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- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Regulations, rules and orders approved by the previous Cabinet were presented, with emphasis on improving implementation and ensuring quality control over imports and exports, citing past incidents involving ethanol, unsafe food imports, Thriposha contamination and unsuitable rice that the new Government re-exported. He said the Government would introduce proper systems for the casino sector and defended its economic and agricultural policies by criticizing the Yahapalana period, sovereign bond borrowing, and the 2021 chemical fertilizer ban, while noting the increase of the fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 25,000. He stated that the Government’s priorities include addressing food security, farmer support, schoolchildren’s welfare, land title issues, roads and water supply, and pledged to correct misuse of public funds and deliver services over its term. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Government’s first 100 days had not delivered the “system change” promised to voters, particularly on reducing living costs, addressing food insecurity, reforming debt-related burdens, and tackling corruption. He compared current prices with reductions achieved under the 2015 Yahapalana 100-day programme, citing high rice and coconut prices and recent WFP/FAO findings on rising food insecurity. He alleged that large rice millers and related business and financial networks continue to benefit while farmers and consumers remain disadvantaged, and demanded a clear Government plan to dismantle such monopolies and ensure fair prices. Debate: Orders and Regulations (continued) Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe supported presenting several Gazette orders and regulations for parliamentary approval, noting that many originated under the previous Cabinet but must now be approved within statutory timelines. He attributed the economic crisis to past revenue cuts, weak tax collection, corruption, and borrowing, while stating that tax and revenue adjustments under the IMF programme must be phased and transparently implemented. On the specific measures, he backed import controls to strengthen standards and anti-dumping protections for domestic industry, supported gradual liberalization of foreign exchange repatriation limits up to USD 500,000, and highlighted the need to regulate informal remittance channels such as hawala/hundi due to foreign exchange and anti-money-laundering concerns. Debate: Orders and Regulations under Foreign Exchange Act, Payment Systems Act, and Casino Business Regulation Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the continued operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, arguing that it is being used beyond its original purpose and may conflict with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations. He asked the Government to state whether it will repeal, amend, or replace the PTA, and requested data on detentions, prosecutions, rehabilitation, releases, and safeguards concerning detention powers, arrest without warrant, and remand procedures. He also called for justice in the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge and attacks on media institutions, including Sirasa and Siyatha TV, urging accountability for those responsible. Procedural: Standing Order 27(2) Question and Exemption Motion Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. Harini Amarasuriya said the programme is a new type of initiative aimed at personal and social transformation rather than force-driven implementation, and acknowledged that mistakes may occur as institutions adjust to this approach. She emphasized that the intended change should be achieved through participation, willingness and consensus, with continued engagement, discussion and correction among officials and stakeholders. She also stated that, due to the programme’s importance and public interest, two days, 21 and 22 January, would be allocated for a parliamentary debate in the next sitting week. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asked what coordination mechanism will ensure State institutions implement the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme consistently with its intended objectives. He noted that some superficial or poorly understood actions by institutions had caused temporary public unease and sought assurances that future activities would be properly aligned and coordinated. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government views its mandate as requiring deep social transformation rather than merely a change in officeholders, and that it is prepared to face opposition to that process. She emphasized that the Government is accountable to the people’s mandate and that the transformation must involve broad public participation and changes in social attitudes and relationships. Referring to media polarization, she expressed the expectation that such change would also influence the media environment over time. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya outlined the objectives and implementation structure of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, describing it as a national initiative to promote social, ethical and environmental transformation, good governance, and sustainable development. She said a 19-member Presidential Task Force, a Secretariat under the Presidential Secretariat, and legally based district and village-level councils would coordinate policy, public participation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She stated that public institutions must integrate relevant programme activities into their action plans, while special projects would be funded through budget allocations and a transparent “Clean Sri Lanka” Fund, with citizens invited to contribute proposals, volunteer work, expertise and financial support. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha argued that past economic policies produced unequal outcomes, with gains captured by a minority while economic downturns and debt burdens were borne by the wider public. Citing per capita GDP figures and the Gini coefficient in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, he said headline fiscal or growth indicators masked worsening inequality and widespread poverty. He rejected the view that IMF engagement alone could restore or develop the economy, stating that while fiscal stabilization and debt restructuring may be necessary, the Government would pursue a broader policy approach based on domestic and global economic conditions. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana argued that opposition parties and aligned media were attempting to undermine the new Government by spreading claims of inexperience and disinformation shortly after the President’s election and the Government’s formation. He said the Government had maintained confidence despite warnings about the IMF and markets, citing the rise of the All Share Index as evidence of improved political stability. He emphasized that economic recovery must translate into improved human development and highlighted planned initiatives under “Clean Sri Lanka,” state digitalization, and rural poverty eradication, including basic infrastructure needs in the Colombo District such as facilities in Battaramulla. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana spoke during the adjournment debate on the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position, arguing that the recent electoral mandate reflected heightened public scrutiny and rejection of former parties associated with corruption and economic collapse. He said the Government must respond to public expectations, while criticizing the Opposition’s frequent use of points of order as an attempt to obstruct the new mandate and return to past political practices. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that complaints are being pursued not for political retaliation but to address wrongdoing and protect the public interest. He emphasized efforts to provide essential goods at affordable prices, citing salmon at Rs. 380 and eggs at Rs. 32, and said the objective is to dismantle market “mafias” and prevent past exploitative practices. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged that the Government had failed to control the rice market, particularly red raw rice, which he said was unavailable in some markets and being sold above the controlled price. Citing Central Bank price data, he argued that prices rose after the new Government took office and claimed consumers were overcharged by billions of rupees in December. He further alleged irregularities in rice imports through Sathosa, saying imported rice was sold above the controlled price, and called on the Public Security Minister to investigate where the alleged commissions and excess earnings went. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy said the Government was elected with a mandate for change and must stabilise the economy after the crisis caused by conflict, COVID-19, corruption, misgovernance and the 2022 suspension of external debt servicing. He outlined progress under the IMF programme, debt restructuring, the December 2024 bond exchange, SME relief measures, education-related allowances and increased elderly allowances, while noting that fiscal conditions had improved but remained challenging. He raised constituency concerns in the North and Jaffna, including hardships faced by fishing families, drug abuse, illicit liquor, damaged roads, weak public services, flooding, lack of banking, transport and telecommunications, rural school decline, illegal resource extraction, and inadequate agricultural storage and drying facilities. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath discussed the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report presented under the State Finance Management Act, outlining its coverage of revenue, expenditure, state enterprises, foreign financing and debt. She argued that the previous Government’s stabilization was achieved largely through tax burdens on ordinary people, particularly affecting women and low-income households, while corruption, waste and poor policy choices contributed to the economic crisis. She stated that the National People’s Power Government is managing expenditure more responsibly within IMF and debt constraints, citing the increased tax-free threshold, expanded Aswasuma benefits, rising tourism, remittances, investor interest and improved ratings as signs of stabilization. She called for support for the Clean Sri Lanka and nation-building programmes. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif called for cross-party support for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s long-term economic programme, arguing that all former governing parties share responsibility for the country’s current difficulties and should unite to rebuild it. He highlighted local infrastructure and livelihood issues in Kandy District, including the lack of public toilets and parking in Gampola, agricultural and fertilizer-related problems, and recurring flooding in Akkaraipattu. He also referred to Government welfare measures, including Rs. 6,000 per child for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families, an increased Rs. 3,000 allowance, and raising the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000, while stating the aim of making Sri Lanka prosperous by 2028–2029. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif attributed Sri Lanka’s current economic hardships to past governments, corruption, and divisive politics, and urged all parties to support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s development efforts. He called for national unity across ethnic and religious lines and highlighted Government relief measures, including Rs. 6,000 for school stationery for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families. Speaking as a Kandy District representative, he requested priority development for Gampola, citing the lack of public toilets and parking facilities. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that if farmers or vulnerable individuals were misled by promises or narratives presented to them, it raises ethical and moral concerns. He emphasized that data represents real household experiences and that political narratives presented to the public must be implemented rather than merely used for persuasion. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva stated that the Opposition is prepared to cooperate with the Government but insisted that it must fulfil the commitments it made. He questioned whether the public had been misled for electoral gain and framed this as a matter of accountability for government promises. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva said the Opposition supports economic stabilization but argued that the Government failed to recognize working people during the domestic debt optimization affecting EPF members and domestic savers. He proposed adding a clawback mechanism to domestic debt arrangements, similar to provisions in external and bilateral restructuring, so domestic creditors could benefit if economic conditions improve. He also challenged the Motion’s criticism of the post-1977 open economy, arguing that past growth figures and the Government’s own forecasting methods indicate the collapse was due more to policy errors, governance failures, fiscal indiscipline and credibility shocks than openness itself. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →