lanka” concept but argued that it must go beyond cosmetic public-order measures to address corruption, stolen assets, cost-of-living issues, VAT on health and education, and support for fisheries. He called for a systemic approach to public transport safety, citing bus accident and fatality figures, and urged action on permit transfers, service quality, accessibility, and harassment of women passengers. He also demanded sustained waste-management and dengue-control systems in areas such as Negombo and Wattala, and raised concerns over the alleged rapid release of 323 Customs containers through the Green Channel without proper inspection, calling it a national security and revenue issue. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said Clean Sri Lanka should be understood as a broad mandate-driven reform programme, not reduced to isolated enforcement actions. He reported that passport queues had been eliminated through an online appointment system and emergency fast-tracking process, pending further action after a related Court of Appeal matter. He said Police and STF operations were proceeding without political interference, citing recent seizures of drugs and illegal firearms, and argued that the Government was depoliticizing law enforcement and judicial appointments. He also stated that the PTA would be repealed through a Cabinet subcommittee process and that court-ordered removals in Kolonnawa would be handled with measures to provide affected families and traders with permanent solutions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticised the initial implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, saying it alienated three-wheeler drivers and private bus owners while failing to address larger issues such as the rice “mafia,” delays in solar approvals at the Ceylon Electricity Board, and passport appointment backlogs. He questioned allegations that over 300 containers had been released by Customs without proper inspection and raised concerns about possible contraband. He also urged the Government to disclose the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks, arguing that Clean Sri Lanka should prioritise such major accountability issues over action against small transport operators. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara defended the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a continuing national movement rather than a short-term campaign, saying it would be implemented through coordinated policy, public officials, professionals, and grassroots volunteers. He rejected Opposition claims that the programme was being misrepresented or used for partisan purposes, and argued that public trust and voluntary participation would distinguish it from past slogan-driven or corrupt governance initiatives. He said ministries and district and divisional coordinating structures were already being aligned for implementation, and that the Government would proceed lawfully, constitutionally, and transparently. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Dilip Wedaarachchi asserted that he and his family are honest public servants and rejected any implication that they are thieves. The statement was brief and did not raise a specific legislative issue, proposal, or demand. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the issue involving principals had been raised several times and that inquiries were already underway. He added that alleged politicization of schools should be examined more broadly, including remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition to Grade 1 students. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi questioned the lack of programme details in the Prime Minister’s statement on the Clean Sri Lanka programme and asked how it would address political activity by school principals and teachers. He cited allegations involving nine principals in Hambantota during the Presidential Election and a specific case at Ambalangoda Theraputta National School, requesting an inquiry, legal action if warranted, and a report to Parliament. He proposed implementing Clean Sri Lanka through the 339 Divisional Secretariat divisions and 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions using local state officers for structured delivery. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage argued that the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative should be understood as a broad programme of political, social, ethical, environmental and institutional reform, not merely waste removal or drain cleaning. She attributed current crises in governance, public services, education, health, the economy and the environment to past political failures, citing the lack of clean water in parts of Matale as an example. She said the Government would pursue efficient public transport, systematic waste management and education reforms to build environmentally and socially responsible citizens, and called on educators, public servants, citizens and the Opposition to support the programme. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G. G. Ponnambalam commented on the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme, noting that its website presents the initiative under social, environmental and ethical categories, with the first two focused mainly on apolitical issues such as the environment and physical cleanliness. He argued that the ethical component, which refers to building trust in systems through integrity, suggests a broader mandate but is too briefly developed, and called for a more comprehensive public presentation of the programme. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →