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- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa questioned whether the Government’s policy statement is compatible with its IMF commitments, asking how it will both reduce taxes and raise an additional LKR 500 billion in revenue, and what non-tax revenue measures are planned. He sought clarity on tourism capacity, flood compensation for farmers, rice import policy, and whether imports could affect Maha harvest prices, especially in flood-affected areas in the North and East. He urged the Government to act on promises to recover alleged stolen assets, explain plans for public sector digitization and any proposed reduction of 600,000 public servants, and resolve contradictions on issues such as the 13th Amendment, Provincial Councils, and manifesto commitments. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Government is examining corruption and fraud allegations and is taking steps, in consultation with legal authorities, regarding political prisoners and detainees held on remand without evidence. He said investigations into corruption and the Easter Sunday attacks are ongoing, but cautioned that cases require proper evidence and cannot be rushed. He asked for two more months, arguing that corrective action is underway after longstanding failures. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam briefly stated that he had referred to issues of corruption and fraud. No specific allegation, proposal, or policy detail was provided in the quoted remarks. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara rejected an allegation by Minister Ananda Wijepala that he had engaged in racist politics, stating that he had never stood on a racist platform. He also referred to Wijepala’s remarks on non-interference with police duties and noted that actions taken by Wijepala as Secretary to the former Anti-Corruption Committee under Anura Dissanayake are currently before the courts. Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the NPP’s mandate reflects public demand for economic reform after mismanagement, exclusion of citizens from economic activity, and failures in state enterprises such as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He argued that tourism can help rebuild the economy by using Sri Lanka’s coastline, wildlife, forests, and cultural heritage while linking village craftsmen, farmers, and other ordinary citizens to the tourism value chain. Referring to Thailand’s long-term planning and Sri Lanka’s slower progress, he criticized past patronage and corrupt practices in the sector and stated that the Government has prepared a National Tourism Policy to guide future development. Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara thanked Kurunegala voters and said his alliance with the SJB was based on a centrist political position, while congratulating the President and Government on their mandate. He argued that the collapse of traditional parties resulted from outdated ideology, family control, corruption, and failure to renew leadership, and traced the NPP’s rise to public rejection of those trends after 2014 and successive government failures. He said the Opposition would support the Government where appropriate, but urged it to avoid arrogance, prosecute actual corruption without branding all MPs as thieves, and reconcile its earlier pledges on perks, family politics, and constitutional limits on removing former presidential benefits. He also questioned emerging “crony politics,” campaign financing links, claims about recovering funds from Uganda, and the Government’s position on debt sustainability and the IMF framework. Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government’s electoral mandate reflects public demand for a new political culture, rule of law, action against corruption, and national reconciliation. He stated that the Government would prioritize social cohesion, reject racist and religious extremist politics, and protect dignified remembrance and freedom of expression while preventing incitement. He said the Prevention of Terrorism Act should be repealed and replaced with a counter-terrorism law aligned with international best practices, with existing laws used in the interim to curb racism, religious hatred, and extremism. Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha thanked voters in Kurunegala and Bingiriya and said the new government, despite arising from a working-class political movement, had failed to acknowledge Rohana Wijeweera in the President’s Throne Speech. He questioned whether the Government’s call for parliamentary discipline was consistent with its removal of powers from the University of Ruhuna Vice Chancellor, who he said had acted against ragging and indiscipline. He also challenged the Government to clarify its position on the IMF programme and possible public service reductions, arguing that it had sought a mandate on promises to resist or change IMF conditions but was now continuing the previous agreement unchanged. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka described the 10th Parliament as carrying public expectations for political and social change across ethnic, religious, and regional lines, citing electoral outcomes in Matara as evidence of voters rejecting divisive politics. He said the Government and National People’s Power would oppose attempts to inflame ethnic or religious tensions and would not use repressive laws against democratic voices of progressive parties, professional bodies, trade unions, civil organizations, or individuals. He called for cooperation despite ideological differences and portrayed the new parliamentary group as motivated by public service rather than privileges. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath thanked voters for the National People’s Power’s mandate and defended the President’s Policy Statement as setting out the Government’s vision, while criticizing the Opposition for politicizing the occasion. He said current shortages, including rice shortages in parts of Hambantota and nearby districts, stem from previous governments’ economic policies and asked the public to allow the new Government time to implement relief measures. He rejected allegations of media suppression, stating the Government supports democratic expression but would enforce the law against media activity that incites racism, religious hatred or extremism. He also affirmed the Government’s commitment to development, strengthening the rural economy, and fulfilling the mandate given by voters. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB AI summary Wasantha Piyathissa clarified that he had not expressed the view attributed to him by another Member. He stated that the public had rejected the previous political culture and ethics and were aligning with a new political culture and policy, with changing political behaviour and preferences in those areas. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe urged the Government to move beyond old political traditions and meet the high expectations of voters following the recent election. He objected to remarks made by Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa concerning Hon. Rauff Hakeem, asserting the right of his leader to engage politically in the Eastern Province and citing the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress’s role in keeping Muslim politics within the democratic process. He appealed for clarification and called for setting aside divisive issues in order to support national rebuilding. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe raised concerns about unpaid arrears of Rs. 13.8 million, stating that this prevented flood-affected people in parts of Ampara District from obtaining dry rations on credit, and requested payment of the arrears and relief for Akkaraipattu, Addalaichenai, Lahugala and Pottuvil. He also discussed national politics, arguing that past leaders failed to resolve the ethnic question despite different mandates, and urged the current Government, which came to power promising change, to act beyond old political divisions and address longstanding issues. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Hesha Withanage AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage thanked the Ratnapura District electorate and called for genuine change in parliamentary culture, including ending political interference in institutions and law enforcement. He urged an investigation into the police handling of protests outside Isurupaya, defended the right to protest, and asked the Government to examine an alleged assault case in Ratnapura involving a JVP local government candidate without political interference. He also pressed the Government to honour pledges on abolishing MPs’ pensions and to clarify its position on official accommodation for MPs, while requesting action to maintain decorum in Parliament, including preventing TikTok filming inside the Chamber. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB AI summary Wasantha Piyathissa argued that national prosperity depends on national unity, citing the Government’s policy theme, “National Unity, a Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” He said opponents had spread fear during the election campaign, particularly among Muslim communities, but that subsequent electoral support for the NPP in areas such as Kalmunai and Sammanthurai showed growing trust among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa supported the Government’s policy statement, arguing that the NPP received a mandate to change the political culture and economic direction after 76 years of governance. He said poverty levels, including the number of families receiving Aswesuma assistance and claims that 41 per cent of the population earns less than two US dollars a day, show the need for short-, medium- and long-term reforms. He called for an end to corruption and misuse of public assets, and said investigations and punishment were needed for illicitly acquired wealth while welcoming constructive criticism and proposals. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal thanked the NPP/JVP leadership and the people of Puttalam, noting that his election marked the first parliamentary representation for Puttalam through a national party in 35 years under the proportional representation system. He argued that the NPP’s electoral success, including victories across most districts and in the North, reflected public support for a national programme transcending ethnic, religious, linguistic and regional divisions. Referring to the President’s Address, he said politics based on provincial, ethnic or religious lines had fostered suspicion and chauvinism, and called for unity under a common Sri Lankan identity. He linked national disunity and past divisive politics to Sri Lanka’s post-Independence economic decline, asserting that the NPP Government has a mandate for national renewal. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama thanked voters in Gampaha for the National People’s Power mandate and framed the 2024 presidential and parliamentary results as a peaceful democratic rejection of corrupt and hereditary politics. He argued that the mandate requires delivering justice for victims of past killings and implementing the NPP programme “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” defining prosperity as social, cultural, intellectual, and moral development as well as economic improvement. He criticized previous administrations for failures such as examination delays, paper shortages, electricity bill printing issues, and temporary identity card measures, and pledged that NPP MPs would not betray the public mandate. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that both the Deputy Minister and the Ministry Secretary were present and had invited the protestors for discussions, but the invitation was refused. She noted that the protestors had already been informed the issue would be taken up at Cabinet, yet they still declined to engage. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri thanked voters in Badulla and said the Opposition would support parliamentary reform and proper procedure while cautioning against omissions or alterations that could undermine public intent in law-making. He urged the Government to turn the President’s Address into practical outcomes, engage professionals through dialogue, and address rising prices and shortages of essentials such as rice and coconuts. He questioned the credibility of relying on imports and an interim budget that shows expenditure without revenue, warning that promises on tax reductions and economic relief must be grounded in realistic plans. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →