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 March 2026 The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama supported approval of remuneration and service conditions for officers and employees of the Commission under the Anti-Corruption Act, arguing that adequate staffing, salaries and capacity are necessary for CIABOC to function independently and effectively. He said past anti-corruption laws and institutions lacked enforcement culture and resources, while the Government has removed recruitment obstacles and seeks to finalize a 971-member cadre to address a large backlog of investigations. Referring to an indictment involving the Power Minister over an alleged incident from about a decade earlier, he argued that the filing of charges under the present Government demonstrates institutional independence. He also noted that Middle East tensions affect Sri Lanka’s stability but said the Government had stabilized the economy and administration. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake supported the motion to strengthen the Bribery or Corruption Commission through staffing and pension measures, but urged that it act independently and apply the law equally, citing differences in how cases are handled. He raised operational concerns about the QR fuel system, LPG shortages linked to supplier changes, petroleum procurement amid global disruptions, and delays in Army pensions, while also calling for action on senior citizens’ interest benefits, allowances, transfers of disabled police and intelligence officers, and other administrative issues. He asked the Government to address shortages of fuel, gas, food and essentials, and to respond practically to matters raised in Parliament. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister moved approval under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, for the remuneration and service conditions of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption’s staff, stating that this is necessary to establish an independent 971-member cadre. He said legal clarifications had confirmed that the State Finance Management Act does not restrict appointments under the Anti-Corruption Act, and outlined related anti-corruption measures including dedicated courtrooms, FATF-linked procedures, and improved investigative capacity. He also urged that allegations such as those concerning coal procurement be referred to the relevant independent authorities, cited recent action by the Commission as evidence of independence, and briefly referred to economic reserves, contingency planning amid Iran–US tensions, and resolving issues with the QR Code system. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Welcoming the measure on salaries and service conditions for Bribery Commission staff, Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran linked Sri Lanka’s economic crisis to both corruption and poor policy decisions, and called for stronger economic planning amid global risks such as possible fuel shortages from Middle East conflict. He urged the Government to prioritize food security by increasing diesel allocations for agricultural machinery, especially in Ampara District, and by urgently importing fertilizer, pesticides and agrochemicals using available Treasury funds. He also requested adequate fuel supplies for fisherfolk, warning that failure to support farmers and fishers could reduce food and fish production and create wider instability. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera supported the proposal and recalled his role in developing the 2023 anti-corruption law, arguing that institutions such as the Attorney General’s Department and CIABOC must be strengthened. He then raised concerns over the 2025–2026 coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Plant, alleging delays, inferior coal supplies, financial losses, and improper award of both the main and emergency tenders to Trident Chemphar Ltd. despite reported failures and prior blacklisting. He questioned why the Energy Minister remains in office after indictments were filed under the CIABOC Act, and cited alleged improper meetings with a bidder during the tender process, calling for decisive action. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Moved for Parliament to approve, under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, the remuneration and conditions of service for CIABOC officers and employees, including a 971-position cadre and a new remuneration scheme with specified allowances. She said the approval is needed to operationalize the expanded mandate and independence of CIABOC under the 2023 Act, address staffing and legal-capacity constraints, and clear a backlog of over 4,000 concluded investigation files. She also noted Cabinet’s approval of special committees to manage impacts from current external energy pressures and ensure continuity of essential services. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns over the absence of a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and digital asset transactions, citing a reported Rs. 290 million crypto scam and concerns about capital flight under the Foreign Exchange Act. He asked the Government to state the current policy of the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance, actions taken since his January 2025 queries, estimated crypto transaction volumes, tax treatment of crypto gains, and whether enforcement agencies have a joint mechanism to address fraud, money laundering, and illicit outflows. He also questioned whether Sri Lanka is lagging behind peer jurisdictions and requested a timeline for introducing laws or regulations to govern digital assets and crypto exchanges. Clarification on Country's Energy Security under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Hon. Lal Premanath asked a supplementary question about a long-running issue that has persisted for more than four years and was repeatedly raised by the public, attorneys, and officials at District Coordination Committee meetings. He questioned whether the relevant authorities had recognized the delays by officials responsible for implementing the solution. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked a supplementary question to the Minister, noting that public officers are typically barred from duties when indictments are filed against them. He asked whether, given indictments against the Minister, the Minister would continue in office or step down to allow justice to proceed. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act and remuneration matters under the Anti-Corruption Act. He stated that the Committee found property developers had advertised Port City apartments without required parliamentary approval and directed that such advertisements stop, emphasizing that the Commission cannot exercise powers reserved for Parliament. He also noted unresolved concerns over remuneration for the CIABOC Chairperson, Commissioners and senior officers, including the unfulfilled undertaking to align salaries with Court of Appeal judges and disparities with Attorney-General’s Department legal officers, and said an amendment was requested to address this. Committee Reports and Petitions Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the President’s reported reference to Sri Lanka as “hundu” and questioned the effectiveness of government initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” while expressing concern about the use of emergency powers and CID action against online content creators. He alleged continuing irregularities and misconduct in hospitals and mortuaries, citing the case of a deceased 23-year-old woman from Hatton, delays in post-mortems, and unresolved inquiries relating to Akkaraipattu Base Hospital. He also raised concerns over coal-related controversies, the absence of protests under the current Government, the reported refuge sought by two Vadamarachchi fishermen in India, and requested an in-depth inquiry into a boat capsize near Palaithivu that caused three deaths. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna defended the extension of Emergency Regulations as necessary for continuing disaster relief and reconstruction after the November disaster, citing displaced families in relief centres and the need to expedite land acquisition and rebuilding. He rejected Opposition claims that Emergency was being used to enable corruption or suppress dissent, pointing to improvements in Sri Lanka’s corruption ranking and saying protests had been addressed through dialogue. He also highlighted government measures to purchase paddy at guaranteed prices and linked the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme to restoring homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the need to extend the Emergency, arguing that existing Gazettes and circulars had already established mechanisms for post-“Ditwah” relief and asking whether they would be invalid without the extension. He alleged that the Government was using Emergency powers to conceal incompetence and corruption, including issues related to coal procurement and operational failures at Norochcholai. He also called for the Chair of the Public Enterprises Committee to resign pending a proper investigation into the coal deals, and demanded that the Government explain the legal necessity for any further Emergency regulations. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar said the Emergency declared during Cyclone “Ditwah” should be used to maintain essential services, not to intimidate online critics, and questioned the Government’s handling of social media and promised amendments to the Online Safety Bill. He raised concerns over allegedly substandard coal supplied to Norochcholai, citing PUCSL findings of reduced generation capacity, high ash content, shipment delays, and an estimated Rs. 8,497 million loss from nine ships. He warned that continued use of such coal could lead to power cuts or costly diesel generation, and called for penalties, accountability, and for Members of Parliament to inspect Norochcholai before costs are passed to consumers. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the Government’s handling of a recent maritime and diplomatic incident involving India, Iran and the United States, questioning the Navy Commander’s responsibility and urging greater assertion of Sri Lanka’s interests while expressing relief that a second ship was saved. He questioned the timing and purpose of emergency measures in the context of Easter Sunday attack investigations, citing unresolved claims of a “grand conspiracy.” He also called for investigations or corrective action regarding alleged forged deeds in UDA land payments, cancellation of 700 small sand mining permits in Trincomalee in favour of one company, unfair allocation of JICA training opportunities, and inadequate planning for gas supplies. He urged the Government to heed Opposition warnings and convene Parliament collectively during national crises. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised a point under Standing Order 120 concerning the Committee on Public Enterprises and the Norochcholai coal issue. He criticized the COPE Chairman for expressing personal views on the matter and said further attention was being directed to Norochcholai, where he alleged two stacker/reclaimer machines had broken down and inferior coal was causing smoke and fly ash emissions from a unit. Points of Order and Procedural Matters Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that complaints alleging receipt of funds had been investigated and found unsubstantiated. He clarified that the Ministry had received a goods consignment, with instructions issued to accept it, but repeatedly confirmed that no cash had been received. He added that there was no obstacle to conducting a further inquiry if required. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake asked the Minister to investigate an alleged fraud involving funds for a Children and Women protection centre. He cited claims that Rs. 49.8 million had been received for tenders and procurements, but only about Rs. 12 million worth of goods had been purchased, leaving around Rs. 35 million unaccounted for, and referred to alleged involvement of senior police officers while requesting that the matter be ascertained and acted upon. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake challenged the Minister’s statement that no funds were received for the Centre, citing reports that USD 166,000, or Rs. 49.8 million, had been received without Department of External Resources approval in 2019. He requested that the Minister recheck the briefing and account for the funds, alleging that work worth even Rs. 12 million had not been completed. Oral Question: Foreign Assistance Received by NCMEC (Q.1310/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government is establishing a new mechanism to depoliticize Justice of the Peace appointments, following large numbers of appointments made near elections. He stated that existing appointments will not be cancelled wholesale, but a modern database will be created with biennial data updates, certification through Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretariat channels, and complaint mechanisms via WhatsApp, email and telephone. The system will also allow verification of a JP’s seal and identity. Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) Read →