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 March 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi asked whether the Ministry could extend regulation of Justices of the Peace beyond appointments made after 2025 to review all existing appointees, given concerns that many past appointments were political and that the total number may approach one million. He proposed a robust verification mechanism to confirm qualifications, capacity, and authenticity of current JPs, citing difficulties in verifying JP stamps on documents at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Oral Question: Justices of the Peace (Q.23/2024) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra argued that harassment and political attacks directed at women MPs, including the Prime Minister, are attempts to weaken women’s political power. She said the increased participation of women from ordinary families, supported by the “Women, We Stand as One” movement, represents a historic political change that deserves respect and recognition. She concluded by calling for continued action to increase women’s representation in politics. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Marking International Women’s Day, the MP supported the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus proposal for a National Care Policy on unpaid care work and rejected claims of conflict between the Government and the Women’s Commission, stating that it should be independent. She highlighted the increased representation of women in the 10th Parliament, including women without political family backgrounds and the first two women MPs from the plantation Tamil community, as a significant milestone. She also cited the National People’s Power’s women representatives in local authorities and called for constructive engagement with women’s political leadership while criticizing the Opposition’s record and conduct on women’s representation. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera criticized the failure to provide humanitarian assistance to a conflict-affected friendly state and urged action to help a vessel reportedly carrying 300 children within Sri Lanka’s maritime reach, framing it as a humanitarian and international law obligation. He also highlighted the role of sport in women’s advancement and wished the women’s cricket team success, while arguing that Sri Lankan cricket has declined due to administrative failures, corruption, and malpractice. He called for legislative reform of cricket governance based on the previously Cabinet-approved proposals of K.T. Chitrasiri, warning that interim or ad hoc measures would worsen the crisis. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Funds invested in the SANASA bank belong to members of 379 Gampaha District societies and a wider network, involving about Rs. 3,000 million, with alleged irregularities occurring between 2010 and 2019. The Minister stated that action is being taken against 16 committee members and acknowledged failures by co-operative authorities, including inadequate audits and delayed legal action. He said 68 lending co-operative societies, mainly in the Western Province, are in financial crisis, and that investigations and interventions are being expedited through the Western Province Co-operative Commissioner on the Attorney General’s advice. Oral Question: Injustice to Gampaha SANASA Depositors (Q.8) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage raised concerns about the SANASA society in the Gampaha District, citing around 200 depositor complaints, filed cases, and unpaid deposits linked to unlawful investments. He argued that the Department of Co-operative Development failed in early supervision and called for concrete action beyond correspondence, while also stating that previous political interference contributed to the collapse. Oral Question: Injustice to Gampaha SANASA Depositors (Q.8) Read →
- 5 March 2026 Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on the Limited Gampaha District Federation of Co-operative Thrift and Credit Societies, stating that 376 member depositors and 3,937 external depositors are affected, with deposits totaling about Rs. 3.035 billion. He outlined actions taken, including special and statutory audits, referrals to the CID and Bribery Commission, an inquiry under the Western Province Co-operative Statute, charge sheets against 16 committee members, and seven-year disqualifications imposed on 14 members. He added that advice has been sought from the Attorney General and further action will proceed accordingly, including possible action under the Public Property Act. Oral Question: Injustice to Gampaha SANASA Depositors (Q.8) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Lasith Bhashana Gamage asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development whether he was aware of problems affecting depositors of the Gampaha Sanasa Bank. He sought details on the number of affected depositors, the total amount deposited, the actions taken by the Department of Co-operative Development on their behalf, and the progress of those actions, with reasons requested if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Injustice to Gampaha SANASA Depositors (Q.8) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri supported the Bill to establish the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority, arguing that regulation is needed to address exploitative lending, excessive interest rates, and the social harm caused by unregulated microfinance and moneylending schemes in rural areas. He said such loans had deepened poverty, contributed to family conflicts and suicides, and required urgent state intervention to protect borrowers and bring order to the sector. He also responded to Opposition criticisms on delays, coal allegations, paddy guaranteed prices, and concerns about village organizations, stating that implementation issues could be discussed while the Bill should be passed without delay. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary S.M. Marikkar rejected attempts to divert responsibility to events under the Rajapaksa administration and said the current Government holds the relevant executive, local authority and parliamentary power to act. He alleged corruption in a shipping-related agreement, citing delayed arrivals of nine or more ships, the Attorney-General’s advice that the agreement could be terminated, and the Government’s decision instead to avoid termination or penalties and grant an extension. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar alleged serious irregularities in a coal procurement tender, citing PUCSL reports to claim that substandard and delayed shipments had caused financial losses, reduced Norochcholai generation below 300 MW, increased ash content, and created risks to turbine safety. He questioned why delay penalties and bid bond recoveries had not been pursued despite Attorney-General advice, and argued that the Government’s move toward emergency procurement amounted to an implicit admission of failure. He also cautioned against public statements on Middle East-related economic risks that could affect tourism and investment, while denying that the Opposition sought to create fuel panic or blackouts for political advantage. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Condemning both the US attack on Iran and Iranian strikes on Gulf states, the Member warned that conflict in the Middle East affects Sri Lankans living there and called for responsible action. He challenged the Government to disclose evidence behind past allegations involving Chinese funds, Uganda, and “files,” while also demanding fulfilment of election promises to reduce electricity bills, remove VAT from essentials, education and health, and lower fuel costs. He further cited National Audit Office findings presented to a Sectoral Oversight Committee, stating that losses from nine coal shipments totalled Rs. 8,497 million, and questioned the Government’s handling and understanding of related procurement issues. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that previous governments failed to enact such regulation despite long-standing microfinance-related hardship. He rejected Opposition criticisms of the Government, particularly over coal procurement, giving details of penalties imposed on substandard coal shipments and asking the Opposition to disclose its own past decisions on similar imports. He also challenged allegations about a private bank deposit, defended the Government’s record on public funds and plantation wage increases, and accused the Opposition of using unrelated protests and international conflicts to attack the Government. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about homelessness and destitution among children and around 5,000 families in Polonnaruwa. He requested the Deputy Minister of Defence to investigate “Eon Lanka” and ensure that funds belonging to soldiers are returned, while also expressing support for the Bill under debate. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake welcomed the Bill as overdue and urged immediate action against financial fraud schemes that have allegedly devastated depositors. He cited “Eon Lanka” in Kurunegala, said to have taken funds from 10,700 soldiers including disabled war veterans, and “Earnviv” in Polonnaruwa, which he said defrauded about 5,000 families through cryptocurrency trading. He called for prosecution, recovery of funds, and, if Police action is insufficient, empowering Defence authorities to stop and arrest those responsible. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB AI summary Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi supported the microfinance Bill, arguing that it is intended to regulate and guide the sector rather than oppress people, citing suicides linked to microfinance debt among women as evidence of the need for action. He said the Bill followed consultations with the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, relevant institutions and community-based organizations, and would establish coordination between the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority and the Central Bank. He stated that community-based organizations would be assisted toward legal registration and appropriate regulation, while public financial-awareness programmes and initiatives such as “Praja Shakthi” would help vulnerable women and low-income groups avoid renewed debt traps. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa criticized the Government’s selective use of Standing Orders, arguing that they are suspended when politically convenient but invoked to deny the Opposition representation. He demanded that Standing Orders be suspended in this case to allow the Opposition to hold the Chair and majority in the relevant Committee, warning that the Government’s approach was moving toward a one-party State. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s handling of a proposed Special Select Committee on the “Ditva” cyclone and said the Opposition had requested that both the chairmanship and majority membership be given to the Opposition to ensure an impartial inquiry. He also asked why the Government was pursuing select committees in a manner he alleged could delay Provincial Council elections, and specifically sought confirmation on whether the Opposition would be given control of the cyclone-related committee. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri made a personal explanation under Standing Order 27(8) denying allegations that Opposition Members had sold their parliamentary membership for money. He specifically rejected a claim attributed to Hon. Asitha Niroshan Egodawithana that he had deposited Rs. 900 million at the Bandarawela People’s Bank, challenging anyone making such allegations to provide account details or evidence. He urged that any credible claims be referred to the CID or the Bribery Commission, and called on Government Members to name the alleged individuals rather than make general accusations. Procedural: Personal Explanation and Special Select Committee Announcement Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that Sri Lanka’s pool of specialized expertise is diminishing and called for stronger emphasis on technical competence in public life. He referred to his earlier proposal that minimum qualifications should be required even for politicians, and urged reforms to prioritize merit and experience in national decision-making. Oral Question: Government Printing Department Vacancies and Qualifications Read →