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- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri congratulated the Speaker on his election and then challenged the basis of information provided by the Minister. He asked whether the Minister’s answers came from one of the “400 files” the Minister had prepared, or from officials of the previous government implicated in the alleged wrongdoing. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe reported on investigations into alleged fraud involving a Lanka Sathosa white onion consignment, stating that an internal disciplinary inquiry is ongoing and that related judicial proceedings are before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court, with the Attorney General expected to file indictments in the High Court. He named several former officials and noted that Sonal Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. officials had also been identified as suspects, while saying it is not yet possible to confirm all individuals definitively linked to the fraud. He said the consignment was bought at Rs. 105 per kg and sold at Rs. 135 per kg despite a system-recorded market price of Rs. 355 per kg, leading the CID to allege loss of potential state revenue, and added that implicated officers are no longer serving at the institution. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on the 2021 “garlic scam,” stating that 54,860 kg of garlic handed to Sathosa at Rs. 110 per kg was sold the same day to a Sathosa supplier at about Rs. 135 per kg, despite a retail price of Rs. 355, causing an estimated loss of around Rs. 12 million to Sathosa. He said preliminary and internal inquiries identified six persons, disciplinary action was taken against involved Sathosa officials, and a case is before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court. He added that the CID has sought the Attorney-General’s opinion, steps are being taken regarding High Court proceedings, and relevant inquiry reports have been tabled or placed in the Library. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development about the reported “garlic scam,” seeking confirmation of public concerns and details of any investigations conducted. He requested the names of involved persons or institutions, the estimated loss, and a breakdown of measures already taken and planned, or reasons if no action had been taken. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister rejected a newspaper report alleging “fake medicines” in 500 government hospitals, stating that no such reports had been received by the Medical Supplies Division or the NMRA and that medicines are supplied only through approved and regulated procedures. He said shortages may occur but are being addressed systematically, and warned that unverified claims could unnecessarily alarm the public. He also outlined government action to recover unpaid excise taxes from several alcohol companies, including licence suspension and legal recovery efforts, and stated that the Vote on Account reflects reduced spending under the current President compared with previous allocations. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Mohamed Sali Naleem AI summary Mohamed Sali Naleem used his maiden speech to thank family, party leaders, supporters and voters, and congratulated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the governing party, urging them to fulfil pledges on corruption-free governance. He pledged to share any parliamentary allowances with his constituents, citing his past practice as Eravur Urban Council Chairman of not taking official perks for personal use. He requested Government relief for all families affected by recent floods in Batticaloa, including those who stayed with relatives rather than camps. He also sought action on shortages and land needs at Eravur Base Hospital, release of land for Aligarh National School, and resolution of long-pending land tenure issues for residents of Meerakeani, Meesnagar and Aiyankeni. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi thanked his constituents and recalled his family’s political service before focusing on digitalization during the Interim Appropriation debate. He argued that digital systems are essential to reduce corruption, fraud and inefficiency in the public service, referenced ICTA’s establishment and later neglect, and pledged Opposition support for the Government’s digitalization efforts. He also highlighted the Opposition’s Smart Classroom initiative as a means of expanding ICT knowledge and entrepreneurship among students. He rejected references to a “74-year curse,” arguing that Sri Lanka made progress after independence and that responsibility for recent governance should not be attributed to his political camp. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath welcomed the new Government’s commitments to honest, non-violent and corruption-free governance, but said it must also provide a clear position on a lasting political solution for the Tamil people, including protection of language rights, land rights, and self-determination. He referred to past discrimination, the effects of the war, and the need for support for female-headed families, persons with disabilities, and those who lost livelihoods. Representing Batticaloa, he called for unbiased development, especially in Paduvankarai, and for action on resource and land issues including alleged encroachment in Mayilathamadu–Madhavanai and ilmenite exploitation in Vakarai. He stated that raising these concerns was not anti-Sinhala or anti-national, and said his party was ready to work with the Government if it gives clear assurances on rights, justice, and development. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB AI summary Ruwanthilaka Jayakody thanked voters in Gampaha and Minuwangoda and said the National People’s Power mandate reflected a public demand for “system change” after decades of governance he linked to corruption, racism and economic hardship. He argued that the Government had already begun a political-cultural transformation by avoiding post-election violence and gaining support across ethnic and regional lines, including in the North, hill country and Minuwangoda. He said the Government’s “Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life” policy would address cost-of-living pressures, with concrete measures to be presented in the upcoming Budget, and invited the Opposition to support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s programme. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi, speaking during the Vote on Account debate, alleged electoral malpractice in Hambantota involving polling officials and local assistants, stating that he had lodged written complaints with election authorities and tabled related reports. He defended his family’s record of public service and rejected accusations against all MPs, while criticizing the JVP-led government’s conduct. He also referred to Rohana Wijeweera’s links to Tangalle and requested the Government to repair Wijeweera’s former house, assist Chithrangani Wijeweera, and pay Rs. 5 million compensation to families of people he said were killed by the JVP in Hambantota and elsewhere. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) A. M. M. M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. A. M. M. M. Rathwaththe condemned derogatory remarks against women MPs and linked them to broader concerns about violence against women, recalling previous protests over cuts to the Women and Child Affairs allocation. She said the NPP’s women MPs entered Parliament on their own mandate, pledged to protect women’s safety and justice, and criticized past policies such as microcredit schemes that she said deepened rural women’s poverty. Representing Digamadulla and Dehiattakandiya, she thanked voters for electing new NPP candidates in a multi-ethnic district and defended the Government’s mandate, rejecting comparisons with the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration and claims that the President opposed all borrowing. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera used his maiden speech to congratulate the new government while cautioning that its two-thirds mandate arose mainly from public disillusionment, a weak Opposition, and campaign messaging rather than full endorsement of its manifesto. He argued that the government must present a coherent strategic framework for change and tabled his party’s proposal for an “Entrepreneurial State” aimed at building a “satisfied nation.” He urged reform of the State’s structure, including reducing excessive institutional control under the President, and called on the government not to equate nationalism with racism, advocating a unifying national identity grounded in Sri Lanka’s philosophical heritage. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha used his maiden speech to thank voters in Ratnapura and state that the NPP would use its mandate collectively and responsibly, including on environmental protection. Referring to the Vote on Account, he urged the Minister of Environment to intervene in and suspend a small hydropower project at Bambarbottuwa, alleging misleading documentation, questionable company details, and risks to sensitive waterfalls, endemic fish, drinking water sources, and a declared environmentally sensitive area. He said local residents had opposed the project since 2015 without seeking compensation, and rejected claims that his party had been paid to create conflict. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda thanked voters in the Galle District and acknowledged former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and senior politicians who supported his political career. In the Vote on Account debate, he challenged references to a “76-year curse” by citing events such as the 1971 and 1988-89 insurrections, Black July, the war, the tsunami, Easter attacks, COVID-19, and trade union actions as factors that set the country back. He wished the new government well but urged ministers who previously led protests in sectors such as fisheries, education, health, and agriculture to deliver on their promises, while cautioning against the resurgence of terrorism and the corrupting effects of power. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam said ITAK would support progressive government measures while urging the new NPP government, with its two-thirds majority, to address the alienation felt by minorities through equal treatment and trust-building. He welcomed the absence of obstruction to recent war remembrance events, but called for former burial sites such as the Eechankulam Thuyilum Illam in Vavuniya to be recognized as cemeteries rather than kept as military camps, and for long-term political prisoners to be released. He argued that the NPP’s electoral mandate reflected public expectations for corruption-free and egalitarian governance, and said durable peace depends on goodwill measures that build mutual trust. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said the Vote on Account was constitutionally and legally permissible, but questioned why the Government did not instead present and pass an Appropriation Bill. He argued that expenditure heads, particularly for the Presidential Secretariat, appeared to have been copied forward despite the removal of several divisions under the new President, and urged Ministers not to be misled by officials using outdated templates. He called for closer scrutiny and reform of estimates, cited provincial-level financial anomalies such as idle fixed deposits, and said he would later raise questions on Washington travel and IMF discussions. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the cooperative movement failed due to politicization, citing alleged political appointments and malpractice under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that led to audits and halted operations. He urged that cooperatives be kept depoliticized, referencing successful models in New Zealand, the US, and the “Shakthi” cooperative, and said his side was ready to share proposals to stabilize rice prices while ensuring fair farmer incomes. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s presentation of the Rs. 3.275 trillion item related to international sovereign bond restructuring, arguing that the stated 27 percent nominal haircut could effectively fall to about 14.96 percent under the GDP-linked mechanism. He said the Government had not defended the EPF in domestic debt restructuring and challenged ministers to table any signed debt agreement, noting that the deadline for agreement was still pending. He criticized prior JVP/NPP claims about “stolen” or “odious” debt, alleged missing borrowed funds, and promises of forensic audits or an alternative debt sustainability analysis, arguing that these claims conflicted with the Government’s current acceptance of repayment obligations and the IMF-linked restructuring process. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe alleged that certain rice millers, including Ratna Rice Mill, had obtained large public-bank loans but were withholding rice from the market, contributing to higher prices. He warned that future bank financing would be reconsidered for those not supplying rice, and said the Government would act against “mafias” in rice, coconuts, and other essential goods to stabilize prices ahead of the festive season. He also described the Vote on Account as an interim measure before a full Budget aimed at workers, producers, industries, and the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna criticised the Government’s handling of rice stocks held by large millers, arguing that public expectations require firm action rather than requests. He urged the authorities to use their powers to locate and release the rice stocks to the market immediately. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →