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- 9 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Asked whether the Government will establish a proper mechanism to regularize Korean employment, citing recent issues involving former Ministers and connected parties allegedly collecting large sums from rural youth by promising jobs in Korea. Emphasized that Korean employment is a sensitive issue for rural youth and sought safeguards for future recruitment. Oral Questions Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lankan workers for Korea are formally sent under E9 and E7 visa categories, while the Government has not recognized any E8 visa mechanism and the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency has no registration, monitoring, or intervention capacity for persons who may have gone under E8 visas. He said an April 2024 MoU signed by the then Labour Minister concerning E8 visas was unlawful because it lacked proper Cabinet approval and was not routed through the established foreign employment process. He further alleged the MoU was irregularly held at the Labour Ministry and contained drafting errors suggesting it was copied from a Korea–Pakistan agreement. Oral Questions Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - State Minister JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that 49 electricity-sector proposals were received under the EOI process, but that route was later invalidated by amendments to the Electricity Act under the previous administration. He said many proposals involved irregularities and high tariffs, and that Cabinet had approved a committee to regularize the process by recommending unit prices, capacities and related terms for approval. He added that the Government would expedite implementation while addressing the difficulties faced by investors. Oral Questions Read →
- 9 January 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara asked whether solar energy projects awarded through Expressions of Interest under previous governments involved inconsistent tariffs and possible political favoritism or undue influence. He requested the Minister’s plan to establish a stable and fair tariff structure for solar power. Oral Questions Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister said facilities for miners had not been withdrawn and that the Government was working to remove political interference in the gem mining sector, particularly affecting traditional miners. He proposed a special presidential investigation into alleged corruption, improper licensing practices, land takeovers and the displacement of traditional miners. He outlined planned measures including a sector advisory committee, mine safety manual, expanded compensation and insurance schemes, public complaint mechanisms, and weekly ministry public days. He also said the Government would strengthen gem valuation and export oversight, address weaknesses in the NGJA legal unit, and discuss VAT relief for value-added gem processing with the Finance Ministry. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha clarified that his earlier remarks concerning the Merchant Shipping Secretariat were not directed personally at Minister Bimal Rathnayake, but were a call to appoint a suitably qualified person with relevant expertise. He then began to refer to matters relating to Bingiriya, though the excerpt does not include the continuation of that point. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake responded to allegations raised by Hon. Nalin Bandara, stating that he would not elaborate because the matter was before court and that the Police and the court process should proceed. He also addressed an issue concerning the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, explaining that an officer had applied for five years’ leave and that a replacement senior administrative officer had been appointed under ministerial authority, not as a political appointment. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 Hon. Thalatha Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thalatha Dissanayake said the Government was proceeding in line with international commitments and an orderly plan to stabilize the economy, rejecting Opposition claims that it had failed to act within “100 days.” She supported regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act introducing 34 new SLS standards and HS codes, particularly to align food standards with global requirements. She also endorsed new regulations for Money or Value Transfer Service providers to bring informal systems such as hawala under recognition and oversight, citing FATF guidance and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Thanura Dissanayake said the Government’s mandate is to replace superficial and traditional governance with a new political culture developed through public engagement and consensus-building. He argued that, despite Opposition pressure, the administration has already achieved a political shift and must now pursue a planned economic transformation. He said the economic programme should align with global conditions while strengthening the domestic economy, protecting entrepreneurs, maintaining international relations, and ensuring a smooth transition that delivers benefits to the public. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa responded to a reference made to him by Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, stating that media reports had distorted his remarks at the opening of a donor-funded building at the Kataragama Devalaya. He said there had been no objection from the Basnayake Nilame or the Apeksha Hospital representatives present, and argued that the criticism was instead linked to his earlier disclosure in Parliament of individuals, including former Minister Dharmadasa Banda, who had received money from the President’s Fund. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala stated that the government’s commitment is solely to the public and that it has no political deals with others. He reaffirmed a pledge to take action against bribery, corruption, fraud, and financial misappropriation. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the claimed independence of recent appointees, alleging that those appointed had campaigned for and supported the Government politically. He expressed doubt that such individuals would perform their duties independently. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected an allegation that President Anura Dissanayake had chaired an Anti-Corruption Committee, stating that this was false and that he himself had served as Director of the relevant secretariat. He said the Government had not halted investigations into bribery, corruption, fraud, or financial misappropriation, and that the depoliticized Police and CID were working independently. He asked Members to wait about a month to see results and stated that action would be taken against anyone involved. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported the approval of regulations and orders made through six Gazettes, while arguing that decades of post-Independence governance and subordinate legislation had failed to improve living standards, unite the country, or prevent war and economic collapse. He said the 2024 victories of the National People’s Power represented a public mandate to replace the old political culture with reforms under the policy framework “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” He outlined planned priorities including “Clean Sri Lanka,” digitalization, and rural poverty eradication, describing them as efforts to reform state institutions, end corruption and indiscipline, and mobilize public participation in national transformation. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila argued that the National People’s Power cannot be expected to resolve decades of economic and political problems within 100 days, but has already changed political culture by rejecting corruption and patronage. He said the Government is addressing development needs fairly, prioritising agriculture and tourism, and responding to the coconut shortage by supporting fertilizer availability and cultivators after past neglect reduced yields. He invited the Opposition to join the Government’s “people’s agenda” to rebuild the economy and advance national development. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Government for failing to fulfil promises to remove VAT from food, health and education items, and accused the JVP/NPP of inconsistency and shared responsibility in past governments and policy positions, including on FTAs and ETCA. He called for protecting university freedoms after the reported cancellation of a Peradeniya student programme critical of the IMF, and warned against political interference in the Attorney-General’s Department through discussions on “special cases.” He also objected to a reported circular restricting Ministers’ and officials’ engagement with foreign envoys, arguing it would hinder local and international cooperation initiatives. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister criticized Opposition Members for raising unrelated issues and for what he described as contradictory positions on matters such as casino regulation, debt, rice shortages, and past criminal investigations. He cited the Committee on Public Finance recommendation to establish a casino regulatory authority and said the Government would regulate casinos, address tax evasion, and strengthen monitoring. He also stated that investigations into killings, including Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, and the Easter attacks would proceed methodically, while alleging previous administrations failed to account for major allocations to the Paddy Marketing Board and other policy failures. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem linked economic confidence and investment to the effective enforcement of law and order, urging action on delayed prosecutions and incomplete investigations. He called on the Government and Attorney-General’s Department to expedite accountability in the killings and attacks on journalists, including Lasantha Wickrematunge, Upali Tennakoon and Keith Noyahr, and to ensure media safety. He also raised concerns about reported restrictions on an IMF-related university lecture, describing academic freedom as essential, and questioned the refusal of Human Rights Commission officials’ access to Rohingya refugees held at an Air Force camp, citing the Commission’s statutory powers. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena argued that Sri Lanka’s investment inflows, tax revenue, remittances and foreign exchange management have not delivered the outcomes expected under laws approved since 2005, including those now linked to IMF-related reforms. He said regulations under Acts such as the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, Foreign Exchange Act, Payments and Settlement Systems Act, Ports and Airports Development Levy Act and Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act must be implemented effectively to attract investment, formalize remittances and rebuild reserves. He also called for stronger regulation and taxation of internationally linked activities such as casinos, stating that passing laws alone is insufficient without supervision, revenue collection and corrective amendments. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Import/Export Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, and Other Acts (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath raised concerns about a proposed prawn farm in the Vakarai Divisional Secretariat Division, noting that it had been discussed at the District Coordinating Committee, with a feasibility study completed and thousands of acres allocated. He requested a re-study that considers the interests of local communities and asked for the involvement of the Minister of Environment in addressing the issue. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Read →