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- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam sought clarification from the Leader of the House and the Chief Government Whip following the tabling of a list of bar licences. He asked where the related applications and MPs’ recommendation letters were, which authority was investigating the matter, whether licences—particularly 18 issued in Kilinochchi District—would be suspended or cancelled, and whether the investigation findings would be made public. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri argued that decisions at a Party Leaders’ meeting cannot override statutes or parliamentary rules, and said the Government has no mandate to bypass approved laws. He stated that the Opposition was not opposing payments to public servants but insisting that such actions be taken in accordance with the law. He also commended the Speaker’s ruling and independence, cautioning against misuse of the Government’s majority. Debate on Vote on Account and Procedural Matters (with Chair exchanges and points of order) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam alleged that the World Bank-funded Strategic Cities Development Project in Jaffna was implemented without local institutional participation, adequate technical data, or qualified oversight, and urged the Government and Prime Minister to investigate possible corruption and negligence linked to recent severe flooding. He also said flooding in Batticaloa was worsened by the uncoordinated simultaneous opening of tank sluice gates. He further appealed for funds to construct breakwaters, deepen channels, and improve coastal protection for Northern fisherfolk whose boats were damaged after the cyclone, while asking that alleged corruption under the previous fisheries minister be examined. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake rejected allegations that the Government intended to use the Prevention of Terrorism Act for political purposes, stating that amendments to the law would be brought soon and that existing laws would be used prudently in the interim. He outlined three main priorities: safeguarding democratic governance through fair elections and impartial state institutions, advancing social justice, and modernizing the country. He also said the Government would reduce wasteful ceremonies and privileges, respect Parliament and the people’s mandate, and implement its programme through the forthcoming Budget. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake tabled Finance Ministry data on 301 liquor licences issued in 2024 and said the President had directed that no new licences be issued until further notice, alleging that some licences under the previous administration were used as political inducements. Responding to the policy statement debate, he said the Government had not misled voters on the IMF programme, debt sustainability analysis or tax changes, stating that it would work within the existing IMF framework while seeking negotiated amendments to be reflected in the Budget. He also defended the National People’s Power’s electoral mandate, argued that Parliament has authority over public finance under Article 148, and said the Government’s large majority reflected public support for ending the previous political culture. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Kader Masthan AI summary Hon. Kader Masthan thanked voters in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu for re-electing him and said his mandate reflected confidence in his corruption-free public service. He alleged that election malpractice, including vote-buying with cash, liquor and food parcels, occurred in the final days of campaigning and urged the Government and President to reform election laws, potentially through constitutional or legal changes, to prevent such practices. He stated that his party would support Government initiatives on anti-corruption, religious and national harmony, and development if implemented promptly. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Najith Indika JJB AI summary Hon. Najith Indika, in his maiden speech, defended the new Government’s mandate and said it had taken office after years of political repression, institutional breakdown, postponed elections, and public distrust. He argued that the National People’s Power had received a clear nationwide mandate across all regions and communities, rejecting claims that its victory depended on narrow or divisive politics. He said the Government’s priority was to restore rule of law, justice, and fairness, and pledged that its 159 MPs would implement the President’s programme over the next five years. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the NPP’s electoral gains in Jaffna, the North and East, and among hill-country Tamils reflected public trust across ethnic communities and rejection of racism, fear campaigns, and traditional political leadership. He framed the Government’s approach as ending entrenched ethnic chauvinism rather than making symbolic constitutional promises, while referencing the 13th Amendment debate and past events including emergency laws, the burning of the Jaffna Public Library, and the 1983 pogrom. He stated that the Government’s policy programme would address estate workers’ land rights, housing, wages, health, and education, and said issues of Tamil political prisoners and the disappeared would be handled with special care. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Chithral Fernando SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando thanked voters in Puttalam and those who supported his entry into Parliament, highlighting increased youth participation. He criticized the President’s Throne Speech and Government speakers for focusing on political attacks and references to a “76-year curse” rather than presenting a clear policy direction. He argued that the Government’s broad characterization of opponents as corrupt contradicted its stated commitment to democracy and freedom, while affirming the Opposition’s support for efforts to defeat ethnic and religious extremism. He urged the Government, given its large mandate, to avoid arrogance and work collaboratively for the country’s betterment. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s policy statement as a historic mandate for a people-rooted administration and said it would not waste public trust despite inheriting bankruptcy, shortages, and institutional distrust. He attributed current rice and coconut supply problems to past governments but said immediate measures were being taken to protect consumers and prevent hunger, while reiterating commitments to a limited Cabinet, anti-corruption action, poverty relief, and resolving plantation community issues on land, housing, and wages. On education, he highlighted declining Grade 1 enrolment, high dropout rates after Grade 8, and links between low educational attainment and imprisonment, proposing that all children after nine years of schooling be directed into either general or vocational education. He argued that vocational education funding is disproportionately low compared with enrolment and said this imbalance must be corrected in the forthcoming budget aligned with the Government’s policy vision. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne discussed the current paddy and rice crisis, attributing it to the previous Government’s failure to purchase paddy during the last Yala season and its sale of State stocks at a loss. He cited past audit findings and alleged irregularities in rice imports, duty changes, and Paddy Marketing Board stock releases to argue that prior policies benefited intermediaries while harming farmers and consumers. He stated that the Government had reluctantly begun importing rice to address the shortage and pledged to reform paddy purchasing, storage, milling, and distribution to protect farmers, consumers, and legitimate value-added sectors. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Palani Thigambaram SJB AI summary Hon. Palani Thigambaram welcomed the Government’s stated commitments to anti-corruption, poverty alleviation, national unity, efficient public service, and economic development, saying the Opposition would support people-oriented measures while opposing harmful actions. He urged the Government to ensure equal rights for all communities, avoid relying only on the 13th Amendment without deeper reform, and revive or strengthen Hill Country initiatives begun under the Yahapalana Government, including the Plantation Development Plan and Hill Country Development Authority. He specifically requested better facilities for expanded local authorities in Nuwara Eliya, land title reforms, a return to single-house housing for estate communities, expedited Indian-funded housing, and action for over 6,000 high-risk households in disaster-prone areas. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook thanked the voters of Kandy District and expressed gratitude for being elected to the Tenth Parliament on behalf of the National People’s Power. He emphasized that the Government had received support across ethnic and religious communities and called for unity among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims after past conflict and division. He urged Members to work together beyond party, ethnicity and region to build a corruption-free, non-racist Sri Lanka, eradicate rural poverty and advance national digitization. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara framed the NPP’s electoral mandate as the outcome of a long political process and the people’s aspirations expressed during the Aragalaya, including ending corruption, recovering stolen assets, and changing the political system. He said the Government would address youth issues through planned short-, medium- and long-term interventions, citing unemployment, education, extremism, mental health, drugs, technology, culture, health and climate pressures as key challenges. He proposed a scientific framework for youth employment, placement of over 35,000 unemployed graduates in suitable jobs within a year, and new initiatives including the V4R digital platform, the “11135” rural IT and English programme, and MMC multi-purpose centres. He also pledged to depoliticize sports administration and called on political parties to settle unpaid dues to the Sugathadasa Sports Complex, which he said exceed Rs. 11.4 million. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s ability to conduct credible investigations while retaining officials linked to past non-cooperation. He referred to CID records and alleged that Dialog, under Mr. Wijayasuriya, released requested data only after senior political figures warned that its licence could be cancelled, asking the Minister how investigations would proceed in that context. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa stated that the Government will pursue proper investigations and prosecutions into murders linked to past unrest, including the killing of Thajudeen. Responding to questions on Hans Wijayasuriya, he said earlier delays in providing data were technical, the data are now available, and Wijayasuriya is willing to support the Government’s digitalization project without focusing on salary or benefits. He urged that the matter not be politicized and said institutions would be coordinated to complete investigations and punish offenders. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Snr. Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Snr. Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara thanked voters for the National People’s Power victory and urged Parliament to focus on the President’s national policy statement rather than past political divisions. He argued that the mandate reflects public demand to move beyond the traditional political cycle and invited both Government and Opposition to work together on national rebuilding. He highlighted poverty and deprivation in rural areas, especially Anuradhapura and Rajarata, and said state policy must prioritise dignity, basic rights, and cultural development, including strengthening cultural institutions to create a more humane and culturally engaged society. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister argued that the Government’s mandate represents a major political change driven by public demand for an end to corruption, dynastic politics and poverty-focused governance failures. He attributed Sri Lanka’s economic crisis to long-term policy failures since 1977, citing debt, deficits, weak exports, poor business and innovation rankings, and declining progress on Sustainable Development Goals. He said the Government would pursue industrial and entrepreneurial reform, including reversing harmful import and tax policies, supporting SMEs and domestic industries, and introducing an anti-dumping Bill in the first quarter of the following year. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna criticized the President’s Policy Statement as inconsistent with his past positions and accused his political camp of having historically fostered communal politics, opposed devolution, and undermined the rule of law during the Aragalaya period. She questioned why the President did not name those identified by the Supreme Court as responsible for the economic crisis, and said she would place a related publication in the Library to support further legal action. She also argued that the speech lacked concrete plans on cost-of-living relief, called for an end to the use of the PTA against protesters, and warned of implications for UNHRC scrutiny and the EU’s GSP+ review. Raising concerns over education in the Central Province, she cited major teacher shortages in Kandy and Matale and urged the Government to recruit qualified graduates and listen to development officers rather than suppress them. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that the UNP historically promoted multi-ethnic representation and national unity, contrasting this with the JVP/NPP’s past opposition to devolution and the 13th Amendment. He questioned the Government’s current position on the 13th Amendment and called for a clear statement in Parliament, noting differing electoral outcomes in the North and East between the Presidential and General Elections. He also criticized the JVP/NPP’s past strikes and opposition to private investment and private universities, while saying the President’s policy statement now appeared to accept positions previously advocated by the UNP/SJB. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →