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- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a central initiative to rebuild the country through both environmental improvement and “spiritual purification.” He argued that environmental degradation, corruption, drugs, gambling and social misconduct require a change in public values as well as physical beautification. He linked the programme to tourism and development goals, citing coastal clean-up activities in Galle and plans to extend similar work through 500 vocational education institutions, while calling for Sri Lanka’s social capital and volunteerism to be directed toward national progress. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri said the Opposition’s criticism of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme was intended to ensure it was implemented properly, not to obstruct the Government. He called for practical, sustainable systems, citing his experience as Bandarawela Mayor with waste segregation, composting, collection schedules and public participation, and said the Opposition would support such measures. He also urged the Government to hold local government elections, act on promises to recover stolen assets and prosecute corruption, and avoid publicity exercises and smear campaigns. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva said the Clean Sri Lanka programme should address social, environmental and ethical reform, with particular attention to restoring dignity and equal opportunity for vulnerable groups. Citing a reported incident in Dambulla where a disabled passenger with a ticket was unable to board buses, he called for public transport operators to uphold their obligations and for wider attitudinal change. He referred to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28 of 1996, and argued that legal access must be supported by enabling environments in education, employment, healthcare and public infrastructure. He proposed that the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force include a representative with disabilities and adopt universal design principles under the principle of “nothing about us without us.” Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a broad policy framework based on social upliftment, environmental protection and ethical development, rather than a narrow initiative as he said the Opposition portrayed it. He linked the programme to the NPP’s electoral mandate and cited crime, harassment and disability-related concerns to argue for a more humane and respectful society. He also said the Government had begun changing political culture by ending nepotism in ministerial staff, diplomatic and other appointments, and pledged to fulfil the public’s expectations. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the legal scope and implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that the Gazette establishing the Task Force frames it primarily as an environmental initiative and does not include anti-corruption, rule of law, or public sector efficiency objectives. He asked the Government to clarify the programme’s timeline, organizational structure, expert involvement, and legal authority, noting that these had not been publicly set out. He also raised concerns about financing, stating that any collection of funds must comply with Financial Regulations and be supported by a properly established institution and fund. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra argued that the Clean Sri Lanka programme should be understood as a broad reform agenda covering politics, the environment, public attitudes, governance, and digitalization, not only physical cleanliness. He said the Government had a mandate to address economic, social, and political crises and to transform institutions after long-term decline. Referring to his portfolios of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, he highlighted past problems including political appointments, weak diplomatic representation, and corruption allegations, and said a transparent software framework would be introduced at the Foreign Employment Bureau. He requested support for these reforms, or at least that they not be obstructed. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra JJB AI summary Hon. Arun Hemachandra said an inquiry into a recent irregularity found that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment’s software systems were outdated and insecure, with sensitive data handled in editable MS Excel files. He said the Ministry had obtained expert advice from the University of Moratuwa and decided to comprehensively overhaul the SLBFE software system. He urged the Opposition to cooperate rather than make what he described as baseless criticisms, arguing that the Government is laying the institutional foundation for reform. He also referred to concerns raised by a foreign employment delegation that previous governments had sent unsuitable workers despite available vacancies. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda expressed support for the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that past Governments had also contributed to public cleanliness and urban improvement, citing Colombo’s transformation under former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and measures against public smoking, posters and betel stains. He urged the Government to build consensus, reduce blame over past administrations, and use Parliament itself as an example of “clean” conduct, including reconsidering parliamentary privilege for statements made without legal consequence. He said the Opposition was ready to contribute proposals, but criticized the Government for allegedly targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and warned against allowing such actions to create wider public resentment. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi urged the Minister to intervene in the Sri Lanka Cricket election process, warning that allowing it to proceed would enable alleged manipulation by the existing administration. Citing fraud identified by the Auditor General, he called for the Minister or the President to use available powers to halt the process and cautioned against being influenced by those running the institution. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister stated that allegations and issues concerning Sri Lanka Cricket and other sports are being examined comprehensively, with fraud to be exposed and legal measures prepared where necessary. He said inspections had revealed misuse of public funds, including facilities claimed to exist but found neglected, and asserted that the Government would act independently without favouring vested interests or engaging in commissions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary While expressing conditional support for the Clean Sri Lanka programme if its stated aims are genuine, the Member criticized the Government for unclear and contradictory communication, citing confusion over implementation dates and police actions, and requested a comprehensive explanation of the programme at the end of the debate. He questioned inconsistencies between election pledges and current positions on the fuel levy and electricity tariffs, and urged clarification on whether further tariff reductions and renewable energy expansion would be pursued. He alleged obstruction within the Ceylon Electricity Board and related energy interests against solar, wind and other renewable projects, calling for scrutiny of coal procurement and warning that reversing renewable initiatives could raise costs and cause power shortages. He also referred to previous COPE concerns over Sri Lanka Cricket and questioned whether promised institutional reforms were being pursued. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda defended the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as a broad initiative to improve environmental conditions, public services, ethics, living standards and economic recovery, rejecting Opposition claims that it is limited to garbage collection or beach cleaning. He cited poor conditions at Homagama bus stand and railway station, delayed local government services, and an unfinished road project as examples of problems the programme aims to address. He said the Government, elected with a large mandate, would implement the programme gradually with public participation and presidential oversight. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme in principle, describing it as a national effort for ethical conduct, environmental cleanliness and social responsibility, but said it had been poorly communicated, citing police action against three-wheelers and buses as an example. He urged the Government to ensure the programme is equitable, addresses poverty, loan sharks and access to concessional credit, and reforms under-resourced institutions including the courts, Police and Attorney General’s Department. He also called for an investor-friendly approach, anti-corruption measures, and bipartisan participation, arguing that the Government should involve the Opposition and bureaucracy to turn the programme into practical national change. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a broad initiative focused on improving productivity across government, industry, schools and state-owned enterprises, rather than a limited enforcement exercise. He said the National Productivity Secretariat, now under his Ministry, will relaunch the National Productivity Awards and drive measures to reduce waste and improve efficiency in industrial zones and public institutions. He announced plans to support the Valachchenai Paper Mill by aggregating waste paper from state institutions, schools and households through collection centres, following a Cabinet submission. He urged Opposition MPs and the public to support the programme, arguing that higher productivity is essential for Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global market. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam expressed support for the Clean Sri Lanka national programme as a needed initiative for sustainable social, political, economic and behavioural change across all communities. He emphasized that such change must begin with public representatives and take time to develop. He requested that programme materials, including the Clean Sri Lanka presentation and names of government schemes such as “Aswesuma,” be provided in Tamil, citing the 16th Amendment and the status of Tamil as an administrative language in the North and East. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 Hon. Dinidu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman said surveys, reserve demarcations, and protection plans had been completed for district water sources, and proposed that water protection plans for all sources be implemented under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He argued that Clean Sri Lanka would support environmental protection and poverty eradication, while accusing Opposition members of opposing it for political reasons and of previously misusing public funds during election-related activities. He rejected allegations of waste in the programme and called for a new political culture that avoids such practices. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman said the Clean Sri Lanka programme should address deterioration in culture, politics, the economy and ecosystems through long-term national policies and public participation. He argued that the Government had begun changing what he described as a degraded political culture, including by reducing misuse of public resources, and linked the programme to economic revival, sports governance, road safety, disaster prevention and environmental restoration. He cited annual road deaths, disaster displacement and relief costs, and degradation of river basins as areas requiring planned, community-based action, noting that related initiatives had begun in Badulla District. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa said that calls for a new political culture and programme must be matched by concrete solutions and State responsibility. He stated that his side would support positive and progressive measures benefiting the country and people, while warning that unfulfilled promises would obstruct the goal of a prosperous Sri Lanka. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Anton Jayakody defended the Clean Sri Lanka Programme as a broad national initiative covering social, environmental and ethical reform, not merely waste management. He argued it should address past development failures such as Uma Oya, Oluvil Port, coastal erosion and neglected irrigation infrastructure, while supporting agriculture through tank rehabilitation, improved fertilizer use and future domestic fertilizer production. He also linked the programme to “clean politics,” calling for reforms in governance, policing, regulatory institutions and public administration to build a productive economy and better living conditions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar cited newspaper reports alleging that approximately Rs. 700 million in taxes were evaded during October–December after the current President took office. He asked the Minister to respond the following day and urged the Government to address financial fraud and tax evasion as part of its broader clean-up efforts. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →