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- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that two days before the Presidential Election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe entered into an agreement subject to prior conditions and understandings. The remark appears to question the circumstances and implications of that agreement in the context of the election period. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister defended the Vote on Account and said the Government must complete IMF-linked debt restructuring arrangements inherited from the previous administration, including bilateral agreements and sovereign bond settlements, in order to stabilize the economy and implement its programme. He stated that the proposed Rs. 3,000 billion increase in the borrowing limit is connected to completing the sovereign bond restructuring, which he said had already been provided for under the 2024 Budget by the former Finance Minister. He also responded to Opposition questions on issues including corruption, SriLankan Airlines, market shortages, commodity prices, wages and flood relief, arguing that the Government would proceed with its mandate and the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme while engaging with international institutions. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Only NMRA-registered medicines are supplied to government hospitals, though delays, inefficiency, and past irregularities within the NMRA are being addressed, including by expediting registrations. A report has been requested on the referenced news item and will be presented to Parliament. He rejected claims that large quantities of unregistered or substandard medicines had entered the state hospital system bypassing the NMRA, stating that medicines with quality issues are suspended. Vote on Account Debate (Introduction and Motion) Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that the issue under discussion is not confined to the North but exists across the country. He said it had been raised under the previous Government as well and requested the current Government to take action. Papers Presented Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka thanked voters in Anuradhapura and highlighted urgent difficulties facing district farmers, stating that the promised Rs. 25,000 fertilizer relief had not been fully paid and calling for proper compensation for flood damage, including consideration of earlier demands for Rs. 100,000 per acre and support for other crops. He argued that debate on the Vote on Account should focus on current responsibilities rather than repeated references to “76 years” of past politics, noting that all parties connected to past governments share responsibility. He also urged the Government to act quickly on its election promises to prosecute corruption and present the cited 400 evidence files, while affirming the Opposition’s role in questioning the Government on behalf of the public. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the Vote on Account, arguing that the President’s expenditure estimates were significantly lower than those of the previous administration and that much of the allocation reflected debt servicing or specific grants such as World Food Programme funding. He cited spending by the National Youth Services Council on “Smart Youth Night” as an example of wasteful expenditure under the former government, contrasting it with neglected repairs to the Council’s auditorium. He stated that the new administration would avoid tender irregularities and politically motivated spending, and would focus Ministry resources on youth and sports development programmes. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Oshani Umanga thanked voters in Horana and Kalutara and framed the election result as a mandate to transform the country through cleaner governance, digitization, improved state productivity, and support for investment and SMEs. She highlighted increased women’s representation in Parliament and public office, including the re-establishment of the Women’s Caucus, and said the Government would prioritize women’s issues and participation in policymaking. She cited welfare and cost-of-living measures such as school supply grants, pension and Aswasuma increases, fertilizer subsidies, and fuel support for fishers, urging legal and financial backing to implement the “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Lives” programme. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad thanked voters in Mirigama and Gampaha and said his right-wing movement would use its mandate while urging the new Government to clearly define whether it intends to pursue a genuine left economic path rather than policies he associated with Ranil Wickremesinghe. He questioned the Government’s references to a “76-year curse,” saying recent relief measures suggested funds remained from previous administrations, and called for a clear timeline to implement promised production-based industries, anti-corruption laws, and development measures. He also sought clarity on foreign policy, particularly relations with India, the future of Adani projects, and whether the Government would remain non-aligned or tilt toward China. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara said the Opposition would cooperate with efforts to meet public expectations and support changes where necessary. He questioned the Government’s criticism of past Rajapaksa-era concentration of budgetary control, alleging that the current Budget similarly allocates nearly 60 percent among six Ministers and suggesting power is concentrated within a “Pelawatte brothers’ company” associated with the National People’s Power. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara thanked voters in Anuradhapura for re-electing him and noted recent political shifts following the Presidential and General Elections. He said public demands for “system change” had repeatedly shaped governments since 2014, including the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, but warned the new Government against repeating the same rhetoric and practices that led previous governments to lose public confidence. He urged the new administration to focus on delivering its stated policy goal of a “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Lives” and said the Opposition wished it success in responding to people’s expectations. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana urged the new Government to respect the role of the Opposition, avoid triumphalism despite its large mandate, and account to Parliament on how it will address corruption, economic recovery, education, health, and public relief in a bankrupt country. He questioned allocations under the Vote on Account, including presidential expenditure, travel, motorcades, and advisers, and said the Government’s current positions on borrowing, rice imports, taxation, and “mafia” claims differed from its earlier rhetoric. He also called for continued justice for Easter Sunday attack victims and warned that suspending Standing Orders in relation to the Vote on Account must comply with the Public Financial Management Act and proper parliamentary procedure. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof thanked voters in Trincomalee and emphasized his commitment to non-communal politics, urging the new government to move beyond criticism of past administrations and demonstrate the political culture change promised to the public. He called for clarity on government promises, including the claim that major changes would occur within 24 hours of taking office, and specifically requested transparent disclosure of who received liquor bar permits in Trincomalee. He also argued that raising concerns about Muslim representation in Cabinet or Tamil-speaking communities’ access to appropriate administrative appointments is not communalism, but a request for fair and qualified representation. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar said the Government should enforce its anti-communal stance through the law and questioned whether promised savings from reducing corruption, waste and theft are reflected in the expenditure estimates. He challenged the Government’s proposed borrowing, its position on the IMF and debt restructuring, and asked whether it would address losses to EPF/ETF members from domestic debt restructuring and clarify claims about removing 500,000 public servants. He sought timelines and implementation plans for pledges on fuel taxes, electricity tariff reductions, Trincomalee oil tanks, rice imports and supply, PAYE and VAT relief, and removal of taxes on food, education and health. He also asked for concrete proposals on FDI, grants, and tourism strategy, stating that the Opposition would support sound plans while urging stronger checks and balances. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised district-level concerns including wild animal conflict, requesting reconsideration of firearms permits for farmers, and Akurana flooding, calling for discussion on engineering proposals and coordination committee action. He also urged negotiated handling of the Kalmunai Divisional Secretariat delimitation issue, taking Muslim community concerns and pending litigation into account, and called for lawful elections before appointing trustees to the Nindavur Mosque. On the Vote on Account, he questioned large allocations linked to sovereign debt restructuring and alleged possible insider dealing, comparing it with past bond controversies, and called for investigations into both external debt restructuring and Domestic Debt Optimization, particularly its impact on EPF members and gains by primary dealers. He said he would submit questions to the Finance Minister seeking formal answers. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Acknowledging a rice market shortfall and allegations of hoarding, the Minister said the Government is taking short-term measures to stabilize supply, including permitting up to 70,000 metric tons of rice imports, of which about 50,000 metric tons are expected to arrive. He said Sathosa is releasing 200 metric tons of rice daily at Rs. 220 per kilo, covering about three percent of daily demand, until imports and private stocks enter the market. He also stated that some traders and loan recipients are attempting to manipulate stocks and prices, and said he would present details and pursue longer-term measures to prevent market abuse. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake thanked UNP and NDF supporters and welcomed the Vote on Account being presented under the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, while calling for higher standards and renewed public confidence in Parliament. He argued that Sri Lanka must continue the IMF-supported debt restructuring path after the 2022 default, maintain fiscal discipline, raise revenue toward 15 percent of GDP, and protect targets such as low inflation, a primary surplus, and stronger foreign reserves by 2028. He said PAYE in its current form is unfair and urged the Government to design Sri Lankan revenue measures rather than mechanically follow IMF prescriptions, while tabling the 2025 Budget revenue proposals by 17 December. He cited improved SOE financial results and past UNP policy achievements to argue for pragmatic, nationally focused economic management. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. Najith Indika rejected Opposition claims that the NPP had promoted social hatred, arguing instead that fear-based campaign allegations against the NPP constituted such rhetoric. He contrasted the Government’s economic policy with what he described as Ranil Wickremesinghe’s path, citing the closure of the urea plant, rising public debt, privatization of state enterprises, and recent proposals involving the CEB and petroleum sectors. He said the NPP’s mandate was for a different model based on state-led planning, retaining sovereign control over strategic utilities, and mobilizing private and cooperative investment under national plans. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the President’s policy commitment to reject ethnic and religious extremism and strengthen the rule of law, while arguing that past governments wasted major mandates without resolving national issues, especially the ethnic question. He called for accountability for assassinations, disappearances, journalist killings, and the Easter attacks, including consideration of Asad Moulana’s testimony, and urged enforcement of court orders against illegal settlements in Mayilathamadu and Maathavanai. He welcomed the President’s recognition of the right to memorialize the dead, but expressed concern that the policy statement was silent on a political solution to the national question and did not propose a common ministry to treat all religions equally. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim said the Vote on Account must be scrutinized under Parliament’s constitutional control over public finance and argued that the Government had not explained its allocations with sufficient accountability. He questioned the requested expenditure and borrowing authority, including Rs. 1.4 trillion for four months, Rs. 1.7 trillion in further withdrawals, and up to Rs. 4,000 billion in borrowing, saying this contradicted previous pledges to avoid debt. He also demanded that the proposed International Sovereign Bond restructuring agreement be brought to Parliament for debate and a vote before signing, criticizing the macro-linked bond terms and the allocation of Rs. 3,213 million for foreign financial and legal advisers while farmer relief remained capped. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development AI summary The Minister moved the Vote on Account for the first four months of 2025 under Article 150(2) of the Constitution and the State Public Financial Management Act, citing the need to fund public services and ongoing development until the 2025 Appropriation is passed. He set out estimated expenditure of Rs. 2,600 billion, revenue of Rs. 1,600 billion, a primary borrowing limit of Rs. 1,000 billion, and a precautionary borrowing ceiling of Rs. 4,000 billion due to possible timing issues in finalizing debt restructuring. He said the Government’s priorities are macroeconomic, fiscal, external and social stabilization, completion of debt restructuring and IMF engagement, improved revenue administration, a production-oriented economy, and targeted support for farmers, fishers, vulnerable groups and schoolchildren. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →